Reading Our Times
Theos
Reading Our Times is the podcast that explores the books and the ideas that are shaping us today. It is hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank, Theos.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion.
Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 11, 2025 • 44min
What can a life tell us about transcendence?
The idea of transcendence is common, perhaps even universal, among human beings. But what it means (if anything) is much more debatable. There are different ways of understanding transcendence, some orthodoxly religious; others more heterodox and surprising.How should we understand transcendence? If you can be spiritual but not religious, can you experience transcendence without religion? What does it mean to live a transcendent life?This week, Nick speaks to Clare Carlisle, Professor of Philosophy at Kings College London, about her latest book 'Transcendence for Beginners'.Purchase a copy of Clare's book here: https://fitzcarraldoeditions.com/books/transcendence-for-beginners/
Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
Is God nothing? In conversation with Gilbert Markus
Many of the New Atheist arrows fired in the religion wars of 2000s and 2010s hit their target well and hard. The question is, was it the right target?Believers often claim that atheists don't believe in the kind of God that they themselves don't believe in, and that the concept of God in Christian thought is altogether subtle and more sophisticated than critics give credit.What is the evidence for this? Is this more sophisticated understanding of God not simply a late, post-Enlightenment evasion? Or does the idea that "God is nothing" have deep roots?This week, Nick speaks to Gilbert Markus about his book, 'God as nothing'.Purchase a copy of Gilbert's book here: https://www.dltbooks.com/titles/2409-9781917362047-god-as-nothing
Oct 28, 2025 • 50min
How does life work? In conversation with Philip Ball
In this enlightening discussion, science writer Philip Ball, author of *How Life Works*, challenges the traditional gene-centric view of life. He argues that the DNA blueprint metaphor is misleading and emphasizes that life functions on multiple levels. Ball explores how cells act as decision-makers with agency, using contextual information to thrive. He also delves into the implications for disease treatment, urging a shift from genetic solutions to more holistic approaches. Lastly, he reflects on the profound mystery of consciousness and the true meaning of purpose in living beings.
Oct 21, 2025 • 2min
Trailer: Series 11 of Reading Our Times
In this intriguing discussion, science writer Philip Ball delves into how life is more than just molecular interactions. Philosopher Clare Carlisle explores the mysterious facets of human existence, shedding light on transcendence. Theologian Gilbert Markus critiques both atheist and Christian fundamentalisms, highlighting the ironies within Christian theology. Together, they invite listeners to ponder the deeper questions surrounding life, reality, and human meaning.
Jul 15, 2025 • 45min
What are children for? In conversation with Anastasia Berg
Anastasia Berg, co-author of "What Are Children For?" and a researcher on parenthood, dives into the shifting perceptions of fertility in Western societies. She discusses how attitudes toward children have transformed and challenges the notion that children were merely economic security in the past. Anastasia explores why many delay or avoid parenthood, touching on cultural expectations, risk aversion, and climate anxiety. She also contemplates the profound impact of children on human flourishing, advocating for a broader understanding of their societal role.
Jul 8, 2025 • 51min
How have we come to deify choice? In conversation with Sophia Rosenfeld
Choice is so important to who we are in the West is no longer feels like something we do, so much as something we are. Deny someone choice, and it feels like you are challenging their very humanity. Where does this obsession with choice come from, historically and philosophically? What are its foundations and justifications? And has it gone too far? Can you have too much of this particular good thing? This week Nick Spencer talks with Sophia Rosenfeld about her book ‘The Age of Choice: A History of Freedom in Modern Life’ Purchase a copy of her book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Age-Choice-History-Freedom-Modern/dp/0691164711
Jul 1, 2025 • 39min
Would it matter if Christianity were eclipsed? In conversation with Rupert Shortt
Strange things are happening to Christianity in the West. Some people are talking about revival whereas others are talking about extinction. Whoever is right, the ramifications for our culture will be immense.What is happening? If we are entering a period of eclipse for Christianity, would it matter? Would it simply be strike us through the loss of beautiful buildings and moving music? Or is there something more substantial in all this? This week Nick Spencer talks with Rupert Shortt about his book ‘The Eclipse of Christianity and why it matters’ Purchase a copy of the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eclipse-Christianity-why-matters/dp/1399802747
Jun 24, 2025 • 45min
Are there limits to economic growth? In conversation with Richard McNeill Douglas
The idea that society should grow - and continue to grow, economically, without ending, without limits - is a relatively new and fiercely defended idea. It emerged first in Western countries but has captured much of the world today. How realistic is it? How "sustainable"? What should we think about “limits to growth”? Is it a narrative of declinism, best ignored? Or a warning we dismiss at huge peril? This week Nick Spencer talks with Richard McNeill Douglas about his book ‘The Meaning of Growth: The Rhetoric of Environmental Scepticism and the Defence of Modernity’ Richard’s book will be published in Autumn, find out more here. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003607632/meaning-growth-richard-mcneill-douglas
Jun 17, 2025 • 45min
Why is the Orthodox church so supportive of Putin's war? In conversation with Lucy Ash
The Russian Orthodox Church has been conspicuous in its support of Putin's war against Ukraine. The reasons seem as obvious as they are depressing. But behind the politics, there are centuries of history and theology. How did we get here? How is history of the church in Russia shaping the nation's present? How might it shape the future? This week Nick Spencer talks with Lucy Ash about her book ‘The Baton and the Cross: Russia’s Church from Pagans to Putin’. Purchase a copy of Lucy's book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baton-Cross-Russias-Church-Pagans/dp/1837731837
Jun 10, 2025 • 44min
What is the future for democracy? In conversation with Jonathan Sumption
The UK has one of highest levels of dissatisfaction with democracy in the world, though other Western countries aren't far behind. Hopes that the rest of the world would naturally follow the West and democratise have all but evaporated. How serious is this decline in democratic sympathy? What lies behind it? What are the deep foundations on which democracy rests? And what, if anything, can be done about it? This week, Nick Spencer talks with Jonathan Sumption about his book ‘The Challenges of Democracy: And The Rule of Law’. Purchase his book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Challenges-Democracy-Rule-Law/dp/1805222503
