The Sacred

Cariad Lloyd, a talented comedian and host of Griefcast, delves into the profound intersection of grief and humor. She shares raw insights about her father's death and how comedy became her refuge, transforming pain into laughter. Cariad emphasizes the importance of honesty in raising her children about loss and the healing power of shared stories. With her unique perspective, she explores how humor can make the absurdity of death more bearable and discusses crafting children's books that address grief with sensitivity.

In this engaging discussion, author and educator Jeffrey Boakye explores the complexities of race, class, and identity. Growing up in Brixton shapes his view on Black British culture and the challenges within a predominantly white education system. He emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths to foster genuine dialogue. Jeffrey discusses how fear and defensiveness can hinder conversations about power structures and the intersection of race and class, urging listeners to recognize shared struggles and challenge systemic inequalities.

What can an ancient tradition like Druidry teach us about living well today?In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Philip Carr-Gomm, psychologist, author, and longtime leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They explore how trees and nature are sacred, the meaning of magic in everyday life, and why ancient wisdom traditions might be exactly what we need in an age of ecological crisis and polarisation.🌳 Why trees, forests, and nature are sacred🤝 Why Buddhism felt more appealing than Christianity in his early years✨ What “magic” really means in psychology and spirituality🌍 How ancient wisdom, Celtic spirituality, and eco-spirituality can guide us todayThis conversation touches on modern druidry, earth-based spirituality, mindfulness, interfaith dialogue, and spiritual growth with insight into how we can find the sacred in everyday life and respond with wisdom to our times.---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 🌀 Follow Philip Carr-Gomm's work: https://philipcarr-gomm.com/Chapters00:00 Intro01:10 What is Sacred to you? Philip Carr-Gomm answers 03:00 Why Trees Hold the Secret to Spiritual Enlightenment09:00 The Influences of a Druid's Childhood18:00 Diversity and Inclusivity in Druidry 27:00 Art and Nature Collide: The Untold Story of Druidry36:00 Magic and The Transformative Secrets of Druidry45:00 Masculine and Feminine Energies54:00 Druidry's Historical Tapestry01:03:00 The Divine Child: A Controversial Bridge Between Faiths01:12:00 Gender in Spirituality: The Debate That’s Changing Everything01:21:00 Can Spiritual Dialogue Break Down Barriers?KeywordsIn this conversation, Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Philip Carr-Gomm, psychologist, author, and modern druid, about the wisdom of Druidry, Celtic spirituality, and the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids. They explore why trees are sacred, the role of nature in spirituality, and how ancient wisdom traditions can guide us today. Philip explains the meaning of magic, the connections between Buddhism, Christianity, and earth-based spirituality, and how practices of eco-spirituality, mindfulness, and nature connection can help us find the sacred in everyday life. This episode of The Sacred Podcast is for anyone curious about spiritual growth, interfaith dialogue, ancient traditions, modern druidry, psychology and spirituality, exploring faith, and spiritual wisdom in an age of ecological crisis and cultural polarization, polarisation.

Rod Dreher, a conservative writer and author, joins Elizabeth Oldfield to dissect the intricate dynamics of immigration. They explore the balance between compassion for migrants and the protection of citizens, highlighting biblical perspectives on welcoming the stranger. Dreher argues that unchecked migration threatens social cohesion, while Oldfield points to systemic failures as the true problem. Together, they emphasize the importance of respectful discourse, urging listeners to navigate this polarizing topic without dehumanization.

In a world where half of young people UK dream of becoming influencers, Jade Bowler delves into the hidden costs of this career - from burnout and loneliness to the struggle for authenticity. Jade Bowler (@UnJadedJade ) is an author, content creator, podcaster, and one of the UK’s first “StudyTubers.” Since starting her YouTube channel at 16, Jade has built a global audience and is shaping a generation interested in spirituality, self-discovery in your 20s, productivity and finding "casual magic" in your every day. Elizabeth Oldfield and Jade Bowler talk about:🎙️The hidden costs of being a content creator, the pressures of social media and the responsibility of influencers 🌿 How to live authentically online and build genuine connection when millions are watching🌈Jade’s journey of coming out and navigating internalised homophobia---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✨ Listen to Jade's podcast @findingyourcasualmagicChapters00:00 Intro01:16 What is Sacred to you? Jade Bowler Answers02:35 Craving connection and finding it online08:30 Jade reflects on her parents’ contrasting influences11:11 Bullied for being "too academic"13:53 Starting StudyTube at 16:56 The weight of fame, influence and responsibility20:15 Algorithmic pressure vs creativity26:10 Authenticity vs. Performance online32:15 Searching to fill the wisdom-gap38:11 Coming out online and internalised homophobia43:52 The hidden cost of being a creatorKeywordsJade Bowler (known online as UnJaded Jade) is one of the UK’s first StudyTubers who built a global audience sharing study tips, motivation, and her journey as a student. In this episode of The Sacred Podcast, Jade reflects on what it’s really like to grow up online and live as a content creator in a world driven by algorithms, short-form video, and the pressures of social media.We dive deep into the hidden costs of being an influencer: from creator burnout, loneliness, and mental health struggles, to the constant pressure to stay relevant on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. Jade speaks honestly about the difference between being a StudyTuber at 16 and navigating life now as a young woman in her 20s.Jade also shares her coming out story as an LGBTQ+ creator, reflecting on her experience with internalised homophobia, the importance of authenticity online, and how to build genuine connection and community with an audience. She discusses what it means to be a Gen Z content creator, the challenges of making your personal life part of your brand, and how she finds balance, meaning, and even spirituality in the digital age.

Joe Downy, producer of a beloved podcast and a voice for authentic conversations, joins Elizabeth Oldfield to tackle listener questions. They dive into the complexities of loneliness and the importance of community in today's atomized society. The pair discusses the balance between embracing similarities and differences in relationships. They share insights on parenting, focusing on nurturing curiosity and empathy in children. Personal anecdotes reveal the value of communal experiences and the struggle with unmet dreams and societal comparisons.

We’re putting together a Q+A episode and would love to hear what’s on your mind right now.If you're new here, we're all about deep conversations, exploring spirituality and our values, relational dilemmas and how to live together well, and of course talking about how to be when the world is in crisis.We welcome both big and small questions for Elizabeth and the podcast team!How to send👇 💌- Drop them in the comments for this episode- DM us a message / voice note / video on X, TikTok or Instagram- Email us at thesacredpodcast@gmail.comSpeak soon,Elizabeth & The Sacred Team

In this reflection episode, Elizabeth steps back from interviews to ask: what’s really staying with me from these conversations?We explore themes of gender, division, fear, and the deep longing for connection in a time when everything can feel like it’s falling apart - politically, socially and spiritually.We talk about:Why gender is so hard to talk about without blameThe “polycrisis” and our collective fight-or-flightHow contempt sneaks in and empathy fadesWhether old spiritual traditions still have anything to offerAnd what it takes to stay human (and stay open) in a polarised world🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 🌿 Take a break with us in August. Take time to be with your people and "unplug" yourself from the online world. We'll see you in September.

David French, a New York Times columnist and former civil liberties attorney, discusses the high personal cost of standing by principles. Once celebrated in conservative circles, his vocal opposition to Donald Trump led to alienation from his church and community. He dives into the importance of free speech, even when it's uncomfortable, and reflects on moral courage in a polarized world. French also examines the shifting landscape of evangelicalism and the struggle to remain principled in an era that often rewards tribalism.

After three incredible years, we're saying goodbye to our producer, Daniel Turner. We sat down with him to reflect on his journey, asking what's making young men conservative?In this special episode of The Sacred, we debrief on what it's like to work on the podcast, explore how leadership failures challenged his faith, talk about masculinity, abortion and the influence of figures like Andrew Tate and Jordan Peterson on young men. We discuss generational divides in politics, and reflect on the guests who’ve shaped him most.--🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Daniel Turner's writing: https://etcet.substack.com/Chapters:0:00 Intro1:19 What is Sacred to you? Daniel Turner answers2:23 Fighting to remain curious3:33 Growing up in a religious community6:28 Why did you leave the community?9:32 Moral failures within the church10:30 Difficulty reengaging with church 12:10 Is there a "quiet revival" in church?15:15 Getting married and having children young20:36 Parenthood and purpose22:58 The "manosphere" and masculinity27:13 Thoughts on Jordan Peterson28:28 Curiosity towards Andrew Tate 32:00 Choosing Sacred guests34:00 Gen Z: apathy, escapism and polarisation37:29 The Pro-Life Perspective: Community and Support45:29 Final reflections on Three Years with The SacredKey Topics:Faith crisis, church trauma, spiritual deconstruction, young Christian experience, masculinity crisis, religious leadership failure, pro-life perspectives, community healing, millennial faith journey, generational spiritual shifts, Catholic charismatic renewal, intellectual curiosity in faith, overcoming church hurt, Jordan Peterson influence, Gen Z spirituality, early marriage and faith, parenting and religious identity, radical forgiveness, navigating religious doubt, Christian masculinity, spiritual resilience, church culture critique, personal transformation, faith and family dynamics, religious community challenges, healing from spiritual abuse, authentic Christian experience, interfaith dialogue, moral complexity in faith, young men's spiritual journey, church leadership accountability, reconciliation after trauma, spiritual questioning, community support systems, religious identity exploration, emotional intelligence in faith, radical listening, intergenerational spiritual conversations, Christian identity reconstruction, spiritual mentorship, faith and cultural shifts, personal testimony, religious freedom, spiritual growth, church trauma recovery, authentic belief, millennial religious experience, spiritual resilience, faith-based personal development, sacred conversations.