
The Sacred
The Sacred is a podcast about our deepest values, the stories that shape us and how we can build empathy and understanding between people who are very different.
Each episode features a conversation with someone who has a public voice, from academics to journalists, playwrights and politicians. We ask them where they have come from, what they are trying to do and what might help heal our very divided public conversations.
The Sacred is hosted by Elizabeth Oldfield, former director of Theos.
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, @sacred_podcast and @ESOldfield.
Latest episodes

4 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
How to Find Meaning in the Life You Already Have | Joshua Luke Smith
Joshua Luke Smith, a poet, spoken word artist, and pastor, shares his inspiring journey through ADHD, addiction, and faith deconstruction. He reflects on his upbringing as a missionary kid and the challenges of identity and belonging. Joshua emphasizes the importance of living poetically in a fast-paced world, advocating for recovery, vulnerability, and connection. With poignant insights into masculinity and community support, the conversation inspires listeners to rediscover the sacred in their everyday lives.

6 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 11min
Gen Z Christian Revival? What I Learnt Living Amongst Young Christian Converts
In this engaging conversation, Lamorna Ash, author of 'Dark, Salt, Clear', dives into her transformative journey through faith and skepticism. She shares her experiences with young converts to Christianity, highlighting their unique paths to spirituality. Lamorna discusses the significance of community rituals and storytelling in shaping one's beliefs. The dialogue explores the power of vulnerability in writing and the challenges of representing faith authentically, revealing how interconnectedness and empathy can ignite personal and collective renewal.

Apr 30, 2025 • 13min
Don't Stop Listening to Conservative Voices: a Sacred Reflection
Elizabeth Oldfield reflects on our latest episodes — and how the mood of our audience is changing in a world of wars, elections, and rising turbulence. She offers a powerful reminder: by choosing to listen, and stepping outside our algorithmic echo chambers, we can resist the forces driving us apart.---🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ CHAPTERS00:00:00 Intro00:02:54 The Challenge of Listening to Different Voices00:08:00 Our Audience is Finding Listening Harder Lately00:06:07 Navigating Discomfort 00:08:58 Finding Common Ground in ComplexityKEYWORDSCuriosity, dialogue, empathy, Trump, Biden, polarisation, algorithmic bubbles, social media, Brexit, diversity, open-mindedness, Middle East conflict, radicalisation, US politics, tolerance, perspective-taking, nuanced discourse, cultural complexity, listening skills, humanity, echo chambers, filter bubbles, political division, global understanding, compassionate communication, Westminster, Silicon Valley, algorithmic bias, cultural differences, world values, media manipulation, democratic discourse, international relations, generational perspectives, technological impact, societal connection, intellectual humility, cross-cultural dialogue, political spectrum, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, media literacy, global citizenship, personal growth, challenging assumptions, respectful disagreement, cultural empathy, systemic understanding, power dynamics, human connection.

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
Israel-Gaza: Can two things be true? With Richard Allen Greene
How do we recognise the humanity on both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict? Elizabeth Oldfield asks CNN's former Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Richard Allen Greene about journalism, his Jewish faith, and human understanding in the midst of the Israel-Gaza conflict.Key Moments:- Inside the CNN Jerusalem Bureau during October 7th- The challenge of reporting on the Israel-Gaza war- Navigating personal trauma and professional objectivity- The Jewish concept of holiness and human connection- Resisting extremism through empathy and understanding---🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Richard Allen Greene: https://x.com/RAGreeneCNNCHAPTERS00:00 Intro 01:06 What is Sacred to you? Richard Allen Greene answers06:45 Childhood Influences and "Tikkun Olam"08:15 Family Background and Jewish Identity09:50 Assimilation and Cultural Identity12:05 The Nature of God and Divine Presence17:04 The Role of Journalism in Society21:08 Objectivity and the Challenges of Journalism28:48 Transitioning from Journalism to Rabbinic School30:03 The Role of a Bureau Chief in Crisis32:24 Navigating Personal Connections in Reporting35:01 Finding Meaning in Senseless Suffering37:23 The Impact of the war on Jewish Communities41:23 Antisemitism and Its Complexities43:50 What is Antisemitism?46:44 Holding Multiple Truths in Conflict49:07 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives53:03 Reflections on Humanity and JournalismKEYWORDSHumanity, Conflict, Sacred, Holy, Values, Tikkun Olam, Identity, Spirituality, God, Journalism, Objectivity, Rabbinical Studies, Media Ethics, Israeli Palestinian, Antisemitism, Community, Meaning, Perspective, Crisis Reporting, Connection, Trauma, Healing, Interfaith, Culture, Resilience, Compassion, Global Politics, Mental Health, War Reporting, Social Justice, Human Rights, Empathy, Reconciliation, Communication, Moral Courage, Hope, Understanding, Tolerance, Transformation, Storytelling, Wisdom, Peacebuilding, Critical Thinking, Experience, Growth, Leadership, Dialogue, Diversity, Humanity, Suffering, Survival#IsraelGaza #Journalism #Humanity #Empathy

Apr 9, 2025 • 57min
From Foster Care to Olympic Gold with Kriss Akabusi
Elizabeth spoke to Olympic legend Kriss Akabusi reveals the extraordinary journey from a challenging childhood foster care during the Nigerian civil war, to becoming a world-class athlete and inspirational figure.We spoke about:💪 How discipline and sports became his pathway to self-discovery🇳🇬 Reconnecting with his Nigerian roots and identity after years of rejecting it🎙️ His spiritual awakening and complex relationship with faith---🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacr...🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Kriss Akabusi: https://www.instagram....CHAPTERS00:00:00 Come to The Sacred Live!00:00:32 Intro00:01:32 What is Sacred to you? Kriss Akabusi answers00:03:02 Childhood Influences 00:05:46 Family Background and Nigerian Heritage00:09:40 Experiences in Children's Home and Care System00:12:48 Turning Point: A Moment of Realisation00:17:04 Reunion with Mother and Cultural Disconnection00:22:14 Understanding Parental Sacrifices and Forgiveness00:23:02 Transition to Adulthood and Name Change00:25:32 Life in the Army and Discovering Athletic Talent00:27:55 Finding Purpose Through Sport00:29:04 The 1991 Relay Race: A Game-Changing Strategy00:34:38 The Spirituality of Sport00:41:19 Evolving Spirituality: A Personal Journey00:47:23 Embracing Heritage and Identity00:50:11 The Gift of Life AwarenessKeywords:Kriss, Akabusi, Olympic, Champion, Resilience, Foster, Care, Sports, Motivation, Inspiration, Athlete, Success, Overcoming, Adversity, Personal, Growth, Nigerian, Heritage, Spirituality, Faith, Transformation, Life, Journey, Childhood, Trauma, Mental, Strength, Determination, Achievement, Empowerment, Diversity, Inclusion, Multicultural, Identity, Purpose, Mindset, Coaching, Mentorship, Leadership, Autobiography, Memoir, Triumph, Challenges, Breakthrough, Courage, Discipline, Self-Improvement, Motivation, Storytelling, Empathy, Racism, Survival, Resilience, Immigrant, Experience, Mentality, Willpower, Breakthrough, Potential, Mindfulness, Healing, Transformation, Empowerment, Ancestry, Cultural, Legacy, Perseverance, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Wisdom, Redemption#podcast #KrissAkabusi #Resilience #OlympicChampion #personalgrowth

Mar 26, 2025 • 55min
The Man Behind Brexit: Online Privacy, Business and Backlash in Public Life
Matthew Elliott, a Member of the House of Lords and former CEO of Vote Leave, shares his transformative journey from Leeds to political influencer. He discusses the family influences that shaped his political views and his evolution from skepticism to advocacy during the Brexit campaign. Elliott candidly reflects on the societal divisions created by Brexit and the critical intersection of business ethics and social responsibility. He also dives into the modern challenges of online privacy and the shifting landscape of surveillance between governments and corporations.

Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
Could Machines Ever Replace Mothers? with Chine McDonald
Elizabeth speaks with Chine McDonald about her new "Motherhood vs The Machine" podcast, which explores the intersection of motherhood, productivity, technology, and what it means to be human.She discusses the shift in motherhood discourse, womanhood, the challenges of navigating motherhood in professional life, the focus on motherhood vs. parenting, confronting miscarriage and baby loss, and how motherhood can serve as a case study to explore what it means to be human versus machine. Catch the new podcast "Motherhood vs. the Machine" Podcast here 👉 https://tr.ee/y2Z4kmLbNm🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE event: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Chine https://x.com/ChineMcDonaldCHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to the Motherhood vs. The Machine project02:22 Exploring Motherhood as a Lens 04:56 The Shift in Motherhood Discourse08:01 Embodied Experience of Motherhood10:06 Navigating Professional Life as a Mother13:25 The Particularity of Mothering15:46 Mothering as a Case Study for Humanity18:47 Theological Perspectives on Motherhood21:05 Conversations Across Different Experiences26:16 Reflections on the Podcast JourneyKeywords:motherhood, technology, AI, human experience, parenting, societal change, theological perspectives, maternal experience, work-life balance, grief, productivity, loss, Motherhood, Machine, Technology, Spirituality, Theology, Humanity, AI, Digital, Productivity, Work, Pregnancy, Birthing, Feeding, Death, Grief, Maternal, Identity, Philosophy, Chine, McDonald, Theos, Religion, Society, Podcast, Future, Experience, Personhood, Body, Embodied, Caregiving, Community, Interdependence, Sacred, Divine, Christian, Mysticism, Miscarriage, Loss, Shame, Vulnerability, Growth, Change, Feminist, Postmodernism, Family, Education, Healthcare, Society, Spirituality, Theology, Philosophy, Human, Flourishing, Meaning, Life, Nature, Personhood, Body, Mind, Connection, Caregiving, Community, Interdependence, Sacred, Divine, Christian, Mysticism, Miscarriage, Loss, Shame.#podcast #motherhood

Mar 12, 2025 • 59min
Where Evangelicalism Went Wrong with Shane Claiborne
Writer and activist Shane Claiborne calls out the hypocrisy within fundamentalist Evangelical Christianity in America, advocating for a return to the radical compassion of Jesus.Shane challenges what it means to truly be "pro-life," challenges its entanglement with Christian nationalism, and its allegiance to Donald Trump. As he unpacks these priorities, he wrestles with what to keep, what to challenge, and what bones to "spit out” along the way.🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Shane Claiborne: https://www.instagram.com/shane.claiborne/CHAPTERS00:00 Intro01:00 What is Sacred to you? Shane Claiborne Answers02:49 Shane Claiborne's Formative Years06:02 Crisis of Faith and Theological Reflection09:12 The Shift from Cultural Christianity to Authentic Faith12:05 The Encounter with Mother Teresa14:55 The Simple Way Community18:12 Living in Community and Collective Ways29:21 The Importance of Community in Faith34:11 Activism and Moral Superiority39:44 Navigating Injustice and Discomfort44:14 Understanding the Middle East Conflict52:40 The Role of Love in ActivismKeywords:Gun violence, militarism, environmental stewardship, sacredness, humanity, values, childhood, faith, deconstruction, compassion, community, activism, church, communal living, activism, moral superiority, discomfort, Middle East conflict, love, community, social justice, empathy, collective living, Deconstruction, Deconstructing, Questioning, Rethinking, Expanding, Abortion, Sacred, Hypocrisy, Superiority, Nationalism, Religion, Religious, Pro-life, Pro-choice, Fundamentalism, Conservative, Politics, Playbook, Ethics, Activism, Nuanced, Conflict, Humanity, Empathy, Transformation, Justice, Idolatry, Weaponizing, Weaponising, Alliance, Agenda, Co-option, Compassion, Holistic, Systemic, Patriotism, Theological, Community, Expansive, Power, Nationalism, Interpretation, Political, Justification, Spirituality, Grip, Nationalist, Scripture, Tensions, Influence, Alignment, Boundaries, Monopoly, Controversy, Provocative, Challenging, Transformative, Redemptive, Intersectionality, Marginalization, Marginalisation, Oppression, Privilege, Reconciliation, Diversity, Inclusion, Intersections, Intersectional, Racial, Racial-Justice, Equity, Equality, Solidarity, Allyship, Advocacy, Resistance, Decolonization, Decolonisaton, Christianity, Evangelicalism, Faith, Belief, Discipleship, Theology, Scripture, Gospel, Denominationalism, Worship, Spiritual, Devotional, Discipleship, Apologetics.

Mar 6, 2025 • 2min
Trailer: Motherhood vs The Machine
Announcing a new four-part documentary podcast, Motherhood vs The Machine, where hosts Chine McDonald and Dr Madeleine Pennington look at what motherhood teaches us about what it means to be human.The work of motherhood has always been changed by technological advancement: from the nipple shield to the feeding bottle and breast pump. But as technological advancement accelerates and a future of artificial wombs and ‘bio bags’ does not seem as far-fetched as it once did, what of the humanity of motherhood might be lost if it is outsourced to machines? What might we miss when the maternal doorway is closed to profound and rarely expressed spiritual ideas - such as sacrifice, love, care, value, dignity, and hope?Out weekly from 13 March. Find it on all podcasting platforms.🎙️ Follow Chine McDonald: @ChineMcDonald🎙️ Follow Dr Madeleine Pennington: @mlmpennington💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
Jameela Jamil: How Algorithms Are Breaking Society
Jameela Jamil, a talented writer and actor, is known for her role in The Good Place and for founding the I Weigh movement. In this engaging conversation, she tackles the toxic beauty standards that plague women and explores the damaging effects of algorithms on our perceptions. Jameela shares her journey of embracing aging and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of compassion and meaningful dialogue in a polarized society. With her trademark wit and vulnerability, she advocates for societal change while challenging harmful narratives.