The Sacred

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.

In this bonus episode, Elizabeth Oldfield and Christine Emba dive deep into the heart of what it means to live a good life in turbulent times. Recorded in Washington, DC, this intimate discussion explores vulnerability, community, and finding hope when the world feels overwhelming. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Christine: https://x.com/christineemba?lang=enKeywords:community, resilience, purpose, vulnerability, moral courage, spirituality, friendship, authenticity, connection, meaning, hope, personal growth, wisdom, integrity, social infrastructure, interdependence, faith, trust, compassion, transformation, belonging, self-discovery, empathy, community building, personal values, spiritual strength, emotional intelligence, social connection, mindfulness, resilience, personal development, human connection, inner growth, social awareness, emotional resilience, personal transformation, spiritual journey, community support, self-reflection, moral compass, human potential, personal evolution, social bonds, emotional depth, spiritual practice, personal integrity, community engagement, inner strength, vulnerability, meaningful living

Fariha Róisín is a poet, Muslim, and survivor of extreme childhood trauma. In this raw, soul-baring conversation, they speak about the long road from abuse to healing - via Islam, queerness, Ayahuasca, and a radical reimagining of wellness.This is not your typical conversation about wellness, it's about what healing really takes and why the current wellness industry often gets it so wrong.🎧 In this episode:- What Western wellness won’t tell you about trauma- How Islam became a radical site of healing and resistance- Reclaiming the body, queerness, and spiritual power- The deeper spiritual technologies beyond capitalism⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse and self harm.--🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Fariha: https://www.instagram.com/fariha_roisin/?hl=enChapters:00:00 Intro01:21 What is Sacred to you? Fariha Answers04:51 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact08:54 Islam and Personal Identity15:26 Queerness and Faith20:50 The Intersection of Wellness and Spirituality29:10 Rituals and Agency in Modern Life32:45 Discerning Wellness: A Critical Perspective36:08 The Role of Spirituality and Healing Modalities40:12 Ayahuasca: A Transformative Experience50:07 Reflections on Faith and Historical ContextsKeywords:Transformative journey of healing, spirituality, and resistance: Ayahuasca, spiritual healing, trauma recovery, decolonization, decolonisation, Muslim spirituality, queer faith, wellness revolution, intergenerational trauma, plant medicine, indigenous wisdom, childhood abuse survivor, radical self-care, spiritual transformation, colonialism and healing, Islamic feminism, psychedelic therapy, ancestral healing, spiritual awakening, mental health recovery, cultural resilience, holistic wellness, trauma-informed healing, spiritual resistance, alternative medicine, intersectional spirituality, sexual abuse recovery, mindfulness practices, feminist spirituality, postcolonial healing, spiritual empowerment, trauma therapy, queer spirituality, indigenous medicine, wellness culture, spiritual journey, healing from abuse, cultural trauma, spiritual liberation, body-mind healing, radical wellness, spiritual resilience, trauma centred care, cultural identity, spiritual practices, healing rituals, emotional recovery, spiritual guidance, transformative healing, cultural empowerment, spiritual connection, trauma integration, holistic healing, spiritual awakening, cultural healing, trauma-informed spirituality, spiritual growth, healing modalities, cultural transformation, spiritual resilience, trauma recovery techniques.

Jonathan Rauch, a gay Jewish atheist and prominent journalist, shares his profound journey of acceptance and advocacy. He discusses his commitment to same-sex marriage, emphasizing the importance of Christian values in nurturing liberal democracy. Rauch critiques the challenges posed by secularization while arguing for a revival of Christian principles. He reflects on navigating personal identity and public advocacy, urging empathy and dialogue in today’s polarized world. His insights offer a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, identity, and social justice.

Caitlin Moran, a bestselling author and columnist known for her witty feminist insights, dives into the pressing issue of modern masculinity. She discusses the rise of the manosphere and how societal expectations pressure men, especially regarding health and identity. Through personal anecdotes, Moran reveals her unique upbringing and the backlash she faced for addressing male struggles. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion and open dialogue to redefine masculinity, moving towards a healthier understanding beyond stereotypes.

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.

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.

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.