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The Sacred

Latest episodes

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Jul 16, 2025 • 1h

What’s Driving Young Men to Conservatism? Daniel Turner on Masculinity, Abortion & A Crisis of Faith

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.
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Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 1min

Seeking Goodness When Good is Losing with Christine Emba

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
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Jul 2, 2025 • 58min

Why Western Wellness Can’t Heal Us: Fariha Róisín on Trauma, Islam & Capitalism

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.
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Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 8min

Why a Gay Atheist Still Believes Christianity Matters – with Jonathan Rauch

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.
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8 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 41min

Caitlin Moran on the Masculinity Crisis, Raising Boys & the Manosphere

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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

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