The Sacred

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

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.

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

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.

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/

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.

In a thought-provoking discussion, James Orr, Associate Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Cambridge, delves into the interplay between the sacred and secular. He critiques contemporary Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies, suggesting they may jeopardize social cohesion. Orr shares insights from his personal journey, revealing how his cosmopolitan upbringing shaped his conservative views, especially regarding Brexit. He emphasizes the importance of virtues and community in modern identity, sparking a stimulating conversation around tradition and belief.

James Longman, ABC Foreign News Correspondent and author of 'The Inherited Mind,' shares his journey through the emotional toll of conflict journalism. He reflects on being a gay journalist in hostile environments and the challenges this poses. The conversation delves into his family's history with mental illness, exploring the interplay of genetics and environment. Longman emphasizes the need for compassionate support and the importance of navigating trauma, ultimately shedding light on the significant impact our backgrounds have on mental health.

Freya India, a Gen Z writer known for her insightful pieces in The Spectator and her popular Substack, dives into the identity crisis confronting her generation. She discusses how family breakdowns, especially parental divorce, shape emotional resilience. The role of social media in identity formation complicates matters, with online personas creating pressures. Freya also examines the intersection of individualism and community, addressing the unique mental health struggles that arise in today's tech-driven world, particularly for young women seeking meaning.

Listeners delve into the intricate world of faith, exploring how to embrace doubt as a path to growth. They confront the age-old issue of loneliness and its impact on community and relationships. The discussion touches on inclusivity versus exclusivity in religion, and how different beliefs can coexist. The transformative power of prayer is examined, emphasizing its role in navigating life's uncertainties. Lastly, laughter is celebrated as a healing force, underscoring the importance of humor in connecting with others.