

The Sacred
Theos
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 3, 2024 • 53min
Subverting Culture Through Art with Lakwena Maciver
Elizabeth Oldfield speaks to Lakwena Maciver about processing emotions, navigating comparison and using her artwork to speak powerful messages to herself and wider culture.
Lakwena is a London-based artist who combines colour and bold text to inspire joy and the gentle subversion of cultural messaging. Her work has been shown internationally with brands such as H&M, Fiorucci & Mini, and at institutions including the Tate Modern, Somerset House, and the Rotterdam Kunsthal.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the @thinktanktheos www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Lakwena's work: https://www.lakwena.com/

10 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 14min
Peter Hitchens: Is Post-God Britain Beyond Saving?
Conservative journalist Peter Hitchens discusses his journey from socialism to conservatism, the role of journalism in shaping opinions, and his unexpected encounter with God. The conversation explores societal shifts, personal evolution, and reflections on sacred values and principles.

Jun 19, 2024 • 45min
Caroline Lucas: Could Imagination Solve Our Political and Climate Crisis?
Former Green Party leader, Caroline Lucas, discusses the role of imagination and spirituality in addressing the climate crisis. She also explores redefining English identity, challenging societal norms on happiness and consumerism, and reflecting on death as a transformative life moment.

8 snips
Jun 12, 2024 • 59min
Leading Psychologist on The Transformative Power of Awe
Dacher Keltner, a Berkeley psychology professor and leading Emotion Scientist, shares insights on the profound effects of awe in our lives. He discusses how awe can counter feelings of gluttony and disconnection, promoting emotional awareness and deeper relationships. Keltner reflects on the transformative power of moral beauty, emphasizing interconnectedness in a chaotic world. He explores the role of trauma, community, and personal values in shaping our understanding of self and the necessity of fostering genuine relationships for healing and fulfillment.

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
Luke Turner on Sexuality, Overcoming Shame, and Surviving Abuse
Luke is a Music Journalist, Co-Founder of The Quietus and Writer of 'Out of the Woods', a memoir about sexuality, shame and the lure of the trees.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Luke's work: https://twitter.com/LukeTurnerEsq

May 29, 2024 • 55min
Gretchen Rubin on How to Find Happiness in the Ordinary
In this episode, Gretchen speaks about her love of children's literature, why St Therese of Lisieux is her spiritual teacher, and why we might need a seminary for accidental gurus.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
✨ Find out more about Gretchen's work: https://gretchenrubin.com/

May 22, 2024 • 38min
How to Become Fully Alive with Elizabeth Oldfield
Elizabeth Oldfield, writer and host of The Sacred podcast, alongside The Sacred producer Daniel Turner introduce a brand new series of The Sacred. Themed around her latest book ‘Fully Alive’, Elizabeth speaks about finding steadiness in our turbulent times, community and the desperate need for a rebranding of the word ‘sin’. She also discusses her hopes and fears for the release of her book.
🎙️ Follow The Sacred: www.linktr.ee/sacredpodcast
📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/
💡 Produced by the Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

Apr 3, 2024 • 18min
Elizabeth Oldfield on Values, Vulnerability, and the Limitations of Social Media
The podcast reflects on conversations about values with guests like Greg Wise and Chris Packham. They explore vulnerability, childhood influences, and the impact of social media on values. Themes of fully aliveness, authenticity, and online spaces are discussed.

13 snips
Mar 27, 2024 • 1h 19min
Jonathan Haidt on Religion, Psychedelics and the Anxious Generation
Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses truth, atheism, psychedelics, and overprotection of children in physical vs. digital spaces. He highlights the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, embracing a centrist position, and engaging with differing viewpoints in academia. Jonathan also explores ethical challenges in research, brain hemisphere dynamics, spirituality, and the role of communication in creating a connected society.

5 snips
Mar 20, 2024 • 56min
Sunder Katwala on Race, Identity and Reimagining Patriotism
Sunder Katwala is the Director of the think tank, British Future. who have worked on issues such as immigration and identity. He was formerly General Secretary of the Fabian Society, and before that, he was a journalist and a leader writer for The Observer.
Sunder spoke about growing up Irish Catholic, why he's broadly optimistic about the trajectory around race and identity in the UK, and why football is so central to who he is.
You can buy Sunder's book How to be a Patriot here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Patriot-country-British-culture/dp/0008553866#:~:text=Book%20overview&text=How%20to%20be%20a%20Patriot%20offers%20a%20new%20way%20of,some%20questions%20to%20work%20through.
Read the full transcript here: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2024/03/20/sunder-katwala-on-race-identity-and-reimagining-patriotism
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The Sacred is a podcast produced by the think tank Theos. Be sure to connect with us below to stay up-to-date with all our content, research and events.
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/ESOldfield
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethsaraholdfield/
Substack: https://morefullyalive.substack.com/
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Website: https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/
CHECK OUT OUR PODCASTS
The Sacred: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-sacred/id1326888108
Reading Our Times: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/reading-our-times/id1530952185