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Philip Pullman

Award-winning English novelist best known for the His Dark Materials trilogy and other fiction exploring philosophical and religious themes; appears as the featured guest discussing literature, religion, and consciousness.

Top 10 podcasts with Philip Pullman

Ranked by the Snipd community
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175 snips
Apr 2, 2026 • 1h 27min

#149 My Problem With C.S. Lewis - Philip Pullman

Philip Pullman, award-winning novelist of His Dark Materials, critiques C.S. Lewis and defends maturity, imagination, and conscience. He discusses religion and storytelling, reimagining the Jesus narratives, the role of consciousness and Dust, how music and film shape prose, craft and daily writing habits, and a skeptical take on whether AI can ever truly create with human joy.
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12 snips
Feb 1, 2024 • 56min

William Blake's poetry with Philip Pullman

In this insightful conversation, Philip Pullman, renowned author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, delves into the enchanting world of William Blake, a poet who has captivated him for over sixty years. They explore the dualities in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience', discuss the transformative power of poetry, and examine Blake's radical views on good, evil, and the human experience. Pullman also shares his admiration for Blake's collaborative life with his wife, Catherine, and reflects on the lasting legacy of Blake's visionary artistry.
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11 snips
Apr 4, 2023 • 43min

Philip Pullman on Childhood and Fantasy

Bestselling author Philip Pullman, renowned for his *His Dark Materials* trilogy, talks with broadcaster Samira Ahmed about the childhood experiences that shaped his storytelling. He reflects on the impact of travels and Greek mythology on his creativity. Pullman discusses crafting unique fantasy worlds, the emotional influence of loss, and his grandfather's role in his life. Delving into gothic influences, he highlights how Edgar Allan Poe and Milton's *Paradise Lost* fueled his literary journey, intertwining faith and imagination.
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11 snips
Dec 6, 2021 • 1h 5min

Philip Pullman Meets Iain McGilchrist - The Meaning of Life

Philip Pullman’s novels are a testament to the power of the human imagination and a celebration of our capacity for wonder, proving to millions of readers across the globe that enchantment still has a profound role to play in our age of reason.It is an ethos shared by the neuroscientist Iain McGilchrist, whose book The Master and His Emissary was that rare thing: a bestselling classic of modern philosophy with genuine relevance to human life.In this podcast, the two men will come together to explore The Matter With Things, McGilchrist’s ground-breaking sequel to The Master and His Emissary and the culmination of a lifetime of thought.How does the brain produce our experience of the world? What role do science, reason, and imagination play in the search for truth – and how much should we trust each of these paths to knowledge? On this week's show you'll hear new answers to these ancient questions - and many more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 2, 2019 • 44min

How I Found My Voice: Philip Pullman

Join best-selling author Philip Pullman, famous for his His Dark Materials trilogy, as he shares the formative experiences that shaped his unique voice. He reflects on his childhood, including the deep influence of his grandfather's storytelling and the loss of his father. Pullman discusses the literary giants like Kipling and Milton who inspired him, and how embracing creativity has fueled his writing process. With insights into his journey from teacher to writer, this conversation unveils the artistry behind his compelling narratives.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 7min

Philip Pullman’s new novel follows ‘The Golden Compass’ heroine into young adulthood

Bestselling author Philip Pullman, known for his acclaimed His Dark Materials series, discusses his new novel The Rose Field. He delves into Lyra's journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring her maturation and the complex themes of Dust, religion, and faith. Pullman reveals how he prefers to discover the story as he writes rather than plan it out. He also addresses the challenges of crafting a conclusion that meets the high expectations set by his prior work, all while maintaining a critical yet nuanced view of organized religion.
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Oct 31, 2025 • 23min

Sir Philip Pullman, author: Fantasy can be unsatisfactory

Sir Philip Pullman, the acclaimed author of the His Dark Materials trilogy, discusses his new book, The Rose Field. He critiques conventional fantasy for lacking psychological depth and explores the tension between personal faith and institutional religion. Pullman shares insights on the importance of imagination, stating it perceives non-physical realities. He reflects on childhood experiences that shaped his writing and expresses concern about declining reading rates among children, advocating for family reading and libraries as solutions.
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Mar 19, 2024 • 50min

12. Philip Pullman

An interview with author Philip Pullman exploring his childhood, father's death, and literary success. Reflecting on advice for his younger self, he discusses love, regrets, and coping strategies like reading and medication. Delving into early influences, passion for poetry, and rejection of religion, Pullman shares insights on innocence, knowledge, and the journey to self-consciousness.
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May 28, 2021 • 55min

Carlo Rovelli and Philip Pullman on the Science and Stories That Transform Our World

Join Carlo Rovelli, a bestselling theoretical physicist, and Philip Pullman, the award-winning author of His Dark Materials, as they weave together science and storytelling. Rovelli shares the transformative ideas stemming from Heisenberg's work on quantum theory, discussing its implications for our understanding of reality and consciousness. They explore the interconnectedness of all things and reflect on how solitude inspires creativity. The duo emphasizes the role of inquiry in shaping narratives and the legacy of both science and literature.
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Mar 30, 2021 • 58min

Classic Replay: The historical Jesus – Philip Pullman, Anthony McRoy and Martin Saunders

In this engaging discussion, prominent atheist author Philip Pullman, known for his acclaimed children's literature, shares his provocative views on the historical Jesus. He imagines Jesus and Christ as twin brothers, igniting debates on the myth vs. reality of biblical narratives. Christian journalist Martin Saunders counters Pullman's skepticism with insights on faith, while Bible scholar Anthony McRoy challenges his interpretation of the resurrection. They explore critical thinking in Christianity and the evolving relationship between the church and society, questioning authenticity and historical reliability.

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