The Sacred

Dr Rangan Chatterjee, former GP and bestselling author known for holistic health, reflects on family, work ethic and what we inherit. He explores overwork versus enough. He talks about cultural roots, carrying values into parenting, and how pivotal life events spark deep self-inquiry. The conversation centers on choosing what to keep from the past and living a more connected, intentional life.

We spoke to Stig Abell on how to live if nothing is ultimately sacred. Elizabeth Oldfield and Stig explore detective fiction and our longing for justice, the consolations of books in an age of infinite scroll, the quiet crises many of us are living through, and whether “muddling along” might be the most honest way live. This is a conversation about meaning and what remains when you’re not sure there is any.We talk about:• Why Stig feels more profane than sacred• Books as portals out of panic• Detective fiction and our longing for resolution• The exhausting, competitive condition of modern life---🎙️Listen to The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡Produced by Theos Think Tank: www.theosthinktank.co.uk/👉 Check out Stig’s work: https://www.instagram.com/thestigabell/?hl=enChapters:00:00 Intro01:28 What is Sacred to You? Stig Abell Answers02:48 Questioning the Concept of the Sacred04:32 Suspicion of Institutions and Freedom in Randomness06:13 The Principles of Fairness and Kindness08:56 Work ethics, Loughborough roots, and the story behind “Stig"12:11 Reading and the Pre-internet childhood14:35 Reading as Empathy and Sacred Practice15:58 The Nature of Doubt and Certainty17:42 Evolution, Randomness, and Meaning Without Agency19:59 Do “holy” moments require God?23:54 The Press and Public Appetite For Bad News29:56 Navigating the Complexities of Journalism32:02 Navigating the Media Landscape36:05 Being unboxable, tribal politics, and scepticism as a way of life37:58 Highbrow, Lowbrow, and the Freedom to Read Widely39:32 Imposter Syndrome and Self-Perception43:17 The Comfort of Genre Fiction46:42 The Search for Justice in Storytelling49:24 The Human Need for Narrative54:03 The Crisis of Modern Existence56:41 Quiet Struggles and the Fear of Being Useless58:51 Recognising Flaws in Ourselves and OthersKeywords:A wide-ranging conversation with Stig Abell on doubt, belief, meaning, secularism, faith and scepticism, fairness and kindness, journalism and media ethics, detective fiction and crime novels, books and reading as refuge, panic attacks and anxiety, modern life and burnout, human rights and Christianity’s cultural legacy, tribalism and political identity, institutions and individual conscience, and how to live well - or at least muddle through - in an age of uncertainty and infinite scroll.

Sophie Lewis, political theorist and author known for writing on family abolition and communising care, offers a provocative rethink of kinship. She explores replacing nuclear burden with collective care. Short bursts cover utopia as practice, hidden household labour, the myth of unassisted motherhood, surrogacy reframed, and inventing new words for shared kinship.

Jo Colman, Chief Mint Officer at Summerdown and descendant of the Colman’s Mustard founder, speaks about stewarding inherited privilege, regenerative business and adoptive parenting. He explores redirecting power outward, crafting ethical enterprises that add value, and the realities of adoption and building inclusive families. Short, thoughtful reflections on presence, responsibility and re-risking wealth for the common good.

Elizabeth Neumann, a former senior official in the Trump Administration, reflects on why she felt called to serve, what she witnessed from inside government, and how her commitment to integrity ultimately led her to step away.In this conversation, she and Elizabeth Oldfield reflect on how extremism takes root, the role of integrity in polarised times, and why love, accountability, and formation matter more than outrage or power.Key moments:- Why Elizabeth Neumann worked in the Trump administration - and why she left- The difference between loyalty, obedience, and integrity- How fear drives polarisation and extremism- What 911 on January 6th revealed about institutional fragility- Why love is not soft, but essential for violence prevention- The cost of truth-telling inside communities you care aboutChapters00:00 Trailer00:32 Intro01:21 What is sacred to you? Elizabeth Neumann answers03:34 Values in Hard Decision Making 08:47 Growing Up in the Bible Belt 14:06 Understanding Extremism and Fear 18:31 The Shift in Political Narratives 27:21 The Impact of 9/11 on National Security 32:02 The Psychological Drivers of Extremism 41:51 The Role of Love in Community Resilience 48:09 Navigating Political Loyalty in the Trump Administration 53:26 The January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol 01:00:18 Speaking Out Against Extremism 01:05:48 Engaging with Those at Risk of RadicalisationKeywords:John Kelly, Christian extremism, Bush, Trump, political extremism in America, faith and politics, Elizabeth Neumann interview, former Trump administration official, extremism and fear, radicalization and identity, preventing political violence, January 6 insurrection analysis, national security and extremism, Christian nationalism explained, moral courage in politics, integrity vs loyalty, obedience and conscience, fear-based politics, polarization in America, how extremism takes root, psychological drivers of extremism, love as violence prevention, community resilience against extremism, speaking out against extremism, truth-telling in polarized communities, cost of dissent, faith formation and identity, Bible Belt culture, 9/11 and national security policy, domestic extremism explained, religious identity and politics, political loyalty and integrity, navigating moral conflict at work, radicalization warning signs, de-escalation and prevention strategies, engaging people at risk of extremism, the role of fear in radicalization, democracy under threat, institutions under strain, January 6 lessons learned, Christian ethics in public life, power vs moral responsibility, extremism inside institutions, violence prevention strategies, faith-based approaches to peacebuilding, why people believe extreme ideologies, breaking cycles of outrage, love and accountability in community, political identity and belonging, courageous leadership in divided times, how narratives shape extremism, faith, fear, and power, rebuilding trust across difference

In this episode Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with writer, environmentalist, and activist George Monbiot - a fiercely anti-establishment voice shaped by resistance, trauma, and a refusal to become what Britain’s elite institutions tried to make him.We discuss:- Why the language we use around the environment and climate change, isn't sufficient - Growing up with buried histories of English fascism and Jewish refuge, and what Britain still refuses to face- Boarding school trauma, survival personalities, and opting out of elite power systems- Is faith needed for moral courage?- How real change happens without becoming the thing you’re fighting---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow George Monbiot: https://www.instagram.com/georgemonbiot/?hl=enChapters:00:00 Trailer and Intro00:56 What is Sacred to you? George Monbiot answers 06:00 Language Shapes the Fight for Our Planet09:00 Uncovering British Fascism and His Grandmother's Involvement12:00 Boarding School and How Elitism Tried to Shape Him15:00 Journalism and Environmental Campaigns18:00 Why Society and Power Work the Way They Do21:00 How to Speak Up as an Activist Without Losing People 24:00 Power, Purpose, and How to Live DifferentlyKeywords:George Monbiot interview on The Sacred podcast, environmental activism and climate change discussion, how to live differently from the British elite, fighting for the living planet, rewilding and regenerative agriculture ideas, understanding neoliberalism and power, environmentalist’s guide to ethical living, grassroots activism for ecological justice, climate breakdown explained by George Monbiot, public luxury and private sufficiency philosophy, moral courage and personal growth stories, human nature and altruism debate, survival personality from boarding school trauma, family history of fascism and refugees, life lessons from an anti-establishment thinker, insights into environmental journalism, political resistance and direct action in Britain, lessons from activism in Brazil and West Papua, preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, transformative environmental philosophy, connecting with nature for mental health, environmental ethics for everyday life, how to persuade people about climate crisis, the role of empathy in social change, understanding the 1% and societal power, regenerative living and sustainable farming practices, ecological systems and life support functions, teaching community values and cooperation, overcoming fear and selfishness in society, personal transformation through nature, insights into British history and hidden fascism, activism strategies that work in practice, human impact on the natural world, fighting the system while staying honest, exploring moral and ethical values, climate emergency communication strategies, environmental storytelling for change, balancing anger and persuasion in activism, learning from liberation theology and social justice, life lessons from a radical environmentalist, tackling neoliberal myths about human nature, the role of courage in ethical action, George Monbiot on biodiversity recovery, understanding climate chaos, inspiring environmental leadership stories, how humans can live in harmony with the planet, the power of knowledge and curiosity in activism

In this special end-of-year reflection episode of The Sacred, we're slowing down and seeing the season out with some of Elizabeth's favourite poems. Take a moment to sit with darkness and light, to reflect on the year, and to rest in words that have carried us through conversations about grief, migration, identity, hope and moral courage.Elizabeth reads some of the poems that have steadied her this season, from William Stafford and W.H. Auden to John Donne and Alfred Lord Tennyson.Poem credits: 'A Ritual to Read to Each other' from book 'Ask Me' by William Stafford from Graywolf Press. 'September 1, 1939' by W.H. Auden.'Nativity' by John DonneExcerpt from 'In Memoriam' by Alfred Lord Tennyson.📝 We’d be so grateful if you could fill out out listener survey. If you’ve been nourished by The Sacred, we’d really love to hear from you. We'd love to know what’s helping, or what’s not and what you’d like to see more of. Here's the link: https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WMJCr2xnXcxIq2🌟Wherever you are, we hope you find rest and time to slow down in this season. We’re grateful to be on this journey with you and we’ll see you in the new year!

Elizabeth Oldfield speaks with Andrew Graystone about his role in uncovering the serial abuser John Smyth and the institutional cover-ups within the Church that kept the truth hidden.Andrew is a Writer, Broadcaster and Activist. He shares the story behind his new book Bleeding for Jesus and the hidden patterns that shape the lives of Christian leaders. He reflects on why institutions so often cover up wrongdoing, what it really costs to tell the truth, and how ordinary people can resist cultures of fear.He speaks about his own experiences of humiliation and redemption, how shame shapes our public life, and why hospitality - opening your door, your life, your table - can be a radical spiritual act. This is a tender and hopeful conversation about what it means to live with courage and integrity when systems around us bend towards self-protection.Please could you fill out our listener survey? We’d be so grateful. https://biblesociety.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3WMJCr2xnXcxIq2🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow and Buy Andrew’s book ‘Bleeding for Jesus’: https://x.com/AndrewGraystoneSupport links:- Minister and Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors (MACSAS)⁠www.macsas.org.uk⁠- National Association for People Abused in Childhood⁠www.napac.org.uk⁠- Samaritans⁠www.samaritans.org⁠ or by phone on 116 123- The Survivors Trust⁠www.thesurvivorstrust.org⁠- Safe Spaces⁠www.safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk ⁠or by phone 0300 303 1566- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy⁠www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/information-about-counselling⁠Chapters:00:00 Could you fill out our listener survey?01:15 Trailer and intro02:24 What is Sacred to you? Andrew Graystone answers10:00 Navigating Privilege and Inequality13:17 Principles of Living and Values18:00 Challenges of Hospitality and Community20:23 The Titus Trust and John Smyth Abuse Revelation31:49 Understanding Abuse and Its Impacts38:40 The Role of Institutions in Abuse43:09 Bystander Effect and Institutional Failures51:36 Anger, Gentleness, and Advocacy56:43 Closing Reflections on Power and PresenceKeywords:Andrew Graystone, Elizabeth Oldfield, The Sacred podcast, John Smyth abuse, Church abuse cover-up, Christian leaders accountability, False Profit book, exposing institutional abuse, faith and courage, standing up to power, moral courage, church scandals, abuse in Christian institutions, protecting the vulnerable, institutional failure, covering up wrongdoing, speaking truth to power, courage in faith, navigating shame, humiliation and redemption, pastoral accountability, moral imagination, ethical leadership, Christian ethics, religious institutions and abuse, confronting toxic power, survivors of abuse, advocating for victims, truth-telling in institutions, faith and justice, everyday courage, confronting secrecy, resisting culture of fear, hospitality as spiritual act, radical hospitality, opening your home to others, integrity and faith, walking with survivors, spiritual formation, institutional reform, uncovering abuse, moral responsibility, restorative justice, rebuilding trust, abuse survivors stories, church accountability, ethical decision making, courage under pressure, exposing wrongdoing, Christian leadership lessons, protecting the marginalized, personal integrity, confronting moral failure, courage in difficult times, learning from shame, Cathay Newman, Channel 4

In this live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield sits down with Channel 4 journalist Cathy Newman to the moments that guided her toward investigative journalism and a lifelong commitment to seeking truth. They talk about:✍️Investigative journalism and its role in holding power accountable ⛪ Investigating John Smyth's abuse in the Church of England✖️Navigating public scrutiny, social media abuse, and global debates 🌍The importance of diverse perspectives in newsrooms for more accurate reporting Cathy shares candid insights about truth, bias, and the pursuit of justice in journalism, highlighting the human stories behind the headlines and why public service media matters now more than ever. 🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ 👉 Follow Cathy: https://x.com/cathynewman?lang=enHosted by How the Light Gets In Keywords:Cathy Newman, Cathy Newman interview, Channel 4 News, Investigative journalism, Holding power to account, Accountability journalism, Truth in journalism, Media bias, Bias and perspective, Post-truth world, Public trust in media, Ethics in journalism, Moral courage, Whistleblowers, Abuse of power, Church abuse investigations, John Smyth investigation, Political scandals UK, Truth seekers, Journalism and justice, Cathy Newman The Sacred, The Sacred podcast, Elizabeth Oldfield, Courageous conversations, Speaking truth to power, Newsroom diversity, Media responsibility, Reporting on conflict, Gaza reporting ethics, War reporting challenges, Human nature and journalism, The human condition, Understanding truth, Misogyny in media, Online abuse journalists, Jordan Peterson interview, Public backlash, Investigative reporting stories, Exposing wrongdoing, Social justice journalism, Fact-based reporting, Trustworthy journalism, Impactful storytelling, Power dynamics, UK journalism, Female journalists UK, Journalism values, Holding leaders accountable, Media integrity, Hard-hitting interviews

In a world filled with noise and division, this podcast offers a refreshing space to slow down and listen. The host explores the profound impact of cultural chaos on our lives and the importance of reconnecting with empathy. Through deep conversations, the show aims to help us resist contempt and cultivate understanding. It’s a journey towards rebuilding our shared humanity amid the overwhelming distractions of modern life. Join the community to find grounding and hope in these uncertain times.