The Sacred

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

  We sat down with Jonathan Rauch - a gay, Jewish atheist - to explore his remarkable journey from accepting his sexuality and rejecting religion to becoming a key voice advocating for same-sex marriage and the vital role of Christianity in sustaining liberal, secular democracy.Key topics include:- Jonathan's personal wrestle with his sexuality and eventual acceptance- His commitment to gay and lesbian equality and the social conservative case for same-sex marriage- The negative effects of secularisation - The importance of Christian values in supporting liberal democracy and the need for a Christian revival---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Jonathan Rauch: https://x.com/jon_rauch?lang=enChapters:00:00 Intro00:57 What is Sacred to you? Jonathan Rauch answers02:48 Childhood Influences and Jewish Identity05:58 Feeling on the outside06:58 Trying to be religious08:47 The Fight for Free Speech and Liberalism11:52 The Journey to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy15:06 Navigating Personal and Public Identity17:57 Understanding Anger and Tolerance in Debate19:44 Denial and Acceptance of Same-Sex Attraction34:28 Advocating for Christianity as an Atheist36:14 The Consequences of Secularisation38:19 The Role of Christianity in Democracy40:42 Core Teachings of Christianity and Liberalism47:21 The Need for Christianity in Secular Society51:13 The Search for Transcendence54:34 Messages for Secular Liberals and ChristiansKeywords:Jonathan Rauch, Liberal democracy, Christianity and politics, Gay rights, Same-sex marriage, Religious freedom, Secular society, American democracy, Political philosophy, Free speech, LGBTQ+ rights, Jewish identity, Atheism, Religious values, Social change, Political discourse, Minority rights, Cultural transformation, Civic engagement, Religious tolerance, Political liberalism, Social conservatism, Identity politics, Democratic values, Religious revival, Intellectual history, Cultural dialogue, Personal identity, Political belief, Social justice, Religious pluralism, American creed, Constitutional values, Community building, Interfaith dialogue, Political moderation, Cultural understanding, Religious institutions, Social cohesion, Intellectual freedom, Political compromise, Religious skepticism, Cultural diversity, Democratic principles, Social transformation, Religious critique, Political philosophy, Civic virtues, Cultural evolution, Intellectual honesty

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

  Bestselling author Caitlin Moran made waves with her 2011 feminist classic How to Be a Woman. Now, she’s calling for an urgent conversation about the crisis of modern masculinity.In this special live episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth Oldfield and Daniel Turner sit down with Caitlin for a hilarious, moving, and deeply honest conversation that challenges what we think we know about men, women, gender roles, and society today.Together, they explore:✖️ The masculinity crisis and the rise of the manosphere📖 The cultural impact of 'How to Be a Woman'😡 The intense backlash Caitlin received for writing about boys and men♂️ Why men struggle with health, identity, and emotional development🔄 The differences in how society handles midlife crises in men vs women🧠 How we can move beyond stereotypes toward a healthier, more compassionate vision of masculinity🎥 Recorded at our Sacred Live eventChapters00:00 Exploring Gender: The Unasked Questions01:54 The Sacred Values: Making People Feel Better04:53 Childhood Influences: A Unique Upbringing09:51 The Journey of a Writer: From Music Journalism to Feminism18:00 The Impact of 'How to Be a Woman' and Public Perception27:01 The Responsibility of Influence: Navigating Public Opinion28:49 The Art of Persuasion in Writing30:42 Hospitality in Communication31:36 The Importance of Awareness33:13 Navigating Tone and Authenticity34:54 The Journey to the Times36:49 Exploring Feminism and Masculinity37:47 Cultural Shifts in Gender Perception39:41 Addressing the Crisis of Masculinity41:31 Feminism's Role in Men's Issues43:16 The Backlash Against Men's Conversations45:18 The Lack of Resources for Men47:09 Expanding the Conversation49:21 Finding Purpose in Modern Society50:55 The Quest for Meaning52:45 Cinematic Narratives for Boys and Heroic Archetypes56:51 The Stiff Upper Lip Mentality58:34 The Importance of VulnerabilityAudience Q+A01:02:35 Are there unique differences between men and women?01:07:21 The Interior Lives of Men01:10:58 Why are kids terrified of their interior lives?01:16:41 What is the role of men in modern society?01:23:11 Navigating anxiety and self care01:28:40 Elizabeth Oldfield's reflectionKeywords:Why are teenage boys struggling today? What does it mean to be a man in 2025? Is masculinity in crisis, or just changing? What happened to male role models — and why are so many young men turning to figures like Andrew Tate or Jordan Peterson for guidance? How is red pill culture shaping boys' self-image? What does feminism have to say about men, and how can we raise emotionally intelligent boys in a world full of conflicting messages? Are boys being left behind in conversations about gender? What do they need that they’re not getting — from parents, schools, or culture? How is social media — especially TikTok — influencing masculinity, and what impact is it having on mental health? Why do boys struggle to express their emotions, and how can we help them develop emotional resilience? Should we parent boys differently than girls? And what can we learn from shows like Adolescence on Netflix about what it really means to grow up as a boy today?

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• How to Find Meaning in the Life You Already Have | Joshua Luke Smith

  Driven by a hunger for more, Joshua Luke Smith opens up about his journey with ADHD, addiction, and the unraveling and deconstruction of his faith. In this honest conversation, he invites us to lay down hustle culture, live poetically, and rediscover the sacred in the life we already have.Together with Elizabeth Oldfield, Joshua reflects on his childhood as a missionary kid in Pakistan, the challenges of identity and belonging, and his path toward sobriety, stillness, and spiritual depth. This is a conversation about presence, recovery, and the radical power of living poetically in a world that never stops moving.---🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Joshua Luke Smith: https://www.instagram.com/joshualukesmith/?hl=en / https://www.joshualukesmith.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafB24IDAARfb0OoBIDxWdDgh2FEn4Gl0ybjetYKvrQUeP85UlcThuOY-jFwXg_aem_IUFrBFhG23YMfLvi2crXPgCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:56 What is Sacred to you? Joshua Luke Smith answers03:12 Reflections on Childhood and Belonging05:57 Missionary Life and Its Complexities09:05 Navigating Identity and Spirituality12:12 The Legacy of Colonialism in Mission Work14:53 The Role of Community in Recovery18:04 Drugs, gluttony and ecstatic experiences 21:01 Joshua shares a poem22:24 Understanding Neurodivergence and Belonging29:52 Living Poetically34:00 Exploring Masculinity and Vulnerability40:05 The Role of Fatherhood in Healing46:01 Authenticity and Spirituality in Modern Times49:07 This is the Main Event: Embracing the PresentKEYWORDSsacred, friendship, belonging, missionary, identity, spirituality, colonialism, community, recovery, neurodivergence, poetry, poetry, masculinity, gender, vulnerability, fatherhood, spirituality, authenticity, healing, community, witness, belonging, Spirituality, belonging, masculinity, faith, missionary, ADHD, recovery, addiction, fatherhood, authenticity, identity, chaos, social media, polarisation, slow living, creativity, healing, vulnerability, transformation, purpose, Christian, Jesus, Creative, Addiction, present, writing, healing, meaning, storytelling, community, wounds, redemption, childhood, Pakistan, deconstruction, Christianity, trauma, self-discovery, mental health, inspiration, resilience, mindfulness, empowerment, relationships, spiritual journey, personal growth, emotional intelligence, art, performance, writing, spoken word, meditation, self-acceptance, overcoming, compassion, introspection, wisdom, courage, transformation, hope, T.S. Eliot, Raymond Carver, Tracy Chapman, Wendell Berry, St. Francis, Eugene Peterson, David White, The Fugees#podcast #poet

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