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.

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🎙️ 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=en

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:21 What is Sacred to you? Fariha Answers

04:51 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact

08:54 Islam and Personal Identity

15:26 Queerness and Faith

20:50 The Intersection of Wellness and Spirituality

29:10 Rituals and Agency in Modern Life

32:45 Discerning Wellness: A Critical Perspective

36:08 The Role of Spirituality and Healing Modalities

40:12 Ayahuasca: A Transformative Experience

50:07 Reflections on Faith and Historical Contexts

Keywords:

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.

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

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🎙️ 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=en

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

00:57 What is Sacred to you? Jonathan Rauch answers

02:48 Childhood Influences and Jewish Identity

05:58 Feeling on the outside

06:58 Trying to be religious

08:47 The Fight for Free Speech and Liberalism

11:52 The Journey to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy

15:06 Navigating Personal and Public Identity

17:57 Understanding Anger and Tolerance in Debate

19:44 Denial and Acceptance of Same-Sex Attraction

34:28 Advocating for Christianity as an Atheist

36:14 The Consequences of Secularisation

38:19 The Role of Christianity in Democracy

40:42 Core Teachings of Christianity and Liberalism

47:21 The Need for Christianity in Secular Society

51:13 The Search for Transcendence

54:34 Messages for Secular Liberals and Christians

Keywords:

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

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 event

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Gender: The Unasked Questions

01:54 The Sacred Values: Making People Feel Better

04:53 Childhood Influences: A Unique Upbringing

09:51 The Journey of a Writer: From Music Journalism to Feminism

18:00 The Impact of 'How to Be a Woman' and Public Perception

27:01 The Responsibility of Influence: Navigating Public Opinion

28:49 The Art of Persuasion in Writing

30:42 Hospitality in Communication

31:36 The Importance of Awareness

33:13 Navigating Tone and Authenticity

34:54 The Journey to the Times

36:49 Exploring Feminism and Masculinity

37:47 Cultural Shifts in Gender Perception

39:41 Addressing the Crisis of Masculinity

41:31 Feminism's Role in Men's Issues43:16 The Backlash Against Men's Conversations

45:18 The Lack of Resources for Men

47:09 Expanding the Conversation

49:21 Finding Purpose in Modern Society

50:55 The Quest for Meaning

52:45 Cinematic Narratives for Boys and Heroic Archetypes

56:51 The Stiff Upper Lip Mentality

58:34 The Importance of VulnerabilityAudience Q+A

01:02:35 Are there unique differences between men and women?

01:07:21 The Interior Lives of Men

01:10:58 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 care

01:28:40 Elizabeth Oldfield's reflection

Keywords:

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?

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

Elizabeth Oldfield and author Lamorna Ash and take us on an unexpected journey through faith, doubt, and contemporary spirituality. Fresh from writing her groundbreaking book "Don't Forget We're Here Forever", Lamorna shares her search for meaning, her remarkable immersion in Christianity and her exploration of the surprising ways young people are rediscovering religion.---

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast 📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/ 💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/ ✍️ Follow Lamorna Ash: https://www.instagram.com/lamornaaash/?hl=en-gb

CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:48 What is Sacred to you? Lamorna Ash answers05:51 Childhood Influences and Imagination09:01 Navigating Adolescence and Anxiety12:00 The Journey into Writing14:58 Anthropology and Storytelling17:50 Community Values in Fishing21:11 The Process of Writing and Vulnerability23:48 Exploring Faith and Conversion26:56 The Intersection of Writing and Spirituality31:03 Encountering Christianity34:50 The Journey of Understanding Faith39:55 Community and Ritual in Spirituality44:33 The Role of Prayer and Longing49:53 Christian revival?55:01 Navigating Personal and Public Faith01:01:33 The Challenge of Representation in Writing

KEYWORDSfaith, doubt, spirituality, meaning, purpose, storytelling, resilience, grief, healing, community, identity, culture, tradition, sacred, secular, introspection, transformation, journey, vulnerability, soul, renewal, belonging, connection, roots, heritage, modern life, inner life, existential, questions, personal growth, belief systems, hope, contemplation, reflection, truth, narrative, spiritual journey, emotional depth, cultural revival, human experience, wonder, curiosity, loss, solitude, silence, self-discovery, poetic, mindfulness, UK culture, literature, place, mystery, Christianity, religion, faith, revival, spiritual, God, theology, belief, resurrection, church, tradition, scripture, sacred, prayer, gospel, Jesus, Bible, hope, redemption, eternity, truth, meaning, purpose, culture, heritage, identity, community, soul, love, grace, sin, forgiveness, modernity, ritual, sacredness, divine, transcendence, reawakening, pilgrimage, devotion, miracles, liturgy, contemplation, mysticism, revelation, morality, salvation, silence, spirit, orthodoxy, renewal, spirituality, literature, UK culture, revolution, cultural revival.#podcast

Elizabeth Oldfield reflects on our latest episodes — and how the mood of our audience is changing in a world of wars, elections, and rising turbulence. She offers a powerful reminder: by choosing to listen, and stepping outside our algorithmic echo chambers, we can resist the forces driving us apart.

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🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: https://linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

💡 Produced by the ‪@thinktanktheos‬ www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:54 The Challenge of Listening to Different Voices

00:08:00 Our Audience is Finding Listening Harder Lately

00:06:07 Navigating Discomfort

00:08:58 Finding Common Ground in Complexity

KEYWORDS

Curiosity, dialogue, empathy, Trump, Biden, polarisation, algorithmic bubbles, social media, Brexit, diversity, open-mindedness, Middle East conflict, radicalisation, US politics, tolerance, perspective-taking, nuanced discourse, cultural complexity, listening skills, humanity, echo chambers, filter bubbles, political division, global understanding, compassionate communication, Westminster, Silicon Valley, algorithmic bias, cultural differences, world values, media manipulation, democratic discourse, international relations, generational perspectives, technological impact, societal connection, intellectual humility, cross-cultural dialogue, political spectrum, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, media literacy, global citizenship, personal growth, challenging assumptions, respectful disagreement, cultural empathy, systemic understanding, power dynamics, human connection.

How do we recognise the humanity on both sides of the Israel-Gaza conflict? Elizabeth Oldfield asks CNN's former Jerusalem Bureau Chief, Richard Allen Greene about journalism, his Jewish faith, and human understanding in the midst of the Israel-Gaza conflict.Key Moments:- Inside the CNN Jerusalem Bureau during October 7th- The challenge of reporting on the Israel-Gaza war- Navigating personal trauma and professional objectivity- The Jewish concept of holiness and human connection- Resisting extremism through empathy and understanding

---🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: 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 Richard Allen Greene: https://x.com/RAGreeneCNNCHAPTERS00:00 Intro 01:06 What is Sacred to you? Richard Allen Greene answers06:45 Childhood Influences and "Tikkun Olam"08:15 Family Background and Jewish Identity09:50 Assimilation and Cultural Identity12:05 The Nature of God and Divine Presence17:04 The Role of Journalism in Society21:08 Objectivity and the Challenges of Journalism28:48 Transitioning from Journalism to Rabbinic School30:03 The Role of a Bureau Chief in Crisis32:24 Navigating Personal Connections in Reporting35:01 Finding Meaning in Senseless Suffering37:23 The Impact of the war on Jewish Communities41:23 Antisemitism and Its Complexities43:50 What is Antisemitism?46:44 Holding Multiple Truths in Conflict49:07 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives53:03 Reflections on Humanity and JournalismKEYWORDSHumanity, Conflict, Sacred, Holy, Values, Tikkun Olam, Identity, Spirituality, God, Journalism, Objectivity, Rabbinical Studies, Media Ethics, Israeli Palestinian, Antisemitism, Community, Meaning, Perspective, Crisis Reporting, Connection, Trauma, Healing, Interfaith, Culture, Resilience, Compassion, Global Politics, Mental Health, War Reporting, Social Justice, Human Rights, Empathy, Reconciliation, Communication, Moral Courage, Hope, Understanding, Tolerance, Transformation, Storytelling, Wisdom, Peacebuilding, Critical Thinking, Experience, Growth, Leadership, Dialogue, Diversity, Humanity, Suffering, Survival#IsraelGaza #Journalism #Humanity #Empathy

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

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🎟️ 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....

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Come to The Sacred Live!

00:00:32 Intro

00:01:32 What is Sacred to you? Kriss Akabusi answers

00:03:02 Childhood Influences

00:05:46 Family Background and Nigerian Heritage

00:09:40 Experiences in Children's Home and Care System

00:12:48 Turning Point: A Moment of Realisation

00:17:04 Reunion with Mother and Cultural Disconnection

00:22:14 Understanding Parental Sacrifices and Forgiveness

00:23:02 Transition to Adulthood and Name Change

00:25:32 Life in the Army and Discovering Athletic Talent

00:27:55 Finding Purpose Through Sport

00:29:04 The 1991 Relay Race: A Game-Changing Strategy

00:34:38 The Spirituality of Sport

00:41:19 Evolving Spirituality: A Personal Journey

00:47:23 Embracing Heritage and Identity

00:50:11 The Gift of Life Awareness

Keywords:

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 joins Elizabeth Oldfield in his first interview since Brexit to talk about how he became the man behind the Brexit campaign and now a champion of social mobility through business. Elliott shares insights into his family's influence, his political awakening, and the principles that have guided his controversial yet impactful career. He offers a candid look inside the Brexit referendum, explaining the complex motivations that drove the Leave campaign and reflecting on the societal divisions it created.

🎟️ Book your ticket for the SACRED LIVE: 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 Matthew Elliott: https://x.com/matthew_elliott

CHAPTERS

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:30 What is Sacred to you? Matthew Elliott Answers

00:02:54 Core Values and Life Mission

00:06:09 Political Perspectives and Pragmatism

00:08:54 Childhood Influences and Political Awakening

00:12:01 The Role of Education in Shaping Beliefs

00:14:54 The Intersection of Personality and Politics

00:18:09 Classical Liberalism and Social Responsibility

00:21:06 Government vs. Corporate Surveillance

00:24:01 The Role of Business in Society

00:26:06 Business and Social Responsibility

00:29:38 Brexit: A Journey of Skepticism and Change

00:36:14 The Role of Business in Society

00:43:43 Navigating Public Life and Backlash

Keywords: Brexit, politics, personal values, data privacy, classical liberalism, social responsibility, corporate ethics, government surveillance, community, public policy, business, social responsibility, Brexit, polarization, Jobs Foundation, employment, community, public life, skepticism, social good

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