In this episode, Susie Triffitt, a third-year PhD student studying Theology and Anthropology at the University of Cambridge, interviews Michael Wakelin, the executive chair of the Religion Media Centre. They discuss Wakelin's extensive background in religious broadcasting, his work with the Cambridge Interfaith Programme, and various interfaith projects, such as the leadership training program at St George's, Windsor. Wakelin also talks about the Religion Media Centre's mission to improve religious literacy in the media, responding to the Bloom Review, and the importance of new media, including TikTok, in furthering interfaith engagement. The conversation highlights the significance of building interfaith relationships and addresses the challenges and successes in the interfaith space.

Michael and Susie find themselves in agreement: despite secular trends in census data, many people continue to exhibit religious behaviors, and the future of faith is promising, filled with passionate individuals.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 Michael Wakelin's Background and Career

01:54 Interfaith Leadership Program

02:54 Religion Media Centre

05:01 Religious Literacy and Bloom Review

07:32 Challenges and Successes in Interfaith Work

11:31 New Media and Interfaith Engagement

13:34 Future of Faith and Interfaith Relations

16:28 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned

• Faith in Leadership (St George’s Windsor)
• Religion Media Centre (ReligionMediaCentre.org.uk)
• Bloom Review
• Religious Literacy Partnership
• Creating Connections (an RMC project)