Nomad Podcast

Religion & Spirituality

About

For more than 15 years, Nomad Podcast has been an independent, listener-supported space for open-hearted conversations about faith, doubt, and belonging, offering a British perspective shaped by voices from across and beyond the Christian story.

Episodes

  • Giles Goddard, Halima Hussein & Natasha Chawla - Where Rivers Meet: Three Faith Traditions in Conversation (N367)

    In this episode, Giles Goddard, Halima Hussein, and Natasha Chawla discuss faith, change, and the meeting of different spiritual traditions. They reflect on Christianity, Islam, and Hindu philosophy, exploring inherited traditions and the…

  • Selina Stone – Why Do the Wicked Prosper? (N366)

    In this episode, theologian and author Selina Stone discusses the question of why the wicked prosper, exploring the anger, grief, and moral disorientation that arise from this phenomenon. She invites listeners to consider how hope, truth,…

  • Lucy Sixsmith - Soul Survivor, Surrender & the Cost of Being Special (N365)

    Lucy Sixsmith joins Nomad Podcast to discuss Soul Survivor and charismatic culture, drawing from her book "When the Music Fades." The conversation explores power dynamics, surrender language, and the impact of revival culture on young Chri…

  • Rupert Sheldrake - Psychedelics, Mysticism and the Mystery of Consciousness (N364)

    Rupert Sheldrake joins Nomad Podcast to discuss psychedelics, mysticism, and the mystery of consciousness. The conversation explores experiences of altered perception and the potential for mind to exist beyond the brain.

  • Meggan Watterson - Silenced Voices, Lost Christianities (N363)

    In this episode, Meggan Watterson discusses early Christian texts such as the Gospel of Mary and the Acts of Paul and Thecla. The conversation explores the diversity of early Christianities, the formation of the biblical canon, and the pre…

  • Hiroko Yoda – Half Belief Half Doubt and the Art of Paying Attention (N362)

    In this episode, Hiroko Yoda discusses spirituality, drawing on her Japanese upbringing and her book "Eight Million Ways to Happiness." She reflects on grief, ancestors, everyday ritual, and the concept of "half belief, half doubt." The co…

  • Rachel Mann — Identity, Darkness & Divine Mystery [Revisited] (N361)

    In this revisited episode from 2017, Anglican priest and writer Rachel Mann discusses her experience with transition, faith, and identity. Hosts Tim and Nick also reflect on the themes of embodiment and living with questions rather than co…

  • Fundraiser Special – The Guests Get Curious (N360)

    In this special episode of Nomad Podcast, listeners hear a fundraiser recording where previous guests turn the tables to ask the hosts questions. The conversation covers a wide range of personal, spiritual, and lighthearted topics, includi…

  • Jarel Robinson-Brown – Love in a World on Fire (N359)

    Writer, priest, and theologian Jarel Robinson-Brown discusses the role of love in a challenging world on this episode of Nomad Podcast. Host Anna Robinson leads a contemplative session following the reflection, accompanied by music from Jo…

  • Jayne Manfredi – Midlife, Menopause and Meaning (N358)

    Anglican deacon and writer Jayne Manfredi joins the podcast to discuss midlife, menopause, and spiritual transformation. She reflects on the experience of embodiment and the challenges women face, drawing on her book 'Waking the Women.'

  • Helen Paynter - Faith, the Far Right and the Politics of Fear (N357)

    Theologian Helen Paynter joins Nomad Podcast to discuss how Christian language and scripture are being used by far-right movements. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley further reflect on resisting these narratives and the challenge of promotin…

  • Sami Awad – Christ Consciousness Under Occupation (N356)

    Palestinian peace activist Sami Awad discusses his approach to spirituality, his commitment to nonviolence, and his concept of Christ consciousness while living under military occupation. Hosts Tim and Anna later reflect on these themes, f…

  • Tim & Elliot Nash – A Year of Practice, Family & the Unexpected Sacred (N355)

    Tim and his son Elliot reflect on their year of experimenting with "Homegrown Faith," where they explored a different spiritual practice each month. They share their experiences with incorporating spirituality into the rhythms of family li…

  • John Philip Newell – Turning to Earth and Soul in the Quest for Healing and Home (N354)

    Celtic teacher John Philip Newell discusses the quest for soul, earth, and home amidst religious and ecological challenges. Following the interview, hosts reflect on navigating periods of unraveling through spiritual practices and connecti…

  • Jenny Biglands & Vicky Broadbent – Therapy, Nature and the Wild Within (N353)

    Eco-therapists Jenny Biglands and Vicky Broadbent join Joy to discuss the field of ecotherapy, exploring how nature, spirituality, and therapy intersect. The hosts also reflect on the role of the natural world in addressing climate grief a…

  • Selina Stone - Power Unmasked, Faith Reimagined (N352)

    Womanist theologian Selina Stone discusses the intersection of power and theology, examining how spiritual authority can be misused in church settings. Hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks reflect on these themes and how to identify healthier rel…

  • Halima Gosai Hussain & Giles Goddard - Two Faith Traditions, One Journey Toward Love and Justice (N351)

    Halima Gosai Hussain and Giles Goddard discuss their work in advancing inclusion within their respective Muslim and Anglican traditions. They reflect on the challenges of faith, belonging, and how their shared commitment to justice has bri…

  • Brian McLaren - Spirituality at the End of the World (N350)

    Author and activist Brian McLaren discusses his novel, The Last Voyage, and explores the nature of spirituality during ecological crises. Hosts Tim and Nick also reflect on institutional loss, hope amidst climate breakdown, and maintaining…

  • Kira Austin-Young - Compassion and Complexity: Faith and Reproductive Freedom (N349)

    In this episode, host Tim speaks with Episcopal priest and author Kira Austin-Young about the theological, moral, and pastoral aspects of reproductive freedom and abortion. Following the interview, the hosts reflect on their own evolving p…

  • Richard Beck - The Joy of Moving Beyond Yourself (N348)

    Tim interviews psychologist and theologian Richard Beck about his book 'The Shape of Joy,' which discusses moving beyond self-focus to find joy. Hosts Tim and Anna also reflect on the themes of rumination, mental health, and spiritual prac…

  • Joy Brooks - Faith’s Shadow Side: Facing Spiritual Bypassing (N347)

    Therapist Joy Brooks joins Nomad Podcast to discuss spiritual bypassing and how spiritual beliefs can sometimes mask emotional wounds. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley also reflect on the importance of creating safe spaces for questioning a…

  • Rowan Williams - Christianity After Certainty (N346)

    Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams discusses his book, Discovering Christianity, and his perspective on faith as a practice of attentiveness and mystery rather than certainty. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on these th…

  • Lamorna Ash - Faith on the Edges (N345)

    Writer Lamorna Ash discusses her two-year exploration of various Christian traditions, ranging from charismatic worship to Jesuit retreats, and her search for understanding faith. Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on these them…

  • Dan McClellan - Does the Bible Say Jesus is God? (N344)

    Bible scholar Dan McClellan joins Nomad Podcast to discuss the historical and theological development of the claim that Jesus is God. Hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson follow the interview with a discussion on their own perspectives regardi…

  • Gareth Higgins - A Little Lower Than the Angels (N343)

    Writer and storyteller Gareth Higgins offers an Easter reflection on experiencing reality through love rather than fear. The episode also includes a guided examen practice led by Anna Robinson, with original music by Wilderthorn.

  • Shane Meyer-Holt - Unlearning Capitalism: Learning to Care, and Be Cared For (N342)

    Shane Meyer-Holt discusses the impact of capitalism on personal identity, relationships, and the community's need for care. Following the interview, hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks reflect on how capitalist values affect care within the Chur…

  • Chine McDonald - Unmaking Motherhood: Faith, Family, and Feminism (N341)

    Chine McDonald joins the Nomad Podcast to discuss the intersections of motherhood, faith, and feminism. The episode explores her personal experiences, the role of theology in maternal perspectives, and the balance between societal expectat…

  • Helen Bond - Jesus: The Man, The Myth (N340)

    Dr. Helen Bond joins the Nomad Podcast to discuss the historical Jesus compared to the Christ of faith. The episode covers the challenges of interpreting the Gospels and the possibility of a spirituality rooted in historical scholarship.

  • Justin Lee - Conversations for a Divided World (N339)

    Justin Lee discusses his experience as a gay man raised in an evangelical Christian tradition and how he fosters dialogue in a polarized world. Tim Nash and Nick Thorley provide further reflections on navigating interpersonal differences.

  • Jennifer Bird - Deconstructing Biblical Sex and Marriage (N338)

    Biblical scholar Dr. Jennifer Bird joins Nomad Podcast to discuss biblical portrayals of sex and marriage. Hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson also reflect on their own experiences with these teachings.

  • Munther Isaac - Gaza, God and Genocide (N337)

    Munther Isaac discusses the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the situation in Gaza, and the intersection of theology and politics. Hosts Joy Brooks and Tim Nash share their reflections on the crisis, Christian Zionism, and the rol…

  • Sally Douglas - Jesus Sophia (N336)

    Theologian and minister Sally Douglas discusses the concept of Jesus as Sophia, the embodiment of the female divine. The discussion explores themes of justice, righteous anger, and the challenge to patriarchal structures, followed by refle…

  • Noel Moules - Creation as Incarnation: A Christian Animist Perspective (N335)

    In this episode of Nomad Podcast, Noel Moules explores incarnation through a Christian animist lens, discussing the sacredness and interconnectedness of the cosmos. The episode includes a contemplative reflection guided by Anna Robinson an…

  • Christmas Q&A (N334)

    In this seasonal Q&A episode of Nomad Podcast, the hosts answer various listener-submitted questions ranging from personal reflections on faith and deconstruction to playful scenarios. The episode serves as a thank-you to the show's suppor…

  • Brian Zahnd – Christians in the Age of Trump [Revisited] (N333)

    In this revisited episode, Brian Zahnd discusses the relationship between Church and Empire, while Tim Nash and Nick Thorley share reflections on the 2024 election of Donald Trump. The episode explores themes of Americanism, scripture, and…

  • Karen O’Donnell - Radical Practices for Remaking the Self (N332)

    Feminist theologian Karen O’Donnell joins the Nomad Podcast to discuss reimagining spiritual practices for healing after trauma and loss. Following the interview, hosts Anna Robinson and Joy Brooks reflect on how their own spiritual practi…

  • Dave Tomlinson - The Bad Christian’s Guide to Prayer (N331)

    Dave Tomlinson discusses his faith journey and his perspective on the democratisation of prayer as a universal practice. Following the interview, hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on these ideas and their relevance to their own spiri…

  • Joanna Leidenhag - The Consciousness of All Things (N330)

    Joanna Leidenhag discusses panpsychism and the nature of consciousness as an alternative to mind-body dualism. Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks further explore these concepts and their potential impact on personal faith.

  • Brian McLaren - Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (N329)

    Author and activist Brian McLaren discusses navigating humanity's current crises through art, spirituality, and indigenous teachings. Hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson reflect on the impact of these global challenges, including the climate…

  • Thomas Oord - Reimagining the Divine After Omnipotence (N328)

    Theologian Thomas Oord discusses his vision of a radically loving, non-omnipotent God and the implications for themes like suffering, evolution, and faith. The episode also covers Oord's personal experience with a heresy trial and includes…

  • Jon Bilbrough (aka Wilderthorn) - Soundscapes and Sacred Spaces (N327)

    Artist and musician Jon Bilbrough joins the Nomad Podcast to discuss his creative journey, from early musical memories to his current contemplative work. He explores the influence of nature, improvisation, and sacred spaces on his music.

  • Elizabeth Oldfield - Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times (N326)

    Elizabeth Oldfield joins the Nomad Podcast to discuss tending to the soul during turbulent times, including practices to address social division and isolation. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on these ideas and their impact on thei…

  • Keith Giles - The Secret Sayings of Jesus (N325)

    Author Keith Giles discusses the Gospel of Thomas and its potential role in revealing private teachings of Jesus centered on non-duality and divine oneness. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on these concepts and their relevance to p…

  • Sophie Grace Chappell - Trans Figured (N324)

    Professor Sophie Grace Chappell discusses her personal journey of faith, gender identity, and self-acceptance. Hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson also reflect on how her experiences inform their own faith.

  • Therapist Q&A (N323)

    Host Joy Brooks discusses various questions with psychotherapists from the Nomad therapy network, covering topics such as therapy, faith, and religious attitudes. This Q&A session addresses listener inquiries about personal struggle and be…

  • John Butler - Finding Stillness in a Chaotic World (N322)

    Contemplative John Butler discusses his journey toward inner stillness, shaped by organic farming, meditation, and a mystical experience of Jesus. Hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley follow the interview with a discussion on the role of stilln…

  • Olivia Jackson - Deconstruction Myths and Accusations (N321)

    Olivia Jackson discusses how the responses people receive during faith deconstruction often compare to their lived experiences. Hosts Nick and Joy also share their personal reflections on their spiritual journeys.

  • David Hayward - Til Doubt Do Us Part (N320)

    David Hayward joins Nomad Podcast to discuss his journey from pastor to artist, focusing on how he and his wife navigated their marriage through his process of faith deconstruction. Hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks also reflect on the impact…

  • Anthony Reddie & Al Barrett - Deconstructing Whiteness (N319)

    Professor Anthony Reddie and Revd. Dr. Al Barrett join Nomad Podcast to discuss whiteness, exploring themes of privilege, power, and identity through personal experience and theological reflection. They examine the deconstruction and reima…

  • Timothy Beal - Finding Hope at the End of the World (N318)

    Professor of religion Timothy Beal joins Nomad Podcast to discuss human extinction, the nature of hope, and finding meaning in an uncertain future. Following the interview, hosts Nick and Tim share their personal reflections on global conc…