The Sacred

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...

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📖 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

Writer and activist Shane Claiborne calls out the hypocrisy within fundamentalist Evangelical Christianity in America, advocating for a return to the radical compassion of Jesus.

Shane challenges what it means to truly be "pro-life," challenges its entanglement with Christian nationalism, and its allegiance to Donald Trump. As he unpacks these priorities, he wrestles with what to keep, what to challenge, and what bones to "spit out” along the way.

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

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

✍️ Follow Shane Claiborne: https://www.instagram.com/shane.claiborne/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Intro

01:00 What is Sacred to you? Shane Claiborne Answers

02:49 Shane Claiborne's Formative Years

06:02 Crisis of Faith and Theological Reflection

09:12 The Shift from Cultural Christianity to Authentic Faith

12:05 The Encounter with Mother Teresa

14:55 The Simple Way Community

18:12 Living in Community and Collective Ways

29:21 The Importance of Community in Faith

34:11 Activism and Moral Superiority

39:44 Navigating Injustice and Discomfort

44:14 Understanding the Middle East Conflict

52:40 The Role of Love in Activism

Keywords:

Gun violence, militarism, environmental stewardship, sacredness, humanity, values, childhood, faith, deconstruction, compassion, community, activism, church, communal living, activism, moral superiority, discomfort, Middle East conflict, love, community, social justice, empathy, collective living, Deconstruction, Deconstructing, Questioning, Rethinking, Expanding, Abortion, Sacred, Hypocrisy, Superiority, Nationalism, Religion, Religious, Pro-life, Pro-choice, Fundamentalism, Conservative, Politics, Playbook, Ethics, Activism, Nuanced, Conflict, Humanity, Empathy, Transformation, Justice, Idolatry, Weaponizing, Weaponising, Alliance, Agenda, Co-option, Compassion, Holistic, Systemic, Patriotism, Theological, Community, Expansive, Power, Nationalism, Interpretation, Political, Justification, Spirituality, Grip, Nationalist, Scripture, Tensions, Influence, Alignment, Boundaries, Monopoly, Controversy, Provocative, Challenging, Transformative, Redemptive, Intersectionality, Marginalization, Marginalisation, Oppression, Privilege, Reconciliation, Diversity, Inclusion, Intersections, Intersectional, Racial, Racial-Justice, Equity, Equality, Solidarity, Allyship, Advocacy, Resistance, Decolonization, Decolonisaton, Christianity, Evangelicalism, Faith, Belief, Discipleship, Theology, Scripture, Gospel, Denominationalism, Worship, Spiritual, Devotional, Discipleship, Apologetics.

Announcing a new four-part documentary podcast, Motherhood vs The Machine, where hosts Chine McDonald and Dr Madeleine Pennington look at what motherhood teaches us about what it means to be human.

The work of motherhood has always been changed by technological advancement: from the nipple shield to the feeding bottle and breast pump. But as technological advancement accelerates and a future of artificial wombs and ‘bio bags’ does not seem as far-fetched as it once did, what of the humanity of motherhood might be lost if it is outsourced to machines? What might we miss when the maternal doorway is closed to profound and rarely expressed spiritual ideas - such as sacrifice, love, care, value, dignity, and hope?

Out weekly from 13 March. Find it on all podcasting platforms.

🎙️ Follow Chine McDonald: @ChineMcDonald

🎙️ Follow Dr Madeleine Pennington: @mlmpennington

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

Jameela Jamil joins us for a conversation about her rise to fame, the dangers of divisive echo chambers, and her decision to reject harmful beauty narratives.

With her signature wit and vulnerability, Jameela’s dives into toxic beauty standards, the destructive anti-aging narrative that has plagued women for generations, and the deep-rooted values that inspire Jameela to use her platform as a force for positive change.

🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

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

✍️ Follow Jameela’s Substack ‘A Low Desire to Please’: https://jameelajamil.substack.com/

CHAPTERS

00:00 What is Sacred to you? Jameela Jamil answers

03:10 Childhood Influences and Personal Struggles

05:52 Navigating Fame and Misogyny

09:03 The Impact of Public Perception

11:58 The Journey of Nonviolent Communication

15:09 Understanding Human Behaviour and Accountability

17:52 The Role of Compassion in Change

33:46 Navigating the Middle East Conflict

34:00 The Impact of Algorithms on Perception

35:20 The Algorithm Swap Experiment

39:31 Understanding Polarisation and Loneliness

41:09 Building Communities of Care

44:01 The Dangers of Short-Form Communication

48:02 Understanding Eating Disorders

52:00 The Pressure of Beauty Standards on Women

56:51 Embracing Aging and Wisdom

01:00:15 Finding Freedom in Self-Acceptance

Keywords:

Sacred Values, Justice, Childhood Trauma, Public Vulnerability, Misogyny, Nonviolent Communication, Human Behaviour, Social Justice, Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Love, Understanding, Echo Chambers, Algorithms, Loneliness, Community, Eating Disorders, Beauty Standards, Aging, Societal Pressures, Fairness, Authenticity, Vulnerability, Resilience, Advocacy, Nonviolent Communication, Algorithmic Bias, Beauty Standards, Ageism, Eating Disorders, Mental Health, Empowerment, Inspiration, Personal Growth, Social Issues, Feminism, Intersectionality, Public Figure, Celebrity, Self-Acceptance, Body Positivity, Societal Change, Human Connection, Nuance, Complexity, Storytelling, Trauma, Overcoming Adversity, Childhood Experiences, Privilege, Marginalization, Marginalisation, Diversity, Inclusion, Activism, Social Media, Public Perception, Personal Branding, Courage, Honesty, Beauty Norms, Ageism, Challenging Systemic Inequities, Danger, Echo Chambers, Empathetic Communication, Self-Development, Self-Help, Vulnerability, Authenticity, Courage to Redefine Success, Justice, Change.

Elizabeth Oldfield and James Orr discuss the relationship between the sacred and the secular, and his conservative political views on Brexit, and his critique of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies.

James Orr is the Associate Professor of the Philosophy of Religion at the University of Cambridge.

This episode offers a unique and insightful exploration of the sacred in the modern world, touching on themes of tradition, community, and the human condition. It's a must-listen for those interested in philosophy, religion, and the deeper questions of our shared existence!

As promised here is a link to Swinburne'sHymn to Prosperine: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45292/hymn-to-proserpine-after-the-proclamation-in-rome-of-the-christian-faith

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🎙️ Follow The Sacred: linktr.ee/sacredpodcast

📖 Follow Elizabeth Oldfield: www.elizabetholdfield.com/

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

✍️ See James' work: @jtworr

Keywords:

sacred, secular, enchantment, ordinary, values, virtues, tradition, formative influences, multilingual, boarding school, religion, faith, journey, conservatism, political beliefs, Brexit, class divide, equality, diversity, inclusion, social cohesion, institutional resilience, metaphysical, human dignity, quantitative, philosophy, religion, theology, Christianity, Catholicism, Anglicanism, moral philosophy, ethics, community, belonging, identity, culture, modernism, postmodernism, transcendence, immanence, sacred-secular divide, spiritual, intellectual, cultural, political, social, personal, formation, transformation