Halima Gosai Hussein is the former chair of the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. Giles Goddard is an Anglican priest and author of Generous Faith . On paper, their backgrounds could hardly be more different. But their paths converged through a shared commitment to inclusion — Giles in the work of building an open and affirming church, Halima through her leadership with the Inclusive Mosque Initiative. In this conversation, they reflect on the faith they inherited, the shifts and struggles that resha...
Aug 22, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 351
In this episode, Tim chats with author and activist Brian McLaren about his new novel The Last Voyage , a provocative and emotionally rich exploration of what might happen when the powerful elite try to escape a dying Earth and build a new civilisation elsewhere. Drawing on decades of theological reflection and his recent work on collapse and ecological crisis, Brian reflects on what spirituality might look like at the end of the world. Can faith survive without institutions or certainty? What h...
Aug 11, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 350
In this episode, Tim speaks with Episcopal priest and author Kira Austin-Young, about the moral, theological, and pastoral dimensions of abortion. Together, they reflect on the silence in progressive churches, the complexity of personhood, biblical texts often used in the debate, and how Christians might begin to hold space for compassion and moral complexity in conversations around reproductive freedom. It’s a thoughtful, grounded, and emotionally honest conversation that resists easy answers. ...
Jul 25, 2025•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 349
In this episode, Tim chats with psychologist and theologian Richard Beck about his book The Shape of Joy , which explores the idea that much of modern misery stems from a life turned inward—and that joy comes when we shift our attention beyond ourselves. Drawing on ancient theology, modern psychology, and lived experience, Richard challenges the dominance of a belief-centric, self-focused faith and invites us into a more outward-facing spirituality. He unpacks the difference between therapeutic ...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 348
In this episode, we speak with therapist Joy Brooks about spiritual bypassing—how well-meaning spiritual beliefs and practices can sometimes mask or avoid the difficult emotions and wounds we all carry. Drawing on psychology, contemplative traditions, and Joy’s own journey out of charismatic Christianity, the conversation uncovers why confronting pain honestly is essential for genuine growth. Joy reflects on how communities and individuals alike can unintentionally use faith to silence, dismiss,...
Jun 23, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 347
In this episode, we speak with former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams about his vision of faith as attentiveness, not answers — a path not of mastery, but of mystery. Drawing on themes from his book Discovering Christianity , Rowan reflects on the difference between faith and toxic religion, and explores how trust, not certainty, might be the deeper thread that runs through the Christian story. We talk about the appeal of other traditions, Rowan’s appreciation of Buddhism, and why — desp...
Jun 09, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 346
In this episode, we speak with writer Lamorna Ash about her two-year immersion in Christianity—an unexpected journey that took her from conservative Bible studies and charismatic worship to Quaker silence, Jesuit retreats, and the poetry of mystical experience. Inspired by the sudden conversions of two close friends, Lamorna set out to understand what faith might look like from the inside. Along the way, she wrestled with the limitations of belief, the beauty of ancient rituals, and the uncomfor...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 345
In this episode we speak with Bible scholar Dan McClellan about one of Christianity’s most foundational claims: the divinity of Jesus. Drawing from his deep engagement with biblical scholarship, Dan invites us to consider whether the Bible actually presents Jesus as God in the way later doctrine insists. He explores how early Christian texts reflect diverse and competing understandings of Jesus’s nature, and how ideas about divinity were shaped as much by evolving theology and politics as by the...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 344
In this special Easter meditation, writer and storyteller Gareth Higgins invites us into a deeper experience of reality—one rooted not in fear, despair, or division, but in love. With characteristic warmth and clarity, Gareth reflects on the challenges of our time: overwhelming empathy, collapsing certainties, and the temptation to believe that love is unrealistic. Yet through all this, he offers a simple but radical reframing—what if we are not only capable of love, but made of it? Drawing from...
Apr 17, 2025•52 min•Ep. 343
In this episode we speak with Shane Meyer-Holt— writer , speaker, and co-host of In the Shift podcast—about the impact of capitalism on our understanding of ourselves, our relationships and our need for care. Drawing from his own experiences of parenting, community and faith shifting, Shane reflects on the way neoliberal values have colonised our lives. He invites us to critique capitalist assumptions with a view to building relationships and communities capable of holding the tension between th...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 342
What happens when the idealised image of motherhood meets the lived reality? In this episode, we sit down with Director of Theos, Chine McDonald to explore the complexities of motherhood and faith. Chine shares her personal journey, from growing up in evangelical churches with rigid gender roles to navigating the expectations and challenges of motherhood. We delve into the ways theology has often sidelined maternal experiences, how cultural depictions of Mary have shaped ideas of motherhood, and...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 341
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Helen Bond , Professor of Christian Origins and New Testament, as we explore the complex relationship between the Jesus of history and the Christ of faith. Helen unpacks the challenges of reconstructing Jesus’ life from the Gospels, revealing how early Christian communities shaped his story. We discuss the historical context of Jesus’ teachings, the differing portrayals across the Gospels, and what scholars can confidently say about his life ...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 340
In this episode, we speak with Justin Lee about navigating difference and division in a polarised world. Justin shares his journey reconciling his identity as a gay man with his evangelical Christian upbringing, a path that led to his work fostering dialogue across divides. He explores the challenges of echo chambers, the instinct to fight or avoid disagreement, and the power of listening, storytelling, and empathy in building bridges. It's a conversation about the courage to hold space for comp...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 339
In this episode, we sit down with biblical scholar Dr. Jennifer Bird to explore the Bible’s complex portrayals of marriage and sexuality. Jennifer shares her journey from conservative evangelicalism to a more nuanced, humanistic perspective, and helps us unpack, among other things, Jesus and Paul’s lack of enthusiasm for marriage, the Bible’s limitations as a guide for healthy relationships, and the risks of putting Jesus on a pedestal. After the interview, Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 338
In this episode, we speak with Munther Isaac about the history of the Israel-Palestine conflict, and what led to the current crisis in Gaza. Munther, a Palestinian pastor and theologian, reflects on the intersection of theology and politics, and what faith, hope and love might mean in the face of such terrible suffering. Following the interview Nomad hosts Joy Brooks and Tim Nash reflect on the emotional response they’ve felt in the face of this crisis, the role Christian Zionism played in the f...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 337
In this episode, we’re joined by theologian and minister, Sally Douglas . Sally helps us explore the idea of Jesus as Sophia, the embodiment of the female divine. Together, we unpack themes like righteous anger, justice, and the sacredness of all creation. Sally shares how reclaiming Sophia’s presence in the Gospels challenges patriarchal structures, inspires a deeper connection to the divine, and invites us to live with compassion and courage. From contemplative practices to radical hospitality...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 336
In this special devotional episode, anabaptist, anarchist and animist Noel Moules explores the profound mystery of incarnation from his unique perspective as a Christian animist. He considers the interconnectedness of all things—seeing the sacredness in both creation and spirit, and how personhood extends beyond humanity to the entire cosmos. Noel reflects on how Jesus' life exemplifies this mystery, offering a vision of restoration and hope. Noel invites us to reconsider the divine presence in ...
Dec 20, 2024•53 min•Ep. 335
In this special seasonal episode, your Nomad hosts come together for a Q&A session filled with festive cheer and thoughtful reflections. As a heartfelt thank-you to our amazing supporters—whose generosity has made this year’s Nomadic journey possible—we’re diving into their most pressing (and quirky) questions. While our answers may not always be the most accurate or helpful, they’ll hopefully spark some meaningful conversations and perhaps a few laughs along the way. So join us as we wrestl...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 334
Back in 2019, Tim Nash and David Blower sat down with Brian Zahnd to explore the toxic entanglement between Church and Empire, and the resulting religion Zahnd calls "Americanism." From rethinking how we read Scripture to the deeply political implications of the cross, Zahnd offers a vision of living as citizens of God’s kindom amidst worldly empires. With Donald Trump, whom Zahnd identified as emblematic of "Americanism," once again elected President, we felt this conversation deserved to be re...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 333
No stranger to loss and trauma, feminist theologian, Karen O'Donnell helps us to reconsider some commonly held perspectives around spiritual practice. Sharing from research and lived experience, she offers insight into how we might benefit from reimagining our approach to rebuilding and remaking ourselves in the aftermath of difficult, or damaging, life experiences. Following the interview, hosts Anna Robinson and Joy Brooks consider how their spiritual practices have changed alongside their shi...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 332
Dave Tomlinson joins us to reflect on his faith journey and how his evolving understanding of God has profoundly reshaped his approach to prayer. He explores the idea that prayer is for everyone, regardless of belief, advocating for the "democratisation" of prayer and sacraments. For Dave, these spiritual practices aren't confined to religious rituals but can be found in everyday moments, accessible to all. He invites us to reconsider the role of prayer in our lives, as a universal expression of...
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 331
In this episode Joanna Leidenhag explores the fascinating nature of consciousness and its implications for how we understand ourselves and the world around us. She challenges traditional views that separate mind and body, and instead advocates for panpsychism, an understanding that she believes better fosters environmental awareness, deeper respect for diverse cultures and a view of existence that is interconnected and alive. After the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Joy Brooks try to get the...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 330
Author and activist Brian McLaren joins us again, this time to explore how we navigate the many current crises humanity is facing. He reflects on the role of art, spirituality, and indigenous teaching in fostering the wisdom and resilience we’ll need as we try to imagine a new world. It’s a profound reflection on how we can confront humanity’s greatest challenges with courage and hope. Following the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Anna Robinson reflect on Brian’s insights and how facing the r...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 329
Theologian Thomas Oord joins us again to explore a vision of God as radically loving but not omnipotent. We look at the implications of challenging this traditional notion of divine control and how it has reshaped Tom’s understanding of creation, evolution, suffering, liberation, the nature of God's power and the potential for hope without guarantees. Throughout the conversation Tom reflects on how these ideas have shaped his life, including his recent experience of a heresy trial for his LGBTQI...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 328
In this episode artist and musician Jon Bilbrough reflects on his spiritual and creative heritage and how it shaped his unique musical journey. From early memories of communal singing to the experimental sounds of the 90s, Jon shares his deep connection with music, nature, and place. He discusses the contemplative approach of his recent work, the role of improvisation, and the sacred spaces that inspire his performances. It’s a fascinating conversation about authenticity, creativity, and the mys...
Aug 23, 2024•1 hr 11 min
On this episode Elizabeth Oldfield joins us to talk about what it means to tend to our souls during turbulent times. Elizabeth shares the practices that are helping her become a depolarising presence in a culture of outrage, tribalism, and division, and forming intentional community in an age of disconnection and isolation. She also reflects on what hope has come to mean to her, and how she resists despair. Following the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on Elizabeth’s jour...
Aug 10, 2024•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 326
In the canonical gospels, we’re told that Jesus met privately with his disciples to “explain everything”. Ever wondered what those teachings were? Teacher and author Keith Giles believes that the Gospel of Thomas could unveil these private teachings of Jesus. According to Keith, this gospel centres on non-duality and divine oneness, and might hold the key to addressing humanity’s greatest challenges. Following the interview Nomad hosts Tim Nash and Nick Thorley reflect on the saying of the Gospe...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 325
In this episode we welcome professor Sophie Grace Chappell , who shares her profound journey of faith, gender identity, and self-acceptance. Identified male at birth, Sophie Grace reflects on her early sense of being female, her experience of the evangelical church, and the reconciliation of her faith with her transgender identity. With compassion and insight, she discusses societal and religious opposition, offers advice for parents of transgender children, and the open letter she wrote to J K ...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 324
Host Joy Brooks has gathered a group of psychotherapists from the Nomad therapy network to see how they answer questions from members of the Beloved Listener Lounge. Considering questions such as "what makes therapy transformational?”, "what would you say to someone who was told to trust the bible not feelings?", “how can I function while feeling like I can’t live with God and can’t live without God?” and “how can I work through the effects of purity culture and toxic religious attitudes towards...
Jun 24, 2024•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 323
Drawing on his life as an organic farmer and over six decades of meditation, contemplative John Butler gently guides us on a journey towards inner stillness. Born in the 1930’s, John reflects on the slow emergence of a spirituality shaped by years of deep connection to the natural world, mantra meditation, and an unexpected mystical experience of Jesus. He also reflects on his sadness at struggling to connect with a Church suspicious of the journey he’s been on. After the interview Nomad hosts T...
Jun 10, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 322
