Nomad Podcast

Hope-filled conversations

Jennifer Bird – Deconstructing Biblical Sex and Marriage (N338)

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 […]

Munther Isaac – Gaza, God and Genocide (N337)

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 […]

Sally Douglas – Jesus Sophia (N336)

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 […]

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

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 […]

Christmas Q&A (N334)

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

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

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 […]

Joanna Leidenhag – The Consciousness of All Things (N330)

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 […]

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

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 […]

Thomas Oord – Reimagining the Divine After Omnipotence (N328)

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. […]

Jon Bilbrough (aka Wilderthorn) – Soundscapes and Sacred Spaces (N327)

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, […]

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

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 […]

Keith Giles – The Secret Sayings of Jesus (N325)

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 […]

Sophie Grace Chappell – Trans Figured (N324)

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 […]

Therapist Q&A (N323)

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 […]

John Butler – Finding Stillness in a Chaotic World (N322)

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 […]

Olivia Jackson – Deconstruction Myths and Accusations (N321)

When our faith is shifting we’re often met with a variety of challenging responses from others. Drawing from her research, Olivia Jackson helps us to consider whether or not these responses reflect the lived experiences of those who are deconstructing. Afterwards Nick and Joy reflect on their own paths as they consider the impact of […]

David Hayward – Til Doubt Do Us Part (N320)

In this episode we chat with pastor turned artist David Hayward, aka Naked Pastor. David shares his journey from church leadership, through faith deconstruction, to a more expansive spirituality. The conversation focusses on David’s marriage, and how he and his wife navigated the complex dynamics of reimagining their relationship amid profound spiritual change. It’s a […]

Anthony Reddie & Al Barrett – Deconstructing Whiteness (N319)

Professor Anthony Reddie and Revd. Dr. Al Barrett join us for a conversation about whiteness. Weaving personal experiences with theological insights, they reflect on privilege, power, empire, race and identity, and wrestle with the need for both critical deconstruction and hopeful reimagining. It’s a nuanced and inspiring conversation between two scholar activists about the pursuit […]