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Reading Our Times

Reading Our Times

By: Theos
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About this listen

 Reading Our Times is the podcast that explores the books and the ideas that are shaping us today. It is hosted by Nick Spencer, Senior Fellow at the think tank, Theos. We’re going to be talking to some of the world’s leading authors about issues like meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, the brain, liberalism, and religion. Above all, we'll be exploring what these books have to say about the times we live in and about the people we are. So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today. For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.979571 Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times

    Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
    May 20 2025

    Reading Our Times is back for its 10th series but this time, with a twist...

    Nick Spencer explores themes surrounding the West – its roots, its contours, and its future.

    Series 10 looks at the future of democracy with Jonathan Sumption, at the future of growth with Richard Douglas, and the future of Christianity with Rupert Shortt. Lucy Ash unpacks the threat from Putin and the ever-supportive Orthodox Church.

    The series asks the big questions about children, about choice and its deification, and about sex and religion with Diarmaid Macculloch.

    Next week, episode 1 gives an overview of the future of the West – or rather of the prospect of Westlessness – with Samir Puri.

    Tune in weekly from 27 May. Find Reading Our Times on all podcasting platforms.

    🎙️ Follow Dr Nick Spencer @theosnick

    💡 Produced by ‪@theosthinktank https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/

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    2 mins
  • Trailer: Motherhood vs The Machine

    Trailer: Motherhood vs The Machine
    Mar 6 2025

    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/
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    2 mins
  • Bookends: Unpacking Series 9 of Reading Our Times

    Bookends: Unpacking Series 9 of Reading Our Times
    Dec 17 2024
    With series 9 of Reading Our Times coming to an end, Nick Spencer takes a look back on the series and shares his thoughts on the ideas espoused by the various guests. Should Britain pay slavery reparations? Are 'leftism' and 'wokeism' compatible? What do all these topics tell us about what it means to be human? Join us for all this and more!
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    13 mins

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