Episodes

  • #5. Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst: Is there purpose in the Universe? Exploring the weirdness of the cosmic and quantum realm.

    #5. Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst: Is there purpose in the Universe? Exploring the weirdness of the cosmic and quantum realm.
    Apr 8 2026
    Is there a purpose to the largest thing of all - The Universe? And does the weird world of the smallest things - Quantum Physics - tell us anything about it?Atheist theologian Emily Qureshi-Hurst believes the evidence points to a purely physical reality. However, astrophysicist Paul Davies says there's a deeper meaning to the 'directionality' of our cosmos. In this mind-expanding conversation, they join Justin to explain the science they agree on... and work out where they differ. Find out more: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get early access and more when you become a supporter: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Keep up to date, and receive free chapters from my books, by subscribing to the newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ What did you think? Let me know by emailing: feedback@think.faith Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ For Emily Qureshi-Hurst: https://www.emilyqureshihurst.com/For Paul Davies: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/457920/quantum-20-by-davies-paul/9780241655801A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 2 mins
  • #4. Iain McGilchrist & Anil Seth: Minds, brains, consciousness and the God question.

    #4. Iain McGilchrist & Anil Seth: Minds, brains, consciousness and the God question.
    Mar 24 2026
    Renowned philosopher Iain McGilchrist and eminent neuroscientist Anil Seth sit down with Justin Brierley to discuss whether consciousness is a product of brain chemistry or points to God. They discuss left and right brain hemispheres, panpsychism, theories of consciousness and how meditation and prayer affect our psychology. Seth also describes his atheist-agnostic worldview, and McGilchrist explains his recent embrace of Christian faith.Subscribe now to hear conversations that move beyond the echo chambers and into the deeper questions we all share—Uncommon Ground: conversations that matter. Find out more: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get early access and more when you become a supporter: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Keep up to date, and receive free chapters from my books, by subscribing to the newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ What did you think? Let me know by emailing: feedback@think.faith Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ For Iain McGilchrist: https://channelmcgilchrist.com/home/For Anil Seth: https://www.anilseth.com/A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 19 mins
  • #3. Jonathan Pageau & Joe Folley: Does art, culture and human experience point to God?

    #3. Jonathan Pageau & Joe Folley: Does art, culture and human experience point to God?
    Mar 10 2026
    Orthodox thinker Jonathan Pageau and atheist philosopher Joe Folley sit down with Justin Brierley to discuss whether art, culture and human experience point to God. In a deep and rich conversation ranging across consciousness, science, religion, the incarnation and the resurrection they debate whether a Divine Logos or natural forces explain the reality we all encounter. Subscribe now to hear conversations that move beyond the echo chambers and into the deeper questions we all share—Uncommon Ground: conversations that matter. Find out more: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get early access and more when you become a supporter: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Keep up to date, and receive free chapters from my books, by subscribing to the newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ What did you think? Let me know by emailing: feedback@think.faith Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ For Jonathan Pageau: https://www.youtube.com/c/jonathanpageauFor Joe Folley: https://www.youtube.com/@unsolicitedadvice9198 A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 7 mins
  • #2. Alex O'Connor & Glen Scrivener: Did Christianity give us our morality? Debating freedom, slavery, equality and the Bible.

    #2. Alex O'Connor & Glen Scrivener: Did Christianity give us our morality? Debating freedom, slavery, equality and the Bible.
    Feb 24 2026
    Atheist thinker Alex O'Connor goes toe-to-toe with Christian thinker Glen Scrivener on whether Christianity gave us our belief in kindness, equality, freedom and consent. Across 2.5 hours of intense conversation moderated by Justin Brierley, they debate whether or not hospitals, welfare, charity, emancipation, gender equality, human rights and consent hinge on Christian influence. Subscribe now to hear conversations that move beyond the echo chambers and into the deeper questions we all share—Uncommon Ground: conversations that matter. Find out more: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get early access and more when you become a supporter: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Keep up to date, and receive free chapters from my books, by subscribing to the newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ What did you think? Let me know by emailing: feedback@think.faith For Alex O'Connor: https://www.alexoconnor.com/For Glen Scrivener: https://speaklife.org.uk/ A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 41 mins
  • #1. Richard Dawkins & Rowan Williams: God vs Science. What is behind the poetry of reality?

    #1. Richard Dawkins & Rowan Williams: God vs Science. What is behind the poetry of reality?
    Feb 10 2026
    The world's most famous atheist, Richard Dawkins, sits down to talk with the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, in the very first episode of Uncommon Ground, hosted by Justin Brierley. In a wide-ranging conversation on atheism, faith, poetry, music, meaning, love, complexity, suffering, evolution and survival, they discuss whether God or science makes best sense of 'the poetry of reality'. Subscribe now to hear conversations that move beyond the echo chambers and into the deeper questions we all share—Uncommon Ground: conversations that matter. Find out more: https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/ Get early access and more when you become a supporter: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Keep up to date, and receive free chapters from my books, by subscribing to the newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ Watch this show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ What did you think? Let me know by emailing: feedback@think.faith Richard Dawkins' 'The God Delusion': https://amzn.eu/d/0je7xxeBRowan Williams' 'Discovering Christianity': https://amzn.eu/d/0dwMwQq1 A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 49 mins
  • Introducing 'Uncommon Ground'

    Introducing 'Uncommon Ground'
    Jan 19 2026
    Justin Brierley is back in the moderator's chair hosting conversations between Christians, atheists, skeptics and seekers in this new podcast and video show. 'Uncommon Ground' features leading figures from the world of atheism, psychology, science, culture, literature and theology. Recorded in the beautiful setting of Yarnton Manor, Oxford, they’ll be debating purpose in the universe, meaning in life, faith, atheism and the deepest questions of existence. But this isn't just another debate-fest. 'Uncommon Ground' asks each guest to spell out the other's position. Connecting before correcting. Disagreeing well by understanding each other better. Season 1 will feature:- Richard, Dawkins & Rowan Williams - on God & science.- Alex O Connor & Glen Scrivener - on whether Christianity gave us our morality.- Anil Seth & Iain McGilchrist - on consciousness and the brain.- Jonathan Pageau & Joe Folley - on whether art and beauty points to God. - Paul Davies & Emily Qureshi-Hurst - on whether the universe has a purpose. - Elizabeth Oldfield & James Marriott - on whether there’s purpose in life.- Stephen Meyer & Phil Halper - big bang cosmology and the fine tuning of the universe. - Philip Pullman and Francis Spufford - on literature, meaning, imagination and religion. ...and more to be announced. Get access to every episode TWO WEEKS early when you support: https://justinbrierley.com/support-me/ Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3rZ-nZe04d8G6kwNOMpuI8vQ4Qx3rVEQ Stay up to date - and get free chapters from both my books - by subscribing to my newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/get-justins-newsletter/ A production of Think Faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    6 mins