Holy Smoke
The SpectatorThe most important and controversial topics in world religion, thoroughly dissected by a range of high profile guests. Presented by Damian Thompson.
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| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 229 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ReligionChristianityReligion & Spirituality | |||
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Latest Episodes
Friend of Holy Smoke Fr. Alexander Lucie-Smith joins Damian Thompson to talk about the complicated relationship between the drug cartels in Mexico and the Catholic Church. The violence of the cartels has led to a flourishing of shrines – and also cul... more
The Spectator's editor Michael Gove ‘was born into a sternly Presbyterian culture’, but – in this week's magazine – is ‘giving thanks to the Pope’ for producing Magnifica Humanitas, his encyclical about artificial intelligence (AI). AI will be ‘as tr... more
One year on from when Pope Leo became head of the Catholic church and he remains a bit of an enigma. Is he a Conservative or Liberal? What did we learn from his clash with Donald Trump? Damian Thompson is joined by editor of The Pillar Ed Condon and ... more
In 2009 Pope Benedict XVI upset liberals by creating the Ordinariates, new self-governing structures for ex-Anglicans who wanted to preserve their ‘patrimony’ in their worship and evangelisation. Until now, many bishops in the English-speaking world ... more
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
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Reviews
- Askew
I’ve always loved this podcast until recently. I’ve sensed a decline in the quality of the guests. The extraordinarily vulgar and ignorant commentator Fleur Meston is a case in point. She has no sophisticated sense of who the Holy Father is. She rants and raves that he cannot interpret the meaning of the scriptures. I suppose that’s to be left to the genius of social media, The View, and other trashy uneducated brats rather than the successors to the apostles. Scripture and Tradition means Apos... more
Apple Podcasts4Abdellat
United States5 months ago - Latest episode on the Anglican communion
It felt like a sneering attitude to genuine theological dispute. Take on African churches not a good look in particular. Not what I expected at all.
Could have been so much better if both sides fairly represented. Have another go as there are interesting things to be said.
Apple Podcasts1Really your best effort?
United Kingdom8 months ago - Shame you can’t hear the guest
I was listening to this podcast on full volume (I don’t have a hearing problem) and I couldn’t hear Rev’d Marcus Walker. He swallows his words.
It got marginally better towards the end but should be looked into.
Apple Podcasts2Amelia22222United Kingdom8 months ago - Utterly facile, biased journalism
My goodness this is a ridiculous little podcast. Utterly biased towards more ultra conservative Catholics, repugnant in its really not even veiled hatred for anything or anyone associated with the late Pope Francis’s pontificate. Pathetic in its childish fetishisation of the Tridentine Mass. Only listened to a couple of episodes. Don’t expect to listen to many more.
Apple Podcasts1saintlymarkUnited Kingdoma year ago - Great Conversations
Excellent episode with Luke Coppen on the 7 May conclave.
Apple Podcasts5andhigginsUnited Statesa year ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #28 | United States/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #22 |  Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #82 | United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality |
Apple Podcasts | #6 |  Australia/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #10 |  Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Talking Points
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Audience Metrics
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Holy Smoke
What is Holy Smoke about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This program covers religion, politics, and culture through in-depth conversations with prominent guests across Catholic, Anglican, and broader faith communities. Episodes frequently dissect ethics, church policy, and societal impact, often pairing theological framing with contemporary policy questions—ranging from papal teaching on AI and work to church governance, liturgy, and global religious trends. Notable strengths include a fearless, debate-ready host who probes sacred and secular power structures, and a guest mix that blends journalists, clergy, academics, and public figures to illuminate complex intersections of faith and society. Listeners can expect provocative takes, rigorous critique, and practical implications for governance, ... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Holy Smoke?
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How many listeners does Holy Smoke get?
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What are the audience demographics for Holy Smoke?
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How many subscribers and views does Holy Smoke have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Holy Smoke?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Holy Smoke:
1. Americano
2. Best of the Spectator
3. The Edition
4. Coffee House Shots
5. Quite right!
How many episodes of Holy Smoke are there?
Holy Smoke launched 10 years ago and published 229 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Holy Smoke?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Holy Smoke?
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What guests have appeared on Holy Smoke?
Recent guests on Holy Smoke include:
1. Michael Gove
2. Ed Condon
3. Mary Wakefield
4. Ed Tomlinson
5. Benedict Kiely
6. Mark Tooley
7. Justin Brierley
8. Robert Hardman
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.