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 | 237 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ReligionChristianityReligion & Spirituality | |||
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Latest Episodes
In this week’s episode of Holy Smoke, Damian Thompson is joined by Madeline Grant to dive into the contentious topic of Project Spire, the Church of England's ambitious plan to allocate £100 million in reparations for its involvement in the transatla... more
Is Andy Burnham the country's first catholic Prime Minister, and how might it influence his leadership? Despite his faith drawing him to Labour, he doesn’t attend mass and rarely emphasises his religion publicly. To unpack his faith and where it migh... more
For many Christians, devotion to the Virgin Mary is deeply moving. For others, it raises uncomfortable theological questions. Is the veneration of Mary a vital part of Christian faith or does it risk elevating her to something resembling a goddess? A... more
From idolising players to faithfully following a club, football is often described as the world’s secular religion. But religion has long been woven into the fabric of the game itself. From the sectarian roots of Glasgow’s Old Firm rivalry between Ca... more
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Reviews
- Great podcast
I didn’t think I needed a podcast like this but I do.
Apple Podcasts5ekeane 87
United Kingdoma month ago - Intelligent and compelling
I genuinely can’t wait for each episode, Holy Smoke tackles big, difficult questions with real energy and insight, and never shies away from where the conversation leads.
It’s sharp, engaging, and one of the few podcasts that actually leaves one thinking long after it’s finished
Apple Podcasts5citygirl.001United Kingdom3 months ago - 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 States7 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 Kingdom10 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 Kingdom10 months ago
Listeners Say
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
Chart Rankings
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #54 | United States/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #8 | United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #90 |  Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #8 |  Australia/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #23 |  Italy/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #23 |  France/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?
To see how many followers or subscribers Holy Smoke has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Holy Smoke?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Holy Smoke:
1. Americano
2. The Edition
3. Best of the Spectator
4. Coffee House Shots
5. Quite right!
How many episodes of Holy Smoke are there?
Holy Smoke launched 10 years ago and published 237 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. Margarita Mooney Clayton
2. Thomas Munson
3. Sam Matthews Burnham
4. Gregg L. Frazer
5. Father Alexander Lucie-Smith
6. Ed Condon
7. Freddy Gray
8. Mary Wakefield
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.