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 | 240 | Founded | 10 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | ReligionChristianityReligion & Spirituality | |||
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Latest Episodes
Why are young women suddenly fascinated by nuns? From ‘nun girl summer’ on TikTok to a wider ‘quiet revival’ of Christianity among Generation Z, the religious life appears to be enjoying an unexpected cultural moment. But is the attraction genuinely ... more
Is the Church of England slowly abolishing the parish priest? A new model of ‘oversight ministry’ promises team-based leadership and a greater role for lay volunteers – but critics fear it will leave priests increasingly invisible in the communities ... more
What happens when a bishop breaks with Rome but still claims apostolic succession? Damian Thompson is joined by historian Magnus Lundberg, Professor of Church and Mission History at Uppsala University in Sweden, to explore the strange world of ‘wande... more
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
Key Facts
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Recent Guests
Host
Reviews
- Great podcast
I didn’t think I needed a podcast like this but I do.
Apple Podcasts5ekeane 87
United Kingdom2 months ago - Interesting but lets himself down
Listening to an old episode on UK grooming gangs with a representative of the Muslim community I was struck by the rude style of the host - begin with a lengthy monologue, ask the guest to respond and then interrupt quickly to argue. Hardly professional journalism, no matter the veracity of the guest’s statement. Could be much better.
Apple Podcasts2OziMozzie
Australia3 months 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 States8 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
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 | #43 | United States/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #3 | United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #34 |  Canada/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #63 | United Kingdom/Religion & Spirituality |
Apple Podcasts | #4 | Australia/Religion & Spirituality/Religion |
Apple Podcasts | #17 |  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 tackles provocative, historically informed religion topics with high-profile guests, ranging from church historians and canon lawyers to journalists and policymakers. Episodes frequently dissect Catholic dynamics, Anglican-Ordinariate stories, Vatican policies, and religion in public life, often connecting doctrinal questions with contemporary politics, culture, and media narratives. A standout trait is the willingness to host controversial, nuanced discussions with a mix of scholarly and journalistic voices, providing listeners with bothContextual depth and timely relevance for sponsorship or guest opportunities. Potential listeners who enjoy rigorous, opinionated debates about faith, church governance, and religion's role in ... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Holy Smoke?
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Holy Smoke. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Holy Smoke and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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 240 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. Magnus Lundberg
2. Madeline Grant
3. Margarita Mooney Clayton
4. Thomas Munson
5. Sam Matthews Burnham
6. Gregg L. Frazer
7. Father Alexander Lucie-Smith
8. Michael Gove
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.