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Reading Our Times

Theos
Consciousness
Human Condition
Artificial Intelligence
Philosophy
Enlightenment
Reality
Time
Democracy
Christianity
Animal Personhood
Mental Health
Ethical Treatment Of AI
United States
United Kingdom
Cognition In Animals
Woke
Social Justice
Identity Politics
Junk Code
AI Safety

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 t... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes104Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Reading Our Times

Latest Episodes

The idea that our country is Christian - in the historical sense of having been comprehensively formed by the faith - is sometimes taken as a kind of Christian nationalist dog whistle. But it shouldn't be.

In reality, this is true for most countries... more

Immigration is a major issue in the contemporary world, a - if not the - driver of nationalist movements the world over. It is impossible to think about nationalism today, religious or otherwise, without thinking first about immigration.

But immigra... more

"Woke" has become one of the most contested words in contemporary culture, deployed as a badge of honour by some, a term of abuse by others. But what does it actually mean, and does it constitute a serious ideological movement or merely a passing fas... more

Unpalatable truth as it may be, there are some, especially today, who draw on the Bible to exclude and vilify others, as a way of protecting and the "pure" Christian culture of Europe or the West.

It's not an altogether new phenomenon - people have ... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Bijan Omrani
Teacher and barrister, author of God is an Englishman
Author of God is an Englishman
Episode: What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
Alan Manning
Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics
London School of Economics
Episode: What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
Andrew Doyle
Writer, comedian and broadcaster known for Titania McGrath
Self-employed / Titania McGrath persona
Episode: Is this the end of woke? In conversation with Andrew Doyle
Hannah Strømmen
Scholar specializing in biblical reception history at Lund University
Lund University
Episode: How does the Far Right weaponise the Bible? In conversation with Hannah Strømmen
Sonia Faleiro
Journalist and author of The Robe and the Sword
Independent author / Journalist
Episode: How is Buddhist nationalism transforming Asia? In conversation with Sonia Faleiro
Tobias Cremer
Academic in Cambridge and member of the European Parliament
European Parliament, Cambridge (academic)
Episode: How do politicians weaponise Christianity? In conversation with Tobias Cremer
Andrew Whitehead
Associate Professor of Sociology at Clemson University, co-author of Taking America Back for God
Clemson University
Episode: What is (American) Christian nationalism? In conversation with Andrew Whitehead
Eric Storm
Associate Professor of General History at Leiden University
Leiden University
Episode: What can the history of nationalism tell us about its future? In conversation with Eric Storm
Baroness Susan Greenfield
Neuroscientist and broadcaster, member of the House of Lords
Episode: What is consciousness? In conversation with Baroness Susan Greenfield

Hosts

Nick Spencer
Host of Reading Our Times
Philip Goff
Philosopher (guest)

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 109 ratings
  • Biased discussions

    To have a meaningful conversation you have to have a balance of views, not just perspectives from people who all agree on the same issue. Disappointing.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    EmJG95
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Excellent podcast for exploring ideas

    This is a great place to go for new, exciting, and thoughtful ideas relevant to the modern world. Thanks for the great content!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ZZito10
    United States4 years ago
  • Joyce

    Great show with Helen Joyce! She is fascinating and I am getting her book. Eye opener!

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Gnome chopper
    United States4 years ago
  • Engaging and thought provoking

    Have enjoyed listening to articulate thinkers on important topics. Would love to read the books I’ve heard discussed, but if I don’t get to, hearing them discussed is perhaps next best thing. Thank you Theos.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Baz64+
    Australia4 years ago
  • Excellent

    This podcast just keeps on giving. I love the ideas and books. this podcast is very good in getting to the heart the facts. Nick Spencer is up there with the best

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    R bland
    United Kingdom5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the breadth and intellectual quality, though audio quality and some guests have drawn criticism.
Deep, accessible discussions that illuminate big ideas.
Thoughtful, non-confrontational interviews with leading thinkers.
Host is praised for thoughtful engagement and book-focused conversations.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
Q: Is migration good for the economy, and what about GDP per capita?
He argues against binary good/bad judgments, noting that while population growth can raise total GDP, GDP per capita is the more relevant metric for individual living standards, and effects depend on employment, productivity, and innovation.
What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
Q: What impact does migration have on migrants themselves?
Manning outlines that most migrants seek better lives and often improve economic outcomes, though effects vary by migrant type and sector; discrimination can occur, but overall life satisfaction tends to rise for many migrants.
What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
Q: I'd like to start with definitions. How is a migrant formally defined and what kinds are there?
Manning explains the UN definition for long-term migrants and contrasts it with short-term migrants and visitors, then discusses how UK government classifications align or differ, highlighting how these definitions shape the understanding of migration scales.
What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
Q: How did education and literacy become tied to Christian institutions in England?
Monasteries and cathedral schools safeguarded and transmitted knowledge, eventually evolving into universities that operated with a surprising degree of independence from church oversight, enabling broader learning and civilizational continuity.
What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
Q: Tell us why this moment is important for the idea of Englishness.
It matters because the early Christianization created a coherent narrative and institutional framework—king, church, and law working together to form a shared identity and a rule of law that bound diverse communities.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Reading Our Times

What is Reading Our Times about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on deep ideas drawn from recent books and thinkers across philosophy, science, theology, and culture. Conversations typically unpack big questions—cosmic purpose, the nature of reality, consciousness, time, and the meaning of human life—through rigorous yet accessible dialogue with authors and scholars. The host tends to foreground generous inquiry, careful reading of texts, and a willingness to bridge disciplines, making it a compelling listen for listeners who enjoy thoughtful, book-led exploration of contemporary issues.

A standout aspect is the show's breadth: it pairs rigorous philosophy with science, theology, and humanities, featuring prominent authors and thinkers. The format emphasizes nuance over polemic and oft... more

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1. The Sacred
2. Re-Enchanting
3. UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
4. Uncommon Ground with Justin Brierley
5. More or Less

How many episodes of Reading Our Times are there?

Reading Our Times launched 6 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Reading Our Times?

Recent guests on Reading Our Times include:

1. Bijan Omrani
2. Alan Manning
3. Andrew Doyle
4. Hannah Strømmen
5. Sonia Faleiro
6. Tobias Cremer
7. Andrew Whitehead
8. Eric Storm

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.

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