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Reading Our Times

Theos
Consciousness
Artificial Intelligence
Human Condition
Ethical Treatment Of AI
Animal Personhood
AI Safety
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Cognition In Animals
Socioeconomic Inequality
Elon Musk
The Machine Age
Alien Life
Robot Souls
Elephant Personhood Case
Climate Change
John Maynard Keynes
Technology and Work
Bletchley Park
Astrobiology
Philosophy Of Mind

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes87Founded5 years ago
Categories
PhilosophySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Reading Our Times

Latest Episodes

Western societies have fallen out of love with (having) children, and all too often this is treated as a policy problem. But in reality, it's a much deeper personal and philosophical one.

What has changed in our attitudes to having children? How do... more

Choice is so important to who we are in the West is no longer feels like something we do, so much as something we are. Deny someone choice, and it feels like you are challenging their very humanity.

Where does this obsession with choice come from, ... more

Strange things are happening to Christianity in the West. Some people are talking about revival whereas others are talking about extinction. Whoever is right, the ramifications for our culture will be immense.

What is happening? If we are entering a... more

The idea that society should grow - and continue to grow, economically, without ending, without limits - is a relatively new and fiercely defended idea. It emerged first in Western countries but has captured much of the world today.

How realistic i... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Anastasia Berg
Co-author of the book What Are Children For? and cultural commentator.
Episode: What are children for? In conversation with Anastasia Berg
Sophia Rosenfeld
Professor of History and Chair of the Department of History at the University of Pennsylvania.
University of Pennsylvania
Episode: How have we come to deify choice? In conversation with Sophia Rosenfeld
Rupert Shortt
Religion editor of The Times Literary Supplement for 20 years and author of several books about Christian thought and practice.
Episode: Would it matter if Christianity were eclipsed? In conversation with Rupert Shortt
Richard McNeill Douglas
Research fellow at the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity
University of Surrey
Episode: Are there limits to economic growth? In conversation with Richard McNeill Douglas
Samir Puri
Expert discussing the notion of 'Westlessness'
Episode: Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
Jonathan Sumption
Discusses the future of democracy
Episode: Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
Richard Douglas
Analyzes growth prospects
Episode: Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
Lucy Ash
Journalist discussing the threat from Putin
Episode: Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times
Diarmaid Macculloch
Examines the interplay of sex and religion in the West
Episode: Trailer: Series 10 of Reading Our Times

Host

Nick Spencer
Host of Reading Our Times

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 100 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 Kingdom10 months 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 States3 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 Kingdom4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Some critiques highlight a need for more balance in discussions, particularly regarding contentious topics.
Listeners appreciate the podcast for its thought-provoking content and ability to engage with complex ideas in an accessible manner.
Many find the discussions enriching, often leading them to explore the featured books further.

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 are children for? In conversation with Anastasia Berg
Q: What does what we've been talking about tell us about the human condition?
It shows that even in the most personal question of whether or not to have children, something tremendous of philosophical and ethical significance is at stake.
Would it matter if Christianity were eclipsed? In conversation with Rupert Shortt
Q: What do you think is going on with prominent figures making positive noises about Christianity?
Shortt attributes this trend to a hunger for meaning among people who feel that rationalism alone cannot fully explain human experiences.
Would it matter if Christianity were eclipsed? In conversation with Rupert Shortt
Q: Why do you think some countries, particularly in Western Europe, have secularized?
Rupert Shortt discusses multiple factors like science, education, and technology contributing to secularization, noting a general nervousness about religion among the British.
Are there limits to economic growth? In conversation with Richard McNeill Douglas
Q: What do you mean by that phrase and why do you locate it in that year?
1972 marked landmark events imposing limits on modernity, such as the final Apollo mission and publication of the Limits to Growth Report.
Why is the Orthodox church so supportive of Putin's war? In conversation with Lucy Ash
Q: How sincere is Putin's Orthodox faith in your view?
While it's hard to assess his inner beliefs, there's evidence that his actions do not align with the core teachings of the Orthodox faith.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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?

The content focuses on the intersection of literature and contemporary issues, engaging with leading authors to unpack the ideas that shape societal discourse today. Themes such as meritocracy, justice, populism, human rights, and religion are frequently examined, prompting listeners to reflect on how these concepts influence the current state of the world. Notably, the discussions often weave in historical contexts, philosophical debates, and personal anecdotes that enrich the exploration of each topic, making the conversations both accessible and intellectually stimulating for audiences interested in deepening their understanding of pressing global issues.

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Which podcasts are similar to Reading Our Times?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Reading Our Times:

1. The Sacred
2. Re-Enchanting
3. The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God
4. Past Present Future
5. The Rest Is Politics

How many episodes of Reading Our Times are there?

Reading Our Times launched 5 years ago and published 87 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 Reading Our Times?

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What guests have appeared on Reading Our Times?

Recent guests on Reading Our Times include:

1. Anastasia Berg
2. Sophia Rosenfeld
3. Rupert Shortt
4. Richard McNeill Douglas
5. Samir Puri
6. Jonathan Sumption
7. Richard Douglas
8. Lucy Ash

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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