Best Sayer Roberts Podcasts (2024)

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25. The Believing Brain: How Iain McGilchrist rediscovered the soul 1:49:37

2d ago1:49:37

1:49:37

Why did atheist neuroscientist Christoph Koch recently lose a 25-year-old bet on consciousness? Why is 'panpsychism' in fashion? And could the latest research on the brain be pointing us back towards God? Justin speaks to scientists and philosophers such as Sharon Dirckx and Philip Goff on the surprising turn away from atheist materialism. Ex-athei…

1
24. Alex O’Connor & Justin Brierley: Is The Rebirth Real? Edinburgh Debate 1:58:22

4d ago1:58:22

1:58:22

Justin engages with atheist youtuber Alex O'Connor in a live audience conversation in Edinburgh, hosted by Patrick Brown of Trinity Forum Europe. They discuss Justin's 'Surprising Rebirth' thesis and whether the Bible is the foundation of Western morality. Alex also surprises the audience by reciting a CS Lewis poem from memory. For Justin's speaki…

1
23. Emerging from the Meaning Crisis: The death of Daniel Dennett and rebirth of Jordan Hall 1:49:12

18d ago1:49:12

1:49:12

Do we have free will? Many leading atheist voices say 'no'. Determinism has become a popular philosophy, but has contributed to a meta-crisis and a mental health crisis. Hearing from thinkers such as Alan Noble, Elizabeth Oldfield and Iain McGilchrist, Justin asks whether the passing of influential philosopher Daniel Dennett may herald a new openne…

1
22. Are We Seeing A Christian Revival? Live from the UnHerd Club - Justin Brierley, Alex O'Connor, Elizabeth Oldfield & Freddie Sayers 1:33:04

1M ago1:33:04

1:33:04

Justin was recently invited to the UnHerd Club in London to defend the thesis of The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. In this bonus episode he shares the conversation he had with atheist thinker Alex O’Connor and Christian thinker Elizabeth Oldfield as well as audience Q&A. The event was hosted by UnHerd presenter Freddie Sayers. More info, boo…

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21. Tammy Peterson: Miracles, conversion and being married to Jordan 1:23:18

1M ago1:23:18

1:23:18

The last few years have been a rollercoaster ride of fame, controversy, serious illness and surprising faith for Tammy and Jordan Peterson. In this extended interview Tammy talks to Justin Brierley about her miraculous recovery from terminal cancer, her recent conversion to Catholicism and the growing interest in faith she is witnessing though the …

1
20. The Logos Behind Life: The dissident scientists discovering a mind beyond matter 1:46:11

2M ago1:46:11

1:46:11

Why did Antony Flew, one of the world's leading atheists, announce in 2004 that he believes in God? Why did atheist philosopher Thomas Nagel's 2012 book 'Mind And Cosmos' get him labelled as a heretic by his peers? Justin Brierley explores why the discovery of the DNA code, the search for the origin of life, the complexity of the cell, and the math…

1
19. A Goldilocks Universe - The surprising science pointing to God 1:37:17

2M ago1:37:17

1:37:17

New Atheism proclaimed that science had buried God. However, as new evidence about the surprising origins of the universe and its fine-tuning for life has emerged, perhaps God was waiting for us all along. Justin speaks to scientists and thinkers including Jennifer Wiseman, John Lennox and Stephen Meyer. Peter Byrom also examines whether Richard Da…

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18. The Alternative Story Of Science 1:42:22

3M ago1:42:22

1:42:22

The New Atheists used science as their trump card against religion. But what if we've been sold a false story about 'science vs faith'? Justin speaks to scientists, historians and thinkers about modern myths, the conflict thesis and the Christians who launched the scientific revolution. Along the way we hear from Peter Atkins, David Hutchings, John…

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17. Live In London: Tom Holland & Justin Brierley in conversation 1:53:15

3M ago1:53:15

1:53:15

Historian Tom Holland, author of 'Dominion', joins Justin Brierley for a public conversation on The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God. They discuss Holland's own intellectual and spiritual journey, including an answered prayer to a health crisis. But is the renewed interest in the value of faith among secular intellectuals evidence of a turning o…

1
16. Did The Resurrection Really Happen? A classicist discovers the living Christ 1:44:41

3M ago1:44:41

1:44:41

The Christian faith began with the strange claim of a crucified and resurrected Messiah. But can 21st Century people believe in such a miracle at 2,000 years distance? Justin speaks with scholars who are part of a surprising rebirth of the historical evidence for the resurrection. Alongside thinkers such as Jonathan Pageau, Lydia and Tim McGrew, Jo…

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15. More Than Mythology: Why Molly Worthen changed her mind 1:40:01

4M ago1:40:01

1:40:01

New Atheism popularised 'Jesus Mythicism' - an online movement denying the existence of Jesus. But in recent years the trend in academia has gone in the opposite direction as research sheds new light on the reliability of the story of Jesus in the Gospels. Justin speaks to thinkers such as John Dickson, NT Wright, Lydia Mcgrew and Peter J Williams …

1
14. Why Does The Bible Refuse To Die? 1:54:55

5M ago1:54:55

1:54:55

The death of the Bible has been predicted many times, yet today it remains the bestselling book in the world as a new generation of meaning seekers turn back towards its ancient wisdom. Justin examines how thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Marilynne Robinson and Jonathan Haidt have been rehabilitating the Bible and hears from scholars such as Tim M…

1
13. Francis Spufford & Andrew Klavan: A celebrated author and Hollywood screenwriter come to faith 1:36:04

5M ago1:36:04

1:36:04

Prize-winning author Francis Spufford was an atheist for over 20 years before finding his way back to faith. His book 'Unapologetic: Why, despite everything, Christianity can still make surprising emotional sense' was an unconventional response to New Atheism. Hollywood screenwriter and bestselling novelist Andrew Klavan, also came to Christian fai…

1
12. The Christian Revolution: Why the cross changed the world 1:40:16

5M ago1:40:16

1:40:16

The early Christian claim that the God-man Jesus had been crucified for the sake of the world was 'foolishness' to the Greco-Roman world. Yet this countercultural belief in a God of sacrificial love ended up reshaping our instincts about human value, equality and compassion. Justin resumes his conversation with Tom Holland alongside other historian…

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11. The Sexual Revolution: Why Louise Perry changed her mind 1:36:49

6M ago1:36:49

1:36:49

The 20th Century's sexual revolution led to free love and the modern hookup culture. But some secular intellectuals are now saying we need to return to the values of the 1st Century sexual revolution. Justin hears from historians and thinkers who identify Christianity as the source of secular human rights, and why feminists such as Louise Perry are…

1
10. History Maker: Why Tom Holland changed his mind about Christ 1:32:38

6M ago1:32:38

1:32:38

Whether modern westerners realise it or not, their world has been shaped by the Jesus revolution of 2,000 years ago. Popular historian Tom Holland is a notable voice who has been reminding his secular peers of the Christian waters they swim in and why it matters. In this 'third act' of the documentary series Justin charts how the Christian story sh…

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Surprising Rebirth in 2024 - Special Announcement 5:29

7M ago5:29

5:29

Justin has a special announcement on the impact the show has been making and about a new release schedule for The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God in 2024. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership Support via…

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9. Paul Kingsnorth & Martin Shaw: A poet and mythologist convert 1:30:57

7M ago1:30:57

1:30:57

Why are poets and storytellers being drawn towards Christ? In this bonus episode Justin speaks to two adult converts to Christianity whose stories overlap in remarkable ways. Celebrated poet and author Paul Kingsnorth, and mythologist and storyteller Martin Shaw, both had unexpected conversions that have led them into the Orthodox church. More info…

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8. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: A New Atheist embraces Christianity 1:13:59

7M ago1:13:59

1:13:59

Ayaan Hirsi Ali recently announced her conversion to Christianity. The Somali-born ex-Muslim was one of the key voices of New Atheism in the mid 2000s but created a big stir when she published an article titled 'Why I am a now a Christian'. In this bonus episode Justin speaks to Elizabeth Oldfield and Glen Scrivener about Hirsi Ali's story, hearing…

1
7. The New Thinkers: A new conversation on God 1:29:46

7M ago1:29:46

1:29:46

As New Atheists turned their attention to battling the quasi-religions of 'woke' ideology in academia and culture, so a new generation of secular thinkers have begun a new conversation on God. Justin Brierley charts the changes wrought by the culture wars and introduces some key thinkers who are asking whether we can live without the Christian stor…

1
6. The Meaning Crisis: Why we're all religious deep down 1:23:12

7M ago1:23:12

1:23:12

Why is a mental health crisis sweeping the West? In a world where we can choose to be whatever we want to be, is this also an identity crisis? Justin hears from thinkers, psychologists and converts on The Meaning Crisis engulfing our culture and whether the Christian story could be poised to answer it. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbr…

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5. The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon 1:11:39

8M ago1:11:39

1:11:39

Jordan Peterson rose to fame in 2018 as a secular psychologist pointing his large audience back to the Bible. Is he a 'gateway drug' for Christianity? And what does he actually believe about God? Justin hears from thinkers, converts and the man himself about why so many have flocked to his message. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierl…

1
4. Alex O'Connor: Losing faith in New Atheism 46:22

8M ago46:22

46:22

A bonus episode of full conversation with popular atheist YouTuber Alex O Connor (aka Cosmic Skeptic). He talks to Justin about his own changing relationship with new atheism, and why he is rethinking some of his early takes on Christianity. The documentary format resumes next week. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisin…

1
3. Thank God for Richard Dawkins 1:18:35

8M ago1:18:35

1:18:35

New Atheism sought to demolish belief in God. Ironically, it led to a revival in Christian apologetics and even the conversion of a number of atheists. Justin Brierley speaks to thinkers, skeptics and converts who have reconsidered their approach to faith and are grateful that Richard Dawkins opened up the God question for them. More info, book & n…

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2. Elevatorgate: How the culture wars killed New Atheism 1:06:17

9M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

How did an incident in an elevator spark the downfall of New Atheism? Justin Brierley hears from those inside and outside the movement on the sexual scandals and controversies that led to feminists, LGBT and trans activists clashing with New Atheist leaders and advocating instead for 'Atheism +'. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley…

1
1. The Rise and Fall of New Atheism 1:08:18

9M ago1:08:18

1:08:18

New Atheism was an aggressive and very popular form of atheism that emerged in the mid-2000s led by the '4 horsemen' - Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett. Speaking to a range of experts and commentators Justin Brierley charts the rise of New Atheism and hears from those who began to question the direction of the mo…

1
Introducing 'The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God' documentary series 11:57

9M ago11:57

11:57

In this introductory trailer, Justin Brierley introduces a new long-form documentary podcast 'The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God', telling the story of why new atheism grew old and secular thinkers are considering Christianity again. Featuring interviews with secular and Christian thinkers such as Jordan Peterson, Richard Dawkins, Alex O Conno…

1
Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 51:47

1y ago51:47

51:47

I mean... it's kind of fitting that our 69th episode is about the heroes who would actually make that joke... Strap in and strap on as we get back to the space playlists, with some deep dives into raccoon trauma, this time with a GUEST HOST! Ian Ronningan fills in for Kaylee this week, and we couldn't be more grateful for his insights and love of t…

1
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania 50:40

1+ y ago50:40

50:40

Let's get tiny, again. No but this time REALLY tiny. Like, Horton Hears a Who tiny. The whole Ant-Fam is coming on this journey, and we'll get to know another side of Jonathan Majors' compendium of charters, plus maybe we'll learn a little too much about Janet and Hank's "needs"...By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever 34:50

1+ y ago34:50

34:50

Darling it's better down where it's wetter, take it from Namor. Wakanda isn't the only kid in town with fancy vibranium toys, and Toby from The West Wing is teaming up with VP Selina Meyer from Veep to suss it out! Well, that's our take at least. Grab a passing whale and come along for the ride, with some moving tributes to the loss of Chadwick/T'C…

1
Thor: Love and Thunder 33:38

1+ y ago33:38

33:38

Do you want some space romps? Do you want anthropomorphized weapons? Do you want screaming goats? Then you may just need to tag along as we watch Thor's latest gallivant through space with his rag-tag group of companions as they try and stop Christian Bale's bad teeth. *TW: Discussions of cancerBy Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

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Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 47:36

1+ y ago47:36

47:36

WE'RE BACK BABY! And let's get right into the mayhem of Stephen's weird worlds. This one was a wild ride, full of Raimi-isms and Danny Elfman flair, unexpected cameos, huge ramifications for what comes next, and lots of actors hand waving for their lives. We're also excited to announce we've joined The Ordinary Podcasting Network, and we'll have ma…

1
Big Announcement! 1:06

1+ y ago1:06

1:06

There was an idea... to bring together a group of remarkable Podcasts, to see if we could become something more...By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Spider-Man: No Way Home 1:07:18

2y ago1:07:18

1:07:18

It finally happened! After an unexpected hiatus, Kaylee and Sayer are back and diving right in to this MAMMOTH of nostalgia. All of Kaylee's Spider-training has led to this; she's seen the other films, she's (amazingly) avoided almost every spoiler out there, and is now ready to be hit right in the feels. Soundtrack breakdowns, emotional moments, w…

1
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse 53:57

2+ y ago53:57

53:57

While we wait to catch Tom's latest swing through NYC, Kaylee meets a few more Spideys out there in the infinitely rewatchable Spider-Verse. In this new medium of storytelling, she makes some discoveries about who Spider-Man really is, and how live-action sometimes hasn't captured that essence quite like this flawless animated film.…

1
1 Year Anniversary 16:29

2+ y ago16:29

16:29

Can you believe it's been ONE YEAR since we started?! A lot has happened, in the MCU, in our own world, and we're so grateful to all of you who have joined and supported us through this journey. So much more to come, so keep listening and letting us know what you think <3By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Hawkeye Episodes 5+6 35:26

2+ y ago35:26

35:26

Let's wrap this up with a bow and put it under the tree! Well, it's Clint himself who ends up literally under the tree, with revelations galore and new characters to introduce. Stick around to the end to here some brief thoughts from Sayer about Spider-Man: No Way Home (SPOILERS!!!)By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

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Amazing Spider-Man 1+2 - Andrew Garfield 1:24:52

2+ y ago1:24:52

1:24:52

5 years on the heels of Tobey's last outing as the web-head, Andrew steps up to plate with a much more contemporary and edgy take. We talk about what fell short, and what truly was Amazing about these 2 films.By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Hawkeye Episode 4 12:22

2+ y ago12:22

12:22

Pew pew pew! Heh, get it? The plot thickens as we learn more about Jack, Maya and Sloan LTD, and Kate and Clint's go-to Christmas drinks.By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Spider-Man 1+2+3 - Tobey Maguire 1:40:24

2+ y ago1:40:24

1:40:24

Before we catch up with Tom's Spidey in No Way Home, we go "back to formula" and where it all started - organic webbing, 30 year old high-schoolers, kidnapped MJ and Danny Elfman. Join us as we get a huge dose of nostalgia with Sam Raimi's trilogy, starring everyone's first Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire. Time stamps - Spider-Man 1 = 0:00 - 30:57 Spider…

1
Hawkeye episode 3 21:48

2+ y ago21:48

21:48

Sayer and Kaylee compare archery stories from their youth as we learn more about just how tangled the legacy Ronin left behind is. New characters, lots of action, and some KING sized clues as to who may be showing up, knocking us down like a bowling PIN...By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Hawkeye episodes 1+2 34:58

2+ y ago34:58

34:58

It's Christmas in New York, and there's definitely no way you'll be forgetting that fact, in Marvel's most Christmas-y story yet. We're one step away from getting Renner actually saying "Humbug", and honestly, we wouldn't be mad. Get to know Kate Bishop and her family drama, aspirations, and a one-eyed dog that has us looking out for Nick Fury refe…

1
BONUS: Hawkeye Press Conference and Preview 12:59

2+ y ago12:59

12:59

Sayer attended the press conference for Hawkeye (Kaylee is a busy and in-demand artist!) so he breaks down all the goss for her. And yes, to answer THE burning question, Kevin Feige is getting plenty of sleep.By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
Eternals 57:32

2+ y ago57:32

57:32

The cosmic world has been blown wide open with this one, Celestials are here and their message is "Show me what you got!". While some reviews are trending low for this film, we have a different take, especially Kaylee, for what she feels like is the first film really aimed more at audiences like her.…

1
BONUS: Lia McHugh interview - "Sprite" in Eternals 6:26

2+ y ago6:26

6:26

We were so grateful to interview Lia and chat about her character Sprite, an immense standout from Eternals. We can't wait for all of you to see her amazing work in this beautiful film!By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
BONUS: Eternals spoiler-free preview 9:28

2+ y ago9:28

9:28

Get ready for the next phase of the MCU because IT IS HERE. Well, almost, still 1 more week, but until then, enjoy this little sneak peak to whet your appetites.By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

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What If... Episodes 7-9 23:54

2+ y ago23:54

23:54

Things get Multi-versal in these final 3 episodes for sure, and the implications moving forward could be huge or none at all, who can say at this point?! Only Jeffrey Wright's Watcher knows what's up, and we're going to be keeping a close eye out for him in any reflections from now on...By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
What If... Episodes 4-6 15:52

3y ago15:52

15:52

Cranking it up a notch on the depth of character front, these episodes get into some familiar themes of loss, grief, power and responsibility, all the good stuff. Are all of these stories building to something? Gotta keep watching and listening to find out!By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
What If... Episodes 1-3 15:11

3y ago15:11

15:11

We're taking a tumble into the multiverse and getting to know this shady Watcher character, along with some wildly different versions of folks we know and love. Sayer's biggest takeaway? Kaylee needs to get herself a Captain Carter outfit STAT!By Sayer Roberts & Kaylee Harwood

1
BONUS: Deadpool (3rd Contest Winner Choice) 28:29

3y ago28:29

28:29

4th wall breaks, quips, action, self-reference, chimichangas - you know 'em, you love 'em, now it's time for Kaylee to meet the Merc with the Mouth. Our 3rd and final contest winner Darren chose this wild ride, and it couldn't be more perfect timing, with Fox now owned by Disney, the multiverse opening up, and Deadpool poised to be the fella to tie…

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