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 the times we live in and about the people we are.
So listen with us, and we’ll introduce you to authors, books and ideas that illuminate ourselves and our world today.
For more information about the people and ideas behind the podcast, visit https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/about/who-we-are or follow us on Twitter @theosthinktank and @theosnick.
What does England owe to Christianity? In conversation with Bijan Omrani
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 in Europe, in which, in spite of massive secularisation in the later 20th century, Christianity's fingerprints are everywhere.
So, what is England? How has the English nation, its laws, politics, culture and literature, been formed by Christianity? And (how) can they survive without it?
This week on Reading Our Times, Nick Spencer is joined by British historian and journalist Bijan Omrani to discuss these questions and more, delving into his new book, provocatively titled God is an Englishman: Christianity and the Creation of England. You can purchase a copy of his book here: https://swiftpress.com/book/god-is-an-englishman/
16 Jun 2026
What is the truth behind immigration? In conversation with Alan Manning
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 immigration is also a hard subject to think about, not because of a paucity of information but because of a glut. Awash with statistics, anecdotes and personal stories, immigration offers people a well-stocked cupboard of things to feed their existing views and opinions.
So, what is the truth behind immigration? What are the actual numbers? What are the benefits? And the harms? And to which people? Immigration policy is notoriously tough - is there are way to think clearly about it and make it any easier?
Today Nick Spencer speaks to Alan Manning, Professor of Economics at LSE and former chair of UK government's Migration Advisory Committee, about his latest book, Why Immigration Policy Is Hard: And How to Make It Better. You can purchase his book here: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=why-immigration-policy-is-hard-and-how-to-make-it-better--9781509563654 (https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=why-immigration-policy-is-hard-and-how-to-make-it-better--9781509563654)
9 Jun 2026
Is this the end of woke? In conversation with Andrew Doyle
"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 fashion?
In today's episode, Nick talks to writer, comedian and broadcaster Andrew Doyle, best known as the creator of satirical persona Titania McGrath, whose latest book The End of Woke examines the origins, methods and possible decline of the movement. They discuss how woke ideology captured institutions, weaponised language, and confused equity with equality - and why the real threat, left or right, is always authoritarianism in disguise.
You can buy a copy of his book here (https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/andrew-doyle/the-end-of-woke/9781408723968/): https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/andrew-doyle/the-end-of-woke/9781408723968/ (https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/andrew-doyle/the-end-of-woke/9781408723968/)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.6 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
30 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 36 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
52
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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