Things I Wish I Knew

In this episode, Julia chats with Ruth Holgate, Director of St Beuno’s retreat centre in Wales, about prayer as a simple and personal conversation with God. Ruth shares her journey from growing up Catholic to deepening her faith through retreats, theology studies, and spiritual direction. She talks about the impact of her first 30-day silent retreat and why it’s important to find your own way to pray. They explore the ups and downs of prayer and discernment, with Ruth reminding us that there’s no wrong way to pray. Just show up, keep it simple, and stay open. Find out more at www.thinkingfaith.org

In this episode, Julia speaks with Maria Christian, who works at St. Beuno's Jesuit retreat centre. Maria shares about her  journey into the world of Islamic studies and inter-religious dialogue. She recounts her initial misconceptions about Islam, shaped by her upbringing in a predominantly white, Catholic environment, and how her experiences at a diverse sixth form challenged those views. She reflects on her academic journey, from her unexpected passion for Middle Eastern history to her transformative time at Oxford, where she explored the rich tapestry of medieval sexuality in the context of Islamic history.  Maria also highlights her experiences in Jordan, where she witnessed the warmth and hospitality of Muslim communities, further enriching her perspective on faith and humanity. Editor's Note: Maria mentions that Palestinian Muslims baptised their children into the 19th century, but textual evidence only supports this practice up to the 12th century. Later references are based on oral history and hearsay. Water holds sacred meaning for both Muslims and Christians in Palestine, but the baptism claim lacks written support beyond the 12th century. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

In this episode, Julia sits down with Susan Akyeampong, a communications lead and freelance writer, to delve into the complexities of friendship and the importance of setting boundaries. Susan shares her journey from her childhood in Brighton to her university experience in Nottingham, highlighting the challenges of making genuine connections in a busy world. She reflects on how her faith and relationship with Jesus have shaped her understanding of adult friendship, emphasising the need for deep, meaningful relationships that support one another through life's ups and downs. Join them as they explore the significance of being vulnerable, the necessity of communication in friendships, and how to navigate the pressures of maintaining connections in a fast-paced society. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

In this episode, Julia speaks with Laura Angarita Romero, a passionate advocate for social change, who shares her transformative journey from Colombia to the UK and her experience working for Jesuit Missions. Laura reflects on her growing up in Colombia, a country marked by conflict, and how her Jesuit education shaped her desire to create meaningful change. She discusses her work with various NGOs, highlighting the importance of empowering communities and the shift in mission work from a top-down approach to one that amplifies local voices. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

In this episode, Julia speaks with Edward Badu, a passionate advocate for social justice, who shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Tottenham to making a significant impact in public life. Edward opens up about the challenges he faced in his early years and how his Jesuit education helped shape his values of service, leadership, and faith. He shares the key moments that inspired his work in community organising and how he’s now focused on empowering young people to reach their full potential. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

In this episode, Julia speaks with Georgia Clarke, a dedicated youth minister and a member of Catholic Voices, about her remarkable journey of faith and discernment. Georgia shares how saying yes to God shaped her path, the role of discernment, and the power of mentorship and community in faith. Join them as they explore the realities of youth ministry, the necessity of saying yes to God's invitations, and the incredible ways in which God confirms His presence in our lives. Georgia's heartfelt insights remind us that the path of faith is filled with unexpected joys, challenges, and the ever-present call to trust in God's goodness. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

Julia speaks with Andy Southey, a church leader and passionate runner from Nottingham, about his life-altering experience during a half-marathon. Andy shares his journey from the joy of running to facing a life-threatening head injury mid-race. He reflects on the challenges of recovery, the complex relationship he has with running, and how he ultimately found God's presence in both the highs and lows of his experience. Together, they discuss the importance of hope, the significance of community, and the profound lessons learned along the way. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

In this episode, Julia speaks with Sir John Battle, a former government minister and passionate advocate for social justice, who shares his journey from seminary to politics. John reflects on his early experiences in a working-class Irish family, his time in seminary, and how these shaped his commitment to community activism and public service. He candidly discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding political career, the importance of grassroots movements, and the need for authentic relationships in politics. Together, they explore the intersection of faith and public service, the complexities of modern politics, and the vital role of community in fostering change. John's insights on resilience, relationships, and the necessity of a shared voice for the voiceless offer a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on their community. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

Julia speaks with Emma Hudson, the director of Pray as you Go, about her deeply transformative experience walking the Camino de Santiago... again! Emma opens up about her journey of self-discovery, sharing the challenges of walking alone and the profound sense of community that embraced her along the way. Together, they explore the spiritual significance of pilgrimage, the emotional highs and lows, and the unexpected ways in which God met Emma during her journey. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

Julia sits down with church leader Nigel Langford, who shares his journey of adoption just before the pandemic hit. From the heartbreak of infertility to the joy and challenge of becoming a parent in lockdown, Nigel opens up about the misconceptions of family, the emotional highs and lows, and God's presence throughout it all. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

Julia chats with Delphine Chui about her dating journey, the power of a dating fast, and how faith helped her rediscover love. They explore emotional vs. physical attraction, dating with intention, and building confidence in a digital world. A heartfelt conversation on self-love, resilience, and the lessons Delphine wishes she knew earlier. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

If you’ve ever felt alone in a crowd or wondered what your loneliness is trying to tell you, this conversation is for you.  Fr. Justin Claravall, SJ joins Julia to explore loneliness in city life, how we’re trained to disconnect, and how our hunger for connection points to something deeper. Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.

This episode Julia speaks to Harry, who found his way to the Catholic Church after many years as an atheist, a "buddhist neo-pagan," and eventually as someone drawn to Christianity - even if he couldn't quite bring himself to believe it all. Retracing the journey - from politics to journalism to teaching and finally to a Benedictine monastery, Harry talks to Julia about the way God drew him to the Church - even when Harry didn't believe in Him. Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org

This episode Julia speaks to Rebecca, who graduated from university a few years ago, shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic. Balancing study and socialising - and coping with lockdown restrictions - Rebecca discovered what it was in her relationship with God, and other people, that helped her carry on.  Now working for Jesuit Missions, and running her own podcast, Rebecca talks to Julia about the stresses and joys of the university experience: the successes, the stresses, and the lessons she learned for the future. Visit Rebecca's personal website here: https://realliferebs.wordpress.com/ Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org

This episode Julia speaks to Emanuela, who migrated from their home of Sicily twice: first to New York as a teenager with her family, then to London as an adult. Studying and working in England, Emanuela unexpectedly found a new family with the Community of Sant'Egidio, who work with the homeless and marginalised in London. Now a mother of two small children, Emanuela talks to Julia about the challenges and blessings of complex identities, beginning a family over a thousand miles away from your own parents - and how she's tried to live her faith and build community in a  lonely world. To volunteer for San'Egidio, or donate to their Christmas campaign, visit their website: https://www.santegidio.org.uk/christmas Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org

This episode Julia speaks to David, who was diagnosed with cancer in his early twenties. David talks about the impact his diagnosis had on his life, how he navigated a physically demanding programme of chemotherapy  - and what his experience taught him about what really matters in life.  Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org

This episode Julia speaks to Sophia, who converted to Catholicism researching a documentary in America's deep South - and later seriously pursued what she thought was a vocation to be a cloistered nun. She talks about her spiritual journey, the struggles she's had with faith, how to work out the purpose of your life - and what it's like to contemplate praying eight hours a day for the rest of your life. Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org Visit us at www.thinkingfaith.org

This episode Julia speaks to Rose, who spent a year living on a boat after she discovered God had other plans for her life than chasing the perfect CV. She talks about community, vocation, the difficult work of placing your life in God's hands - and the practical problems of surviving winter on a ex-navy boat no-one every thought would one day be someone's home.  Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org Visit us at www.thinkingfaith.org

Julia speaks with Dominic, who was donor concieved and raised by his single mother. He grew up not knowing who his father was. A few years ago, he took a DNA test and found out the identity of his donor parent. He talks to Julia about what happened when, on the edge of turning thirty, he began to build a relationship with the father he thought he would never meet. Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcorcoran@thinkingfaith.org Visit us at www.thinkingfaith.org

Julia speaks with Jack who lives in the Jesuit young adult community in London. He lost his mother when he was eighteen. Now 28, he shares with us what he has learnt during the last ten years and offers advice for anyone going through a similar experience or who knows someone who is.  Have a theme you'd like us to explore? Email our host, Julia Corcoran - jcocoran@thinkingfaith.org Visit us at www.thinkingfaith.org