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Description
Turning World is a podcast about making sense of a world in motion.
Politics, culture and faith are no longer fixed or familiar. Old certainties are shifting, institutions are changing shape, and public debate feels more polarised and unstable than ever. In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel disoriented.
Each episode brings together thoughtful voices from across politics, culture, faith and beyond for conversations that are open, curious and grounded. There are no rigid positions or ideological lines to follow, just an honest attempt to explore what’s changing, why it matters, and where it might lead.
The discussions are rigorous but respectful. Questions are asked in good faith. Disagreement isn’t avoided as it’s part of the process of understanding.
If you’re tired of shouty debates, fixed opinions and surface-level takes, Turning World offers something different by exploring ideas that don’t fit neatly into boxes.
About the hosts
Jon Egan is a writer and commentator who has worked as a musician, grave digger, comedy promoter, political researcher and campaign strategist. Jon was a founder member of the radical Christian art and music collective, The Revolutionary Army of The Infant Jesus, and is a member of the Orthodox Church, After many years in active politics, Jon is now convinced that the root cause of our political and cultural unraveling is a spiritual estrangement and a disconnection from the only durable source of meaning and value.
Keith Hitchman is an Anglican priest and community leader based in Liverpool. As Vicar of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet and Hope Parish, his work centres on parish renewal, community engagement and the spiritual life of the city. He has previously worked closely with civic institutions and media, and brings a long-standing interest in how faith, identity and public life intersect.
Produced by Opus Media.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
14 Episodes
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What does conservatism mean in Britain today? And what role should Christianity play in shaping public life?Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Mark Butchard to explore the ideas, traditions and values behind British politics. From Thatcher and Tony Benn to contemporary political leadership, the conversation considers whether modern politics has become detached from the principles that once gave it meaning.They discuss Christianity’s place in public life, the purpose of education, political civility and the possibility of finding common ground across ideological divides. Along the way, they ask whether British politics has become hollow, and what might be needed to restore a stronger sense of purpose.Topics include:Conservatism and its intellectual foundationsChristianity and British public lifeThatcher, Tony Benn and political traditionsThe state of contemporary British politicsEducation and the values we pass onPolitical civility and common groundPolitical leadership and the changing relationship between politicians and the publicTurning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman. Through open, curious conversations, the podcast explores politics, culture, faith and public life, seeking to understand not just what is happening, but why and what it means for the future.Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Professor Peter North of the University of Liverpool to explore whether the economic systems we have inherited are capable of dealing with the challenges of the modern world.The conversation moves from socialism and economic planning to artificial intelligence, public ownership, Nordic social democracy and the lessons of the Soviet Union.It also asks a more fundamental question: what should an economy actually be for?Together they explore:• Whether socialism can offer a viable alternative economic model• Economic planning and whether markets are always the answer• Public control versus private ownership• What we can learn from the Nordic economies• What went wrong with Soviet economic planning• Amazon, Tesco and the power of large corporations• Whether artificial intelligence could fundamentally change the economy• Doughnut Economics and living within environmental limits• Universal basic services and universal basic income• Alternative economies and social and solidarity economies• How we might build economies that allow people and communities to live well Peter North is Professor of Alternative Economies at the University of Liverpool. His research focuses on diverse economies, social and solidarity economies, alternative approaches to money, entrepreneurship and livelihoods, and how communities can develop different ways of organising economic life.This is a conversation about economics, but also about something bigger: what kind of society do we want to build?About Turning WorldTurning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond the headlines.Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does it mean to die well, and could we change the way we think about death?In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by palliative care doctor Ffion Carlin to explore the realities of caring for people at the end of their lives.The conversation goes beyond medicine to consider dignity, compassion, fear, meaning and the way modern society approaches death.They also discuss the emerging use of psychedelics in end of life care and the questions this raises about how we support people experiencing profound psychological and spiritual distress.Topics include:Palliative and end of life careDignity and compassionLiving with serious illnessFear and sufferingHow we talk about deathMeaning and spiritualityPsychedelics in end of life careThe future of palliative medicineWhat it means to die wellTurning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life through conversations about the questions beneath the headlines.Produced by Opus Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What role do stories play in shaping who we are?In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Frank Cottrell-Boyce—award-winning author, screenwriter and former Children's Laureate—to explore storytelling as one of the foundations of culture, identity and community.Reflecting on a career that spans television, film and children's literature, Frank discusses why stories matter, how childhood has changed, and why reading remains one of the most powerful ways to cultivate imagination, empathy and hope.The conversation also explores faith, national identity and the role storytelling can play in helping Britain navigate an increasingly fragmented political and cultural landscape.Topics include:Frank's journey from television drama to children's fictionThe purpose of the Children's LaureateReading, literacy and childhood todayStorytelling in the digital ageWhy stories read aloud have such lasting powerChildhood, imagination and resilienceCatholic faith and hopeThe London 2012 Olympic Opening CeremonyStorytelling, politics and national identityGuestFrank Cottrell-Boyce is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter and former UK Children's Laureate. He has written bestselling children's books including Millions, Cosmic and The Astounding Broccoli Boy, as well as acclaimed screenplays such as Hilary and Jackie, Welcome to Sarajevo and the London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.About Turning WorldHosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode asks not only what's happening in the world—but what stories shape the way we understand it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andy Burnham's rise to the Labour leadership has prompted renewed debate about the party's future, its relationship with working-class communities and whether it can reconnect with voters who have drifted away over recent decades.In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by political commentator and author Kevin Meagher to examine what Burnham's leadership might mean—not just for Labour, but for British politics more broadly.The conversation explores class, regional identity, faith, immigration and the changing political landscapes of both Britain and Ireland, asking whether Labour can once again become a movement rooted in community, belonging and shared purpose.Topics include:Andy Burnham and Labour's futureWorking-class identity and political representationNorthern England and WestminsterPolitical legitimacy and leadershipFaith, Catholicism and public lifeChristian nationalism in British politicsIrish reunification and political changeImmigration and populismRebuilding trust in democratic politicsGuestKevin Meagher is a political commentator, author and former government adviser. He has written extensively on British politics, Labour, devolution and Ireland, including the book A United Ireland: Why Unification Is Inevitable and How It Will Come About.About Turning WorldHosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman, Turning World explores politics, culture, faith and public life through thoughtful conversations that go beyond headlines and ideology. Each episode seeks to understand not just what is happening, but why—and what it means for the future.Produced by Opus Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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