Best John O Connor Podcasts (2025)

1
“The greatest idea anyone ever had” l Richard Dawkins on the Great Minds Program 2012 14:20

1d ago14:20

14:20

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins revisits a conversation first recorded in 2012 for the Great Minds program, produced by the Educational Broadcasting System in South Korea. In this engaging discussion, Dawkins explores the wonder of evolutionary biology, the complexity of life, and the dazzling adaptations of creatures such…

1
S2 E18. Bishop Barron & NT Wright In Conversation: The Bible, Ordo Amoris & sharing Communion 1:26:39

3d ago1:26:39

1:26:39

Two of the most influential bishops from the Anglican and Catholic church - NT Wright and Robert Barron - met for the first time in a live conversation chaired by Justin Brierley. Among many topics they discuss signs of a rebirth, re-engaging the Bible, JD Vance’s 'Ordo Amoris' controversy and whether Catholics and Protestants can share communion. …

1
S2 E17. NT Wright: Acts, miracles and the rebirth of today’s church 1:16:14

18d ago1:16:14

1:16:14

NT Wright is Senior Research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University, the former Bishop of Durham and a prolific author. Justin talks to Tom about his most recent book 'The Challenge of Acts'. How does the rise of the early church under the the Roman Empire - often through miracles, signs and wonders - speak to our post-Christian west and the mo…

1
Can We Still Be Optimistic About the Future? | A Conversation with Steven Pinker 1:37:02

1M ago1:37:02

1:37:02

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins and Steven Pinker explore the frontiers of science, language, morality, artificial intelligence, evolution, and the future of human civilization.Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, popular science author, and public intellectual. He is an advocate of …

1
S2 E16. The Rebirth In Music: Why God is back in the charts 1:42:03

1M ago1:42:03

1:42:03

Chart-topping bands, musicians and rappers are increasingly singing about God. Why? In this documentary episode Justin Brierley revisits the religious awakening of music stars such as Bob Dylan, Alice Cooper, Cliff Richard and U2 as veteran music journalist Steve Turner explains how faith influenced their music. Justin also speaks to TGC editor Bre…

1
What It Is Like To Debate Jordan Peterson ｜A Conversation with Nihal Arthanayake 1:23:13

1M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Nihal Arthanayake for a compelling conversation in London, EnglandThis episode was filmed as part of Richard Dawkins' tour.Nihal Arthanayake is an acclaimed multi-award winning broadcaster, journalist, podcaster and author. He currently presents the Headliners Podcast on the BBC in the…

1
S2 E15. Does the future have a church? Theos panel live in London 1:29:47

2M ago1:29:47

1:29:47

In a secular age, many have predicted the death of the church in the West. But with evidence of a 'Quiet Revival' in the UK, where are the new signs of life in the church? Justin Brierley recently joined a panel of journalists and church leaders to discuss the future of the church, with Nick Spencer of Theos chairing the conversation. Panellists: D…

1
S2 E14. Rod Dreher: Miracles, angels and demons - why the supernatural is back 1:16:13

2M ago1:16:13

1:16:13

Despite our secular age, interest in the supernatural is rising fast. Justin Brierley speaks to Rod Dreher about the re-enchanting of culture in his new book 'Living In Wonder' and his own journey of encountering miracles, mystery... and even the demonic. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreo…

1
Richard Dawkins DESTROYS Creationist Arguments 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Join Substack:https://richarddawkins.substack.com/Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVwFollow: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard_dawkins/Twitter: https://twitter.com/RichardDawkinsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RichardDawkinsBooksReddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/ThePoetryofRe…

1
Why The Selfish Gene Haunts Some Readers | A Conversation with John McWhorter 1:20:25

2M ago1:20:25

1:20:25

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins John McWhorter for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth.John McWhorter is a linguist, author, a…

1
S2 E13. The Orthodox Boom: New converts to an ancient faith 1:32:14

2M ago1:32:14

1:32:14

Eastern Orthodox parishes in the USA have been seeing a remarkable increase in numbers, especially among young men. Justin speaks to converts, priests and journalists about why this ancient church stream is encountering a fresh wave of seekers. Fr Andrew Stephen Damick, John Mark Reynolds, Jonathan Pageau and Rod Dreher explain the attraction of Or…

1
S2 E12. The Catholic Revival: A church reborn from the ashes 1:33:34

3M ago1:33:34

1:33:34

The fire of Notre Dame in Paris seemed to embody the decline of Catholicism in France. However, just as the cathedral has risen from the ashes, so too has the Catholic church with record numbers of adults baptised in the past 2 years. As Pope Leo XIV heralds a new era for Catholicism, Justin speaks to converts, evangelists and clergy about a surpri…

1
Some 'Intellectuals' Make It Sound Deep | A Conversation with Peter Boghossian 1:29:05

3M ago1:29:05

1:29:05

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Peter Boghossian for a compelling conversation about Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including evolution, genetics, science, and the broader cultural forces that shape our understanding of truth.This episode was filmed as part of Ri…

1
S2 E11. The Future of AI: Live In London With John Wyatt 1:39:21

3M ago1:39:21

1:39:21

Is Artificial Intelligence overtaking our culture? Is an AI girlfriend a legitimate relationship? How should Christians respond to the promise and perils of new technology? And what will the dehumanising of society mean for The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God? In this London event Justin Brierley sat down with bio-ethics expert Prof John Wyatt,…

1
S2 E10. Larry Sanger: The rebirth of Wikipedia's co-founder 1:12:55

3M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

When the co-founder of Wikipedia announced his Christian conversion in an online essay, it lit up the internet. Larry Sanger tells Justin Brierley the surprising story of his journey from skeptical philosopher to Christian faith. More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new …

1
ChatGPT Passed the Turing test, but… | A Conversation with Brian Keating 1:32:03

3M ago1:32:03

1:32:03

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Brian Keating for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including AI, the extended phenotype, evolution, the possibility of alien life followed…

1
S2 E09. Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau 1:08:24

3M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

Orthodox thinker and icon carver Jonathan Pageau joins Justin to talk about why the God conversation has been intensifying in recent years. Along with Belle Tindall, they also cover atheism, the resurrection, the Bible and why symbolic patterns underlie our experience of the world. Pageau also gives the backstory to his friendship with Jordan Peter…

1
S2 E08. Why Men Are Returning To Church: The surprising rebirth of the manosphere 1:38:19

4M ago1:38:19

1:38:19

From podcast giants like Joe Rogan to Gen-Z YouTubers like Ryan Trahan, many male influencers are talking about faith in public. Multiple polls are also showing a notable increase in churchgoing among young men in the UK, Europe and the USA. A surprising rebirth in the 'manosphere' seems to be underway. Justin speaks with Anthony Bradley, Glen Scri…

1
I Sympathize with Trans People, but... | Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Colin Wright 1:33:20

4M ago1:33:20

1:33:20

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Colin Wright for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, gender, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead along with a wide array of topics including the nature of truth, the reliability of science, evolution, and the controversie…

1
S2 E07. The Male Identity Crisis: Why young men are searching for meaning again 1:24:10

4M ago1:24:10

1:24:10

In a world where masculinity is often branded 'toxic' and traditional gender roles are in flux, many young men are searching for identity. Some are looking to manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate. Others have been drawn to Jordan Peterson. But an increasing number are trying out church. in the first of 2 documentary episodes, Justin Brierley tra…

1
A Conversation with Nick Gillespie in Milwaukee | Richard Dawkins' Final Tour 1:32:55

4M ago1:32:55

1:32:55

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins joins Nick Gillespie, editor-at-large at Reason magazine, for an insightful conversation touching on evolution, genetics, science, and culture. They explore Richard's latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead, along with his previous works such as The Selfish Gene. The discussion expands int…

1
S2 E06. All Aboard The ARC? Why conservatives want to save Christendom 1:40:21

4M ago1:40:21

1:40:21

Justin Brierley reports from the ARC conference in London where over 4,000 secular and religious attendees met to hear about the renewal of civilisation from speakers such as Jordan Peterson, Douglas Murray, Jonathan Pageau and Ayaan Hirsi Ali. But in the era of Trump 2.0, is the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship co-opting Christianity for conse…

1
The Most Misunderstood Thing about Dawkins | A Conversation with Alex O Connor 1:22:40

4M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
S2 E05. William Lane Craig vs Philip Goff: A philosopher's 'slightly heretical' Christian conversion? 1:57:16

4M ago1:57:16

1:57:16

Agnostic philosopher Philip Goff has been on a 'surprising rebirth' journey recently. After announcing his embrace of a 'slightly heretical' form of Christianity, he says he has come to believe in a God of limited power. Renowned Christian philosopher William Lane Craig engages Goff in a conversation on the universe, suffering and Christian faith, …

1
Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Patrick House | Richard Dawkins’ Final Tour in Warwick 1:24:20

5M ago1:24:20

1:24:20

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins engages with neuroscientist and author Patrick House in a wide-ranging conversation covering the differences between physics and biology, the role of elegance in science, and surprising insights into camouflage, animal behavior, and artificial selection. They also explore topics like the ext…

1
S2 E04. Live in Dallas: Why Belief In God Is Back 1:26:39

5M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

Is the tide of faith coming back in on our post-Christian culture? Justin Brierley speaks on why the search to make sense of human existence, human value and human purpose are pointing many people back towards God. This talk recaps Justin's 'Surprising Rebirth' thesis. Recorded at First Baptist Church Garland, Dallas in 2024, along with Q&A from th…

1
Space meets Earth, Porco and Dawkins in Glasgow 1:22:05

5M ago1:22:05

1:22:05

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins engages in an insightful conversation with Carolyn Porco about gene immortality, ancestral traits, the extended phenotype, extraterrestrial life, criticisms of religion and atheism, followed by audience questions.This episode was filmed at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on the Oct 31st 2024,…

1
S2 E03. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics 1:55:18

5M ago1:55:18

1:55:18

Former 'new atheist' Ayaan Hirsi Ali shocked the world when she announced her conversion to Christianity in 2023. Hirsi Ali recently spoke with Dr James Orr for a Trinity Forum Cambridge event about her new faith, her concerns about radicalisation at top Universities, and the need to educate young people about Christianity. Hirsi Ali's story has be…

1
S2 E02. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part Two 1:17:09

5M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

The ARC conference in London saw thousands of conservative influencers and politicians networking with like-minded Christians. Is it further evidence that the 'surprising rebirth' is right wing? In part 2 of the show, Justin Brierley continues to explore the question of whether the new interest in Christianity is being co-opted for political purpos…

1
S2 E01. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part One 1:24:30

5M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

A 'vibe shift' is underway. Trump's re-election and the gains of populist parties internationally have reinvigorated the right wing. So is the 'surprising rebirth' in religious circles just the manifestation of the new political vibe? In the opening episode of Season 2, Justin Brierley responds to a key objection to his thesis (first posed by Alex …

1
Is There More Wonder In Genes Than In Gods? - A Conversation with Alex O' Connor 1:23:29

5M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

As part of his 2024 tour, Richard Dawkins engaged in an insightful conversation with Alex O'Connor at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on September 28th. They discuss Dawkins' latest book; The Genetic Book of the Dead, religion, evolution, and concludes with a Q&A session. Alex O’Connor is a YouTuber, writer, and public speaker, best known…

1
What Evolution Really Tells Us About Life | A Conversation with Steven Pinker 1:28:50

6M ago1:28:50

1:28:50

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins engages in an insightful conversation with Steven Pinker about evolution, his motivation for writing The Blind Watchmaker, and a breakdown of his latest book, The Genetic Book of the Dead Steven Pinker is a Canadian-American cognitive psychologist, psycholinguist, popular science author, and…

1
Atheism is growing in America but.....| Richard Dawkins Talks to Coleman Hughes 1:22:20

6M ago1:22:20

1:22:20

By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Is Elon Musk Our Only Hope? | Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Andrew Gold 1:21:55

7M ago1:21:55

1:21:55

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality, Richard Dawkins engages in an insightful conversation with Andrew Gold, host of the Heretics podcast. This was filmed at Ulster Hall in Belfast, United Kingdom, on the 14th of November 2024, as part of Richard Dawkins' Tour.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Richard Dawkins & Kmele Foster Discuss Evolution, Religion, and Cultural Hegemony 1:37:25

8M ago1:37:25

1:37:25

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins, Richard engages in a conversation with Kmele Foster about evolution, the miracle of the human brain, the meaning provided by religion, and today’s cultural hegemony that stands against truth—even within universities. This episode was filmed at Prudential Hall in Newark, NJ, on September…

1
Richard Dawkins in Conversation with Chris Williamson | Richard Dawkins’ Final Tour in Austin 1:23:25

8M ago1:23:25

1:23:25

In this episode of The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins, Richard engages in a conversation with Chris Williamson various topics, including his recent comment on being a cultural Christian, evolution and genetic adaptation, and, of course, his latest book release, The Genetic Book of the Dead. This episode was filmed at the ACL Moody Theatre i…

1
Richard Dawkins Confronts Indoctrinating Christian Drama 35:03

9M ago35:03

35:03

Richard Dawkins Confronts Indoctrinating Christian Drama Used to Promote ‘Christian Values.’ The drama targets young teens, showing them depictions of a gruesome hell, purportedly to deter sinning.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Richard Dawkins and Ian McEwan talk about Religion, Science, Truth and American Christianity 33:17

9M ago33:17

33:17

Ian McEwan is a British novelist and screenwriter. This is a discussion between Ian McEwan and Richard Dawkins on religion, science, and truth. -------------------------------------------- Join Substack: https://richarddawkins.substack.com/ Subscribe to Poetry of Reality Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmwfdgHA_R9fzr1L0_hxdVw Follow: http…

1
Do Primates Kill Each Other? Richard Dawkins talks to ethologist Frans de Waal 1:14:14

10M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

Richard Dawkins talks to ethologist Frans de Waal about animal behaviour and whether it is truly altruistic.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Religious Abuse Ruins Children’s Psychology | Richard Dawkins Talks to Psychologist 51:51

10M ago51:51

51:51

Richard Dawkins talks to Jill Mytton about religious cults and the psychological issues raised by being brought up in them.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Why Is Darwin’s Idea So Revolutionary? Richard Dawkins Lecture on Natural Selection and More 1:07:14

10M ago1:07:14

1:07:14

Is Genetic Inheritance Like Mixing Red and Blue to Get Purple? What Is Natural Selection, and How Does It Create Diverse Life? In this lecture, Richard Dawkins discusses natural selection, Darwinism, and more.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
S1 E30. Surprised by God: 3 ways to welcome the returning tide of faith 2:08:14

11M ago2:08:14

2:08:14

If the 'Sea Of Faith' is coming in again, how can the church lean in to the 'Surprising Rebirth' phenomenon? In this Season 1 finale, Justin presents three ways to welcome the tide, drawing on lessons from the Jesus Revolution and the imaginative work of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien. Justin speaks to secular and Christian thinkers such as Tom Holland, …

1
Is Science Compatible with Christianity? Richard Dawkins talks to Adrian Hawkes 37:07

11M ago37:07

37:07

In this episode, Richard Dawkins talks to Adrian Hawkes about science, education, Christianity, and more. ---------------------- Tickets available at https://richarddawkinstour.com/ I shall be spending the whole of September, and the first week of October, in North America, speaking in ten different cities from Dallas to Vancouver. I am 83 years ol…

1
S1 E29. The Problem with Church: Recovering from power, politics, scandal and abuse 1:43:26

11M ago1:43:26

1:43:26

A series of high-profile scandals have rocked the evangelical church. Politicisation and Christian nationalism are on the rise. How can the the church recover from abuse and leadership failures in order to meet the rising tide of meaning seekers? Justin relives an infamous interview with Mark Driscoll, and hears from Mike Cosper, Karen Swallow Prio…

1
Is Homeopathy a Placebo? | Richard Dawkins Questions Homeopath 27:27

11M ago27:27

27:27

In this episode, Richard Dawkins has a conversation with Dr. Peter Fisher, who is a physician and homeopath. They discuss the efficacy of Homeopath, controversy regarding funding homeopathy, and the scientific (or non scientific) nature of the field.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
Evolutionary Biologist Reacts to Sperm Bank | Richard Dawkins Visits a Sperm Bank 43:33

12M ago43:33

43:33

In this episode, Richard Dawkins is taken on a tour of a sperm bank, where he tries to understand its workings while sharing interesting evolutionary explanations.By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

1
S1 E28. Is The Tide Turning? Gen Z and the Asbury Awakening 1:47:32

12M ago1:47:32

1:47:32

The next generation is remarkably open to spirituality according to recent data. Could the 'Asbury Awakening' be evidence of a renewal bubbling up among Gen Z? Justin speaks to pastors, thinkers, statisticians and Gen Z leaders who have noticed a surprising surge of interest in faith, alongside stories of unusual growth in Catholic, Orthodox and ev…

1
How is the "Gay Gene" alive? Evolutionary Biologist Richard Dawkins Explains 26:42

12M ago26:42

26:42

Tickets available at https://richarddawkinstour.com/ I shall be spending the whole of September, and the first week of October, in North America, speaking in ten different cities from Dallas to Vancouver. I am 83 years old, and travel is more irksome than it was. The maxim, “Quit while you’re ahead” has recently received a welcome boost, and I anti…

1
S1 E27. Guillaume Bignon: A french atheist's surprising conversion 1:16:22

12M ago1:16:22

1:16:22

After falling for a Christian woman while on vacation, atheist Guillaume Bignon set out to disprove her faith. However, his investigation turned up evidence that he could not easily dismiss. Then, when God 'reactivated' his conscience... everything changed. In this bonus episode, Justin speaks to Guillaume Bignon author of 'Confessions of a French …

1
Richard Dawkins and Richard Dawkins AI answer questions about the future! 43:10

12M ago43:10

43:10

Richard Dawkins is back with Taryn Southern to answer your questions now with an AI Assistant, this time in a physical studio in the UK. Stay tuned for Richard’s insightful answers, and to see if the AI can compare!By The Poetry of Reality with Richard Dawkins | Members Exclusive

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