Best Larry O Connor Podcasts (2025)

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S2 E14. Rod Dreher: Miracles, angels and demons - why the supernatural is back 1:21:13

14d ago1:21:13

1:21:13

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
S2 E13. The Orthodox Boom: New converts to an ancient faith 1:37:14

28d ago1:37:14

1:37:14

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 1:38:34

1M ago1:38:34

1:38:34

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
S2 E11. The Future of AI: Live In London With John Wyatt 1:44:21

1M ago1:44:21

1:44:21

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 1:17:55

2M ago1:17:55

1:17:55

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 …

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S2 E09. Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau 1:13:24

2M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

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 1:43:19

2M ago1:43:19

1:43:19

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
S2 E07. The Male Identity Crisis: Why young men are searching for meaning again 1:29:10

2M ago1:29:10

1:29:10

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…

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S2 E06. All Aboard The ARC? Why conservatives want to save Christendom 1:45:21

3M ago1:45:21

1:45:21

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
S2 E05. William Lane Craig vs Philip Goff: A philosopher's 'slightly heretical' Christian conversion? 2:02:16

3M ago2:02:16

2:02:16

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, …

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S2 E04. Live in Dallas: Why Belief In God Is Back 1:31:39

3M ago1:31:39

1:31:39

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…

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S2 E03. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics 2:00:18

3M ago2:00:18

2:00:18

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…

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S2 E02. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part Two 1:22:09

3M ago1:22:09

1:22:09

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…

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S2 E01. Is the Rebirth Right Wing? - Part One 1:29:30

4M ago1:29:30

1:29:30

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
S1 E30. Surprised by God: 3 ways to welcome the returning tide of faith 2:13:14

9M ago2:13:14

2:13:14

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
S1 E29. The Problem with Church: Recovering from power, politics, scandal and abuse 1:48:26

10M ago1:48:26

1:48:26

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
S1 E28. Is The Tide Turning? Gen Z and the Asbury Awakening 1:52:32

10M ago1:52:32

1:52:32

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
S1 E27. Guillaume Bignon: A french atheist's surprising conversion 1:21:22

10M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

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 …

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S1 E26. Psychedelics and the Search for God: Ashley Lande’s surprising journey to faith 1:36:46

11M ago1:36:46

1:36:46

Psychedelics are back in vogue as influencers promote hallucinogens as a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. The boom in mind-expanding drugs even seems to be opening up some people to the possibility of God. But what are the dangers of taking shortcuts to the transcendent? Justin hears from those arguing for and against the psychedelic resurgence …

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S1 E25. The Believing Brain: How Iain McGilchrist rediscovered the soul 1:49:37

11M 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…

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S1 E24. Alex O’Connor & Justin Brierley: Is The Rebirth Real? Edinburgh Debate 1:58:22

12M 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…

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S1 E23. Emerging from the Meaning Crisis: The death of Daniel Dennett and rebirth of Jordan Hall 1:49:12

1y 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…

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S1 E22. Are We Seeing A Christian Revival? Live from the UnHerd Club - Justin Brierley, Alex O'Connor, Elizabeth Oldfield & Freddie Sayers 1:33:04

1y 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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S1 E21. Tammy Peterson: Miracles, conversion and being married to Jordan 1:23:18

1y 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
S1 E20. The Logos Behind Life: The dissident scientists discovering a mind beyond matter 1:46:11

1y 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
S1 E19. A Goldilocks Universe - The surprising science pointing to God 1:37:17

1y 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…

1
S1 E18. The Alternative Story Of Science 1:42:22

1y 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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S1 E17. Live In London: Tom Holland & Justin Brierley in conversation 1:53:15

1y 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
S1 E16. Did The Resurrection Really Happen? A classicist discovers the living Christ 1:44:41

1y 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…

1
S1 E15. More Than Mythology: Why Molly Worthen changed her mind 1:40:01

1+ y 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
S1 E14. Why Does The Bible Refuse To Die? 1:54:55

1+ y 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
S1 E13. Francis Spufford & Andrew Klavan: A celebrated author and Hollywood screenwriter come to faith 1:36:04

1+ y 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
S1 E12. The Christian Revolution: Why the cross changed the world 1:40:16

1+ y 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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S1 E11. The Sexual Revolution: Why Louise Perry changed her mind 1:36:49

1+ y 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
S1 E10. History Maker: Why Tom Holland changed his mind about Christ 1:32:38

1+ y 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…

1
S1 E09. Paul Kingsnorth & Martin Shaw: A poet and mythologist convert 1:30:57

1+ y 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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S1 E08. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: A New Atheist embraces Christianity 1:13:59

1+ y 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
S1 E07. The New Thinkers: A new conversation on God 1:29:46

1+ y 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
S1 E06. The Meaning Crisis: Why we're all religious deep down 1:23:12

1+ y 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…

1
S1 E05. The Jordan Peterson Phenomenon 1:11:39

1+ y 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…

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S1 E04. Alex O'Connor: Losing faith in New Atheism 46:22

1+ y 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
S1 E03. Thank God for Richard Dawkins 1:18:35

1+ y 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…

1
S1 E02. Elevatorgate: How the culture wars killed New Atheism 1:06:17

1+ y 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
S1 E01. The Rise and Fall of New Atheism 1:08:18

1+ y 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

1+ y 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…