Best Nicholas Francis Podcasts (2025)

1
Joanne Harris: Chocolat 28:35

27d ago28:35

28:35

Led by presenter James Naughtie, the writer Joanne Harris takes questions from a BBC Bookclub audience on her best-selling novel, Chocolat. Published in 1999, the book follows the character of Vianne Rocher, a chocolate-maker and sometime witch, who arrives in the village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her six-year-old daughter Anouk at the beginni…

1
Natalie Haynes 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Led by presenter James Naughtie, a BBC Bookclub audience in Glasgow speaks to the author Natalie Haynes about her 2019 novel - A Thousand Ships - which retells the ancient Greek myths from a woman's perspective. Penelope, Clytemnestra, Andromache and Cassandra among others, all make appearances, but their stories are given a new voice and a fresh e…

1
Pope Francis – his legacy, and the coming conclave 41:13

2M ago41:13

41:13

Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet and Liz Dodd CSJP discuss for the latest Tablet podcast, The Wise and the Wherefores, the legacy of Pope Francis and who might emerge as his successor in the coming conclave.See all our coverage of this hugely significant moment for the Catholic Church and the wider world and sign up for our twice-weekl…

1
Michel Faber 28:26

3M ago28:26

28:26

This month BBC Radio 4's Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Michel Faber about his debut novel, Under the Skin. Published in the year 2000 by Canongate it went on to be shortlisted for the Whitbread Award that same year. The book follows the female protagonist of Isserley who roves the A9 in the Scottish Highlands looking t…

1
Pope Francis is in hospital – what this means for the Church and the world 26:55

4M ago26:55

26:55

In this episode of the Tablet podcast, Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet and Sister Liz Dodd CSJP discuss the recent health concerns surrounding Pope Francis and the implications for the Catholic Church and the world. They explore the transparency of the Vatican regarding the Pope's health, the significance of his leadership in the current political clim…

1
Christopher Brookmyre 28:46

4M ago28:46

28:46

This month, Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the author Christopher Brookmyre, as he takes questions from a live BBC audience about his debut novel, Quite Ugly One Morning. The book is a pacey crime thriller, not so much a 'whodunnit', as a 'whydunnit', and it introduces us to the wily, wise-cracking journalist Jack Parlabane - a ch…

1
Special Episode - The Art of Saint Francis 37:10

4M ago37:10

37:10

This is a special episode inspired by an exhibition at the National Gallery in London entitled, Saint Francis of Assisi, featuring a special guest, curator Dr Joost Joustra. Presenting the art and imagery of Saint Francis from the 13th century to today, the exhibition looks at why this saint is a figure of enormous relevance to our time due to his …

1
The Tablet Podcast with Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd, Episode One: women's ordination, Trump, best Catholic films 34:32

5M ago34:32

34:32

Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd kick off the first podcast in our new season, a series of ten, with a discussion on women in the Catholic Church, Donald Trump – and top Catholic movies. Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet and former religion correspondent of The Times and Liz Dodd, a former Tablet journalist who is now a sister with St Joseph …

1
Bonus Episode - Saint Valentine the Ersatz Patron of Love 48:51

5M ago48:51

48:51

1
Sara Collins 28:49

5M ago28:49

28:49

This month, BBC Bookclub, presented by James Naughtie, speaks to the writer Sara Collins, as she takes questions from a live audience about her award-winning debut novel, The Confessions of Frannie Langton. Sara was the Costa Book Awards First Novel Winner in 2019. She has also adapted the book for television. Producer: Dom HowellEditor: Gillian Wh…

1
Mystics: Saint Clare the Mighty Abbess in the Shadows 1:29:03

6M ago1:29:03

1:29:03

Episode five in the Mystics series is about a saint who was devoted to Saint Francis’ rule to live in absolute poverty. She defied her aristocratic family, powerfulbishops, and several popes to do just this. This saint is the first female founder of a monastic order. She was a celebrity in life and played a role indefining 13th-century European pol…

1
Martyrs: Saint Cecilia the Blind Patron of Music 47:53

6M ago47:53

47:53

Episode 9 in Saint Podcast's Martyrs season is about a very popular virgin saint. She’s unusual in that she was married – yet still died a virgin. Despite having no artistic skills whatsoever, she’s the patron saint of poetry, creativity, and music and has inspired musicians from Brahms to Simon and Garfunkel and the Foo Fighters! The name of the s…

1
Richard Osman 28:29

6M ago28:29

28:29

Presented by James Naughtie, BBC Bookclub speaks to the writer Richard Osman about his crime-fiction novel The Thursday Murder Club, which sold millions of copies, and has been made into a film.By BBC Radio 4

1
Martyrs: Saint Lucy the Pagan Spirit of Christmas 50:47

7M ago50:47

50:47

Episode ten is the final episode in Saint Podcast's Martyrs series. It’s an exploration of the legend of another virgin martyr: the patron saint of writers, sales people, Perugia, Malta, Syracuse in Sicily, and Pampanga in the Philippines. She's also the patron saint of the blind and of optometrists because she was famously tortured by having her e…

1
Lorraine Currie of Sciaf talks to Ruth Gledhill about existing projects and future plans for Scotland’s international aid charity 35:38

7M ago35:38

35:38

Earlier this year, Lorraine Currie was appointed the new chief executive of Sciaf. In this podcast for The Tablet, assistant editor Ruth Gledhill talks to Lorraine about her story of how she progressed into international development, of the work being done in the field by Sciaf and of exciting plans for the future. You can find out more about Sciaf…

1
Alan Warner: Morvern Callar 29:31

7M ago29:31

29:31

Award-winning writer Alan Warner takes questions from Radio 4's Bookclub audience about his first-person, pacey novel, Morvern Callar, which was written in 1995 when Warner was in his late twenties. Morvern is a twenty-one year old foster-child whose life takes an irreversible turn when she discovers her boyfriend's dead body. The book was later tu…

1
Trump, Catholicism and the US elections 28:25

7M ago28:25

28:25

To the surprise and disappointment of many on the left, Donald Trump won the US election. What part did Catholics play in this? And what does this mean for the Democrats, going forward? In our latest podcast, and the first of a series on this subject, Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet, talks to Michael Sean Winters, The Tablet’s US corr…

1
Special Episode - Last Christmas: Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Christmas Past Part I 47:25

8M ago47:25

47:25

This is a special Saint Podcast episode for the holiday season. It’s a two-part exploration of how Saint Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus. The story isn’t a straightforward one at all – and involves a truly motley crew of gift-givers, demons, humanoid helpers, witches, pagan legends, goddesses, gods, and animal sidekicks. The story begins with the…

1
Special Episode - Last Christmas: Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Christmas Past Part II 45:02

8M ago45:02

45:02

1
Special Halloween Episode - Stigmata and the Bloody Wounds of the Crucifixion 40:55

8M ago40:55

40:55

Halloween is upon us! The day was originally a Christian holy day, heavily influenced by ancient pre-Christian traditions, known as All Hallows Eve. This All Hallows Eve, we’re going to explore a bloody phenomenon that has afflicted – or perhaps blessed – the faithful for centuries. The phenomenon manifests as open wounds corresponding to Christ’s …

1
Carys Davies: The Mission House 28:38

8M ago28:38

28:38

The writer Carys Davies talks to readers about her beautifully-crafted novel, The Mission House, which follows the character of Hilary Byrd, a British librarian in his fifties, who is seeking to find himself again in modern-day southern India.By BBC Radio 4

1
Martyrs: Saint Sebastian the Gay Icon 40:04

8M ago40:04

40:04

Episode two of Saint Podcast's Martyr series is about Saint Sebastian, the patron saint of pandemics, athletes, archers, and outcasts. He's one of the most well-known saints. No other saint has as many works of art dedicated to them from paintings to films to books and pop songs. Tune in to learn more about this 3rd-century Roman warrior from Gaul …

1
Susanna Clarke: Piranesi 27:37

9M ago27:37

27:37

Susanna Clarke won the Women's Prize for Fiction with her novel Piranesi. She joins James Naughtie and a group of readers to answer their questions about this intriguing, tantalising novel.By BBC Radio 4

1
Martyrs: Saint Stephen the Protomartyr 23:11

9M ago23:11

23:11

Since this is the debut episode of Saint Podcast, it seems only appropriate to begin with the story of Saint Stephen, the protomartyr - or first martyr. Saint Stephen is one of the few saints whose story has a Biblical source, but his tale continues beyond the Bible in medieval legends, traditional celebrations, and even a French football club. Dis…

1
Martyrs: Saint Ursula the Leader of 11,000 Virgins 43:25

9M ago43:25

43:25

Episode six is about a saint whose name means little bear. She’s a British saint, a princess from Britannia, the name of the British Isles when England and Wales were part of the Roman Empire. Her legend is based around a pilgrimage that included an entourage of 11,000 virgins as well as an additional 15,000 hangers on. They met their end in modern…

1
Martyrs: Saint Margaret the Gender-Bending Dragon Slayer 32:34

9M ago32:34

32:34

Episode 3 of Saint Podcast's Martyrs series is about Saint Margaret. She's one of the most popular saints globally, despite having been declared fictional by the Catholic Church in the 5th century. Nevertheless, her legend as a vanquisher of dragons has made her a perennial favourite. Tune in to hear the story of this gender-bending saint, known as…

1
Special Episode - I Am Milk 1:15:06

10M ago1:15:06

1:15:06

This is I Am Milk, a special episode inspired by an exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London entitled, Milk. It explores our relationship with milk and its place in politics, society, and culture. Judaeo-Christian legends are filled to the brim with stories about milk from lactating saints to a promised land of milk and honey and a Christian…

1
The Season of Creation and Laudato Si’ – a view from the US in this election year 38:10

10M ago38:10

38:10

The environment is a key platform of the papacy of Francis and his encyclical will form a significant part of his legacy over decades if not centuries. So why has Laudato Si’ not taken root in the US as it has in the UK and elsewhere? Could one reason be the polarisation of society and Church where climate change has itself become so politicised? Y…

1
Ken Follett: A Column of Fire 27:43

10M ago27:43

27:43

Bestselling novelist Ken Follett joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss his historical novel A Column of Fire, the third in his hugely successful Kingsbridge series. It’s a tale of spying and intrigue, as Elizabeth I battles to keep her throne in the face of fierce religious division across Europe.…

1
Mystics: Saint Peter of Verona the Exorcist 1:00:35

11M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

The second episode in Saint Podcast's Mystics series is about a 13th-century Dominican friar and inquisitor. His rulings against Cathar heretics made him many enemies, including a cabal of nobles in Milan who sent an assassin to kill him. Although not strictly speaking a mystic, many miracles are attributed to this saint. He’s a divine healer of si…

1
Martyrs: Saint Christopher the Dog-headed Giant 49:26

11M ago49:26

49:26

Episode eight in Saint Podcast's Martyrs season is about a saint who was a monstrous giant, standing over 12 feet/3.5 metres tall! He’s the patron saint of athletics, travellers, journeys and transportation in general, epilepsy, the city of Havana in Cuba, and of bachelors. His legend inspired a fashion craze in the late 1950s, and he's famously kn…

1
Ayobami Adebayo 27:47

11M ago27:47

27:47

Ayobami Adebayo talks to James Naughtie and readers about her novel, Stay With Me, a moving story of loss and motherhood. Set against the backdrop of tumultuous political events in Nigeria, it tells the story of Yejide and Akin, whose marriage is childless. The novel, which is narrated by them both, explores the pressure to have a child, the toll i…

1
Pilgrimage to Patmos with Fr Nicholas King SJ 21:08

11M ago21:08

21:08

In September, with JC Journeys, we are going on pilgrimage to Patmos, led by Fr Nicholas King SJ. In this podcast, Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet talks to Fr King about this beautiful island and its place and meaning in the Bible. On this trip, pilgrims can visit the Cave of Revelation, the Monastery of St John and there will be a daily Mass, celebrat…

1
Martyrs: Saint Barbara the Disney Princess 39:12

11M ago39:12

39:12

Episode 4 is about Saint Barbara, a maiden who was locked in a tower by her father - and one of the many legendary inspirations behind the fairytale Rapunzel. She's the patron saint of firefighters, Lebanon, lightning, mathematicians, and numerous military artillery units. Find out why Saint Barbara is the patron of explosions. Discover the pre-hol…

1
Martyrs: Saint Catherine of Alexandria the Virgin Bride 51:03

12M ago51:03

51:03

Episode seven is about an Egyptian queen. She’s noted for being the brightest mind of her generation and is therefore the patron saint of scholars, students, lawyers, educators, librarians, philosophers, and theologians. This saint’s icon is a spiked wheel, the implement of torture her tormentor, the Roman Emperor, attempted - unsuccessfully - to i…

1
Mystics: Saint Hildegard of Bingen the Mystical Polymath 1:15:52

12M ago1:15:52

1:15:52

Episode three in the Mystics series is about one of the most influential figures in Medieval Europe, She was a 12th-century author composer, theologian, author, naturalist, visionary, and exorcist. She began life as an oblate, a child who was donated irrevocably to the church by her wealthy parents, sealed up in a cell for life. How she emerged to …

1
Martyrs: Saint Lawrence the Saviour of the Holy Grail 38:29

12M ago38:29

38:29

Episode five of Saint Podcast's Martyrs series is about Saint Lawrence, the son of wealthy Christians living in the Roman province Hispania, modern day Spain. He's an extremely popular saint whose story is relatively unknown yet it intersects with one of the most well-known legends in the world: the legend of the Holy Grail. He was famously roasted…

1
Marlon James: A Brief History of Seven Killings 27:39

12M ago27:39

27:39

Marlon James answers readers' questions about his award-winning novel, A Brief History of Seven Killings. The novel, which is narrated by multiple characters, opens in Jamaica in the run-up to the 1976 election. Kingston is riven by violence as competing gangs, some supported by the US government, compete for territory and control of the drugs trad…

1
Mystics: Saint Anthony of Egypt the Mystic in the Desert 56:06

12M ago56:06

56:06

The first Mystics episode is about a saint called the Father of Monks. He’s one of the first Desert Fathers, hermits who lived solitary lives in the harsh deserts of Egypt. Throughout his life he was attacked and tempted by the Devil in the guises of a beautiful woman, unimaginable riches, terrifying demons, and a centaur. He’s the patron saint of …

1
Special Episode - It's a Sin: A History of Bad Behaviour 56:55

1y ago56:55

56:55

This is a special episode created in collaboration with the York Art Gallery. It’s inspired by an exhibition curated by Dr Joost Joustra called Sin, organised by the National Gallery, London with York Museums Trust. The exhibition explores the theme of sin through a collection of artworks spanning a Medieval depiction of demons consuming the soul o…

1
Mystics: Saint Francis the Wayward Stigmatic Part II 48:03

1y ago48:03

48:03

In Part I of our Saint Francis Mystics episode, Francis turned his back on youthful pursuits of status and glory. In Part II, his movement and message gain momentum. Their success, however, heralds the end of a golden age. As the number of Francis' followers swell, conflict with the Papacy in Rome seems inevitable. Join Francis as he meets Pope Inn…

1
Mystics: Saint Francis the Wayward Stigmatic Part I 40:22

1y ago40:22

40:22

Episode four in the Mystics series is about a saint who was born in the year 1181. He was a middle-class party boy who aspired to the upper-class sex, drugs, and rock and roll lifestyle of an aristocrat until a chance encounter with a leper changed him. His love for nature is commonly referenced, as are the bloody stigmata he bore on his body. The …

1
Special Pride Month Episode - Jarman and Sebastiane: The Making of a Gay Icon 42:11

1y ago42:11

42:11

In celebration of Pride Month is a special episode inspired by an exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery entitled, Derek Jarman Protest! – a major retrospective of the work created by one of the most influential figures in 20th-century British culture. This episode features artist Jez Dolan and curator Fiona Corridan from the Manchester Art Galle…

1
Making peace in the past, present and future – Catholic bishops on the way forward 21:31

1y ago21:31

21:31

Catholic bishops have called for new treaties to regulate weaponised drones and lethal autonomous weapons systems. In a new paper, “Called to be Peacemakers”, the bishops of England and Wales also call for a “global moratorium” on lethal autonomous weapons systems. In this podcast, Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet, talks to Bishop Will…

1
Lucy Caldwell: These Days 27:48

1y ago27:48

27:48

Celebrated novelist and short story writer Lucy Caldwell joins James Naughtie and readers to discuss These Days. Set in 1941, it focusses on the lives of two sisters living through the Belfast Blitz. Lucy talks about the inspiration for her novel, her research and writing it during the pandemic.By BBC Radio 4

1
Pope Francis, Ukraine and just war theory 33:32

1y ago33:32

33:32

Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet, discusses with Fr Alban McCoy OFM Conv the question of Pope Francis and his approach to the war in Ukraine, and where this fits in the context of just war theory.

1
Bonus Episode PREVIEW Saint Benedict the Godfather of Monasticism 5:54

1y ago5:54

5:54

This is a preview of the bonus episode, created for Patreon and Spotify subscribers, about a saint who, according to Pope Benedict XVI, ‘exercised a fundamental influence on the development of European civilisation and culture’. Indeed, the rule for religious men this saint wrote in the 6th century has been the template for nearly every monastic or…

1
Happy Birthday Nicholas Grabowsky 1:17:00

1y ago1:17:00

1:17:00

Happy Birthday Nicholas GrabowskyBy FRANCY AND FRIENDS

1
Nicholas Shakespeare: Six Minutes in May 27:51

1y ago27:51

27:51

James Naughtie and readers quiz Nicholas Shakespeare about his book, Six Minutes In May: How Churchill Unexpectedly Became Prime Minister. It chronicles the dramatic political and military events of 1940 which led to the momentous Norway Debate and Chamberlain’s resignation. Upcoming recordings at BBC Broadcasting House in London: Wednesday 15 May …

1
We always get Freaky With Chuck W Capman 1:23:00

1y ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Singer, songwriter, actor, director, and author, Chuck W. Chapman is from Greenville, SC. He has toured the US in various rock bands and recently wrote, directed, and starred in the Rondo Award-nominated indie horror film, “He Drives at Night,” with Butch Patrick of “Eddie Munster” fame. Chuck has been a featured actor on nationally syndicated tele…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Nicholas Francis Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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