Best Philip Connor Podcasts (2025)

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

6h 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
Irish In Sweden - Gävle's Winning GAA Start & A Star Is Born In Seán 46:49

1d ago46:49

46:49

The Nordic GAA season got off to a flying start in Stockholm over the weekend as Gävle won the men's tournament with Copenhagen triumphant among the women, but it was Gävle's new ladies team who brought the sunshine on a rainy day in the capital. We also hear form Seán Collins directly after his brilliant gig at Wirströms City on Sunday May 18 wher…

1
10. Larry Sanger: The rebirth of Wikipedia's co-founder 1:17:55

7d 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 …

1
Irish In Sweden - A Step Into Music With Seán Collins 33:24

13d ago33:24

33:24

With his debut single having finally seen the light of day, the incredibly talented Seán Collins is coming back to Sweden for a gig in Wirströms City on May 18. Nephew of community powerhouse and long-time Stockholm resident Theresa O'Shea Ogenstad, Seán started playing guitar at age 10 and has recently graduated with a degree in music, but perhaps…

1
9. Surprising Conversations: Jonathan Pageau 1:13:24

14d 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
8. Why Men Are Returning To Church: The surprising rebirth of the manosphere 1:43:19

21d 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
Irish In Sweden - Zack's Back With Pats, With Swede Axel In Tow 40:52

27d ago40:52

40:52

The Easter holidays saw an exodus back to the Green Isle for many in the Swedish-Irish community, and the podcast was no different! I caught up with Zack Elbouzedi and Axel Sjöberg in Dublin where the pair are currently playing on the right wing for St. Patrick's Atheltic. Zack's sojourn at AIK made him a much-loved player with the fans there, but …

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

28d 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…

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

1M 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
Irish In Sweden - Jen's Pasta Passion Still Going Strong 46:18

1M ago46:18

46:18

This one took a little longer to get out than expected due to a visit to Rory McGrath at Northvolt in Västerås, but no it's finally here! Jen O'Sullivan is back to talk about her adventures in the wonderful world of Italian food, how coming from a big family made her seek the solace of individual sport, and how an active childhood is her recipe for…

1
5. William Lane Craig vs Philip Goff: A philosopher's 'slightly heretical' Christian conversion? 2:02:16

1M 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, …

1
Irish In Sweden - Great Irish Art On Offer At Stockholm's Supermarket Art Fair 56:19

2M ago56:19

56:19

Spring is here and that means Alannah Robins is back in town taking part in the Supermarket Art Fair, together with a host of hugely talented Irish artists! Former Sweden resident Alannah moved back to Ireland and the west coast, but she's no stranger to these shores, promoting strong links between the Irish and Swedish art scenes and doing her bes…

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

2M 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…

1
3. Ayaan Hirsi Ali: Cambridge Q&A on conversion, Christianity and politics 2:00:18

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

1
Irish In Sweden - The West's Awake With Glorious Gothenburg Parade! 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

Saturday March 15 will go down in history for the west-coast Swedish-Irish community as the city of Gothenburg held its first official St. Patrick's Day parade. The "Irish in Sweden" podcast was privileged to be on hand to document a great day for those in the west, and you can hear all the voices from the day in this very special episode!…

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

2M 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
Irish In Sweden - Ian Rolls Out The Barrel For West Coast Irish 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

This week Ian Moloney joins med from Gothenburg to talk about his new pub venture with the Flying Barrel, the first celebration of St. Patrick's Day in the city and how the local community is working hard to re-instate a direct flight to Ireland that is sorely missed. There's also news of the St. Patrick's Day concert on Stockholm on March 11 - you…

1
Irish In Sweden - Dee Bugg's Undying Love For Prince Makes Her Queen Of Sweden 28:21

3M ago28:21

28:21

There is no end of talent in the Swedish-Irish community, and out in front right now is drag queen Dee Bugg, who is likely to get us all deported with her new single "Queen Of Sweden", in which she expresses her undying love for Prince Carl-Philip. Dee joins me to talk about the inspiration of Melodifestivalen, the process of making a smash hit, an…

1
Irish In Sweden - Dancing At Lunacy With Lorcan O'Neill 1:00:59

3M ago1:00:59

1:00:59

This week's guest is the incredibly talented Lorcan O'Neill, whose remarkable career in dance, particularly contemporary and ballet, eventually brought him to Stockholm, where he now resides among us. We talk at great length about going against the grain in his native Cork and how dancing took him around the world before landing him here in Sweden.…

1
Irish In Sweden - Simon Seeking Soccer Success In Northern Sweden 49:46

3M ago49:46

49:46

At long last we get to the interview with the brilliant Simon Chretién, our Irish-Belgian-Kiwi footballer smashing into tackles int he far north of Sweden! Simon's cosmopolitan background and adventurous nature have taken him around the world several times, and now he's up just shy of the Arctic Circle playing for IFK Luleå to see how far he can cl…

1
Irish In Sweden - Podcaster Alva Our Rising Mello Star! 15:38

3M ago15:38

15:38

Swedish-Irish music fan Alva Dunne from Malmö is one of three hosts for a new podcast about Melodifestivalen - the annual competition where Sweden's Eurovision entry is chosen - that is flying up the charts! The 11-year-old is a life-long lover of all things Eurovision and Mello, and she talked to the Irish In Sweden podcast about what she likes ab…

1
Irish In Sweden - Kevin Walker Talks Music, Football & The Tragedy In Örebro 53:34

3M ago53:34

53:34

Plans to talk to Kevin Walker in his home town of Örebro took a turn this week with the news that a school shooting had occurred there on Tuesday. I've been working in the town ever since, and decided to drop out to Kevin's house to talk to him about what happened, as well as his career in professional football and his new path as a full-time songw…

1
Irish In Sweden - Earnest Lydia Our Drama Queen With Spuds & Sill 54:30

4M ago54:30

54:30

This week I'm joined by the wonderfully talented Lydia Lafferty to talk about the upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's play "The Importance Of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde. The holder of a degree in drama, Lydia talks about how she fell in love with the footlights at a local drama group for kids in Tyrone, and how that led to a life-long love of t…

1
Irish In Sweden - Film-maker Dennis Wins Swedish Oscar! 52:43

4M ago52:43

52:43

Irish film-maker Dennis Harvey won the award for best short film at the Swedish Guldbaggen awards, which are the Nordic nation's equivalent of the Oscars, and he popped by the studio to talk about what this means for his work making movies about the politics of migration. There's also some good news around sponsorship - we're very close to having t…

1
Introducing: The Artful Dodger 0:45

4M ago0:45

0:45

James Wallace was once the most revered philanthropist in the New Zealand arts community. His world started crumbling when a young man accused him of sexual assault. After a six-year legal battle - and more victims came forward - Wallace was convicted of multiple crimes and out of ways to keep his identity secret. This is the story of a disgraced k…

1
Irish In Sweden - Trad On The Prom Comes For Three Post-Christmas Shows 27:58

5M ago27:58

27:58

The build-up to Christmas continues, so we have another shout-out for our small businesses, plus a great gift idea - tickets to the "Trad On the Prom" show featuring Irish music and dancing, which is to Växsjö, Norrköping and Gothenburg on Jan 4/5/6. I am joined by show creator Chris Kelly and promoter Sten Cranner to find out about the show itself…

1
Irish In Sweden - Gothenburg "Sosse" Eoin Stands In Dáil Election 40:34

5M ago40:34

40:34

There was a strong Swedish-Irish connection when Ireland went to the polls around ten days ago as former Gothenburg resident and current South Dublin council member Eoin O'Broin stood in the Dublin Midwest constituency for the Social Democrats. Standing in the same race as Sinn Féin's housing spokesperson of the same name, Eoin got involved in part…

1
Irish In Sweden - Voices From The Irish Chamber Of Commerce In Sweden Beacon Award Gala 36:03

6M ago36:03

36:03

Saturday Nov 23 saw the biggest attendance yet for the ICCS annual gala and Beacon Award ceremony, which was held at the Elite Marina Hotel in Stockholm, and needless to say the Irish In Sweden podcast was there to record what went on behind the scenes! Hear from board members, guests, keynote speaker Brian O'Toole and award-winner Jim Dowling amon…

1
Irish In Sweden - Opening Sweden's New Dublin Embassy With Ambassador Lina van der Weyden 29:12

6M ago29:12

29:12

On a great day for Swedish-Irish relations, Sweden has opened a brand-new embassy on Pembroke Row in Dublin, ending a 14-year spell without one in the Irish capital. Ahead of the very first event held at the embassy featuring author and journalist Alexandra Pascalidou, I sat down with new ambassador Lina van der Weyden to talk about what this means…

1
Irish In Sweden - Al Mahon On How To Buy A Car In Sweden 49:20

6M ago49:20

49:20

This week I'm joined by the legend that is Alan Mahon, a mechanic and engine-whisperer of unmatched skill and one of the most sought-after men in the business. Al has been head-hunted by basically every major car brand in the Nordic region and is now working with technical support for the new breed of electric cars on the market - we spoke about th…

1
Irish In Sweden - Cueing Up The Punchlines With Snooker-Mad Standup Brian O'Grady 52:41

7M ago52:41

52:41

As winter approaches and the evenings get shorter, stand-up comic and Sweden's number 13-ranked snooker player Brian O'Grady dropped by the studio for a chat about his life on stage and at the table. We talk about how he came to live in Sweden, what happened when he first saw live stand-up comedy in the Liffey, and how a lot of what he has done sin…

1
Polkinghorne Bonus: Sentenced on drug charges 10:10

7M ago10:10

10:10

In the final chapter of the trial of Philip Polkinghorne, the former Auckland eye surgeon found not guilty of murdering his wife, he has been sentenced to 150 hours of community work for drug possession. The charges of possessing methamphetamine and a pipe to smoke it followed searches of the family home after the death of Pauline Hanna. WARNING: T…

1
Irish In Sweden - Arrivals Exhibition Brings Our Artists Across The Threshold 33:24

7M ago33:24

33:24

It's been a minute, as the cool kids say, but we are back with a podcast to tell the community about the latest Arrivals exhibition featuring 18 Swedish-Irish artists at Galleri Assessor, Assessorsgatan 14 in Stockholm on Oct 24-27. Created and curated by Sarah Galligan and Sophie Lundkvist McCormack with support from Tara O'Neill, the artists, the…

1
30. Surprised by God: 3 ways to welcome the returning tide of faith 2:13:14

8M 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
Polkinghorne E13: The Verdict 27:18

8M ago27:18

27:18

After nearly two months and more than 80 witnesses, the jury returns with their finding in the murder trial of Philip Polkinghorne. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for where to get help in New Zealand. Podcasts like this take lots of tim…

1
Polkinghorne E12: The closing arguments - murder or suicide? 1:01:43

8M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

The defence and the prosecution present their final arguments after nearly two months of evidence. The Judge delivers a summing up and gives the jury directions before they retire to consider a verdict. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here fo…

1
Polkinghorne E11: ‘I'm never good enough’ 52:14

8M ago52:14

52:14

For the first time, the court hears emails, found by the defence, that Pauline Hanna wrote to herself. Psychiatrists talk about the possible impact of the mix of medication she was taking. IT experts are at odds over whether texts were started - and deleted - on Hanna’s phone at 4am on the day her death was reported. WARNING: This podcast reference…

1
Polkinghorne E10: Injuries and interpretations 50:46

8M ago50:46

50:46

Expert defence pathologists offer different conclusions about the cause of death to their Crown counterparts. Colleagues at Auckland Eye describe Polkinghorne as kind and generous. And we hear from the “fishing boys”, who knew “Polky” from trips to their holiday homes in The Coromandel. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start …

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

8M 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
Polkinghorne E9: ‘There was no murder’ 33:52

8M ago33:52

33:52

As the defence case begins, Polkinghorne’s lawyer describes the police as being “intoxicated” with the idea of murder, and cautions the jury against being distracted by evidence about sex and drugs. Pauline Hanna’s sister says Hanna told her of a suicide attempt more than 30 years ago and Polkinghorne’s ex-wife takes the stand. WARNING: This podcas…

1
Polkinghorne E8: ‘I haven't come this far to walk away’ 1:03:33

8M ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Details of Philip Polkinghorne’s relationships with wife Pauline Hanna and Sydney-based sex worker Madison Ashton emerge when police scrutinise their digital devices. Among their discoveries, thousands of sexual images, and personal correspondence about the state of the marriage. A forensic accountant tells the court that Polkinghorne paid hundreds…

1
Polkinghorne E7: ‘Some things are going to come out’ 35:22

8M ago35:22

35:22

As the Crown case nears its end, a close friend and colleague alleges Polkinghorne made sex and meth admissions that “shocked” her. There are questions about tensions in the operating theatre, financial stress and positive meth tests at Auckland Eye. An expert explains the ways meth can change behaviour. WARNING: This podcast references suicide rig…

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

9M 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
Polkinghorne E6: The disappearing mark 43:00

9M ago43:00

43:00

Two pathologists face detailed questions about the significance of a mark on Pauline Hanna’s neck, with one asked why they didn’t mention it in their autopsy report. The court hears more about Hanna’s medical history, including her use of unprescribed sleeping tablets and the prescriptions she was given by her GP. WARNING: This podcast references s…

1
Polkinghorne E5: ‘He wants to have sex with everybody’ 54:13

9M ago54:13

54:13

In a recording played to the jury, Pauline Hanna talks about the state of her marriage to eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne and their sex life. Close friends recall her sharing an alleged strangulation threat by her husband. The defence challenges them and family members, asking if their recollections are clouded by the belief that Hanna wouldn’t hav…

1
Polkinghorne E4: ‘She’s never hit me, I’ve never hit her’ 41:35

9M ago41:35

41:35

The jury hears Polkinghorne for the first time as the prosecution plays his police interview from the day his wife died. While answering questions about his marriage to Pauline Hanna and her state of mind, he receives a call informing him he’s a suspect. The Crown case continues with a friend of the couple describing his suspicions about Polkinghor…

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

9M 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 …

1
Polkinghorne E3: An unprecedented search 39:18

9M ago39:18

39:18

With Philip Polkinghorne being interviewed at the police station, detectives decide to step up their search of his house. Amid tests for fingerprints, DNA and blood - a hunt dubbed unprecedented by the detective sergeant in charge of the scene - officers make a series of discoveries that shape the investigation. But in court they’re asked if police…

1
Polkinghorne E2: Code 1C for suspicious 32:40

9M ago32:40

32:40

As detectives comb the home of Philip Polkinghorne and Pauline Hanna, questions quickly emerge about the rope involved in her death. The jury hears Polkinghorne’s summary of his wife’s final day alive. WARNING: This podcast references suicide right from the start and throughout the episode. Some listeners might find this distressing. Click here for…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Philip Connor Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide