UnShaw

What happens when a curious outsider responds to a Facebook ad from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? In this episode, I recount my unexpected deep dive into Mormonism — from scripture study classes and church services, to late-night conversations with missionaries and personal reflections on faith, doubt, and belonging. Along the way, I visit a local temple, grapple with the church’s complex history, and explore wha...

This week on The UnShaw Podcast, we turn our attention to one of the United States’ most debated attractions — the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. This life-sized replica of Noah’s Ark, built to biblical specifications, stands as a monument to young Earth creationism — and as a lightning rod for controversy over science education and public funding. Fresh from attending and speaking at the annual Ark Encounter protest, ret...

Welcome back to The UnShaw Podcast. In our last episode, we explored the fascinating concept of life after death, hearing from someone who passionately believes in its existence. They presented compelling insights drawn from near death experiences and past-life regression. This episode quickly became our most popular YouTube episode within just a week.

For our long-time listeners, you'll recall that Series 2 kicked off with an ...

What if the mind doesn’t die with the body? This opening episode of Series 3 features a conversation with Simon Bown, host of The Past Lives Podcast, where the strange, provocative evidence behind reincarnation, past-life memory, and what consciousness might be beyond death are discussed.

From hypnotic regressions to children who recall lives they never lived, this episode questions the limits of identity and time. Are we just matte...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, we delve into the resignation of Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury and spiritual leader of the Church of England. Joining the conversation is Nick Cowan who shares unique insights from his interactions with Welby—including a conversation just days before his resignation!

Our discussion ventures beyond the resignation itself, addressing the deep divisions within the Anglican Communion. Fro...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, we’re joined by Stuart Sorensen, a community psychiatric nurse. Together, we explore his personal and professional experiences, diving into topics like mental health, faith healing, the role of spirituality in care, and his views on modern politics.

As a friend of the podcast, Stuart brings unique insights and candour, and his perspectives on the metaphysical, mental health and even the curren...

In this season finale of The Unshaw Podcast, we explore the most consequential political events of our time: the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Joined by Mark Alsip—author of Journey to Reason and Bound by Faith—we explore the implications of this election for America and the world.

Mark’s insights provide a framework to understand what the future may hold under his renewed leadership.

You can fi...

In this penultimate episode of The Unshaw Podcast, Mary Beth O’Connor shares her journey of overcoming addiction in a recovery landscape dominated by faith-based programs, which often left little room for non-religious approaches. Despite these challenges, Mary Beth charted her own path to sobriety and rose to the position of federal judge.

We discuss her life story, the hurdles she faced in secular recovery, and the insights she o...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jarle Breivik, Professor of Medicine at Oslo University and author of the book Making Sense of Cancer. Dr. Breivik brings a unique and thought-provoking perspective to a subject that touches all our lives, directly or indirectly—cancer. Together, we explore how we perceive this complex disease and discuss its connection to aging, mortality, and what it means to live fully...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, we sit down with Ian Tattum, who recently retired after 30 years as a Church of England vicar at St. Barnabas Church in London.

Ian shares insights from a lifetime dedicated to his congregation, reflecting on the evolution of faith, community, and the role of the Church in a changing world.

As both a spiritual guide and community anchor, Ian’s experience raises thoughtful questions about wha...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, we’re joined by Liz Barclay, Clinical Nurse, lifelong paranormal enthusiast, and merchandise manager for the popular Uncanny Podcast.

Liz, a longtime friend of the show, shares her unique perspective on the mysterious worlds of faith, spirituality, and the supernatural. Together, we delve into her journey from her roots in the Church of Scotland to her fascination with ghostly encounters and ...

In this episode of The Unshaw Podcast, I explore the origins of Christianity with historian Tim O'Neill from Sydney, Australia.

Together, we tackle some of the most controversial and widely debated claims about the life of Jesus. Tim offers a historically grounded perspective on the figure at the heart of one of the world’s most influential religions. Explore more of Tim’s work at historyforatheists.com and on his YouTube channel.

Welcome to The UnShaw Podcast.

In the summer in Britain, tensions between Muslim communities and far-right activists ignited after a false rumour spread, linking a horrific triple child murder to a Muslim immigrant. For a moment, it seemed we might be on the brink of a repeat of the widespread riots and violence that gripped the nation in 2011, following the police killing of Mark Duggan in North London.

However, this time around,...

In a departure from the usual theme of the podcast, although we do touch briefly on spiritual and religious issues, I spoke with former pop music artist, impresario, producer, TV personality and convicted sex offender Jonathan King.

We talk about his life in the music industry and the legal issues he has faced since the 2000s. I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation.

Enjoy the rest of your weekends and 'see' you next Sunday.

In last week's episode, I had an insightful conversation with Professor Tim Coulson of Oxford University about his book The Universal History Of Us, where we explored the origins of the universe, the emergence of life, and how evolution shaped the incredible biodiversity we see today.

This week, I invite you to dive into a different perspective with my guest Nick Cowan, a Cambridge University science graduate and lifelong science e...

Welcome back, seekers, skeptics, and believers, to another thought-provoking series of The UnShaw Podcast!

If you joined us for Series 1, you’ll know this podcast is all about tackling life’s biggest mysteries and the age-old questions that have puzzled humanity for millennia: Is there a God? Was Jesus divine? Do we need a higher power to explain the universe? How did life truly begin, and what sparked the birth of the cosmos itse...

Welcome to the final episode in series 1 of the UnShaw Podcast.

Instead of our usual format, where I, your host, Robert Shaw, delve into the minds of guests, today the tables have turned. A former guest will be taking the reins and interviewing me.

For those who've followed along faithfully, you're in for a treat. I've got some juicy titbits to share about what's in store for Series 2, but more on that later.

For ...

Welcome to the UnShaw Podcast.

Today, I am thrilled to have David Shipley as our guest.

Born into a family with non-believing parents, David's upbringing was traditional in many ways, but his path diverged dramatically after his time at Birmingham University. Rising as a successful businessman, David seemed to have it all. However, in 2014, he made a decision that would alter the course of his life forever.

Embracing Catholicis...

Join the unshawpodcast.com in exploring the dynamics of Christianity's influence in America on this episode of The UnShaw Podcast. Our guest, Mark Alsip, shares his journey from a devout Christian upbringing to a profound reassessment of his beliefs.

In Christianity in decline in the US? Or is it influencing parts of American society in ways it has not done for years?

Mark's book, "The Journey to Reason," serves ...