The C.S. Lewis podcast

The C.S. Lewis podcast

A weekly podcast from Premier Unbelievable? with Professor Alister McGrath exploring C.S. Lewis’ thought, theology and teaching. C.S. Lewis is one of the most influential voices in modern Christianity. The 20th Century British writer and lay theologian has profoundly impacted Christians around the world and brought many atheists and agnostics to faith in Jesus. One person whose faith was greatly encouraged by the writings of C.S. Lewis is Professor Alister McGrath. Both men were raised in Northern Ireland, studied at Oxford University and went on to become professors there. They also both came to faith from atheism slightly later in life. Alister has written numerous books on C.S. Lewis, including a seminal biography C.S. Lewis – A Life. Every Monday, Ruth Jackson and Professor Alister McGrath will reflect on C.S. Lewis’ ideas, life and influence as well as trying to answer questions that impact culture today.

Episodes

February 2, 2026 22 mins
This is a special episode taken from the Lesser Known Lewis podcast, a podcast which focuses on CS Lewis' essays and short works, which Ruth Jackson was a guest on in 2024. She discusses CS Lewis' speech 'Christian Apologetics' and provides insight into her background with Lewis. Lesser Known Lewis podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/lesser-known-lewis-christian-reflections-on-c-s-lewiss/id1628447813 The Scott Tuo...
Mark as Played
Dr Crystal Hurd - an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia - and host Ruth Jackson explore what leadership looks like through the lens of CS Lewis, not as power or prominence, but as quiet faithfulness in everyday life. Crystal reflects on Lewis’ conviction that most leadership happens far from the spotlight: in homes, classrooms, churches, and communities, where ordinary people shape others through character, humility, and ...
Mark as Played
Dr Crystal Hurd, an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia, discusses CS Lewis as a model of compassionate, resilient, and creative leadership. Together, Ruth and Crystal explore how Lewis demonstrated compassion in his life and work, how he responded to suffering and criticism with resilience, and the ways he inspired others both in his own time and today. The discussion also considers Lewis’ imaginative approach to leadersh...
Mark as Played
Dr Crystal Hurd explores why CS Lewis remains such a compelling and influential figure today. An educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia, Crystal is the author of 'The Leadership of C.S. Lewis: 10 Traits to Encourage Change and Growth' and a contributor to 'Women and C.S. Lewis'. Drawing on her doctoral research and a paper presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, she reflects on Lewis as a model of transformati...
Mark as Played
Dr Crystal Hurd, an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia, shares about her extensive work on CS Lewis. Dr Hurd discusses her first encounter with Lewis' writings and how it transformed her faith and worldview. She also delves into her doctoral research on CS Lewis's leadership qualities and how he served as a transformational leader. Other topics include Lewis's literary influence and personal reflections on how his work ha...
Mark as Played
In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson introduces a special conference paper by Charlie Reeder, recorded at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference at George Fox University. Charlie explores 'Spirits in Bondage', Lewis’ little-known first published work, written while he was still an atheist, and argues that it holds the key to understanding Lewis’s lifelong theme of longing. Tracing the idea of 'Sehnsucht' —a d...
Mark as Played
In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson is joined by Charlie Reeder, a recent Oxford graduate whose award-winning research explores the theme of longing in the work of CS Lewis. Drawing on his dissertation and a paper presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, Charlie unpacks Lewis’s early poetry collection 'Spirits in Bondage' and its surprising connections to Lewis’s later Christian vision. The conve...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson is joined by theologian and Lewis scholar Stefan Knibbe to explore “revolutions” in CS Lewis’ thinking about freedom, suffering and hell. Drawing on 'The Problem of Pain', 'Surprised by Joy' and 'Till We Have Faces', Stefan traces how Lewis moves from a focus on free will as the right to accept or reject God, towards freedom as liberation from sin by God’s grace. He shows how George MacDonald’s vision of God’s relentle...
Mark as Played
Stefan Knibbe joins to share how his studies led him to focus on the works of CS Lewis and how Lewis has shaped his thinking and faith. He speaks about his paper, “Freedom, Suffering, and Hell in Till We Have Faces: Lewis’ Shifting Views,” and why Lewis’ ideas on freedom shifted over time. Stefan also discusses the influence of George MacDonald and why the connection between freedom, suffering, and hell is so central to Lewis’ the...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, firefighter and podcast host, for the final episode of this series. Joseph gives insight into his paper, titled 'Dr. Dimble's Neutrals', that he presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference. We then get to hear his paper live from the conference, which was held at Geroge Fox University. 'Men with Chests' podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6otTZ3UJZONxUQVCONKHko + Support...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson is joined by Joseph Weigel, a firefighter and host of the podcast "Men with Chests". They explore Dr Dimble’s role in 'That Hideous Strength' and his intriguing idea of “neutral” spiritual beings. They discuss how these neutrals draw on medieval thought, whether Lewis intended readers to take them seriously, and what this reveals about his wider views on the supernatural. Their conversation also touches on Merlin’s pla...
Mark as Played
Firefighter and podcaster Joseph Weigel joins Ruth Jackson to explore the “fairy tale for grown-ups” that is 'That Hideous Strength' part of CS Lewis's Space Trilogy. Joseph shares why Lewis’ dystopian thriller is his favourite of the Space Trilogy, unpacks the marriage of Mark and Jane, and examines the unsettling ambitions of the N.I.C.E. They discuss Lewis’ provocative claim that magic and modern science are “twin” quests for po...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson talks with firefighter and podcast host Joseph Weigel about CS Lewis’ "The Abolition of Man" and why its insights into truth, morality, and modern culture still matter today. They explore how Lewis’ ideas about courage, sacrifice, and integrity resonate in everyday life and ask whether these themes have any relevance to the challenges faced by first responders. Ruth also invites reflection on how, if at all, faith shap...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson speaks with Lilian Lindén, who has a degree in philosophy of religion, about her paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference held at George Fox University. Her paper was titled "Did Lewis credit Barfield for what he learned from Steiner?". We then get to hear her paper live from the conference. Lilian's PhD: https://doria.fi/handle/10024/189132?locale=len + Support us here + Subscribe to The CS Lewis po...
Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson speaks with Lilian Lindén about CS Lewis’ early philosophical development and his long-running debate with his friend Owen Barfield, the so-called “Great War.” They unpack Lewis’s shift from realism to idealism, explore Barfield’s influence through anthroposophy, and consider how figures like Rudolf Steiner shaped their discussions. The conversation also looks at Lewis’ rejection of materialism, why these philosophical...
Mark as Played

Ruth Jackson speaks with Lilian Lindén, who has a degree in philosophy of religion, about how CS Lewis continues to shape faith and thought today. They discuss how she first encountered Lewis, the impact his writings have had on her life, and why his ideas remain so compelling more than 60 years after his death. Lilian also presented a paper at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, titled "Did Lewis Credit Barfield for What He...

Mark as Played
Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They explore what those in Christian ministry learn from C.S. Lewis - the “very ordinary layman” who helped shape modern faith. Alister reflects on Lewis’s approach to prayer and spiritual growth, his vision for Mere Christianity and how his theology speaks to the challenges of living faithfully in a post-Christian culture. The co...
Mark as Played
In today's episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They explore Lewis' view on miracles, his belief on the importance of imagination, and how Lewis' arguments stand up against the New Atheism movement. + Support us here + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our web...
Mark as Played
In today's episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. They reflect on Lewis' work as a theologian, covering questions such as: What are some of the key theological topics Lewis unpacks in his work? Has Lewis influenced the development or direction of modern Christian theology? What are some notable critiques of Lewis' theological views? + Support us here + Su...
Mark as Played
In today's episode, Ruth Jackson is joined again by Professor Alister McGrath, to discuss theology in a multi-part series. Why do people not consider Lewis a theologian? Who are some of the people who do take him seriously as a theologian, and has he become one in modern times? What can we learn from Lewis’ approach to theology? + Support us here + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Two Guys (Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers). Five Rings (you know, from the Olympics logo). One essential podcast for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Bowen Yang (SNL, Wicked) and Matt Rogers (Palm Royale, No Good Deed) of Las Culturistas are back for a second season of Two Guys, Five Rings, a collaboration with NBC Sports and iHeartRadio. In this 15-episode event, Bowen and Matt discuss the top storylines, obsess over Italian culture, and find out what really goes on in the Olympic Village.

    iHeartOlympics: The Latest

    Listen to the latest news from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

    Milan Cortina Winter Olympics

    The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are here and have everyone talking. iHeartPodcasts is buzzing with content in honor of the XXV Winter Olympics We’re bringing you episodes from a variety of iHeartPodcast shows to help you keep up with the action. Follow Milan Cortina Winter Olympics so you don’t miss any coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, and if you like what you hear, be sure to follow each Podcast in the feed for more great content from iHeartPodcasts.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.