IN THE podcast You’re Dead to Me, “Kellogg Brothers: A family feud and the creation of a cereal empire” (BBC Sounds), we witness how the brothers fought before they fortified their maize products. It is a tale of rivalry, brinkmanship, and exploitation. The podcast explores early wellness culture, gut health, and how the Church influenced and benefited from the business. There are some fruity bits, too; so be ready to hit the forward-30-seconds button to save yourself some blushes.
The Charlie Kirk Show, “A Life of Faith, a Legacy That Endures”, which aired on 12 September, was the first tribute episode hosted by his friends after his death (News, 19 September). Kirk was known to express his strong views unapologetically. From 32 minutes to 50 minutes, there is a protracted discussion about his faith, portraying him as America’s greatest martyr. Future episodes take that further. For those who observe the rise of British Christian nationalism, Kirk serves as a model that others in the UK are emulating. I appreciate how the host of this episode attempts to calm the anger of his followers who are seeking revenge.
This provides a fascinating peek through the keyhole into the logic of the radical Right. After the first section, the host states, “Last week, Charlie went to South Korea to spread the gospel of conservatism and our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.” The fusion of this ideology and theology is worth monitoring; and podcasts open useful windows into worlds that we may be unfamiliar with.
The Profile, from Premier Christianity magazine, features the award-winning African-American gospel star Kirk Franklin. The episode is “Kirk Franklin: The multi-Grammy-winning musician on music and ministry”. I grew up listening to his contemporary flavour of gospel music. He has effectively crossed over from church into mainstream music, collaborating with the likes of Will Smith. In this short conversation, the interviewer tries several times to have Franklin speak about something very personal; for example, he asks: “What are you talking to your therapist about?”
It is entertaining to hear how Franklin navigates these enquiries, but it is bittersweet to learn how his celebrity, intertwined with his Christianity, affects his mental health and has led to divisions within his family: the cost of success has been sky-high. For those who know him or want to learn more, this brief listen is enlightening.
In Detail. . . Sanctuary: An act of defiance (BBC Sounds) recounts events from 1986 when a man walked into a church, igniting a British culture war. In a Church of England parish church in Manchester, he sought sanctuary to escape the threat of torture, or worse, owing to his outspoken criticism of his home government’s treatment of Tamil people. This narrative is a confluence of religion and politics, law and justice, anti-deportation efforts, and a massive campaign that resonated globally. The podcast features a bold priest, an unrelenting activist, and the movement that they inspired. And it took place in the church where I am now the Rector. Full disclosure: Yours Truly features as well.
