The C.S. Lewis podcast

Why does C.S. Lewis still speak so powerfully to people decades after his death? Tyler Staton, lead pastor of Bridgetown Church and author of After Amen, joins Ruth Jackson to explore what Lewis can still teach us about prayer, suffering, desire, imagination and finding God when he seems absent. From Mere Christianity and The Weight of Glory to A Grief Observed, The Screwtape Letters and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Tyler reflects on the Lewis ideas that have shaped his own faith and helped him through cancer. They discuss: • Why imagination matters for faith • What apologetics can learn from Lewis’s storytelling • Whether our deepest desires point to God • How to notice God in ordinary life • What to do when prayer feels unanswered • Why honest doubt can itself become prayer • Where to start if you are new to C.S. Lewis Tyler’s advice when God feels absent is striking: “We pray our doubt.” Subscribe to The C.S. Lewis Podcast for conversations exploring the life, theology, imagination and enduring influence of C.S. Lewis. Discover more at cslewispodcast.com Subscribe & Support 🎥 Never miss an episode! Subscribe on YouTube: The C.S. Lewis Podcast🎙️ 👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡 🔗 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 📢 Follow us <p> Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)

You’ve listened. Now you can watch. The C.S. Lewis Podcast is coming to YouTube, bringing the life, imagination and extraordinary ideas of the man behind Narnia to video for the first time. In our first episode, host Ruth Jackson sits down with renowned C.S. Lewis scholar Professor Alister McGrath to explore one of the biggest questions of all: What is life actually for? They uncover Lewis’s remarkable journey from aggressive atheism to Christianity, the impact of war and suffering on his beliefs, why books became “dangerous” to his atheism, and how he brought reason and imagination together. And what would Lewis make of us today? Instagram, selfie culture, anxiety, identity and our constant need to prove ourselves? From The Chronicles of Narnia to Mere Christianity, discover why Lewis still speaks so powerfully to the modern world. Subscribe to the new C.S. Lewis Podcast YouTube channel for conversations exploring Lewis, Narnia, faith, doubt, suffering, imagination and much more. Already a listener? Welcome. Now you can watch. Subscribe & Support 🎥 Never miss an episode! Subscribe on YouTube: The C.S. Lewis Podcast🎙️ 👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡 🔗 Get bonus content, updates, fascinating articles, and early access to new episodes - absolutely free! Join now at www.premierunbelievable.com 📢 Follow us <p> Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)

Is it our fault when something bad happens? Can suffering ever be redeemed? In the final part of their discussion, Caleb Woodbridge and Damien Walter unpack Philp Pullman's critique of one of CS Lewis' most beloved Narnia stories. Along the way, they venture into the worlds of Star Trek and Lewis' Ransom Trilogy, asking whether science fiction can offer the hope and meaning we long for or whether we're still searching for a bigger story to live by. Plus, what did JRR Tolkien think of Dune? + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Is Christianity judgemental? Was Lewis too quick to judge his own characters? Can our imagination point us to the truth? From Star Wars and Doctor Who to His Dark Materials, Caleb Woodbridge and Damien Walter explore why myths continue to shape our imagination. Is there a "myth-shaped hole" in the human mind? Are we wired to search for meaning through story? Their discussion ranges from Lewis' idea of Christianity as the "true myth" to liberal humanism, imagination, truth and some of the most common criticisms levelled at Lewis. This is the second part of a programme originally broadcast on the Unbelievable? podcast. Listen next week to hear the final part of the conversation. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Did CS Lewis really get Susan so wrong? Philip Pullman's famous attack on The Chronicles of Narnia sparks a fascinating discussion as Christian writer Caleb Woodbridge and science-fiction critic Damien Walter unpack the infamous "problem of Susan", accusations of sexism and whether CS Lewis' stories are morally dangerous. This is the first part of a programme originally broadcast on the Unbelievable? podcast. Listen next week to hear part two of the conversation. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter, visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

How would CS Lewis respond to Richard Dawkins' views about Jesus? Back in 2013, Unbelievable held a conference around apologetics and CS Lewis called 'Jesus: liar, lunatic, legend or Lord'. Here, Peter S Williams, a Christian philosopher and apologist, gave a seminar on the topic: 'If CS Lewis met Dawkins, how would he respond to the New Atheists?' This is the third part of his presentation and includes audience Q&A. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

What would CS Lewis have thought about Dawkins' view of freedom, responsibility and ethics? Back in 2013, Unbelievable held a conference around apologetics and CS Lewis called 'Jesus: liar, lunatic, legend or Lord'. Here, Peter S Williams, a Christian philosopher and apologist, gave a seminar on the topic: 'If CS Lewis met Dawkins, how would he respond to the New Atheists?' This is the second part of his presentation. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Does Dawkins have a self-contradictory view of faith and knowledge? CS Lewis would likely have thought so according to Peter S Williams, a Christian philosopher and apologist. Back in 2013, Unbelievable held a conference around apologetics and CS Lewis called 'Jesus: liar, lunatic, legend or Lord'. Here, Peter gave a seminar on the topic: 'If CS Lewis met Dawkins, how would he respond to the New Atheists?' This is the first part of his presentation. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com

Are The Narnia Chronicles sexist and racist? Did Lewis explicitly avoid sexuality in the novels? In the final part of their discussion (originally broadcast on Unbelievable? back in 2009), literary critic Laura Miller and CS Lewis expert Michael Ward explore some of the criticisms levelled against Lewis and his fiction. For a recent discussion around these issues, check out Caleb Woodbridge and Damien Walter on Unbelievable here https://www.premierunbelievable.com/unbelievable/should-the-fall-be-celebrated-caleb-woodbridge-and-damien-walter-on-pullman/cslewis-hosted-by-john-nelson/21747.article + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

In the second part of their discussion (originally broadcast on Unbelievable? back in 2009), literary critic Laura Miller and CS Lewis expert Michael Ward explore Narnia, Christianity and myth. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Literary critic Laura Miller was captivated by Lewis’ Narnia stories as a child. As a teenager, she learnt of the Christian parallels in the books and felt “cheated and betrayed”. She was joined by Michael Ward, a leading expert on CS Lewis and author of Planet Narnia. This episode was originally broadcast on Unbelievable? back in 2009 + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

How important are facts and reason? Is science alone enough? What role does imagination play in apologetics? How do we maintain a strong faith when engaging with sceptics? Alister McGrath shares his insight into Lewis' thinking on important questions in our final episode on Lewis and apologetics. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Does my life have any meaning? If God exists, why has he allowed my suffering? How can a good God allow hell? Alister McGrath explores whether Lewis can speak into any contemporary theological, ethical and cultural questions or concerns. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

What is apologetics? Why does it matter? Can Christianity speak into the dominant narratives of our culture? Ruth Jackson is joined by Alister McGrath to reflect on what we can learn from Lewis' unique approach to apologetics. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

In today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Crystal Hurd, an educator, poet, and researcher from Virginia. Crystal shares insights from her paper, which was presented at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference at George Fox University. We also feature a reading of her paper, 'How Paternal Literary Habits Influenced CS Lewis', marking the final instalment in our series with Dr. Crystal Hurd. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter, visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Dr Crystal Hurd - educator, poet, and researcher—joins Ruth Jackson to uncover the family story behind C.S. Lewis’s imagination, faith, and values. Drawing on her research and a paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, Crystal explores the literary ambitions and deep faith of Lewis’s father, Albert, and how both Albert and his father Richard shaped Lewis’s worldview and writing. Together, they discuss the joys and tensions of the Lewis household, the Victorian ideals that marked Albert’s life, and the imaginative world-building that began with childhood stories like “Boxen.” Discover how family, faith, and literature intertwined to shape one of the twentieth century’s most beloved Christian writers. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter, visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/ + Support us here + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, a free ebook and newsletter, visit our website

Dr Crystal Hurd - educator, poet, and researcher - joins Ruth Jackson to uncover the family roots behind C.S. Lewis’s imagination and character. Drawing on her latest research and a paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, Crystal explores the impact of Lewis’s father Albert’s work ethic, moral integrity, and love of books, as well as the remarkable story of his parents’ courtship and marriage. Together, they reflect on how both Albert and Flora shaped Lewis’s literary passions, his values, and his lifelong relationships. Discover how the Lewis family’s love of literature, resilience amid hardship, and everyday faith shaped one of the twentieth century’s greatest Christian writers. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter, visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/ + Support us here + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, a free ebook and newsletter, visit our website

Dr Crystal Hurd, educator and poet, joins Ruth Jackson to explore the formative influence of C.S. Lewis’s mother, Flora, on Lewis’s life, work, and relationships. Drawing on her research and her paper from the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis conference, Crystal discusses Flora’s character, wit, and impact on the Lewis family after her untimely death. Together, they examine how Flora shaped Lewis’s respect for women, the depiction of mothers in his fiction, and his evolving relationships across a lifetime marked by loss and learning. Along the way, Ruth and Crystal reflect on grief, humility, family dynamics, and the quiet legacy of women often overlooked in great men’s stories. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter, visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

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 care. The discussion ranges from Lewis’ fictional leaders such as Lucy Pevensie and Orual, to his warnings about the temptations of authority and the need to remain grounded in God. Crystal also addresses accusations of misogyny, drawing on Lewis’ letters, friendships, and advocacy for women such as Elizabeth Anscombe. Together, Ruth Jackson and Crystal Hurd ask what it means to “light the corner you’re in”—and why Lewis believed such leadership still has the power to change the world. + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/

Ruth Jackson is joined by Jim Stockton, emeritus lecturer in philosophy at Boise State University and author of 'The Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942–1972: A Life.' In the final episode of this series, we hear the workshop Jim delivered at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, titled "Research opportunities and the Oxford University Socractic club, 1942-1972." The Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942-1972: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/oxford-university-socratic-club-19421972-9781978762602/ + Support us here: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate + Subscribe to The CS Lewis podcast: https://www.premier.plus/cs-lewis-podcast + For more shows, free ebook and newsletter visit our website: https://premierunbelievable.com/