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The C.S. Lewis podcast

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
422 reviews
This podcast has
285 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Premier
Explicit
No
Date created
2021/03/31
Latest episode
2026/10/19
Average duration
26 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

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.

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Check latest episodes from The C.S. Lewis podcast podcast


Alister McGrath: Has technology outgrown our ability to control it?
2026/10/19
Just because we can do something, does that mean we should? What happens when our technology advances faster than our ability to control it? And have we created things we may no longer be able to stop? C.S. Lewis scholar Alister McGrath joins Ruth Jackson to explore the striking warnings about science, power and unintended consequences hidden within The Magician's Nephew and what they might have to say to a world grappling with AI and rapidly advancing technology. But Lewis' story also confronts a much older problem: suffering. Drawing on the devastating loss of his mother as a child, Lewis knew that pain couldn't simply be explained away. So why does Aslan weep? Can suffering ever be understood? And what kind of hope is possible when there isn't an easy answer? + 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/
Alister McGrath: Why are we attracted to things that aren't good for us? [Magician's Nephew part 1]
2026/10/12
Can something – or someone – be beautiful, charismatic and deeply dangerous at the same time? And why is the world so rarely as simple as “good people” and “bad people”? With Greta Gerwig bringing The Magician's Nephew to the screen, C.S. Lewis scholar Alister McGrath joins Ruth Jackson to explore the surprisingly grown-up questions hiding inside one of Lewis' children's stories. From a world literally sung into existence to a beautiful but terrifying villain, they explore why Lewis believed imagination and beauty can reveal things that reason alone cannot. And why beauty should never be confused with goodness. Plus, why are Lewis' most dangerous characters often his most charismatic? And what can Narnia teach us about our own vulnerability to power, temptation and people who aren't quite what they seem? 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 Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
Andrew Lazo: Can atheism actually lead you to God?
2026/10/06
Can becoming an atheist ever be a step towards God? What if walking away from religion is sometimes more honest than pretending to believe? Are reason and evidence really enough to explain why we change our minds? In Early Prose Joy, Lewis wrote: "It is time, for religion’s sake, to hymn the joys of atheism.” For him, rejecting shallow, superstitious or half-hearted religion could sometimes be an intellectually honest step towards discovering something deeper. But, what eventually changed Lewis’ mind? C.S. Lewis scholar and Episcopal priest Andrew Lazo joins Ruth Jackson to explore how reason, imagination, longing and experience came together in Lewis’ journey from atheism to Christianity and why changing his beliefs ultimately changed the way he lived. Plus, what might Lewis make of today’s spiritually curious generation? Could our hunger for beauty, nature, relationships, music and meaning be clues pointing towards something more? For Early Prose Joy: https://www.jstor.org/stable/48599470 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 usInstagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
Andrew Lazo: Did C.S. Lewis get his own conversion story wrong?
2026/09/29
What can Lewis' journey from atheism to belief tell us about how and why we change our minds? C.S. Lewis famously described himself as “the most dejected and reluctant convert in all England”. But an unpublished manuscript appears to reveal something extraordinary: Lewis may have misremembered when his conversion actually happened. Lewis scholar and Episcopal priest Andrew Lazo joins Ruth Jackson to tell the remarkable story of Early Prose Joy - Lewis’ previously unpublished account of his journey from atheism to belief - and the moment he realised: “Lewis got it wrong!” Yet, this is about much more than correcting a date. What really caused Lewis to abandon atheism? What role did grief, reason and desire play? Why did he keep rewriting the story of his conversion? And did Lewis eventually discover that what he had been searching for all along wasn’t actually joy, but love? 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 Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
Andrew Lazo: How C.S. Lewis changed the minds of atheists, scientists and prisoners
2026/09/21
What do an atheist scientist, a Watergate prisoner and the author of Interview with the Vampire have in common? C.S. Lewis changed the way they thought. Lewis scholar and Episcopal priest Andrew Lazo grew up in an unbelieving home and first encountered Narnia simply as a great adventure. Years later, during a crisis of faith, Lewis saved Andrew's intellectual life. He joins Ruth Jackson to uncover the remarkable stories of people whose lives took unexpected turns after encountering Lewis, from Interview with the Vampire author Anne Rice and pioneering geneticist Francis Collins, to Watergate figure Chuck Colson and former white supremacist Joseph Pearce. Plus, hear Andrew's fascinating experience of C.S. Lewis the matchmaker! Why can a writer who died more than 60 years ago still have this effect on people? And what was it about Lewis’s approach to doubt, reason, beauty and belief that continues to resonate today? 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 usInstagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
Has God slammed a door in your face? Tyler Staton on suffering
2026/09/15
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 Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
C.S. Lewis: How an atheist became the man behind Narnia | Alister McGrath
2026/09/07
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 Instagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Facebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable X: Premier Unbelievable? (@UnbelievableFE)
Why does Philip Pullman hate The Magician's Nephew?
2026/08/31
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/
Philip Pullman vs CS Lewis: Do we need a true myth?
2026/08/24
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/
Why did Philip Pullman call Narnia a "filthy lie"?
2026/08/17
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/
Peter S Williams: CS Lewis, Richard Dawkins and Jesus
2026/08/10
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/
Peter S Williams: CS Lewis, Richard Dawkins and ethics
2026/08/03
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/
Peter S Williams: How would CS Lewis respond to Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists?
2026/07/27
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
Laura Miller and Michael Ward: Was Lewis racist and sexist?
2026/07/20
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/
Laura Miller and Michael Ward: Is Christianity good?
2026/07/13
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/

Podcast reviews

Read The C.S. Lewis podcast podcast reviews


4.8 out of 5
422 reviews
★★★★★
CSU2012 2026/03/08
Blessing
One can never go wrong at any age in reading and pondering CS Lewis! Thank you for the discussions.
★★★☆☆
ILUVPAYNEL 2025/11/20
Can be pretentious at times
Also Charlie Kirk in the great divorce is getting back on the bus
★★★★★
Noé.20 2025/09/03
Absolutely Brilliant!
Firstly I listen to this podcast on repeat and go back and listen to my favourite episodes over and over again. This is a podcast which speaks truth...
★★★★★
Keen listener2 2025/06/02
In effect, quite good!
In effect, a great introduction to the main themes of Lewis! IYKYK 😊
★★★★★
Bdwilliamson 2025/05/21
Great Discussion
I like the simple approach. Hosts are unassuming and allow Lewis to speak for himself. I also enjoyed learning a bit more about his background.
★★★★★
CaptainComity 2025/04/19
Been looking for a smart Christian Podcast
It truly is amazing how much CS Lewis understood about our world and how relevant he is today. If everybody processed faith acknowledge like CS Lewis,...
★★★★★
Harthkóss 2025/01/30
Guidance through the Shadowlands
I was first handed The Chronicles of Narnia when I was ten, in 1978, and went on to read the entire series twice a year well into my twenties. As I go...
★★★★★
CrossSports 2024/12/11
C.S. Lewis!
I love your podcasts!!! Thank you so much! Ruth you do a fantastic job and are so gracious! FYI my husband debated Dan Barker back in 1999. My husband...
★★★★★
CSLewisReader 2024/09/10
Awesome!
this podcast does a great job of articulating and exploring Lewis’s views
★★★★★
CSLreader 2024/08/29
Excellent
The most recent Podcast “Why do stories matter” was so insightful and inspirational. Alistair concisely explained Lewis’s (and Tolkien’s) understandin...
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