Podcast · Devotional & Spiritual

The C.S. Lewis podcast

by Premier · English · Devotional & Spiritual

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 th

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 18 minNew

Alister McGrath: Why are we attracted to things that aren't good for us? [Magician's Nephew part 1]

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…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

6 Oct 2026 · 29 min
Andrew Lazo: Can atheism actually lead you to God?
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…
29 Sep 2026 · 27 min
Andrew Lazo: Did C.S. Lewis get his own conversion story wrong?
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 But an unpublished manuscript appears to reveal something extraordinary: Lewis may have misremembered when his conversion actually happened.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…
21 Sep 2026 · 24 min
Andrew Lazo: How C.S. Lewis changed the minds of atheists, scientists and prisoners
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…
15 Sep 2026 · 29 min
Has God slammed a door in your face? Tyler Staton on suffering
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…
7 Sep 2026 · 29 min
C.S. Lewis: How an atheist became the man behind Narnia | Alister McGrath
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…
31 Aug 2026 · 32 min
Why does Philip Pullman hate The Magician's Nephew?
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…
24 Aug 2026 · 29 min
Philip Pullman vs CS Lewis: Do we need a true myth?
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…
17 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Why did Philip Pullman call Narnia a "filthy lie"?
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:…
10 Aug 2026 · 17 min
Peter S Williams: CS Lewis, Richard Dawkins and Jesus
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…
3 Aug 2026 · 27 min
Peter S Williams: CS Lewis, Richard Dawkins and ethics
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…
27 Jul 2026 · 21 min
Peter S Williams: How would CS Lewis respond to Richard Dawkins and the New Atheists?
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:…
20 Jul 2026 · 28 min
Laura Miller and Michael Ward: Was Lewis racist and sexist?
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…
13 Jul 2026 · 20 min
Laura Miller and Michael Ward: Is Christianity good?
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/
6 Jul 2026 · 24 min
#269 Laura Miller and Michael Ward: A sceptic in Narnia
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/
29 Jun 2026 · 20 min
#268 Alister McGrath: Is Christianity rational?
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/
22 Jun 2026 · 19 min
#267 Alister McGrath: Suffering, hell and the hope of heaven
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/
15 Jun 2026 · 18 min
#266 Alister McGrath: Was CS Lewis an effective apologist?
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/
8 Jun 2026 · 28 min
#265 Dr Crystal Hurd: How Paternal Literary Habits Influenced CS Lewis
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…
1 Jun 2026 · 24 min
#264 Dr Crystal Hurd: CS Lewis’s Family, Faith, and the Literary Legacy of Albert Lewis
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.”…
25 May 2026 · 26 min
#263 Dr Crystal Hurd: C.S. Lewis’s Family, Albert & Flora, and the Power of Literature
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,…
18 May 2026 · 27 min
#262 Dr Crystal Hurd: CS Lewis, Flora Lewis, and the Quiet Strength of Family
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,…
11 May 2026 · 26 min
#261 Dr Crystal Hurd: CS Lewis on Quiet Influence, Humility & Lighting Your Corner
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…
4 May 2026 · 37 min
#260 Jim Stockton: Research opportunities and the Oxford University Socractic club, 1942-1972 (workshop)
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…
27 Apr 2026 · 20 min
#259 Jim Stockton: Inside the Oxford Socratic Club - Tea, Minutes & the Lives Behind the Debates
In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson welcomes philosopher and author Jim Stockton to share new research on the Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942–1972. Recorded at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference, Jim paints a vivid picture of what weekly meetings were really like—from crowded, smoky rooms and lively teas to the unsung heroes who kept minutes and kept the club alive. Discover the club’s lesser-known traditions, its role as a living intellectual community, and why its archives still matter for Lewis scholarship today. Along the way, hear stories of friendship,…
20 Apr 2026 · 22 min
#258 Jim Stockton: What Happened Beyond the Debates? C.S. Lewis’s Socratic Club
In this episode of The CS Lewis Podcast, Ruth Jackson introduces a fascinating paper from Jim Stockton, emeritus lecturer in philosophy and author of The Oxford University Socratic Club, 1942–1972: A Life. Recorded at the 2024 Undiscovered CS Lewis Conference at George Fox University, Stockton explores the lesser-known events of the Oxford University Socratic Club beyond its famous debates. He highlights conferences, discussion teas, and study groups that reveal the club’s wider intellectual and spiritual life. Along the way, listeners hear fresh insights into Lewis’s talks on faith, the…
13 Apr 2026 · 23 min
#257 Jim Stockton: The legacy and modern relevance of the Oxford University Socratic Club
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. Together, they discuss the legacy of the The Oxford University Socratic Club, why the members - including CS Lewis - are still relevant today and the importance of civil discourse in a divided society. 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…
6 Apr 2026 · 24 min
#256 Jim Stockton: Why did the Oxford University Socratic Club end?
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. Together, they examine the most exciting meetings held by The Oxford University Socratic Club, why the club came to an end as well as some of Lewis' famous debates. 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:…
30 Mar 2026 · 27 min
#255 Jim Stockton: Exploring the Oxford University Socratic Club
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. Together, they examine the importance of Lewis’ role in the Oxford University Socratic Club, identify some of the members involved, and consider the place of women within both the club and the field of philosophy. 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…
23 Mar 2026 · 29 min
#254 Jim Stockton: The Oxford Socratic Club: How C.S. Lewis Shaped Honest Debate at Oxford
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. Together they explore Stockton’s fascination with C.S. Lewis, from first reading The Screwtape Letters and Mere Christianity to years of deep archival research into the Oxford Socratic Club. Jim shares how the club brought Christians, atheists and agnostics together for serious debate, why it became such a significant intellectual hub in Oxford, and the crucial role played by Stella Aldwinckle in shaping its life and vision.…

About The C.S. Lewis podcast

The C.S. Lewis podcast is a English devotional & spiritual podcast from Premier. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Premier
Language: English
Category: Devotional & Spiritual
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1560959545

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