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Turning World

Turning World

Written by: Opus Media
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Turning World is a podcast about making sense of a world in motion.

Politics, culture and faith are no longer fixed or familiar. Old certainties are shifting, institutions are changing shape, and public debate feels more polarised and unstable than ever. In the middle of all this, it’s easy to feel disoriented.

Each episode brings together thoughtful voices from across politics, culture, faith and beyond for conversations that are open, curious and grounded. There are no rigid positions or ideological lines to follow, just an honest attempt to explore what’s changing, why it matters, and where it might lead.

The discussions are rigorous but respectful. Questions are asked in good faith. Disagreement isn’t avoided as it’s part of the process of understanding.

If you’re tired of shouty debates, fixed opinions and surface-level takes, Turning World offers something different by exploring ideas that don’t fit neatly into boxes.


About the hosts

Jon Egan is a writer and commentator who has worked as a musician, grave digger, comedy promoter, political researcher and campaign strategist. Jon was a founder member of the radical Christian art and music collective, The Revolutionary Army of The Infant Jesus, and is a member of the Orthodox Church, After many years in active politics, Jon is now convinced that the root cause of our political and cultural unraveling is a spiritual estrangement and a disconnection from the only durable source of meaning and value.


Keith Hitchman is an Anglican priest and community leader based in Liverpool. As Vicar of St Michael-in-the-Hamlet and Hope Parish, his work centres on parish renewal, community engagement and the spiritual life of the city. He has previously worked closely with civic institutions and media, and brings a long-standing interest in how faith, identity and public life intersect.


Produced by Opus Media.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Opus Media
Political Science Politics & Government Science Social Sciences Spirituality
Episodes
  • Long Covid, Chronic Pain & Mind-Body Healing | Prof Paul Garner
    May 18 2026

    In Episode 3 of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Professor Paul Garner for an in-depth conversation on long Covid, chronic fatigue, chronic pain and the evolving science of mind-body medicine.


    As both a researcher and patient advocate, Paul offers insight into the scientific, social and personal dimensions of chronic illness — from predictive coding and psychosomatic symptoms to fear, avoidance and pathways to recovery.


    Topics include:

    • Long Covid and post-Covid illness

    • Chronic fatigue syndrome and ME/CFS

    • Predictive coding and neuroscience

    • Mind-body approaches to healing

    • Psychosomatic illness and pain

    • Fear, stress and trauma

    • NHS and systemic healthcare failures

    • Community support and local resilience


    Guest bio:

    Professor Paul Garner is professor emeritus at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, member of the Oslo Chronic Fatigue Network, contributor to Fatigue Science Talks, and advocate for improved understanding of chronic fatigue and post-viral conditions.


    About Turning World:

    Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in an age of uncertainty and transformation.


    Links:

    Oslo Chronic Fatigue Network: https://www.oslonetwork.no/

    Fatigue Science Talks: https://www.youtube.com/@fatiguesciencetalks

    Recovery Channel: https://recovery-channel.org/


    Produced by Opus Media.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    39 mins
  • Just Your Average Muslim? | Zia Chaudry MBE
    May 11 2026

    In this episode of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Zia Chaudry MBE for a thoughtful discussion about Muslim identity, social cohesion and what it means to belong in modern Britain.


    This conversation explores the tensions and opportunities surrounding diversity, Islamophobia, technology, education and integration, while challenging simplistic narratives about Muslim communities.


    Topics include:

    • Islamophobia and social perception

    • Diversity and multiculturalism

    • Community disconnect

    • Social media and technology

    • Education and civic belonging

    • Integration and compromise

    • Muslim contributions to European society

    • Identity, belonging and public discourse


    Guest bio:

    Zia Chaudry MBE is a respected public figure, community advocate and commentator focused on social cohesion, integration and civic engagement.


    About Turning World:

    Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in an era of uncertainty and transformation.


    Links:

    https://www.futuresforall.org/speakers-directory/zia-chaudhry-mbe

    [Website/social links]

    Produced by Opus Media.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    49 mins
  • Is Blue Labour the Future of the Left? | Dan Carden MP & Jonny Ball
    May 5 2026

    In Episode 1 of Turning World, Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman are joined by Dan Carden MP and Jonny Ball to explore one of the defining political questions of our time: what comes after Corbynism, and can Blue Labour offer a meaningful alternative?


    This conversation examines the future of progressive politics through the lenses of civic belonging, workers’ rights, trade unionism, authenticity and community renewal.


    Topics include:

    • Blue Labour’s political philosophy

    • Trade unions and workers’ rights

    • Community engagement and civic society

    • Authenticity in political leadership

    • Rent control and fairness

    • Corbynism, “Polanskism” and Labour’s future

    • Blue Labour vs Green politics

    • Ambiguity and paradox in modern political realignment


    Guest bios:

    Dan Carden is the Labour MP for Liverpool Walton and a prominent voice in Blue Labour politics.

    Jonny Ball is a political thinker and journalist for New Statesman and Unheard.


    About Turning World:

    Turning World is hosted by Jon Egan and Keith Hitchman and explores politics, culture, faith and public life in a world of uncertainty and transformation.


    Links:

    https://www.newstatesman.com/author/jonny-ball

    https://members.parliament.uk/member/4651/contact


    Produced by Opus Media.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Show More Show Less
    51 mins
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