Classic: From Faith to Scepticism, From Pop Star to Priest: The Search For Meaning Richard Coles and Derren Brown
Playback speed
Illusionist and writer Derren Brown joins broadcaster and Anglican priest Rev. Richard Coles for a searching conversation on The Big Conversation stage of Unbelievable?. Both men tell strikingly different life stories: Brown, once a youthful Christian, gradually left faith behind as his fascination with the mind, psychology, and scepticism grew. Coles, meanwhile, rose to fame in the 1980s pop group The Communards before an unexpected conversion led him into Christian ministry.
In this dialogue they share candid reflections on happiness, suffering, transcendence and the role of stories in shaping our lives. Can Stoic philosophy provide enough meaning without belief in God? Does Christianity uniquely transform suffering into hope? And how do we face death in a culture that has lost its guiding narratives?
This classic edition invites listeners to weigh whether life’s deepest questions find their fullest answer with—or without—God.
For Derren Brown: http://derrenbrown.co.uk
For Richard Coles: http://www.richardcoles.com/
Released on 2 Sep 2025
Coming up next
Should AI be trusted with Moral decisions? | Cambridge & Oxford Philosophers Discuss
In this second part of our Premier Unbelievable? schools debate with Aylesbury Youth or Christ, host Andy Kind is joined once again by philosophers Dr Amna Whiston (Oxford University) and Dr Alex Carter (Cambridge University) to explore the ethical d...
Classic: Does Science Point to God? Oxford Prof vs Atheist Philosopher - John Lennox vs Michael Ruse
In this classic Big Conversation, mathematician and Christian thinker John Lennox sits down with philosopher of science Michael Ruse before a live London audience to ask whether modern science points towards — or away from — God. They trace the roo...
Do we have a soul - or are we just bodies and brains? Dr Claire Gilbert vs Harry Amos
In this live edition of Unbelievable?, Andy Kind hosts a fascinating conversation on the nature of the soul and spiritual experience. Philosopher Harry Amos, a former Christian turned humanist, challenges whether the soul exists at all, pointing to...
