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Religion & Atheism | LIFITV Backstage with David Baddiel

Interview
January 13, 2026

Ahead of his main stage appearance at the Leeds International Festival of Ideas, LIFITV caught up with David for a short backstage conversation before the lights went up and the debate began.

Drawing on his writing, famous atheists, and the growing role religion plays in today’s culture wars, David reflects on why he wanted to take part in this event — and why it feels different from a traditional book tour or literary festival. From belief and identity to free speech, politics and polarisation, this candid pre-talk chat sets the scene for a bigger conversation about faith, atheism and modern society.

Watch this exclusive LIFITV backstage moment, then dive deeper into the debate with Can you be a religious atheist??

Subscribe to LIFITV for behind-the-scenes conversations from #LIFI25 — where the discussion starts before the stage and continues long after.

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