BUREAU OF LOST CULTURE – The Naked Druid (19/07/2025)

What does it mean to be naked, in body and in spirit? Why has human nudity so often been revered, feared, sexualized, or weaponised?

This episode was recorded on July 17 – International Naked Day. Our guest Philip Carr-Gomm is a writer, psychologist, spiritual teacher, and for 30 years, leader of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids—one of the largest Druid organisations in the world. His book A Short History of Nakedness is a rich, wide-ranging exploration of the role nudity has played in religion, protest, art, and performance, from the ancient world to the modern era. He takes us through everything from Christian flagellants and naked saints to contemporary nudist movements and political activists who’ve used nudity to make bold statements.

We get into all that, the difference between being naked and nude, Lady Godiva, naked Counterculture, Breasts not Bombs, The Naked Rambler and streaking, and Phillip shares some tips on how we can all get more naked…