About

This is the personal Substack of James Orr.

Here you'll find writing that aims to make sense of a culture in flux. From articles on politics, philosophy, and theology to reflections on identity, tradition, and the moral imagination, this space is for readers who suspect that the surface-level narratives don’t quite add up.

It’s also the home of the First Light podcast, an ongoing series of in-depth conversations with thinkers, writers, and public figures across politics, culture, and faith.

While much of the writing here comes from James himself, the Substack also features occasional guest contributors, friends and collaborators offering distinct but kindred perspectives.

Whether you're here out of curiosity, conviction, or a mix of both: welcome.

James Orr is an Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge and Chair of the Edmund Burke Foundation UK. As a public philosopher and host of First Light, he brings an intellectual grounding to today’s most contested debates. Holding degrees from both Oxford and Cambridge, Orr is a leading voice in the National Conservatism movement, translating scholarly insight into public conversation.