The Green Party is proposing a system of “fair shares” that could limit things like meat, dairy, petrol and flying. But should reducing consumption be enforced—or is it something Christians should choose for themselves? How do we enjoy God’s gifts while caring for creation? Dr Ruth Valerio, and Dr Martin and Revd Dr Margot Hodson joined Esther to explore the faith questions behind the debate. Later, Esther spoke to Brother Samuel about living a climate-conscious lifestyle.
Have you ever considered inviting the Holy Spirit on holiday with you? When she’s not presenting, Esther Higham leads MOJO (Ministers of Jesus Out There) — recently taking her team to Malaga to explore what happens when you use your gifts to bring ministry into everyday holiday moments. She was joined by MOJO team member Katie Drew, and Will and Lara Sussman from Altitude Mission, to reflect on what it means to take a “Holy Spirit holiday” — and why dialect is no barrier to sharing your faith.
With so many festivals to choose from, you could be forgiven for thinking Christian festivals are all competing. Esther spoke to Rich Johnson, National Leader of New Wine, Rev Tim Alford, National Director of Limitless, and Sarah Yardley, speaker at Wildfires Festival, about what really goes on behind the scenes. They share stories of festival chaos, why big-name speakers matter less, and a remarkable story of self-harm scars disappearing before their eyes.
What do you know about LinkedIn? The platform has more than 1.3 billion users, helping people find jobs, build connections and showcase their skills. But beyond that, could it become a new public square for sharing faith? Or are there places where bringing up Jesus might feel like a step too far? David Olusegun, who actively uses LinkedIn to share his faith, joined Esther to explore how Christians can talk about Jesus without turning a networking opportunity into an awkward sales pitch.
Christopher Nolan's long-awaited adaptation of The Odyssey has finally arrived in cinemas—and it's already winning rave reviews. But what can Christians make of one of the oldest and most influential stories ever told? Predating the New Testament by centuries, some scholars believe Homer's epic may even echo in Luke's Gospel and Acts. Esther Higham was joined by writer and journalist Beatrice Scudeler to explore the faith, myth and meaning behind the classic.
Andy Burnham officially takes over as Prime Minister today after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down. What can we expect from his leadership, and how might his Christian upbringing shape his time in office? Esther first spoke to CARE's James Mildred for a political perspective, before hearing from Phil Jump of the North West Baptist Association on how Burnham is viewed in his home region—and why he believes the new PM is keen to work with churches!
Middle age gets a bad press. For men, it's the sports car and midlife crisis; for women, it's the menopause and fears of becoming invisible. But with people living longer than ever, where does middle age really begin—and is it time for a rebrand? Esther Higham and Guest Editor Rt Rev Emma Ineson were joined by author of The Dark Night of the Shed and co-host of the Mid-Faith Crisis podcast, Nick Page, to find out.
When disagreement turns into division, can Christians choose a better way? Esther Higham was joined by Guest Editor Rt Rev Emma Ineson, alongside Rev Christina Rees and Fr David Houlding—who hold diametrically opposed views on women in church leadership. Despite standing on opposite sides of one of the Church's most contentious debates, they shared how an unlikely friendship blossomed!
Frustration. Impatience. Irritation. Last week, Ofcom fined Virgin Media £28 million after customers were repeatedly kept on hold or disconnected when trying to cancel contracts. James 1:19 urges us to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"—but that's not always easy. Youth pastor Dwaine Morgan joined Esther to explore how faith shapes our response when our patience is tested.
Nigel Farage has framed his upcoming by-election as 'the people vs the establishment' – but who does he mean by that? And is this helpful language to use? Esther spoke to Nick Spencer from think tank Theos and Reform UK's Dan Barker to unpack the broad term, explore its history, and ask whether the Church itself is part of the establishment.
25 years on from The Fellowship of the Ring, why does Tolkien’s Middle-earth still captivate millions? Esther spoke to theologian and Tolkien scholar David Rowe about the Christian ideas woven into Tolkien’s world. They discuss the story’s ‘ugly duckling’ nature, how The Lord of the Rings can accompany and enrich faith, and why he believes the author is “one of the greatest writers of goodness”.
Days after hopes of a ceasefire, President Donald Trump has threatened further strikes on Iran, while Tehran warned it would respond "fearlessly" to any new US military action. Mal Pope was joined by Professor Nick Megoran and Dr John Heathershaw to unpack what happens next, what it could mean for global stability, and how Christians can respond with wisdom, hope and prayer.
As Christians, should we be competitive in the workplace? The Bible makes it clear that we should respect those in positions of authority, but what if you feel you are more competent than those above you? When is the right time to challenge a leader? Esther spoke to Martyn Link, founder of Business Connection and a member of the team at Thrive Scotland, to hear his experiences with workplace competition.
Is there a North-South divide in our churches? Incoming Labour leader Andy Burnham says Britain needs the biggest rebalancing of power in generations — but is the same true for the Church? Esther spoke to Anthony Delaney, founder of Ivy Church in Manchester, and the Reverend Dr Cris Rogers, newly appointed Director of Mission for the Church of England Birmingham, about class prejudice, accents, and how church mission is about uncovering rough diamonds.
Do you ever get intrusive thoughts? Wondering whether you locked the door, left the oven on, or even thinking, "What if I shouted on this crowded train?" Most people experience thoughts like these, but for around 1 in 100 people, they become overwhelming, leading to OCD. For Christians, this can raise difficult questions: Are these thoughts from the enemy, or do they mean my faith is weak? Esther spoke to Rev. Will Van der Hart and Dr Thea Joshi.
