Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

New research from Dr Harry Benson and the Marriage Foundation suggested the benefits of marriage had been underestimated by governments and policymakers for decades, not only for couples, but for society as a whole. Esther spoke to Dr Benson about whether Christians should make a stronger case for marriage while remaining sensitive to those who are single or divorced.

Cuckooing is when criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person, often pretending to be a friend before using the property for criminal activity. More than 1,500 incidents were reported to police in London between May 2025 and April 2026. Would you know if someone on your street was being cuckooed? Esther was joined by some experts to explain how churches and communities can spot the signs and protect those most at risk.

For all our talk of community, friendship and loneliness can be surprisingly difficult to navigate in church. That's why an initiative called Empty Chairs is attracting attention, encouraging people to offer an empty seat to someone on their own. But should hospitality feel like a new idea to Christians? Evangelist, missiologist and author of 'The Best of Friends', Phil Knox, joined Esther Higham to share whether Christians should learn from this, or if we've been doing it all along!

Esther is joined by Biruk Beyene from World Vision Iraq to discuss the kickoff of the most lucrative World Cup in history, how the tournament is being received in Iraq, and how the charity is using the beautiful game to bring hope, healing, and the power of play to children affected by conflict.

The death of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak sparked protests last week after police bodycam footage showed officers handcuffing him as he lay fatally injured. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, has since been handed a life sentence after falsely claiming he had been the victim of racial abuse during the investigation. Esther spoke with Paul Woodman, a leader at City Life Church, about the community’s response, and how churches are coming together to reflect, pray, and support those caught up in the unrest.

Can you remember the first time you encountered the Holy Spirit? Was it a dramatic moment — falling to the ground, shaking, or overwhelmed by God’s presence? Or more like John Wesley described, with your heart “strangely warmed”? Perhaps it wasn’t a single moment at all, but a quiet, growing awareness. Fr Matt Anscombe, a Catholic priest serving in Peru, spoke to Esther about his book Don’t Forget the Holy Spirit - helping us to recognise and involve the Spirit of God in our everyday lives.

With heatwave temperatures driving crowds to Britain’s rivers and canals, concerns over water safety have grown following a series of recent drownings. But what practical steps can help prevent tragedy in open water—and how do waterways chaplains support communities beyond moments of crisis? Chris Upton, CEO of Waterways Chaplaincy, spoke to Esther Higham.

Esther is joined by former professional footballer and Ballers in God founder John Bostock, alongside Graham Daniels from Christians in Sport, to discuss their World Cup predictions, whether God had a hand in Arsenal’s Premier League trophy, and what it’s like when your team suffers a drubbing.

Could bringing extinct animals back be part of caring for God's creation — or are we trying to play Him? Following a breakthrough by Colossal Biosciences in its bid to revive the extinct moa bird, Stephanie Bevan from Christians in Science and Dr Ruth Bancewicz from the Faraday Institute for Science and Religion join Esther to discuss the Biblical perspective on de-extinction.

For some, the word "crusade" brings to mind evangelistic mission and the likes of Billy Graham. For others, it carries the weight of the medieval Crusades — where Christians engaged in persecution and violence. So is it simply a word with two meanings — or one too loaded to keep using in ministry today? Esther spoke to Dr Ian Birch from the Scottish Baptist College to unpack the history of the term and whether we're being overly sensitive if we ditch it in our churches.

The final showcased singers, dancers, comedians and performers, including acts with Christian connections. Spoken word artist Sonny Green moved audiences with an emotional performance, while Hawkstone Farmers Choir, led by former worship leader Lizzie Deane, performed an original song and went on to win the competition. Esther spoke to Gemma Francis of The Big Sing and Baptist minister and comedian Allan Finnegan about the growing visibility of Christian performers on one of the UK’s biggest shows.

More than six years after the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown, the pandemic’s impact is still being felt physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. With fresh concerns over outbreaks including Ebola, meningitis, and hantavirus, questions around public health and preparedness have returned. Esther speaks to David Munkley from World Vision about Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to emergency physician Giles Cattermole about frontline lessons, faith, and resilience after COVID-19.

Researchers in Germany have conducted the world’s largest study on facial attractiveness, finding women’s faces were consistently rated more attractive than men’s—even by other women. The findings raise questions about how society values appearance and judges others. Model, author and former Woman Alive editor Tola Doll Fisher joined Esther to reflect on the "Attractiveness Gap" between men and women!

Walking down a UK high street, we often see empty shops, vape stores replacing local businesses, and off-licences where community hubs once thrived, signs of both physical and spiritual decline. So what can Christians do in response? Joel Baker of Bread Café in Yeovil and Olly Sherwood of London City Mission in Lewisham chat with Esther about bringing revival to our streets.

For a book of more than half a million words, the Bible certainly loves its numbers. From recurring figures like 3, 7, 12 and 40 to the calculations hidden in some of its stories, numbers often carry meaning beyond simple counting. This comes as reports suggest some sums and times tables are particularly difficult for the brain to grasp. So, can we miss something in Scripture if numbers aren't our strong suit? Joining Esther was the Rev. Dr Ian Paul to unpack some of the Bible's most mystical numbers!