Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

Presented by Esther Higham

Monday - Thursday from 7am

News review of the year: The global church event that hadn't happened since the 1600's

31 Dec 2025
12:18

Rev Martine Oborne, Anglican priest and commentator, and Jack Valero from Catholic Voices join Premier’s Max Avard to reflect on the appointments of Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally and Pope Leo XIV. They discuss the challenges ahead, the difference between real and “phoney” church unity, and whether Church leaders should steer clear of politics or continue speaking truth to power.

Movie review of the year: Is religious thriller Sinners the best of 2025?

31 Dec 2025
24:33

Film producer Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE joins Esther Higham to unpack the biggest and best movies of the year — sharing why Sinners is the best film he’s ever seen, Hollywood's obsession with reboots, and the growing popularity of faith-based films.

Music review of the year: This year's biggest hit points to heaven

30 Dec 2025
24:10

Music critic Tim Bechervaise joins Esther Higham to break down the biggest music moments of the year — from Taylor Swift’s continued dominance to Alex Warren’s gospel-inspired hit, and the enduring popularity of worship artist CeCe Winans.

News review of the year: What next for the Holy Land?

30 Dec 2025
16:17

Gavin Drake, writer, editor, and producer at Church Street Bureau, reflects with Esther on another year of conflict, devastation and ceasefire agreements in the Middle East.

The organised chaos of family at Christmas

23 Dec 2025
19:09

This Christmas, many of us are thinking about who will be around the dinner table — and those who won’t. For some, the season brings joy and tradition; for others, it highlights absence, change, and the ache of a Christmas without someone deeply loved. Esther was joined by Bekah Legg, CEO of domestic violence support charity Restored, alongside ParentFuel founder Dawn Kay, on the highs and lows of organising Christmas.

Tired of secular hits ruling the Christmas airwaves?

22 Dec 2025
36:10

With Kylie winning the No. 1 spot for her new Christmas hit, we wanted to shed a light on some Christian creators whose new tracks could fit into any festive playlist!

Christmas at ... His Majesty's Prisons

19 Dec 2025
21:03

Prison sentences don’t pause for Christmas, and the season can be especially tough. Esther spoke to Peter Conroy from Junction 42, a prison ministry working across the North East, and to Martin Hill, an ex-offender who gave his life to Jesus while inside and, with Junction 42’s support, now wants to give back to those still there. Esther asked Martin if he'd ever done Christmas on the inside.

News Review of the year: The hot hot summer of 25'

19 Dec 2025
14:23

Is it getting hot in here? Premier's Jamie Pratt spoke to Andy Lester, part of Christian Conservation charity A Rocha Uk, about the 4 consecutive heatwaves the Uk experienced in 2025 and if this really will be our new normal. Jamie first asked what Andy remembered of that sweltering season.

Worship in the middle of one of Britain's busiest stations!

19 Dec 2025
14:00

In the rush and noise of the Christmas season, anything rarely makes us stop — especially in one of London’s busiest train stations. But earlier this month at Paddington Station, something unexpected cut through the announcements and the footsteps: a sound that caused travellers to pause and listen. Our producer, Jamie Pratt, was there to witness a unique moment of worship right in the heart of the city.

For King & Country are setting the world on fire

19 Dec 2025
24:11

Luke Smallbone, one half of multi-Grammy Award–winning duo for KING & COUNTRY, sat down with Premier’s Max Avard to chat about running a small farm, what Christmas day looks like in the Smallbone household, and how the band carved out a unique identity with their sound and theatrics. He also shares the heart behind their latest single, “WORLD ON FIRE.”

Including Singles in the Christmas Story

10 Dec 2025
15:11

Do you have single people in mind when planning your church Christmas service? Some will come looking for community, yet might feel accidentally excluded, even by something as innocent as the nativity story! Beth Chan from Single Friendly Church joined Esther to share some simple tips for creating a more single-friendly Christmas

Street preaching: Are we overestimating police hostility?

10 Dec 2025
23:20

Are street preachers really facing increased hostility from police, or are a few dramatic incidents skewing our perception? Pastor Curtis Browne and Sam Webster from the Christian Institute join Esther Higham to discuss best practice for street preaching in 2025—including the need to be “wise and winsome,” whether you should approach individuals directly, and how a new Charter aims to help both preachers and law enforcers.

Why are Gen Z women leaving church?

9 Dec 2025
24:19

A new report from in the US suggests that young women are finding it more challenging than their male peers to connect with the church. But is the same thing happening here in the UK? Esther spoke with UK church leaders Rhona Mpologoma Tackie and Rev Dr Kate Coleman to hear what’s happening in their own congregations, and what we can do to make church a home for younger women.

Faith and the flu jab: Are concerns about vaccines valid?

9 Dec 2025
14:06

With the NHS warning of “unprecedented” flu levels this winter, questions around vaccination are back in the spotlight. Dr Shola Oladipo from Food For Purpose spoke to Esther Higham about where vaccine mistrust comes from, the truth behind the myths, and why faith should complement — not replace — medical care.

Scrapping juries: Sensible reform or serious risk?

8 Dec 2025
23:45

With Justice Secretary David Lammy proposing that jury trials be reserved only for the most serious cases, questions are being asked about what this means for fairness, and for justice itself. Media lawyer Jonathan Coad and barrister Imogen Hill joined Esther Higham to debate whether slimming down jury service is a practical reform or a step too far.