With nearly half a million students in France protesting teacher shortages, run-down schools and fears for their futures, what can Christians learn from Generation Activist? With 58% of UK students and young people identifying as activists or keen to engage in social activism, how can Christians support them without protests going too far? Esther was joined by Steve Beegoo, Head of Education at Christian Concern, and Nadine Bernard, headteacher and founder of Aspiring Heads, to discuss.
Comedian and TV writer Paul Kerensa joins Esther Higham to share his predictions and reflections on the latest series of Celebrity Traitors. Who are the frontrunners? How do we deal with liars in our own lives? And where does the show illustrate Bible truths?
Have we finally found Noah’s Ark? Social media posts and tabloid headlines suggest a boat-shaped mound in eastern Turkey is the resting place of the biblical vessel, but has excitement got in the way of reality? Former archaeologist Chris Sinkinson and historian Martyn Whittock joined Esther Higham to examine the claims and ask whether the evidence really stacks up.
In secular society, it can be easy to separate faith from work. But what about jobs like bin collecting, cleaning or shelf stacking? Can every workplace become a place to live out our faith? Producer Jamie Pratt spoke to John Terrill, Executive Director of the Stephen & Laurel Brown Foundation and overseer of Upper House, a Christian centre helping students connect faith with everyday life, from business and investing to politics.
Christa Pike, on death row in Tennessee for murder, survived two doses of lethal injection. But should we read anything into this spiritually? And what about the victim and her family, who have waited more than three decades for justice? Esther speaks to Christian anti-death penalty campaigner Shane Claiborne, Christian Medical Fellowship’s Dr Mark Pickering and prison doctor Dr Rachael Pickering to explore this unprecedented case and what the Bible says about the death penalty and retribution.
Around 170 million children and teenagers worldwide are living with obesity, according to the UN. The WHO says children under 10 shouldn’t be given weight-loss jabs, instead recommending healthy eating and exercise. So should churches rethink the sugary snacks they offer? And how can parents support children worried about their weight without making them feel ashamed? Professor Louise Baur, child and adolescent health expert at the University of Sydney, joined Esther to share more.
The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a huge Christian monument being built in the UK, is edging closer to completion. Featuring a million bricks, each representing a story of answered prayer, the landmark has reached a major milestone: the first of its 188 sections was built in a factory in Portugal. Esther spoke with the project's founder, Richard Gamble, about the monument's vision and its message of faith, hope, and answered prayer.
Green Party members have voted to define Zionism as a form of racism, prompting questions about antisemitism, Palestinian rights and Jewish self-determination. But is opposing Zionism the same as opposing Jewish people? And where do Christians stand, particularly those who support Israel on biblical grounds? Esther heard from Rev Richard Sewell in East Jerusalem, and Fiona Sorbola of Chosen People Ministries UK to explore what Zionism means to different communities and how Christians can respond.
How do you navigate a stag or hen do as a Christian, especially when your mates don’t share your faith? What happens when the group crosses a line? How do you stay “in the world, but not of the world”? And can you have a Christian stag or hen do without excluding your non-Christian friends? Rev Jamie Sewell, Jamie Pratt and Jessica Njopa-Kaba share their experiences and explore how Christians can enjoy these occasions without compromising their faith.
How would God deal with a football club falling foul of the rules? Manchester City could face huge consequences following 114 financial rule breaches. But what happens next — and given how much the club means to hundreds of thousands of people, is there a pastoral need for fans too? Former professional footballer and Christians in Sport director Graham Daniels explains why the case matters — on and off the pitch.
As hundreds of prisoners are released early amid overcrowding, how can churches help ex-offenders rebuild their lives? Esther spoke to Luke Carson from London City Mission, Ruth McBryan from The Message Trust, and Ben, who has experience of prison life, about what happens when someone walks out of the prison gates and tries to start again.
The Conservatives want to spend £10bn on a new missile and drone defence system for Britain. But how much should we be spending to protect the country from emerging threats, and what does the Bible have to say about defence? Major General Roddy Porter joined Esther to unpack the thinking behind the proposed ‘Britannia Shield’ and the bigger questions around Britain’s defence.
A government review into mental health suggests young people aren't simply becoming more vocal about their struggles, but that levels of mental distress have genuinely increased. Esther Higham spoke to Dr Gareth Crispin, an academic specialising in youth, children and family ministry, and Sara Taylor, UK Director for Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, about what this could mean for ministry, why the ‘snowflake’ narrative is nothing new, and the three things young people are looking for.
Would Jesus crack on with a cold? Esther spoke to Juney Muhammad, Director of Spiritual and Pastoral Care in Mental Health, about whether we should push through when we’re ill, after reports that young people are going to work despite carrying colds, flu symptoms and potentially worse!
Could the Church be part of the answer to the growing child mental health crisis? More than 75,000 children, including some as young as six, attended A&E for mental health-related concerns in 2025: around 200 every day. With young people facing unprecedented pressures, should churches step up? The Psalms are full of fear, anxiety and lament, but how can churches help? Esther was joined by Tim Morfin, who leads TLG, working with schools and churches to support children and young people.
