Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

Boris Johnson has blamed the Church of England for the UK’s obesity crisis, claiming a “spiritual void” is driving people to “gorge themselves” on physical food. But does he have a point, or is this the former PM just vying for attention? Mal Pope spoke to Jonty Langley, editor of Shibboleth magazine and writer for Premier Christianity.

What's your favourite hymn and how much of your culture is expressed in the way you sing it? The Spirituals Choir, Choir of the Year at the 2024 Premier Gospel Awards, is infusing Black culture into beloved hymns. Their brand-new EP, “The Hymns Project,” celebrates Black History through reimagined hymns. Creative director, Junior Garr, joined Esther Higham to discuss what inspired this new project.

MPs have voted to pass the Tobacco and Vapes Bill with a majority of 415 to 47. The bill gives the government power to extend the indoor smoking ban to outdoor spaces, including children's playgrounds, outside schools, and hospitals in England. There will also be a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." So, how can Jesus help people kick a smoking addiction? Mary Deller from HOPE UK joined Esther Higham to discuss this.

Blockchain engineer Charlie Benson chats with Esther Higham about cryptocurrency, its rising popularity, and whether churches should consider accepting Bitcoin for offerings.

Damilola Makinde, formation pastor at Kings Cross Church, chats to Esther Higham about Cambridge Dictionary's word of the year, "manifest". She explores the rise in manifesting among celebrities, how it differs from prayer, and whether it points to something spiritually dark.

In our busy lives, finding quiet time with the Lord can feel like starting an old engine. Guilt from neglecting Bible reading adds to the discouragement. How can we build a daily habit of connecting with God? In The Quiet Time Kickstart, Rachel Jones shares simple tips to revive this habit. She discussed these insights with Esther Higham.

Rev Canon Michael Parker, Chaplain General of His Majesty’s Land Forces, and former Army sniper-turned-evangelist Neil Obbard, chat to Esther Higham about the role of chaplains in the armed forces. They explore why humour is essential in the armed forces, whether the UK army needs greater resourcing, and how chaplains prepare troops not just for the enemy, but for eternity.

Christmas is fast approaching, and huge crowds are set to gather at carol services across the UK. Despite this, many churches remain scanty throughout the rest of the year. So, how can we be evangelistic and creative with the Nativity narrative? Dr. Rachel Jordan-Wolf from Hope Together and Evangelist Rev. Gary Gibbs joined Esther Higham to unpack this.

According to Girls Not Brides, 12 million girls marry before age 18 each year worldwide. Yet Iraq wants to lower the age of consent to nine, which opponents say would lead to child marriages and further erode women’s rights. As Christians, with examples like Mary and Joseph, how can we address this considering the historical view of marriage and consent in the Bible? Journalist and human rights specialist Julia Bicknell joined Esther Higham to unpack this.

It’s been one thousand and one days since Russia invaded Ukraine, and the last few days have seen a significant escalation in the conflict. US President Biden has authorized the use of long-range missiles. In response, President Putin has revised his nuclear weapons policy. So, is there hope that this escalation can eventually lead to peace? Lord Richard Dannatt, Professor John Heathershaw, and Professor Nick Megoran joined Esther Higham to unpack this.

Incoming US president Donald Trump has chosen an eclectic senior team, including Linda McMahon and Elon Musk. In scripture, Jesus chose unlikely candidates. So, what are the key ingredients for assembling a 'God Squad'—a team with the right balance of people and personalities? Paul Bickley from the Christian think-tank Theos joined Esther Higham to discuss this.

Tola-Doll Fisher, editor of Women Alive magazine, joins Esther Higham to chat about the latest dating trends, why sharing your love life on social media is unnecessary, and when it's the right time to bring up the M-word.

Jennifer Ayoade, PhD student at SOAS University, chats with Esther Higham about Band Aid's 'Do They Know It’s Christmas?' and why she thinks the song perpetuates unhelpful colonial stereotypes.

56% of people with bipolar disorder in the UK remain undiagnosed. So when discovered how can this disorder impact daily life and one's relationship with God? Reverend Lily Strachan, diagnosed with bipolar in 2008, and Kathy Spooner, from the Association of Christian Counselling, discuss this with Esther Higham.

Graeme McKeekin from Tearfund chats with Esther Higham on World Toilet Day about sanitation, what scripture says about the loo, and why your bathroom breaks could be the perfect time to pray.