Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

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.

If you’ve ever failed at something, lost a race or an election, or even been overlooked for a promotion, you’ll understand how it feels to eat humble pie in the public eye. So, what should we do when we go through seasons of disappointment and failure? Author of How to be Unsuccessful Pete Portal and Director of Christians in Politics Andy Flannagan joined Esther Higham to unpack this.

Jon Stockley, Christian Vision for Men, chats to Esther Higham about why men struggle to form deeper friendships and why a simple text to someone struggling can be so transformational.

The countdown to Christmas is on! November is Generosity Month, inspired by Acts 20:35: “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” But with many feeling the pinch, how can we be generous while just making ends meet? Rev. Steve Wood from Generosity Path, along with finance coaches Ken and Mark Okoroafor from The Humble Penny, join Esther Higham and Andy Kind to discuss this.

Premier’s new podcast, ‘Step In: Bible Stories for Children,’ features 15-minute audiobook-style stories from the Bible to help primary school-aged kids engage with God’s word. How can we inspire kids to read the Bible and grow their faith amidst all the distractions? Premier’s David Senior is the narrator, and he shares how with Esther Higham.

Rev Bryony Taylor, author of 'More TV Vicar?', unpacks the themes and faith elements of the this year's Christmas adverts with Esther Higham and guest-presenter Andy Kind.

An update to the “Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill” was recently published with believes it would end “harrowing and distressful deaths.” However, the Bible says, “Don’t contribute to the death of innocent and good people.” How can Christians uphold the sanctity of life while being compassionate to others’ pain? Dr. John Clifton from the Salvation Army and Jamie Gillis from CARE join Esther Higham and Andy Kind to discuss.

The annual Christmas Unwrapped concert at All Souls Langham Place promises a musical spectacular for the whole family. Held at the beloved London venue, this year's theme, "A Long Time Ago in Bethlehem," will journey through carols, concertos, and oratorios spanning two millennia. Director Michael Andrews discussed this year's event with Esther Higham.

Rev. George Pitcher speaks with Esther Higham and Andy Kind about Justin Welby’s resignation, preventing safeguarding failures, and why he'd nationalise the management of the Church of England