Over a billion people live with obesity, and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are in high demand. A new report by global health experts suggests labelling obesity as a spectrum. So, should Christians, whose bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, be the leanest and fittest? Dr. Becky Howie from Maldod life discussed this with Michael Fanstone.
Rev Bryony Taylor, author of 'More TV, Vicar?', chats with Michael Fanstone about the legacy of The Vicar of Dibley, its impact on perceptions of the church, and whether its portrayal of parish life was worryingly accurate.
The Palisades and Eaton fires, along with smaller blazes, have claimed at least 25 lives, destroyed over 12,000 homes and structures, and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate. Rev. Ben Chase of Vintage Pasadena Church and Jacinta Read, a resident of a narrowly spared community, joined Ayeni Adu to share how God is moving in the midst of it all.
Cultural commentator Krish Kandiah joins Michael Fanstone to review the new Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
In the past week, we've seen extreme weather in the UK, a devastating earthquake in China, and raging wildfires in California. Could these events be a punishment from God, or are they a result of our irresponsibility? Nathan MacDonald, a Professor of Old Testament Interpretation at St John’s College, Cambridge, and Robert White, a Professor of Geophysics at Cambridge, joined Michael Fanstone to discuss this.
Author David Hoffbrand joins Michael Fanstone to discuss rising antisemitism, Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain, and how Christians can avoid harmful Jewish stereotypes.
Last year brought disappointing news from within the church, frightening reports from the wars in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza, and shocking stories from government scandals. If God's plan is to give us hope and a future, how can we find hope in the New Year despite last year's events? Rev. Jonathan Edwards, from Premier’s "Be Still and Know," joined Michael Fanstone to unpack this.
Entrepreneur and author Matt Bird speaks to Michael Fanstone about balancing big dreams with realistic goals, staying motivated when progress feels slow, and why he thinks Christians have a certain kind of procrastination problem.
Sam Milchem and Zac Missen from Altitude Mission chat with Michael Fanstone about sharing faith and building community in the stunning ski resort of Meribel, France.
For many, this time of year is filled with tension, family complexities, and unrealistic expectations. If loving one another shows we are Jesus' disciples, how do we get along with friends and family at Christmas and reduce holiday stress? Premier's Esther Higham discussed this with author, speaker, and coach Cathy Madavan.
Predictions indicate nearly 23,000 young people could face homelessness this Christmas, and the Trussell Trust reports that winter is the busiest time for food banks, highlighting the significant need for generosity. So how do we get the balance right in being generous people serving our community while also getting needed rest and enjoying invaluable family time? Natalie Williams, Chief Executive of Jubilee Plus, joined Michael Fanstone to unpack this.
Sitcom writer James Cary, co-creator of Miranda, chats to Premier's Max Avard about the Gavin & Stacey finale, whether parodying the Christmas story is heresy, and how festive specials often explore the miraculous.
Gemma and Howard Francis from The Big Sing chat to Michael Fanstone about why they'll never get tired of singing, appearing on Britain's Got Talent, and their latest single 'If Love Could Just Be Love'.
When Nancy Goudie lost her husband Ray, she was on the brink of turning away from God. She spoke to Michael Fanstone about receiving the 'gift of joy' in the midst of loss, dealing with grief at Christmas, and the scripture she's held onto. If you need someone to talk to or pray with, Premier Lifeline is here to help on 0300 111 0101 (9am – 5pm weekdays).
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah offered a glimmer of hope for the Middle East, but renewed tensions have raised concerns about lasting peace. Was the ceasefire simply another false dawn? What should we be praying for next? Michael Fanstone spoke to journalist Paul Calvert and Tearfund’s Safa Hijazeen.
