Daytime on Premier

1 in 4 children can't read well when leaving primary school. But one organisation has decided to do something about it. The Bookmark Reading Charity is a children’s literacy charity with a simple vision: every child should be able to read. They achieve this with the help of volunteers, giving children the support they need to develop their confidence and enjoyment of reading. Rev Mary Hawes is one such volunteer. She joined Madeleine Kerzner to share more about the challenge and what the charity is doing.

It’s not a question we often hear in church, but for many young people today, it is. Conversations around sex, identity, and relationships are louder than ever, shaped by social media, culture, and a constant stream of conflicting messages. So, what does presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice actually look like in real life? Is it about restriction, rules… or something deeper? Author and speaker Bobbi Kumari joined Madeleine Kerzner to unpack this

For many people of faith, that’s not just a question; it’s a quiet reality, and Tim Mulgrew has spent the last 20 years helping believers unpack this. Tim is a Bible teacher and author who is passionate about helping people see how Scripture applies to everyday life. His book, The Book of Us, explores how the same struggles we read about in the Bible are the very things we wrestle with in everyday life. Tim joined Carlton Baxter to unpack how to stay spiritually fresh in our walk with God

Rev Dr Terryann Ebanks-Thelwell has years of leadership experience in the secular world, but the last 10 years in church leadership have been some of the most challenging. Being a woman in ministry can be exhausting, pressurizing and lonely yet we don't often talk about it. She joined Carlton Baxter to share her experiences that have informed her new book, “Women in Ministry, The Calling, The Crisis and The Reality”.

Blended families are becoming increasingly common, but building a strong, loving home as a step-parent can come with unique challenges and questions. So, what does it really mean to be a step-parent in a Christian home? Esther Kuku is a mum of two, with two adult stepchildren and is the author of Stepping Up!, a devotional offering guidance and encouragement for blended families. She joined Mal Pope to share her story and how she navigated the changes that happened.

Have you ever tried to break a habit but found it impossible? That’s often the reality of addiction. It can quietly take hold and feel overwhelming. And it doesn’t just affect one person, but families, friendships, and church communities too. John and Sally Childress from Free Recovery join Mal Pope to explore how Jesus brings hope in life-controlling challenges.

Have you ever felt so discouraged you wondered if you could keep going? Howard Satterthwaite knows exactly how that feels. Howard is a former leader at Westminster Chapel. In his new book Hold on to Hope, Howard shares about the moment he reached exhaustion, stepped down from leadership, and faced discouragement. And yet, he didn’t give up. Howard joined Mal Pope to share his story and how he held on to hope when life felt overwhelming.

There has been something of a renaissance in monastic practices over the last decade as more people are being drawn to rhythms that come from early Christian communities. Today, many people are rediscovering these practices as a way to slow down, reconnect spiritually, and find meaning in a very busy, noisy world. Emma Timms is a spiritual director and founder of The Prayer Orchard. She joined Madeleine Kerzner to unpack why these ancient monastic rhythms are resonating with so many people right now.

Norma Cassius believes managing money starts much deeper than the bank balance. Norma is the founder of Think Like A Bank, a financial well-being consultant and qualified psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience in the financial sector. She joined Carlton Baxter to unpack how we can embrace biblical money management and how faith can shape how we think, plan, and build for the future.

Many of us know the story of Elijah - miracles, wonders, and the chariot of fire! But behind the spectacle, he’s far more relatable than we often realise. Author Suzanne Owen joined Carlton Baxter to share her story of faith, her heart for healing ministry, and why she’s been drawn to exploring the humanity and struggles of Elijah. Her new book, Elijah: A pilgrimage of healing, is out now.

Dr Joyce Samoutou-Wong wrote in her journal years back seven reasons why she would never be a missionary. But then, fast forward twelve years, and Joyce, her husband Henri, and their three young children moved to the rainforests of the Republic of Congo. Today, that reluctant “yes” has grown into New Sight Hospital, a thriving, solar-powered medical centre seeing thousands of patients each year. Joyce joined Madeleine Kerzner to share her testimony

Triona Brading and Claire Wood have written a new book, Belonging Without Barriers, challenging us to reimagine church as a place where everyone is fully integrated and genuinely belongs. They joined Donna Birrell to explore what it really feels like to belong in church, not just to turn up on a Sunday, but to be known, valued, and free from hidden hurdles that prevent full participation in church life.

In light of the just-concluded Christian Aid Week, which sees people fundraising, giving, and standing alongside communities around the world, people have taken up the challenge to do their part in interesting ways. Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy and Campaigns, and Pete Moorey, Head of Church and Community at Christian Aid, joined Mal Pope to share how people are responding generously and the work Christian Aid is doing around the world

Across the UK, we’re seeing what many are calling a hidden crisis: loneliness among older people. But alongside that challenge sits a remarkable opportunity for churches to become places not just of community, but of deep love, dignity, and life-giving faith in later years. Pippa Cramer MBE, Founder of the Silver Hope Trust and Pastoral Care and Seniors Minister at Holy Trinity Church Claygate, joined Mal Pope to discuss this.

Kris Swiatocho has spent years exploring how to live a full, faithful life when you find yourself single in a world seemingly built for couples. She is the Director of Kris Swiatocho Ministries and The Singles Network Ministries. She is also a speaker, author, and passionate advocate for singles. She joined Madeleine Kerzner to unpack what it means to live a Christ-centred single life