An app called “Are you dead?” is gaining traction among millions of young people in China. When users reply “no” to the question, the app notifies an emergency contact, a stark but telling response to growing loneliness and isolation. Gemma Gillard of the loneliness charity Truth Be Told joined Michael Fanstone (Covering for Esther) to discuss this new development and whether it would ever take off in the Uk..
When was the last Christian song to reach number one? O’Neil Dennis and AStepFWD are teaming up with the Official Charts Company to launch the UK Christian & Gospel Singles Chart, raising the profile of Christian music and helping fans discover the next big sound. O’Neil joined Premier’s own music man, Mal Pope, to explain how it will work.
Be honest, did you watch The Traitors finale on Friday night? The show built on deceit and betrayal has gripped the Uk. But should Christians be uneasy about its appeal? From the Garden of Eden onwards, the Bible has plenty to say about lies and deception. Christian counsellor and psychotherapist Sue Monkton Rickett joined Mal Pope to explore the impact of lying and why truth still matters, as well as why a show centred on deceit is so popular right now.
Phil Briggs, Head of Events and Church Relationships, joins Esther Higham to unpack the charity’s mission of empowering the local church — and why helping just one child out of poverty can create a ripple effect that transforms whole families and communities. To help more children out of extreme poverty head to: www.compassionuk.org/premier-sponsorship/?campaign=3368
Fasting is often the most debated Christian discipline—confusing, demanding, and difficult—yet Jesus clearly calls us to practise it. Steve Uppal, leader of the All Nations Movement and All Nations Church in Wolverhampton, is urging Christians across the UK to take part in Turn the Battle, a three-day fast starting on 21 January. He joined Esther to share how fasting can transform lives and impact the world. Find out more at www.turnthebattle.uk
Martyn Link, the leader of Thrive conference series in Scotland, joins Esther Higham as our resident workplace agony uncle. Together, they tackle your questions on handling criticism at work, admitting when you’ve failed, and discerning whether God might be calling you to stay put… or step out of your job.
What’s the most extravagant gift you’ve ever received? A clip of worship leader Phil Wickham giving $5,000 to a pastor after he fed a man posing as homeless has gone viral. But what does extravagant generosity look like in everyday life, and when might it become reckless? Daniel Jones from Stewardship shared his reaction with Esther.
“Mum, Dad, when can I get a phone?” The question that worries many parents. With growing concern about social media’s impact on young minds—and Australia’s ban for under-16s—UK parents are signing the Smartphone Free Childhood Pledge: no smartphones until 14, no social media until 16. Should Christians lead the way? Becky, a copywriter and mum of three in Turkey, and Robin Barfield, a theology lecturer and father of four, discuss with Premier’s Esther Higham.
Barney and Ben from Two Blokes Running join Esther Higham to chat about why so many of us ditch our New Year’s running resolutions — and how we can gently get back into the rhythm. They also explore how running can transform your time with God and the one thing most people get wrong about it.
Are you guilty of scrolling on your phone while the TV’s on? Streaming giants like Netflix think so, and it’s changing how shows are made: simpler plots, obvious dialogue, even characters repeating names, all designed for divided attention. But if streaming is training us to focus less, should churches be worried? Are sermons going over heads while people check scores or sales – or should preachers adapt and simplify? To explore that, Rev Cris Rogers and Christian film critic Charles Merritt.
Jenny Hamill, Creative Director of SU Scotland, chats with Esther Higham about the “biblical treasure” hidden in the cinemas — and how animated films like King of Kings help spark conversations about faith.
Nigeria has risen to seventh place and remains one of the deadliest countries in the world for Christians, according to Open Doors’ latest World Watch List, with nearly 3,500 Christians killed last year. The issue is now being raised in Parliament by the UK’s Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, David Smith MP, who spoke to Esther Higham.
Is “Divorce Day” a real thing — or just media hype? Michaela Hyde, Executive Director at the Marriage Foundation, and Emma Atkins, from Family Life UK, joined Esther Higham to unpack the myth and the reality, explore how churches can talk about divorce without shame, and reflect on how we hold conviction and grace together in our view of marriage.
Pubs can be as much a part of British life as our churches, and in many villages, they’re practically neighbours. However, with rising costs and tighter regulations, more local pubs are facing their last orders. So should the church step in to help keep them alive? The Crask Inn in the Scottish Highlands is owned by the Scottish Episcopal Church, where prayers are offered alongside pints. Manager Shane Sieweke joined Esther to share how faith should be on tap at UK pubs!
Sheridan Voysey from the Friendship Lab joins Esther Higham to discuss the need to step out of the online world and enjoy the “richness” of in-person friendships. They chat about AI chatbots, going on friendship dates, and the epidemic of isolation.
