Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

Knife crime in London has hit a ten-year high, with over 16,000 offences in 2024/25. A Bristol Medical School report reveals that two school-aged children are killed by knives every month in England, 90% of them boys. But what actually makes a difference? Esther spoke to Luke Watson, CEO of London youth charity XLP, about how faith can be a game-changer for young people in deprived communities.

How much does your past affect your marriage — and how do you deal with it? The Drama, featuring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, pushes that question to the extreme, with the bride-to-be revealing she once planned a school shooting. John and Joanne O’Connor, from Junction 42, and pastors Dennis and Lorna Wade of Micah Church, reflect on the film’s themes, discussing what it means to bring past trauma into relationships, and ultimately to Jesus. Warning: This discussion references domestic homicide.

How’s your calendar looking today? Meetings, errands, gym, but what about time with God? In a fast-paced world, constant busyness can crowd out stillness and intimacy with Him. As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” But how do we do that in daily life? Esther spoke to Alasdair Wallace from Christianity Explored about making space for God in practice.

Keir Starmer is under growing pressure after appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador despite reported security vetting concerns. He has since sacked the Foreign Office’s top civil servant, but questions remain over whether that goes far enough. With elections approaching, critics are calling for him to step down, but should Christians respond with grace instead? Political voices from across the party spectrum weighed in on whether he should stand firm or resign.

David Stroud, founding pastor of Christ Church London and a leader behind the Everything Conference, joined Esther to share insight into how Christians can intentionally impact their places and spaces for the good of others and the glory of God.

Fr Nicholas Heale of St Michael & All Angels Worship Centre joins Esther to discuss his latest book Held in God’s Gaze, debunking myths about mystics and exploring the idea of “the mind in the heart” — where reason and emotion keep each other in check.

What does Louis Theroux’s latest documentary reveal about what young men are searching for today? Spud Murphy, founder of men’s ministry RUMble, and Rev Jamie Sewell join Esther to discuss a discipling a generation of “lost boys,” the rise of 'looksmaxxing', and whether there’s a growing pipeline from the manosphere into conservative Christianity.

It’s been a year since Compassion became Premier’s Charity of the Year, and thanks to your generosity, 177 children have found sponsors. But how does sponsorship truly impact these children, their families, and communities? CEO of Compassion UK, Justin Dowds, joined Esther to explain how God is working all over the world.

From lyrics lifted straight from scripture to gospel-inspired hits, Brit and Grammy award-winning artist RAYE is becoming impossible to ignore for a Christian audience. So Esther invited Premier Gospel’s Chantelle Johnson to take a closer look…

Speaker, author, and AI innovation expert James Poulter joins Esther Higham for an essential AI round-up. Is the tech bubble about to burst? How real is the threat to our jobs? And where can we turn in the Bible as we navigate these unprecedented times?

Picture stepping into a safe space with a bat in hand, surrounded by lots of plates and china, ready to release your pent-up frustration. But it raises an important question: is this kind of release actually helpful, or even healthy? And as Christians, how does God want us to handle anger? Jenny Sanders, speaker, preacher and writer, joined Esther Higham to explore what’s really going on beneath the surface, and what the Bible has to say about it.

Gareth Russell from Jersey Road PR joins Esther Higham to discuss lessons from the BBC’s sacking of Scott Mills, the dangers of a ‘that’s just him’ attitude, and why it’s vital for organisations to prioritise victims over protecting their brand.

Reverend Professor David Wilkinson, astrophysicist and ECLAS project director, joins Esther Higham to discuss the Artemis II mission, how the “overview effect” brings perspective in times of conflict, and why the laws of physics inspire and connect with his Christian faith.

What stops men from asking for help at work? Psychotherapist and Baptist minister Shaun Lambert joins Esther Higham to unpack the “man up” mentality, the hidden toll of workplace pressures, and why vulnerability is a strength. He also shares practical spiritual and mindfulness tools for managing anxiety and stress.

Rob and Sonia Harris, founders of Relationship A–Z, join Esther to chat about age gaps in relationships—do they matter, and what does the Bible say?