Inspirational Breakfast with Esther Higham

When is the right moment for Christians to stay quiet on political issues — and when is it time to speak out? Romans 13:1 calls believers to submit to governing authorities, yet Acts 5:29 makes it clear: “We must obey God rather than men.” So how do we discern between submission and resistance when it comes to political issues? Malcolm Duncan, Senior Pastor of Kensington Temple in London, joined Esther to unpack this theological tension.

Ghanaian preacher and theologian Mensa Otabil went viral for saying he would never say “God told me” from the pulpit. Dr Claire Williams, lecturer in Practical Theology at Regents Theological College, joined Esther to discuss his remarks and whether avoiding that language is wise or overly cautious. They also explored why it’s okay to have fun with the spiritual gift of prophecy!

Rev Tim May from KXC and Matt Parkes, who runs discipleship programmes for young Catholics, join Esther to explore what 'full fat faith' looks like and why young people are being drawn to the rigour of Orthodoxy and Catholicism. They discuss supernatural encounters happening outside the church, what “cracked iPhone” millennials can teach younger generations, and why the era of polite Anglicanism may be coming to an end.

A new film tells the story of an extraordinary German teenager who, inspired by his faith in Jesus, stood up to the Nazi regime during World War Two by writing and distributing anti-Hitler leaflets in Hamburg. Eventually caught and imprisoned, Helmut Hübener was executed in 1942 at just 17 years old. The new film Truth and Treason, from Angel Studios, tells his story. Esther spoke to director Matt Whitaker, who explained how it all began after meeting one of Helmut’s friends.

Did you know the days between Ascension Day and Pentecost are known in some traditions as the Novena — nine days of prayer and waiting? Rev Canon Jean Kerr, from the Thy Kingdom Come team, joined Esther to encourage Christians from all backgrounds to make the most of this special season of prayer.

Have you heard of peptides? They’re being hailed as the latest “miracle fix,” from skincare to weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. But behind the hype lies a deeper issue: the growing pressure to perfect ourselves physically. In a culture obsessed with image and optimisation, where’s the line between healthy self-improvement and obsession? Arthur White — former world champion powerlifter and evangelist — joined Esther to discuss why it might be all too good to be true.

Winnie the Pooh first appeared in a Christmas Eve 1925 newspaper story by AA Milne; the first book followed in 1926. He has become one of the most recognisable children’s characters. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus says unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the kingdom of God. With that in mind, should we reflect more of Pooh’s humility, friendliness and playfulness? To explore The Gospel According to Winnie the Pooh, Peter Prothero from Equippers Church joins us.

It’s been a chaotic week for Keir Starmer as he battles to stay in power. Health Secretary Wes Streeting resigned, citing a lack of vision and direction, with further pressure building from rivals, including Andy Burnham. Esther heard from journalist James Lewis for an update on the political situation and then later caught up with Danny Webster, Head of Advocacy at the Evangelical Alliance, to unpack what’s been happening and if there's a spiritual element to it all.

SAINT pastor Al Gordon joins Esther to talk about the Joint Prayer Gatherings, the creativity God has placed within every person, and the importance of pursuing excellence in art.

Hundreds of thousands are expected in London this Saturday for the Unite the Kingdom Rally, organised by Tommy Robinson. With Christian symbols and worship prominent at previous rallies, is this cultural trend a worrying sign or an exciting opportunity? Esther spoke to Tommy Sharpe, whose organisation challenges links between the far-right and the Church, and Dom Muir, Christian speaker and author, who will be taking part in the march.

As Glasgow City Mission celebrates 200 years of sharing the gospel and supporting homeless and disadvantaged people, CEO Charles Maasz and Jean-Ray Knighton-Fitt—Director of U-Turn South Africa and Global City Mission Alliance co-ordinator—reflect with Esther on lessons learned, the shared (and different) stories of homelessness across cultures, and what it takes for a ministry to go the distance.

New research from the Evangelical Alliance suggests many Christians are becoming more cautious about expressing their faith in public, with some choosing not to disclose their beliefs at all in certain settings. Thrive 26 is a Scotland-wide gathering designed to encourage and equip Christians to live out their faith in the workplace through talks, networking, prayer and shared experiences. Business consultant and Thrive 26 team member Martyn Link joined Esther to share more.

Rich DiCas is a songwriter and worship pastor at KXC, a church in North London. He joined Esther Higham to talk about what it’s like leading worship as an introvert, why he refuses to stop praying for his wife’s healing, and the heart behind KXC’s new album, At Your Feet.

After suffering multiple miscarriages and feeling isolated and unsupported, Zoe Clarke-Coates and her husband Andy were determined to change the story for other couples. Andy joined Esther Higham to discuss the latest government reforms, the work of their charity Saying Goodbye, and the unique experience of fathers in the journey through miscarriage.

Do you have a Christian film you’d recommend to atheist friends? From big hits like The Chosen to indie projects like Noah, faith-based storytelling is growing on screen. As Christians embrace film to reach new audiences, we ask: does the Gospel need a polished delivery? Are we risking style over substance? Can film share the Gospel without diluting it? Esther Higham spoke to filmmaker Alex Gallimore to explore this.