Inspirational Breakfast with Michael Fanstone

Presented by Michael Fanstone

Fridays from 7am and Saturdays from 8am

Lord Richard Dannatt on what young Christians should know about VE Day

8 May 2026
20:38

Today marks 81 years since VE Day, but a new survey for the Royal British Legion found that two in three Gen Z adults don’t know it marked the end of WWII in Europe. Why does remembering the war still matter—especially for Christians? Lord Richard Dannatt, former Head of the British Army, joined Michael Fanstone to reflect on what we need to remember, why it’s not about blaming young people, and how the legacy of those events still shapes us today.

Attenborough at 100: What difference has he made to the church?

8 May 2026
14:40

Andy Lester, Head of Conservation at A Rocha UK, joins Michael to reflect on Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, his impact on the UK church, and whether the naturalist broadcaster is more open to faith than we might think.

Christian MP on Golders Green attacks: 'The entire system needs an overhaul'

1 May 2026
21:19

A 45-year-old man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after two Jewish men were stabbed in north London. Police are reviewing events nationwide after the UK terror threat level was raised to “severe,” meaning an attack is highly likely. But is it enough to curb antisemitic attacks, and how should Christians respond? Rachael Maskell, Labour MP for York Central, and David Burrowes, Parliamentary Director for Conservative Christian Fellowship, joined Michael.

Charitable giving is down in 2026 - how are Christians responding?

1 May 2026
23:03

Shop prices are rising again, partly due to the conflict in the Middle East. As finances tighten, households cut spending, and charitable giving is often among the first to go, despite deep personal commitment. What does this mean for Christian charities, and how are believers responding to the pressure? Jenny Herrera, Executive Director of Acts 435; Andy Bevan from CREO Ventures; and Daniel Jones, Chief Purpose Officer of Stewardship, joined Michael to share what they're seeing!

Oil, isolation & salvation: Could a Christian survive on an oil rig?

1 May 2026
17:34

Oil prices have surged past $126 a barrel amid fears of Middle East disruption, boosting North Sea activity. But life offshore remains harsh: workers face high fatality risks, isolation, long shifts, poor sleep, and time away from family, with some reports suggesting elevated suicide rates. So how can Christian faith endure or grow in such conditions? Michael spoke to former rig worker-turned-minister Colin Webster to better understand if faith can survive on an oil rig.

Should church be more entertaining?

24 Apr 2026
16:24

If adding more entertainment brought more people through the doors, would it be worth it? Or is the message of the Gospel meant to stand on its own? From comedy and drama to something as unexpected as magic—where should the line be drawn? Is there even a line at all? Tom Elliot is an evangelist and entertainer. He spoke to Mal Pope about his unusual path, his new tour and whether the church should ever lean more into entertainment to reach people.

Faith under pressure (cookers): The hectic world of Christian chefs!

17 Apr 2026
20:32

Mal Pope, standing in for Michael, explored how faith holds up in the high-pressure world of professional kitchens, where long hours, stress, and sharp tempers are part of daily life. He was joined by Chef Jonni Smith and Christian caterer Sylvia Parkes, who shared honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of living out faith in such an intense environment, and whether it can truly thrive under the heat!

Should Christians become death doulas like Nicole Kidman?

15 Apr 2026
17:38

With movie star Nicole Kidman revealing her training as an end-of-life doula—a trained, non-medical professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support during and after death—Mal Pope, standing in for Michael Fanstone, spoke to Yvonne Tulloch, CEO of AtaLoss, about the need for better bereavement care in the UK and the charity’s 10th anniversary.

Up for a pilgrimage?

10 Apr 2026
13:04

Are you up for a prayer walk around the UK? Following the opening of the King Charles III Coast Path, England’s longest managed footpath, Michael spoke with Rev Canon Nigel Marns, creator of the Cornish Celtic Way, about connecting walkers and pilgrims with the rich spiritual heritage of Cornwall’s coastline.

Does God pick sides in global wars?

10 Apr 2026
21:11

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed Iran “begged” for a ceasefire and suggested divine intervention shaped the outcome. Should leaders invoke God in matters of war—or avoid it altogether? Michael was joined by Professor of Political Geography Nick Megoran and Joe Connor, Regional Director of Elam Ministries to explore the geopolitical tensions, what the Bible says, and how Christians might respond to the conflict.

Should a Sunday sermon be aimed at new Christians or regulars?

10 Apr 2026
15:22

Sharon Mac Wilmshurst, co-founder of Prisca, a resource supporting and equipping preachers across the UK, joined Mal Pope (Standing in for Michael) to explore a question many quietly wrestle with: who is preaching really for?

Lucy Peppiatt's Good Friday message: Why Jesus HAD to die on the cross

3 Apr 2026
21:11

On Good Friday, systematic theologian and author Lucy Peppiatt joined Michael to explore a question many people, Christian or not, still ask: why did Jesus Christ have to die on the cross?

Jesus's native tongue is endangered. Do we need to keep it alive?

1 Apr 2026
26:55

With only a few thousand speakers left of the Aramaic Jesus Christ once spoke, should we be doing more to preserve his language? And how would it deepen our faith if we experienced Scripture in his native tongue? Theologian David Instone-Brewer joined Michael Fanstone, who was also given a quick language lesson by Ewan MacLeod from Jesus Spoke Aramaic.

What does a "Good Samaritan" look like in 2026?

13 Mar 2026
11:28

The parable of the Good Samaritan is one of Jesus’ most well-known stories: a despised Samaritan helping an injured man ignored by others. In today's society, many report struggling to intervene in emergencies because of the “bystander effect.” So how can we resist that instinct and live out compassion in everyday life? Deborah Akinlawon from the Christian Police Association joined Michael to discuss.

Where are the unreached areas of the UK?

13 Mar 2026
19:09

Are there still “edges” of our society where the gospel isn’t being heard? What industries or careers need more spiritual support or community in the UK? Michael was joined by evangelists from the contrasting mission fields of online gaming and weightlifting to explain why Christians need to step up in every space!

Do you feel free to be...

... unapologetically Christian? It often feels like our voice isn’t allowed in this increasingly secular world — our Christian voice isn’t allowed.  

You know, that feeling of wanting to speak up, but being held back by fear of the response?  

But your voice is powerful. And Premier is here to empower you.  

FIND OUT MORE