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?
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!
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.
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 faith, geopolitics, and how Christians might respond.
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?
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.
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.
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!
A US military commander reportedly told troops that Donald Trump was “anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth". To discuss whether this has could have any Biblical truth, Michael was joined by Revd Dr Ian Paul, theologian and author of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, alongside John Heathershaw, Professor of International Relations at the University of Exeter.
Spare a thought for Tesco, which recently put up Welsh signs in Cornwall, mistaking them for Cornish. A light-hearted mix-up — but it shows how language shapes identity. Globally, one in five people still await the Bible in their own tongue. We are far from Revelation’s vision of every tribe and language worshipping together. Robin Peake of Wycliffe Bible Translators joined Michael to explain why language matters.
Christian values are back in the spotlight. Reform UK says it will “save Britain’s Christian heritage,” while splinter group Restore Britain puts faith values at its core. Both face controversy over immigration and alleged far-right ties. So what should a party rooted in Christian principles prioritise? Before hearing from a Reform spokesperson, Michael spoke to Keith Brindle, a hospice chaplain and campaigner for Christians Against the Far-Right.
What can the sport of skeleton teach us in our faith? Laura Murdoch from Christians in Sport joined Michael to reflect on the highs and lows of this year’s Winter Olympics and to celebrate 50 years of their incredible ministry.
When we hear “having a job,” we often picture a steady 9-to-5. But in the UK, one in six adults are part of the gig economy, with freelancers contributing over £200 billion to the economy in 2023. It offers freedom, yet brings uncertainty about income and identity. Does that instability hinder or deepen faith? Michael Fanstone was joined by Sandie Eggers Seagroves to share her freelance journey.
Hannah Rich, director of Christians on the Left, sat down with Michael to reflect on a turbulent week in Westminster and how we can be praying for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Chris Vargas, a tattoo artist from THINK Café, joins Michael Fanstone to chat about being a 'light for the city' in an age of depleting high streets. They discuss how their café survives in a harsh economy, stirring spiritual conversation over coffee, and why he believes the Bible gives us freedom to ink up.
