Is ableism an overlooked prejudice in the church? Kay Morgan-Gurr, co-founder of the Additional Needs Alliance, and Katie Budd, Team Leader of Through the Roof’s Roofbreaker project, joined us to share some of the worst things they’ve heard in church, why inclusion starts with a conversation, and how churches can help people discover their potential rather than focus on their limitations.
What exactly is a hackathon, and what does it have to do with building God’s Kingdom? James Dec, a software developer, and Tim Last, Creative Lead at FaithTech, join Michael to talk about BUILD, an annual 30-hour hackathon bringing Christians together to use technology for ministry. They share how previous projects have helped transform the work of charities like Christians Against Poverty, the key to getting through the night, and why they’re not worried about AI ending humanity.
Historian and commentator Martyn Whittock joined Michael to reflect on why September 11th 2001, still shapes our world. But first, we heard from Sujo John, who was in the North Tower when the first plane hit that fateful morning.
The Psalms have long been a source of inspiration for worship artists — but for Phil Wickham, that connection has taken on a whole new meaning. He’s been chosen to voice David in a new animated film about the biblical king. Esther Higham spoke to Phil about the parallels between David’s story and his own, before Michael caught up with producer Jamie Pratt, who watched an early screening of the film.
Do you have aunties and uncles in your life? Not necessarily relatives, but older Christians who check in, offer wisdom, challenge you or simply make sure you’re okay. Should caring for one another be the responsibility of the whole Church? Theo Manderson, a Premier Gospel presenter passionate about mentoring young people, and writer Alex Noel, who focuses on communicating faith and drawing people closer to Jesus, spoke to Michael on the subject...
Are prenups wise preparation — or planning for divorce before you’ve even said “I do”? A recent BBC report found almost half of married Millennials in the US, and more than a third of Gen Z adults, have a prenup. In the UK, it’s around one in ten couples. So are prenups sensible financial planning, or do they reveal something deeper about how we view marriage? Michael Fanstone discussed it with Tony Wilson and Maryane Mwaniki of Eden Relationships.
For 75 years, Mayo’s Gaelic football supporters wondered whether their county was living under a curse. Now that the so-called curse has finally been broken, it raises a deeper question: do words carry real spiritual weight, or are we simply looking for meaning in a remarkable sporting story? Ephesians 6 speaks of spiritual forces. But how should Christians approach the supernatural without fear? Michael was joined by Matt Johnson from the Global Prophetic Alliance.
When we talk about charity, we champion generosity and compassion. But are we getting the way we talk about the people we serve right? Does the “white saviour complex” highlight a genuine problem, or oversimplify? Are we listening to Global South communities, or telling their stories for them? Michael was joined by Ben Rogers from Fortify Rights and Fiona Fearon from Open Doors UK.
How do you let someone know they’re more than a friend, without crossing the line into sin? The Bible doesn’t explicitly say whether Christians should kiss while dating, so where do we draw the line? Is kissing innocent affection, or can it make sexual temptation harder to resist? Michael was joined by Sharyn Kyazze, host of Premier Gospel’s Swipe Right For Jesus, to offer some advice.
How can we practically stand up for the Jewish community? Antisemitic incidents across the UK have risen by a fifth, while difficult conversations continue within the Church about Israel and antisemitism. Michael Fanstone was joined by Steve Maltz, who writes about the Jewish roots of Christianity, and Fiona Sorbala, a Jewish believer in Jesus and co-leader of Chosen People Ministries UK, to ask what it means to love our neighbours in action.
A total solar eclipse will bring darkness to parts of Europe, with the Moon completely covering the Sun and revealing its spectacular corona. It’s the first total solar eclipse visible from mainland Europe since 1999! Michael was joined by Stephanie Bevan, a Trustee with Christians in Science, to explore what this incredible sight can teach us about the harmony between science, faith and God’s creation.
England and Wales’ prisons are under huge pressure, with the population at around 86,500 and close to capacity. PM Andy Burnham has paused plans for thousands of early releases while the Government reviews the scheme. But what does our Christian faith say about justice, mercy and second chances? Michael spoke to prison ministry worker Ian McDowell and Paul Cowley, who helps ex-offenders find work, to share how Christians can respond.
Sam Fender has made UK chart history, with Rein Me In spending 19 weeks at number one, breaking a record that had stood since 1953. But if you’re not a Fender fan, you may never have heard it. Streaming and algorithms mean we increasingly listen within our own bubbles. So could this be the death of monoculture, and how can Christianity gain traction in an increasingly fragmented society? Michael Fanstone spoke to cultural commentator Tim Bechervaise to explore.
As AI continues to transform everyday life, we ask: how should Christians respond? Michael was joined by Chris Goswami, founder of the AI Christian Partnership, and Rob Hornby, technologist and AI specialist, to unpack the big AI stories of the day and explore the opportunities, challenges and faith questions raised by this rapidly evolving technology.
Andy Burnham's wife Marie-France van Heel has her own successful career, but how does her new position change things? When a senior pastor, charity CEO or mission leader is appointed, how does it impact their spouse? Do they marry into their partner's ministry? Michael was joined by Dr Mandy Smith, pastor and teacher, to dig into this tricky subject.
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