Filthy Hope

How does a kid who was expelled from kindergarten go on to complete a PHD?0:00 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.1:23 – Introducing Reverend Dr. Peter Powell4:47 – Beaten with a lead hose in school7:49 – ADHD medication: the lights on moment10:48 –Amygdala & ADHD13:52 – The power of the right mentor16:42 – Failing every grade but finding a calling21:46 – Followed a girl, found God25:53 – Coma as a religious experience29:44 – Why I suspended myself from communionIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with the legender Reverend Dr. Peter Powell, to discuss the brutal "grit" of a life spent navigating undiagnosed neurodiversity. Peter shares his harrowing experiences of physical abuse in the 1940s school system, becoming a violent child in response, before a long and winding road led him to multiple degrees, ordained ministry and a career in psychology.Peter reflects on what it meant to finally receive an ADHD diagnosis in his 40s, describing the moment medication began to work as "the lights went on." He speaks candidly about the role his wife Brenda played in mentoring him through life's challenges, and the transformative power of one person who believes in you when the system has already written you off.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #ADHD #Neurodiversity #LateADHDDiagnosis #FaithAndMentalHealth #SchoolTrauma #Mentorship #UncleCharlieEffect #FaithNoFilter

What happens when the church you love starts squashing your faith?0:00 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.4:20 – The badge of brokenness8:40 – Burden of the listener13:00 – Reading the forbidden book17:20 – Rejecting an unkind God21:40 – Why history points to Jesus26:00 – Nuns, missionaries, and reality30:20 – From pastoral carer to deacon34:40 – A quiet calling37:40 – A sneaking suspicion of hopeIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their deep dive with Sara, a woman with a "universe-sized brain" and a heart for the hurting. Sarah opens up about her "invisible badge", a natural gift for pastoral care that draws out the rawest stories from strangers everywhere she goes, from chemists and museums. They explore the tension of living with an intellectual faith while navigating a mental health journey that derailed her academic career.The conversation turns radically honest as Sara describes her decision to walk away from a church whose teachings clashed with her beliefs, including predestination, the exclusion of women from leadership and the church's stance on same-sex marriage. From rejecting a God who "only chooses some" to embracing an inclusive call to the diaconate, Sara reflects on what it means to choose faith not from certainty but from something more honest: the decision to keep believing even when the questions don't go away.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #ChurchHurt #PastoralCare #FaithDeconstruction #FaithAndDoubt #WomenInMinistry #SameSexMarriage #UnitingChurch #CalledToMinistry #FaithNoFilter

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of mental illness, OCD, bipolar disorder, suicidal ideation and hospitalisation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14, or reach out to Uniting Heart and Soul for counselling support.What do you hold onto when your own mind is the hardest place to live?0:00 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.3:56 – Broken pieces and divine glue7:08 – Growing up with mental illness10:19 – Beyond the "neatness" OCD myth14:55 – TW: self-harm & suicidal ideation17:40 – A "grippy sock" vacation20:57 – Bipolar & the dangerous charm of mania23:38 – Relearning the definition of joy25:43 – Bible-bashing myself31:41 – The God who doesn't changeIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Sara Wienand, a museum educator, pastoral ministry leader and ancient languages scholar,  to explore the complex intersection of mental health and faith. Sarah shares her journey, from growing up with OCD, eventually leading to a psychiatric ward stay and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. She speaks candidly about the reality of suicidal ideation, self-harm, and the essential role of medication in her spiritual and daily life.With honesty and warmth, Sara describes what it is like to live inside a mind that never fully quiets: the exhausting logic of OCD, the seductive pull of hypomanic highs, and the devastating weight of depressive lows. And through it all, a God she describes as the glue holding her broken pieces together.#FilthyHope #MentalHealth #BipolarDisorder #OCD #FaithAndMentalHealth #ChristianPodcast #MedicationAndFaith #GritWithGrace #HopeInTheDark #FaithNoFilter

What happens when the "perfect student" is actually drowning? 0:00 – Trailer0:42 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.4:20 – Secret signs of ADHD in kids8:36 – Beyond the bell curve: defining "normal"12:44 – School “discipline” and neurodiversity17:43 – Meds & masking: why girls fall under the radar21:33 – Are churches safe for neurodiversity?25:36 – Traditions of misjudgement28:52 – Who is responsible for inclusion?33:56 – “I see you” and the culture of true belonging36:13 – Closing thoughts on hope and radical kindnessIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with Lynda Humphries, this time diving into neurodiversity: what it actually means, why ADHD has been so misunderstood, and what genuine inclusion looks like in schools, workplaces, and faith communities.Lynda shares her family's personal journey with ADHD, unpacking why girls so often go undiagnosed, what educators can do differently, and why the church needs to move well beyond tolerance. They argue that the burden of adjustment shouldn't fall on those who are already struggling, but on those in the "easier space" to create a culture where everyone can truly belong.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #Neurodiversity #ADHD #InclusionMatters #ChurchAndNeurodiversity #ChurchCulture #FaithAndMentalHealth #BeyondTolerance #FaithNoFilter

Can the kid who was bullied become the educator who changes the system?0:00 – Trailer0:42 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.3:45 – Growing up resisting the call to teach6:46 – The reality of Year 6 bullying9:50 – Bullying, meanness, and fitting in12:53 – Investigating the "why" of kids' behavior15:56 – Understanding the amygdala hijack18:58 – Restorative discipline in the classroom22:00 – Does faith fix everything?25:02 – Not just a job, but a calling28:04 – Masking depression and finding truthIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Lynda Humphrey, an educator with over 30 years of experience and a Master's in wellbeing and leadership. Lynda opens up about being severely bullied in Year 6, an experience that made her view leadership as dangerous and caused her to avoid it for years, and how she eventually reclaimed her voice to lead with empathy.With warmth and candour, Lynda shares her philosophy on education: that discipline without understanding misses the point, that empathy is a skill that must be taught, and that the "why" behind a child's behaviour almost always tells a more important story than the behaviour itself. She also reflects on her own battle with clinical depression, and how faith, therapy, and practical tools helped her find her way through.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #Education #Bullying #EmpathyInEducation #FaithAndLeadership #MentalHealthAwareness #RestorativeJustice #TeacherLife #OvercomingBullying #FaithNoFilter

What does the church need to let go of to survive the future?0:00 – Trailer0:42 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.5:40 – The “gift” of declining numbers9:26 – Dying to resurrect: a new church12:54 – The danger of predictable faith15:11 – The loudest noise is an empty church19:30 – Honouring legacy without repeating it22:54 – Building community outside the building23:43 – Housing crisis: activating church assets29:28 – Practical justice: more than just prayers34:11 – The punk ethos: planting future churchesIn this episode of Filthy Hope, Ness and John sit down with Moderator-elect Reverend Pablo Nunez to discuss the radical shifts needed in the Uniting Church. Pablo argues that Australia is moving into a "pre-Christian" era, where traditional church structures no longer make sense to a generation with no memory of Sunday school. He challenges the church to move away from political entanglements and predictable comfort to become a prophetic voice once again.From turning empty church houses into youth rental communities to moving beyond religious platitudes when meeting physical needs, this conversation is an unflinching look at institutional survival vs. missional purpose. Pablo calls for a "punk ethos" that values authenticity and action over perfect notes and empty pews, urging the church to "go out swinging" in its pursuit of hope.#FilthyHope #FaithNoFilter #ChristianPodcast #UnitingChurch #ChurchGrowth #Justice #PropheticVoice #ModernFaith #HousingCrisis

What happens when God calls you somewhere you never planned to go?0:00 – Trailer0:42 – Intro: Faith. No filter.1:26 – Rev Pablo Nunez: The Moderator-Elect3:00 – Uruguay: the most secular country in the Americas6:33 – My “boring” christian sister11:44 – Drugs, psychedelics, and a kitchen floor revelation16:53 – The absurdist call to Australia22:08 – My partner in mission24:54 – 21 days to leave Australia27:53 – Moving to the margins of Adelaide32:27 – Changing the institution from withinIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Reverend Pablo Nunez, the Moderator-elect of the Uniting Church (NSW/ACT). Pablo shares his journey from a secular upbringing in Uruguay to a life-altering encounter with grace following a period of rebellion and drug use. He reflects on the "whisper" that led him to Australia as a missionary and the brutal 10-month visa battle that tested his family's faith and sense of home.The conversation dives into the reality of ministry, from working with the homeless in Adelaide to the challenge of stepping into high-level leadership during a pandemic. Pablo explores what it means to "toughen up without losing tenderness," offering a raw perspective on institutional change, the necessity of practical faith, and the radical, undeserved goodness of God.#FilthyHope #FaithNoFilter #ChristianPodcast #UnitingChurch #UruguayToAustralia #RadicalGrace #ChurchLeadership #MissionaryLife #Homelessness #MigrationtoAustralia #FaithJourney 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses terminal illness, death, and voluntary assisted dying. Please take care while listening. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7: 13 11 14.Can you ever truly prepare for the exact moment someone you love will die?0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.2:34 – The life of Warrick “Wonka” Dawson7:52 – The brutal speed of motor neurone disease (MND)15:28 – Watching the nerves “fire”16:41 – Scheduling a Wednesday to die19:01 – Humor as a pressure valve23:49 – The strict criteria for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)33:51 – One last sunny breakfast39:18 – The clinical “lights off” moment48:59 – Re-packing the backpack of griefIn this episode of Filthy Hope, Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Sascha Dawson to unpack the reality of losing his father, Warrick, to motor neurone disease – and the deeply complex decision to pursue voluntary assisted dying (VAD). From the trauma of the initial clinical diagnosis to the surreal nature of a final sunny breakfast, Sascha explores what it means to maintain agency in the face of the horrific. The conversation dives into the messy reality of grief: how it starts long before the end and why professional counseling is essential to "unpack the backpack" of trauma. Sascha and Ness reflect on the jarring cognitive dissonance of a scheduled death and the transition from "lights on" to "lights off." This episode is a "grit with grace" exploration of end-of-life choices, family culture, and the long road to finding a new normal after the unthinkable.#FilthyHope #FaithNoFilter #ChristianPodcast #VAD #AssistedDying #MND #GriefJourney #RadicalHonesty #EndofLife #TraumaRecovery #GritWithGrace

Can a life of privilege protect you from a "rock bottom" breakdown?0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.3:08 – Growing up on Sydney's North Shore7:03 – Leadership, cadets, and early identity10:28 – The trap of corporate conformity13:03 – Sexuality and coming out post AIDs epidemic18:18 – Internal battles: anxiety and self-hatred23:23 – Hitting rock bottom27:03 – Rehab and learning humility31:08 – Faith as an “unreceived gift”31:48 – The moment the weight liftedIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries sit down with Sascha Dawson to share a deeply honest story of identity, anxiety, and rebuilding self-worth. From growing up on Sydney's North Shore to coming out in a time marked by stigma and fear, Sascha reflects on the internal battles that shaped his early life and the pressure to conform to expectations that never quite fit.This episode explores rock bottom moments, the role of rehab and humility in recovery, and a powerful turning point where the weight of anxiety unexpectedly lifted. It is a vulnerable and hopeful conversation about post-traumatic growth, learning to like yourself, and the ongoing journey of becoming who you truly are. We apologies for the lower audio quality in this episode as we faced technical difficulties. #FilthyHope #FaithNoFilter #ChristianPodcast #MentalHealth #SelfWorth #ComingOut #LGBTQStories #AnxietyRecovery #RehabRecovery #FaithAndLife #PostTraumaticGrowth

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of death, grief, terminal illness, and voluntary assisted dying. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14. What does it mean to “die well”? 0:00 – Trailer & Trigger Warning:0:46 – Intro: Faith. No Filter2:16 – Facing death with radical honesty2:51 – Voluntary Assisted Dying: legal but complex7:26 – Praying for a miracle while honouring choice9:51 – Preparing to die with no regrets11:06 – Grief is not linear13:06 – Confession and unburdening before the end15:26 – Still living as we head to death20:31 – A “holy day” and last requests28:06 – The jolt and sudden finality of VADIn this raw, unflinching episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries step into one of the most complex and controversial conversations of our time: voluntary assisted dying. With pastoral honesty and compassion, they reflect on accompanying people through terminal illness, the tension between praying for a miracle and respecting legal choice, and what it means to prepare for death with no regrets.Through stories of unexpected loss and chosen death, they explore grief that is not linear, the power of confession and radical honesty, and the strange truth that we can be seriously funny and joyfully sad at the same time. This episode wrestles with mortality, love, and the belief that even when life ends, love does not. It is a grounded and hope-filled conversation about living well in the face of death.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #VoluntaryAssistedDying #FaithAndGrief #EndOfLifeCare #PastoralCare #LivingWell #HopeInLoss #RadicalHonesty

How do you find true well-being when "healthy" means more than just a gym membership?0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.2:34 – The myth of physical wellness6:03 – Depressed but physically fit7:23 – From gym manager to chaplain11:08 – Dunn's dimensions of wellness13:00 – When a health crisis shatters your worldview15:29 – The dark side of financial wellness24:08 – The PERMA Model of Flourishing26:05 – Spiritual well-being: meaning & purpose34:02 – Wellness is a journeyIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries unpack the myth that wellness is simply about physical health. Drawing from Ness's background in corporate wellness and medical exercise physiology, they explore how fitness, financial success, and productivity can still coexist with anxiety, depression, or spiritual emptiness. Together they examine Dunn's dimensions of wellness and the PERMA model of flourishing, asking what it truly means to live well as whole, integrated human beings.This episode challenges the idea that not being unwell equals being well, and invites listeners into a deeper, more holistic vision of wellness rooted in meaning, purpose, relationships, and spiritual depth. The conversation concludes with an emphasis on spiritual health as a sense of meaning and purpose, requiring "grit" to practice and "grace" to recover when you inevitably stumble.RESOURCES MENTIONED:Martin Seligman – The "Father of Positive Psychology" and the PERMA model for flourishing.Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – The legendary researcher behind the concept of "Flow."Barbara Fredrickson – Author of Love 2.0 and expert on the 10 positive emotions.Sonja Lyubomirsky – Leading scientist on the psychology of human happiness.Halbert L. Dunn – The pioneer of "High-Level Wellness" and the wellness wheel.Dr. Benjamin Spock – The intersection of morality and psychology.John Main – Benedictine monk who revived the ancient practice of Christian Meditation.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #Wellness #MentalHealth #SpiritualHealth #WellnessMyth #HolisticHealth #FaithAndWellbeing #PERMA #Flourishing #PositivePsychology #FaithNoFilter

Should church leaders be revered?0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.1:53 – “Professional Christians”3:57 – Reverend is an honorific8:22 – Why I don't want to be revered11:56 – The danger of the pedestal crash14:46 – The nagging sense of never being enough16:38 – Ministry math and impossible workloads22:44 – Impostor syndrome, guilt, and pressure23:38 – Grit and grace: trying your best and failing32:48 – Taking the role seriously, not yourselfIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries pull back the curtain on the realities of ministry and what it means to be a “professional Christian.” They unpack the language of “Reverend” as an honorific, the weight of being placed on a pedestal, and the subtle danger of power, privilege, and unrealistic expectations in church leadership.This episode explores impostor syndrome, the pressure of never feeling enough, and the temptation to believe the hype when others call you “the revered one.” With honesty and humility, Ness and Jon reflect on grit and grace, the importance of collaborative leadership, and why the Church is healthiest when leaders are taken seriously but never idolised.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #ChurchLeadership #Reverend #MinistryLife #FaithAndHumility #ProfessionalChristian #GritAndGrace #ChurchCulture #ImpostorSyndrome #FaithNoFilter

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of death and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14. What happens when you confront the one thing we're all guaranteed: death? 0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No Filter.1:28 – Death is inevitable4:37 – Why is death scary? The fear of the unknown5:22 – Fear of dying vs. Fear of death6:27 – Ness' near-death experience (SCAD heart attack)7:52 – Peace in the face of impending doom8:17 – Post-traumatic fear: when peace turns to anxiety11:21 – Living well vs Living in fear12:23 – The sad irony of grief13:39 – Near-death experiences and altruism30:25 – How to live well in the face of lossIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries enter one of life's hardest conversations: the reality of mortality. Together, they explore why death feels so frightening, how the fear of it can quietly limit our lives, and how grief reshapes the way we move through the world.Rev Ness shares her own near-death experience during a SCAD heart attack, reflecting on the profound paradox of unexpected peace she felt in the moment and the life-limiting anxiety that followed. The conversation explores how living well, supporting one another, and focusing on love are the antidotes to the paralysing fear of the inevitable unknown.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #Death #GriefAndLoss #FaithAndMortality #LifeAndDeath #NearDeathExperience #LivingWell #DeathAnxiety #HopeInLoss #RadicallyHonest #FaithNoFilter

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and grooming. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (Australia, 24/7), Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.What does justice look like when trauma never fully leaves you?0:00 – Trailer0:38 – Intro: Faith. No filter.1:05 – Court Case: two years leading up to trial1:29 – Trigger warning: grooming & sexual assault3:25 – Sexual assault and CPTSD5:18 – Post-traumatic growth7:41 – Defining assault13:51 – Every detail proven in court17:18 – The brutality of cross-examination27:41 – The insidious process of grooming57:51 – How trauma affected Sarah's faithIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with Sarah Rose, who shares her experience of being groomed and sexually assaulted by a trusted professional, and the long, retraumatising process of seeking justice through the courts. Sarah speaks candidly about complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the reality of cross-examination, the insidious nature of grooming, and the courage it takes to tell the truth when your memory is fragmented by trauma.This episode explores the tension between justice and healing, the importance of believing survivors, and the kind of faith that does not explain away suffering but meets us in it. It is an honest and powerful conversation about responsibility, resilience, and finding hope even after profound betrayal.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #SexualAssaultAwareness #GroomingAwareness #TraumaAndFaith #CPTSD #JusticeAndHealing #BelieveSurvivors #HopeInTheDark #FaithNoFilter

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and grooming. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (Australia, 24/7), Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.What does justice look like when trauma never fully leaves you?0:00 – Intro: Faith. No filter.0:27 – Court Case: two years leading up to trial0:51 – Trigger warning: grooming & sexual assault2:47 – Sexual assault and CPTSD4:40 – Post-traumatic growth7:03 – Assault is not just penetration13:13 – Every detail proven in court16:40 – The brutality of cross-examination27:03 – The insidious process of grooming57:13 – How trauma affected Sarah's faithIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with Sarah Rose, who shares her experience of being groomed and sexually assaulted by a trusted professional, and the long, retraumatising process of seeking justice through the courts. Sarah speaks candidly about complex post-traumatic stress disorder, the reality of cross-examination, the insidious nature of grooming, and the courage it takes to tell the truth when your memory is fragmented by trauma.This episode explores the tension between justice and healing, the importance of believing survivors, and the kind of faith that does not explain away suffering but meets us in it. It is an honest and powerful conversation about responsibility, resilience, and finding hope even after profound betrayal.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #SexualAssaultAwareness #GroomingAwareness #TraumaAndFaith #CPTSD #JusticeAndHealing #BelieveSurvivors #HopeInTheDark #FaithNoFilter

What's so amazing about grace when a pillar of faith falls from a great height?0:00 – Intro: When Leaders Fall from Grace2:10 – The Scandal of Philip Yancey4:30 – My Personal Connection to ‘What's So Amazing About Grace'6:50 – The Irony of Experiencing Shame While Reading About Grace9:15 – Cancel Culture vs. The Need for Truth 11:40 – The Addiction Crisis in Church Leadership14:05 – Missing the Mark: Redefining Sin as "Missing the Mark"16:20 – Metanoia: The Radical Shift of Mind and Heart18:45 – Facing the Truth of Our Own Greed 21:10 – Hope in the BrokennessIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries reflect on the recent scandal surrounding Christian author Philip Yancey and his eight-year affair, wrestling with what grace really means when a leader falls. Rather than offering judgment, they explore the irony of a writer known for What's So Amazing About Grace? becoming the subject of public condemnation, and ask deeper questions about sin, repentance, accountability, and redemption.This episode examines cancel culture, the danger of power and entitlement in ministry, and the truth that we are all broken vessels in need of ongoing transformation. It is an honest conversation about failure, forgiveness, and the reminder that our hope is never in a person, but in God.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #GraceAndRedemption #PhilipYancey #ChurchScandal #FaithAndFailure #CancelCulture #Repentance #HopeInGod #FaithNoFilter

What does real welcome look like in an increasingly tribal world?1:00 – Intro: Faith. No filter.1:42 – Talk about welcome and inclusion2:53 – Tribalism in the church and corporate world7:24 – Positive psychology and the PERMA model8:57 – First Nations Welcome to Country12:14 – Fear, hatred, and the loss of neighborliness13:07 – Hostility and tribalism in sport and politics17:24 – Disneyland: a welcome on steroids30:25 – The three phases of welcomeIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries explore the power of welcome in a world increasingly marked by fear, hostility, and tribalism. From corporate culture and positive psychology to First Nations Welcome to Country and even Disneyland, they reflect on what it means to move beyond surface-level friendliness toward genuine inclusion.This episode unpacks the difference between multicultural and cross-cultural communities, the danger of losing neighborliness, and the three phases of true welcome: being greeted warmly, being seen for who you are, and being invited to contribute. It is an honest and hopeful conversation about how the Church and society might rediscover belonging in a divided world.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #WelcomeAndInclusion #ChurchAndCulture #Belonging #PositivePsychology #CrossCultural #FaithInAction #HopeForSociety #FaithNoFilter

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, counselling is available at 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 (Australia, 24/7) or Lifeline on 13 11 14.Can hope and healing really grow out of abuse and brokenness?0:00 – Intro: Ness' story0:41 – Content warning: child abuse1:46 – Abused at six: life shifted2:26 – Dissociative Identity Disorder as survival4:48 – Trauma-informed humour and brokenness5:28 – From victim to advocate12:30 – Coping through alcohol and distraction17:16 – Alcohol, sex, and trauma21:02 – Affair and rock bottom24:10 – The firecracker momentIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries share Ness's personal story of childhood abuse, trauma, and the long journey toward healing. Ness reflects on the ways she coped with deep brokenness, including dissociation, anxiety, alcohol, and shame, and how therapy, faith, and a powerful encounter with God began to reshape her life and identity.This episode explores what it means to move from victim to survivor to advocate, and how hope can emerge even after profound harm. It is an honest, courageous conversation about trauma, post-traumatic growth, and the calling to bring what was hidden in darkness into the light for the sake of others.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #ChildAbuseAwareness #TraumaAndFaith #HopeAndHealing #SurvivorStories #PostTraumaticGrowth #FaithWithoutFilter #FromVictimToAdvocate

CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14.What if the parts of your story marked by shame are not the end?0:00 – Intro: Jon's Story0:44 – Unpacking the word “bastard”1:50 – The filth and hope in being adopted3:11 – Content warning: suicidality and the lowest point3:50 – The lawn mower epiphany5:49 – The premature surprise8:35 – Any excuse to skip church11:37 – A hint at ministry15:40 – The gardener's prophecy and the elder's question20:56 – “Why be normal?” Pushing boundaries in faithIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries turn the lens inward as Jon shares his own life story, shaped by adoption, shame, despair, and an unexpected encounter with God. Jon reflects on growing up adopted, grappling with identity and suicidality, and the quiet moment that shifted everything, discovering he could not be snatched from God's hands.This episode explores how faith can take root in the most ordinary and painful moments, and how God can bring hope, calling, and purpose from stories marked by shame. It is a raw and honest reflection on despair, resilience, and the long journey of becoming who God is already calling you to be.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FindingGod #FaithAndMentalHealth #AdoptionStory #HopeAfterShame #Testimony #MessyFaith #ChurchAndLife

What happens when God puts you in ministry with someone you can't stand?0:00 – Intro: Welcome back to Filthy Hope0:28 – Ness thought Jon was a jerk1:00 – The hard question2:28 – Secretly hoping for rejection4:46 – Reunited at Ravenswood5:33 – Learning in school chaplaincy7:16 –  Creative approach to ministry8:56 – The homeless man chapel service15:30 - A series of unfortunate events17:43 – Reframing life experience as giftsIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries reflect on the unlikely beginning of their friendship and ministry partnership. From first impressions, bruised egos, and uncomfortable questions, to shared risk-taking, creative ministry, and deep trust, they explore how God can use conflict, honesty, and “holy friction” to shape both calling and character.This episode looks at how the parts of our stories we would rather avoid, whether tension, failure, or messy humanity, can become the very ground where meaningful ministry and real friendship are formed.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFriendship #MinistryLife #ChurchStories #MessyFaith #HolyFriction #HopeInTheFilth

Has the Church lost its way, or is it finding a new one?0:00 – Intro: Is the church broken?0:43 – Welcome to Filthy Hope1:06 – Introducing Rev Charissa Suli1:42 – What hope is there for the church?4:37 – Progress: multiculturalism and First Nations Peoples5:49 – Hope in the priesthood of all believers9:00 – Hope in everyday people11:51 – Listening to young people15:10 – The hope of Rev Suli's Presidency17:11 – Weaving Christ's loveIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, to wrestle honestly with the future of the Church. Together they explore what is not working, where there is real hope, and why the Church may be doing better than we think. The conversation touches on multiculturalism, First Nations Peoples, women in leadership, the priesthood of all believers, listening to young people, and the need to cut away fear and toxicity while weaving Christ's love across cultures and communities.This episode offers a grounded, hopeful vision of a Church shaped by people, not buildings, and invites listeners to imagine what might be possible when faith communities are brave enough to face decline honestly and nurture what is already growing.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FutureOfTheChurch #FaithAndCulture #UnitingChurch #ChurchLeadership #WomenInMinistry #HopeAndFaith #ChurchReform

What if the parts of your story you were told to hide, are the very things God wants to use?In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries are joined by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, for an honest conversation about leadership, faith, and the power of embracing your whole story. Charissa shares her journey from becoming a teen mum to being ordained and elected as President, reflecting on shame, judgment, cultural expectations, and the moments the church fell short of its own values.Together, they explore how God can work through what feels taboo or disqualifying, and how faith, family, and calling can transform pain into purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that your past does not disqualify you, it can become the very source of your strength.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #UnitingChurch #TeenMum #ChurchAndCulture #ShameAndGrace #WomenInMinistry #Testimony #Hope

What happens when recovery leads you beyond sobriety, and into purpose? In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with UK actress Elizabeth Meadows about addiction, faith, and the long road of recovery. Liz shares how her 12-step journey opened the door to Christianity, quieted the constant pull of addiction, and eventually led her to walk 679 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago.Along the way, Liz reflects on surrender, hyper-independence, learning to ask for help, and discovering God's love through spiritual discipline, generosity, and prayer. This episode explores how purpose is often found not in dramatic breakthroughs, but in the daily choice to keep walking, long after recovery begins.Filthy Hope:Follow The Podcast: https://beacons.ai/filthyhopepodcast

What happens when addiction, trauma, and coping mechanisms collide with faith?In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries are joined by UK actress Elizabeth Meadows to talk openly about addiction recovery, Christianity, and the 12 step journey.Liz shares how alcohol, sex, and validation became ways of coping with trauma, and how recovery, surrender, forgiveness, and faith led to healing. Ness reflects on her experience with AA, while Jon speaks about the ongoing practice of living in recovery.This episode explores how hope can be born out of suffering, even in the places church rarely talks about.Hosted by Rev Ness and Rev Jon. Get in touch at hello@unitingheartandsoul.org

Welcome back to Filthy Hope. Faith without the filters. Brave, compassionate conversations about life's hardest parts. We're so glad you're with us as we share new stories with new guests soon. Hosted Rev Ness and new co-host Rev Jon.Get in touchRev Ness: revness@unitingheartandsoul.orgRev Jon: revjon.smatts@gmail.comSubscribe now on your favourite listening app to be the first to hear.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTA_6jGZ2DXuLaKWSChZ_g/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UVp8SePdfm7zwN7hqrN2rApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filthy-hope-faith-no-filter/id1620102857Hosted by Rev Ness and Rev Jon. Get in touch at hello@unitingheartandsoul.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rev Ness comes back to the place the podcast started, at Uniting Heart and Soul church, and shares on taking a short break. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Jonty and Rev Ness are joined in the studio by Pastor James Lee from Sydney Hosanna Mission, and Pastor Ammi Ahn. Ammi is a blind missionary who has spent the majority of his life sharing the gospel in some of the most hostile environments in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode of Filthy Hope will be Jonty's last. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness sit down with Barry Higgins from Uniting World to talk about the role of mission work and the ways that mission can be done ethically.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pastor Jonty and Rev Ness ask themselves an uncomfortable question: is church a cult?LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness are joined by Rev Jon Humphries to unpack the story of the road to Emmaus in Luke chapter 24. Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty sits down with returning guest and friend of the show Rev Dr Sunny Chen to unpack the historical, cultural and theological layers in the Adam and Eve story found in the book of Genesis.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness are joined by Rev Jon Humphries to unpack what Paul's account of the early church in Acts 2 can teach us about 21st century church.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness sat down with returning guest Rev Phil Swain to have a conversation about how to find sanctuary amongst the chaos of life.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness unpack the ascension of Jesus, as found in Acts 1:1-11.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness sit down with Rev Ken Day, one of the ministers at St. Stephens Uniting Church in Sydney.Earlybird Cafe: https://earlybirdcafe.org.au/LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness unpack the story of Tabitha's resurrection in Acts 9:32-43.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness unpack the question of suffering, using Rosie Batty's book "A Mother's Story" as a case study.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness unpack the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9:1-17.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmaill.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty sits down with returning guest Thomas Jay Oord to explore the world of Open & Relational Theology.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness unpack the story of Lydia's conversion, found in Acts 16:11-15.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Money. Power. Wealth. Manipulation. This week on Filthy Hope Jonty and Rev Ness explore the phenomenon sometimes known as "prosperity gospel." What is it? How can you identify it? And just how harmful can it be? ARTICLE

This week on Filthy Hope Jonty talks to returning guest Mikali Anagnostis, who is in the process of candidating to be an ordained minister of the Word in the Uniting Church. They cover Mikali's calling, their early years in the Catholic and Pentecostal traditions, the transitions Mikali made later in life with both their theology and their gender, and then the surprising ways in which those early traditions have shown back up in their life in formative and challenging ways. LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Filthy Hope, Rev Ness interviews Jonty to get all the juicy details out of him about his recent marriage.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty talks to multi-instrumentalist James Watson about church music, and some of the complexities therein.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness dive into DOUBT, and why it might actually be the most important part of faith.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty is joined by returning guest James Watson to address a question about doubt and certainty that was raised after his last appearance on the show.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness are joined in the studio by Cory Schut, pastor at Wesley Mission.Wesley Mission: https://www.wesleymission.org.au/ Wesley International: https://wesleyinternational.org.au/LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty talks to Bec Swain about life growing up as a pastor's kid, and how that has translated into a type of faith that prioritises action.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness' conversation with Dr Ali Robinson from our live show on April 6, 2025.LIVE SHOWS & MERCH: https://www.unitingheartandsoul.org/filthy-hopeJoin our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Email us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonty and Rev Ness round out the lent season of the show with a look at the story of Jesus being anointed in Bethany by Mary - John 12:1-8.Contact us: filthyhopepod@gmail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.