Signs of the Times Radio

The whole team's here! We thought, what better way to finish the year than by getting together and recording one last podcast? In this episode, Jesse, Jarrod and Zanita discuss all about the December issue of Signs of the Times. We also reminisce on the year that's almost gone, and look forward to the year that is slowly but surely creeping up on us. We hope that you enjoy this last episode for 2022 and that you have a rejuvenating, fun and joyful break. See you in 2023!

The Qatar World Cup has been, and has continued to be one of the most divisive sporting events in recent memory. From political controversies to human rights violations, it has been difficult to know how to handle this event. Should we boycott it? Should we watch it anyway? How can we make conscientious ethical decisions about moral grey areas such as this? Join us as Daniel Kuberek talks about the game that he loves and the way it has caused such a stir around the world.

What's the deal with all these board games everyone is talking about so much? Well, I've got good news for you! Jesse is here to answer every question you've ever asked about board gaming, as well as every question you've never asked! More importantly though, we'll also explore what board games have taught Jesse about himself and about life.

In the October issue of Signs of the Times magazine, our assistant editor Zanita wrote an article called "Your Net Worth is Not Your Self-Worth". In it, she talks about the effect money has on each of our lives and the ways in which we can combat its sometimes more insidious nature. To reflect on this theme some more, we chatted with Rosie Kendall. Rosie is the CEO of CAP Australia, a non-profit organisation that seeks to help people in financial distress get in charge of their lives. In this episode, Rosie shares with us tips and tricks for how to be a wiser steward of your resources, as well as how to help those who don't have as much.

Greg thought he was going to die. Accidents, constant trips to the hospital, drug and alcohol addiction — there's no way this man had long for this world. But that's when God decided to interrupt Greg's downward spiral and turn his life upside-down. This conversation was part of a live event we ran with Greg himself, which is why the audio is not as high-quality as you might expect from Signs Radio. We think the conversation itself makes up for it, though.

This episode, we talk to Signs of the Time's newest team member Zanita about a crazy idea. The simple act of eating around a table once radically transformed how communities related to each other. The most startling thing is, it might be able to do the same again today.

It's not every day you meet someone whose life was literally saved by God. Listen to the amazing story of how Bonita's life was transformed from loneliness and drug addiction to joy and fulfilment.

This month, we talk to Jarrod Stackelroth about his article in June's Signs of the Times called "A Tower Dedicated to Pride". We discuss the Jeddah Tower that is supposedly meant to be the tallest tower in the world, reaching 1km in height. The only problem is, the tower's not complete and has been under construction since 2013. Will it ever be finished? What lessons can we learn from it? And what does this tower have to do with one built thousands of years ago called Babel?

This month, we talk to Braden Blyde who wrote an article in our May issue called "How to Vote in an Election Season". In it, we talk about biblical principles of how to engage with politics, how to know which party best represents the concerns of a faith worldview, and who NOT to vote for.

Nathan Brown joins us to guide us through a fascinating conversation he had with Tim Costello. Tim is a former lawyer, pastor, and activist for faith and justice in Australian politics. He has played a key role in advocating for incredibly important issues at a federal level, and was the CEO of World Vision for many years. He currently serves as the director of Micah Australia.

If you're a long-time listener of Signs Radio, you may have been wondering where we've been for all these months. In this quick update, Jesse, our new host, gives an update on what's been happening, and what's next for Signs Radio.

If you watch Succession, Book of Boba Fett or Breaking bad - you'll be confronted by characters with questionable morals. Why do we enjoy these "antihero" stories more than others? And what decides the moral line that these characters often cross?

What excites you about Christmas? Is it the presents, or quality time with family and friends? There's even more reason to be excited when you look back at the original Christmas story. A baby born a few thousand years has incredible relevance for you.

When you look back at this year, what are the key events that you remember? Is it something you saw on the news, or something personal? It's worth exploring why we look back at the end of each year - and shows our need for hope.

There's 52% chance you are mentally burning out, according to statistics by a job aggregator site in the US. But before you self-diagnose, listen to psychologist Claire Marsh's advice about what burnout is, how to not get it mixed up with other mental health conditions, and how to treat burnout. Image credit: Tangerine Newt

Many parents around the world choose to share their faith with their children. Karen Collum explains how this practice has some real benefits for both parent and child—if done right—and how a new book "Advent for Kids" can help in that process. Image credit: Ben White

Whether you prescribe to belief that God does or doesn't exist (or something in between), there's new insight to be found by taking a step back and considering the wonder of the question itself.

On a surface level, it might seem like religion has inspired a number of factions to draw arms in the last century. Has that actually been the case? And if so, what's the relationship between religion and conquest? Photo credit: Henri Huet

Dune's onion-layered plot reveals interesting themes the more you peel it back: the relationship between religion and politics, messiah-figures and the relationship between science and faith to name a few. But what does it say about our modern world?

There's plenty happening right above us—not just a new era of space tourism, but also talk about humans colonising Mars. What might seem like forward-thinking by planet earth's billionaires also begs the question: can we save ourselves? Image: SpaceX

Stefania Bratulich's doctor in Yugoslavia was stubbornly steadfast on denying her pension application. That was until one night a bright man entered his room . . . Image provided: Danijela Schubert (left) and her mother Stefania.

You may have seen Nicola McDermott soar over a two metre bar and win Olympic silver at the Tokyo 2020 games, but you might not know her story. Bullied and isolated but also focused, she reveals Who she jumps for.

Asking someone if they're OK can be one of the kindest acts you do. Just ask Ashley Stanton, who candidly shares about her mental health journey in this week's podcast.

When Chris Pratt's Dan Forrester in "The Tomorrow War" goes to the future to fight aliens for the sake of his family, it continues a Hollywood trope of fathers who are positively transformed by crisis. But is that the way it really works?

Juliana Muniz never knew any way other than Brazilian culinary tradition—eating meat for almost every single meal of the day. She shares about how she discovered a tastier, healthier alternative that changed her health and life.

Cathy Hookham thought it was angels telling her what people would do before they did, where objects had been and things that'd happened to her family in the past before she was born. She breaks down exactly what she saw and experienced and why it was angels—three of them in fact—that changed everything. Warning: this podcast contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence and spiritual themes. Listener discretion is advised.

Alien, ghost and paranormal sightings have been reported around the globe for centuries—suggesting there's a realm that we can't see or touch. Even if you're skeptical, it's still worth looking for an answer . . . Photo credit: Sharon McCutcheon

For a number of years, the big fear about artificial intelligence is that it'll become out of humankind's control. It's arguable whether we're there yet, but the processes involved in creating these algorithms are certainly shrouded in mystery—driving many to call them "God-like". The question is: what IS God like? Photo: Visuals—Unsplash

Guest host Ryan Stanton discusses various forms of justice and their implication with author, public speaker and corporate wellness consultant Eddie Hypolite.

Brenton Turner joins us to discuss the 2021 NAIDOC week theme "Heal Country", shares his own family's harrowing ordeals as part of the stolen generation and also discusses a hopeful future for Indigenous Australians.

If you've been watching the news recently, you may have heard a few controversial things about naturopaths. We are joined by qualified and practising naturopath Kendra Samuels. Her day job includes clearing up health issues, but today she'll be clearing up the question: what do naturopaths really do?

Todd Brodie is a Strength and Conditioning coach and former footballer for Marconi Stallions, Sydney FC and Sydney United. His journey with the sport has taken him from the Australian Institute of Sport to England and back to Australia. He shares about identity, faith, mental health and his predictions for Euro 2020.

Prayer is a complex and sometimes ambiguous topic. Why are some prayers answered while others aren't? Join us this week as we wrap our heads around these big questions and seek to better understand the practice that is a staple of many religions. Photo credit: Youssef Naddam

There is little doubt that movies from the Fast and Furious saga have proved a hit with fans. The big impact of the franchise also leaves questions about its influence on a generation of viewers.

Have you ever felt like something was "off" in one of your friendships? Maybe you felt drained, used or like you were putting too much effort in? Chances are that friendship might be "toxic". There are some things you can do about it. . . Photo credit: Obie Fernandez

1 in 70 Australians and 1 in 100 New Zealanders have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. Those with a gluten intolerance or Coeliac Disease can initially find themselves asking, "what can I eat?", "where can I eat?" and "how will this affect my life?" Kylie Banks, a lifelong sufferer that was only recently diagnosed with Coeliac Disease, shares a few things she has learnt. Photo: Wesual Click

Overcoming complications in a parent-child relationship is one of the most important parts of growing up. In the lead up to Mother's Day, Maryellen Hacko shares why learning from her mum's life experiences has been invaluable.

ANZAC Day traditionally remembers Australians and New Zealanders who have fought and died for their countries. But does "remembering" include condoning the act of war and the ethical dilemmas that come with it? We explore the issue with historian Daniel Reynaud, who has published multiple books on the ANZAC legend.

Deepfakes involve putting a person's ultra-realistic likeness and voice into videos where they are not present. Tom Cruise, George Lucas and even president Barack Obama have all been deepfaked. Can this new technology unsettle the world?

Did life first originate in a floating spore, a pond or as a result of an intelligent designer? Australian scientist Dr John Ashton looks at the evidence, and weighs it against the question—what are the chances that life can be formed out of non-living organisms? Photo credit: Hisu Lee

As homes locked down all over the world, Onlyfans—a website popular with online pornography—has made worldwide headlines. What seems like an easy money-making scheme raises serious ethical questions for both creator and consumer . . . Photo: Noah Buscher

Big bang, creation or something in between? Dr Sven Ostring unpacks theories about the origins of the universe, and where we can find answers. Photo credit: NASA.

When should we cooperate or stand our ground? What would that look like at a global level of international politics with critical issues like climate change and human rights? Mark Delaney joins us this week in search of an answer. Photo credit: Bill Oxford

Christmas in 2020 will be unlike any other. Many around Australia will be spending December 25 away from family in other states. This year has already provided opportunity for many to slow down and refocus their priorities. As we head into the Christmas silly season, Nathan Brown guides us through honing in on why this celebration matters—and how it can shape our life after December 25.

Jessica Krause and her classmates decided to tackle "pandemic" domestic violence in Papua New Guinea for a tertiary assignment. Long after her grades arrived, the project is still changing lives.

There's no doubt about it—slavery is wrong. Ask the average person on the street and they'll agree with you. But are we supporting it in other ways, like . . . through our shopping? Or our silence on the issue? In his last Signs of the Times Radio show as host, Kent asks Fuzz Kitto those very questions. Photo credit: Johannes Krupinski

You may have heard about near-death experiences; where people who are declared deceased remember entering another realm before waking up on earth. It's a highly debated topic. What's the scientific explanation? Or the spiritual one? Photo credit: PxFuel

Being a mum can be isolating at the best of times. What mums need is to connect with other women going through similar experiences, which is exactly what the Mums At The Table project enables. And maybe it's not just mums who need connection and support . . .

The untimely death of accused serial abuser Jeffery Epstein has caused anguish among those who wanted to see him face a courtroom and be forced to reveal just how far the tentacles of his abuse networks extended. More than ever, we need a God of love and justice.

What comes to mind when you hear the word "church"? An historical artefact or Hillsong? How about a grassroots movement of people making a difference in their local communities? That's what the leader of the Adventist Church in Sydney wants to see. Image: Nina Strehl_Unsplash

The various beliefs about death and the afterlife seem trivial and irrelevant to many of us. That is, until we encounter the reality of death within our own circle. That's when it suddenly becomes important to get to the truth. Sydney's "Aussie pastor" Lloyd Grolimund says the Bible offers clear answers. Image: Unsplash_Ante Samarzija