Towards Understanding

Greg Sheridan is one of Australia's best-known journalists. How Christians Can Succeed Today is his ninth book. He chatted to Clayton about the book, which is about rediscovering the radical, transcendent and downright weird message of Jesus, being the third title in Greg's bestselling trilogy about Christianity in the modern world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kathleen Folbigg was wrongfully convicted in 2003 of murdering her four infant children. She was pardoned in 2023 after twenty years in prison, following a long campaign for justice by her supporters, she had her convictions overturned on appeal a few months later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peggy Callahan is the producer & co-director of the film Mission: Joy. She explained how His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu give them unprecedented access to their unlikely friendship as they shared different religions and found (neuroscience-backed wisdom) to help each of us live with more joy, despite hardship. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Edwin Keshish-Abnous is an Iranian-born theologian and media leader, currently serving as Executive Director of Heart4Iran at 24/7 satellite Christian TV. Not only does it provide free studio production to hundreds of partners, but it also provides free broadcast, free in-country follow-up, and free Bible distribution inside Iran. To this date, Heart4Iran has helped launch over 300 house churches across Iran. Clayton chatted to Edwin about the miraculous growth of Christianity in Iran where God is at work. With decades of experience in Farsi-language broadcasting and discipleship, Edwin is widely known for his work in contextual theology and for equipping Persian-speaking Christians worldwide. His insights draw from both academic training and firsthand experience of faith under pressure in Iran.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dani Treweek, who has grappled with a theology of singleness for the past 16 years, spoke to Clayton about the fact that it is frustrating that both society and the contemporary evangelical church see singleness as a state of lacking and deficiency, grounded in what it is not. Dani is the founding director of the Single Minded Ministry, and was excited to share with Clayton that she has brought together the encouraging insights from her PhD research into a new book called The Meaning of Singleness, that was launched earlier this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Into the Spotlight" is a documentary following one season of the annual Spotlight Musical Theatre production at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas (HPUMC). The Spotlight program is a part of the church's Belong Disability Ministry (BDM), and the annual musical is unique because participants with disabilities lead the creation of a full-length musical showcasing their passions and ideas. Clayton chatted with a number of people involved in the program:Michelle is the Executive Director of Generosity and Impact Ministries at HPUMC and is the senior leadership team member overseeing HPUMC's BDM and its Spotlight Musical Theatre program. Michelle served as a producer on the "Into the Spotlight" film and was instrumental in making the vision behind the documentary come to life. Jacob is one of the breakout stars of the Spotlight production featured in the documentary. Since filming, Jacob has gotten involved in many of Belong's programs and was invited to join the ministry's Advisory Committee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clayton chatted to the founder of the Table Talk Project, Neil Milton. Neil's passion for valuing time at the table comes through as he explains the importance of having intentional family conversations around the dinner table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growing up in the slums of Manila, Sherwin got sponsored by an INA supporter and gained access to education, which enabled him to rise to become the Director of Vineyard of His Grace Ministries, where he now oversees all of INA’s country-level programming. His work focuses on empowering the most marginalised women and children to escape extreme poverty. Sherwin is also a passionate Christian communicator who speaks powerfully about breaking the cycle of poverty and the hope his ministry brings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina leads service delivery at ChimeIn Recovery Services, bringing her compassionate, practical approach, dedication and significant experience working with participants seeking psychosocial or addiction recovery support. Tina shares her story of despair, hope and now providing hope for others. In 2011, Tina was inducted into the WA International Women’s Hall of Fame for her contribution to mental health and addiction support. Her successful career was forged following a vicious cycle of drug addiction and mental health struggles over two decades ago. Tina’s lived experience is the cornerstone of her ability to aid and inspire others. She possesses a unique ability to connect with, understand, advocate and empower others, while also educating the wider community and reducing the stigma associated with addiction. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Naomi Reed is an ambassador for the International Nepal fellowship (INF). The INF is an international Christian mission, working in Nepal since 1952, and aiming to empower the most marginalised and disadvantaged people in Nepal, through health and community development. She is a gifted communicator who loves to use honest, everyday stories to remind us that even in the hardest moments, God has not forgotten us. She began to write really as a means of trying to work out what is God doing in all of this? And how does he work through seasons of life that are hard. But 20 years into Naomi’s unexpected career in storytelling, she has now written down the incredible stories of God in others lives.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Luke Holdsworth is the founder of Spectrum Quest. Growing up on the autism spectrum, Luke often struggled understanding social cues, and how to communicate. As he grew up, he put in effort to increase his capacity, and has overcome those challenges. Now he gives back to the community through creativity and collaborative storytelling using Table-Top RolePlaying-Games, which has been found to help neurodiverse people have personal growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Phuc Phan Thi is the South Vietnamese-born Canadian woman best known around the world as “The Girl in the Picture” and the “Napalm Girl.” In 1972 during the Vietnam War at age 9 she was immortalized in a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph titled The Terror of War that depicts her running naked in agony following a napalm strike in her village Trang Bang, Vietnam. Once a living symbol of the atrocities of war, for nearly 30 years she has been a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for the Culture of Peace and the founder and president of The KIM Foundation International, a non profit dedicated to helping child-victims of war, violence, and poverty. Kim shares her story of hope, purpose and joy in the face of terror, and she credits all of it to the love of Jesus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richmond Wandera shared with Clayton that he was just eight years old when his father was brutally murdered. Richmond's mother and six siblings were forced to move into one of Uganda's toughest slums - all because of a distant relatives lies. A chance sponsorship by a teenage girl through Compassion changed everything. Make sure you don't miss the moment in his conversation with Clayton when an act of forgiveness to his distant relative changed his life! Richmond has gone on to be a pastor and founded the Pastors Discipleship Network, a movement that has now trained over 15,000 pastors across East Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pastor Keith Tower is the senior pastor of HighPoint Church in Orlando, Florida. Keith is a Professor of Apostolic Leadership at the Every Nation Seminary. He is currently the Lead Chaplain for the Ocoee Police Department, where he’s been a chaplain for 12 years. Prior to pastoring and counselling, Keith played professional basketball for 7 years for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, and Milwaukee Bucks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark is the Lead Pastor at Red Church in Melbourne, Australia. Mark is regarded by many as a leader in conversations around culture and Christian faith. Mark spoke with Clayton about recent cultural moments in Australia, Europe and America and the opportunity of faith discussions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Louise shares openly with Clayton about her early life of trauma and the impact it has had on her relationships and faith life. Louise hopes that by sharing her story others will have an opportunity to have hope and courage to take the next steps needed for their recovery. Louise has written a book about her story, Loved. Saved. Healed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Irvine, started Gloria Jean’s Coffees after helping launch McDonalds into Australia. And yet all of that comes from his deep desire to live out his Christian faith in the area of work he has been given - that of business. Peter shares with Clayton stories and his desire to help other business owners to truly live out faith and the positive outcome of a faith driven business in the marketplace, See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author Rachel Gilson share's her story of confusion and clarity around her own sexuality and her Christian faith. She has recently written the book 'Parenting without Panic' to help parents teach their children proactively and positively about God’s beautiful design for human sexuality, gender and relationships. Rachel shares with Clayton some of the work in her book around a Christian framework for sexual ethics and healthy conversations around LGBT+ conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, speaker, thought leader, Andy Crouch is partner for theology and culture at Praxis, a venture-building ecosystem advancing redemptive entrepreneurship. His writing explores faith, culture, and the image of God in the domains of technology, power, leadership, and the arts. he spoke to Clayton on a recent visit to Australia about the idea of what redemption looks like in our society and Christian faith today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katherine Thompson asks the question is there benefit to deep suffering? Katherine works in the area of mental health as a therapist, lecturer, author and researcher. And also personally knows the impact of long term serious physical pain. Katherine has published in the areas of youth mental health, Christ-centered mindfulness, and cross-cultural mission and chats to Clayton about her book, The Discipline of Suffering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In July 2011 Gloria Anderson was abducted from her home in Melbourne by a boarder she had allowed to stay in a granny flat on her property. During this time, Gloria was mocked for her faith, and she endured severe physical torture while praying constantly. After escaping, she now dedicates herself to advocating for legal reform and helping others who have experienced similar traumatic events. She helps provide much needed practical items such as clothes, toiletries etc to those who have just gone through traumatic events. She head's up the organisation Thinking Of You - From One Survivor To Another.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing is an international author, speaker and theologian who addresses the deep questions of our day with meaningful answers found in the Christian Faith. Amy chats with Clayton about why we can trust the Bible, where to start if you are exploring Christianity, where to start if you want to best share your Christian faith and why she is so passionate about female leadership in Christian conversations around faith.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petr Jašek, a Christian humanitarian worker and Czech national, spent 445 days in a Sudanese prison. After being falsely accused and convicted of espionage and treason, among other charges, he was sentenced to life in prison before eventually being pardoned by Sudan's president. Petr tells his story of being in a jail cell with ISIS members who made his time hell on earth. Petr is now the global ambassador for The Voice of the Martyrs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca McLaughlin is the author of Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the Worlds largest religion. If Christianity is really true - it should be able to stand up to some tough questions. Rebecca discusses some of the most common and curly questions of Christianity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Simon is Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity. A former English and History teacher, Simon has a Masters in Christian Studies. He talks about whether it is the 'End of Men' in society and faith. Simon provides a thought provoking and articulate argument to continue good healthy conversation around this topic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since becoming Australia’s first MasterChef in 2009, Julie Goodwin has become a household name. She has had many roles since then including radio and tv host, writer and speaker and also advocate for conversations around mental health. Julie shares openly with Clayton about her journey with mental health and the opportunity she sees in sharing her story. Julie has recently released the book Your Time Starts Now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Based in Lebanon, Wissam Nasrallah is COO at Thimar – a partner of Baptist World Aid Australia, who is working with local communities and churches to help the poorest of the poor and the huge number of refugees coming into Lebanon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clare has worked for over a decade in Christian ministry, focusing on strategic leadership that enables churches to better serve their communities. As Compassion Australia CEO, she is excited to see churches and Christians around the world empowered to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name. In light of The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty this week, Clare chatted to Clayton about the role of the Church in justice and exploring how Christians can actively participate in addressing poverty and injustice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Unfailing Love, Georgia Morris shares hard-won truths of her dependence on God to fight her battles. Those who have family members or friends suffering with mental illness or going through trying times in a family relationship will be encouraged by this story of a woman who learned that God was faithful to carry her through. Georgia's husband began exhibiting unusual symptoms of behaviour on their honeymoon. She shares how he controlled every aspect of her life, cut her off from her family and friend. Her coping mechanism became a total dependence on God as the mental and physical abuse escalated and her husband was diagnosed with manic depression at first, then schizophrenia, and was often hospitalized. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa Lipsett is the CEO of Baptist World Aid. She believes leadership matters, and so does the call of God on our lives. She is an outspoken advocate for the poor, for inspiring not just international action but also local action. Melissa also holds dearly to the importance of hearing women’s voices and empowering them to use their God given gifts and graces for the sake of our world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clayton chatted with author, critic and lecturer, Richard King, who talked about his newest book, 'Here Be Monsters: Is Technology Reducing Our Humanity?'. He spoke deeply about the fact that we are in the midst of a technological revolution and is this, therefore, changing what it means to be human? Richard challenged us, as modern societies, that we need to develop a more critical attitude to new and emerging technologies. We need, he suggests, to rethink our relationship to our tools from both individual and societal perspectives. It is not enough to let the market decide which technologies are good for us. We need to ask what we want from technology. And the question of what we want is a question about who we are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip Yancey is a familiar name in Christian households. Known for his many books, Philip spoke openly and honestly to Clayton about his recent diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease and how he still trusts a good and loving God who often chooses to reveal those qualities through his followers on earth. He has written many words on suffering and is now being called to put them into practice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David is passionate about the rescue and long-term wellbeing of children. In January 2010 David and his wife Andrea, along with their children, moved to Thailand where David served with ZOE for over 11 years. During this time David worked to prevent the trafficking and exploitation of children (as well as being involved in rescues). David now heads up the ZOE Foundation Australia and has some radical, creative and unique solutions to solve the issues for the most vulnerable foster care children in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A collective of faith-based organisations have joined together to create the Christian Foster Care Network, and to bring the issue of foster care into focus during that week. Heather Packett's organisation, ARK is a part of this network. Heather shares why you should be involved in Foster Care - and the support Ark is providing to carers. For videos and resources for churches to use to highlight foster care and have a website dedicated to Foster Care Sunday check out www.fostercaresunday.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Father's Day, Clayton spoke to Wayne Alcorn, the author of "My Father's Son", and head of the ACC church in Australia. Wayne explained he has seen God's love heal and transform men’s lives – his father’s, his own and the countless men across Australia he has talked to and helped heal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Syrstad is the creator, director, and executive producer of Testament, a bold reimagining of the Book of Acts set in an alternate modern world still ruled by the Roman Empire. While training as an actor at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, he discovered a calling for storytelling behind the camera and creating one of the more spectacularly dynamic visual telling of a book of the Bible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rush Witt, Author of ‘Want to Escape’ is a pastor and counsellor who has some encouraging things to talk to Clayton about how to battle the desire to 'escape' during life. As you listen, you may find yourself reflecting on the 4 D's that you might escape to and how to combat them. Oh, and yes, Clayton asks if Rush is his real name!!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Ogilvie is Professor of Language and Lexicography at the University of Oxford. Her latest book is ‘The Dictionary People: the unsung heroes who created the Oxford English Dictionary’. The creation not only was remarkably universal in its work - but has long lasting impact on our language and culture today! Sarah, as a lexicographer, has been an editor at the Oxford English Dictionary and was Chief Editor of Oxford Dictionaries in Australia. As a technologist she has worked in Silicon Valley at Lab 126, Amazon's innovation lab, where she was part of the team that developed the Kindle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melissa chatted to Clayton about the documentary about her life - Return to Palau. After her whole family was tragically murdered, Melissa returned to Palau many years later and miraculously met with her family's killer, and her abductor, who left her for dead in a ravine. The impact on both Melissa's life and the entire population of Palau is truly amazing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ming Wang, a Chinese immigrant who defies all odds to become a world-renowned eye surgeon in the United States joins Clayton to talk about the so called 'Cultural Revolution' in the 1960's & 70's that destroyed Dr Wang's childhood education. He shares about his journey to America, his development of ground breaking eye technology that he gifted to the world (now worth $5billion). And shares how his Christian faith guides his life, but also his work as one of, if not the, leading eye surgeon in the world. Dr Wang's story is told in the recently released movie, Sight. “I am overwhelmed that a movie is being made about my life. Living through the many dramatic events that I experienced, I never expected them to be told to the world, especially in such a poignant way. I hope this movie might pave the way to inspire more untold stories to be heard and to inspire others to persevere and follow their dreams,” said Dr. Ming Wang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bill Sutcliffe shares with Clayton a story of overcoming unimaginable abuse as a child (on multiple levels) to a moment of forgiveness that changed his world. Hear Bill's story as he shares about his world changing relationship with Jesus and the subsequent life changing moments he has been able to give to prisoners and those who have been abused themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheila Wray Gregoire is the author of eleven books including She Deserves Better: Raising Girls to Resist Toxic Teachings on Sex, Self, and Speaking Up, the host of the Bare Marriage podcast, and the founder of To Love Honor and Vacuum. An award-winning writer, Sheila calls the church to more than just pat answers by conducting original research to find out what advice works–and what really doesn’t. She Deserves Better is an evidence-based book grounded on surveys of over 28,000 women to offer mums a fresh, freeing, and biblically grounded message of sexuality and self-worth for their daughters that is less about the don'ts and more about the dos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dave Fishwick is the 'Dave' behind the UK movie, Bank of Dave. He chats to Clayton about being driven by the need to help others and is constantly seeking ways to make the lives of those around him, better. He shares with Clayton, his journey of being a working-class man from the small English town of Burnley in Northern England and fighting the elite London banking establishment to establish a local community bank. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jo Hood is the Founder/CEO of mainly music. Originally starting in New Zealand in 1990, mainly music is now also in Australia and the UK, plus a handful of groups in other countries. In 2025, mainly music celebrates 35 years in NZ, 25 years in Australia, and 20 years in the UK, since the first group was established in each location. Tens of thousands of families over this time have enjoyed many moments together, singing, dancing, moving, laughing, learning, eating great cake, and most of all, realising they have been welcomed into a joy-filled community of belonging.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria Sinis once used her skills to market OnlyFans creators, she now uses them as a speaker, strategist, and founder of Creating Gems, to equips counter-cultural voices, nonprofits, and advocates to grow with integrity online. With a background in marketing and lived experience in the adult content industry, Victoria now uses storytelling to challenge harmful narratives, educate on digital exploitation, and empower others to reclaim their worth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Spence an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter, known the best for his long tenure as a host on Play School.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Author, missionary, pastor and sometimes-actor Max Lucado chatted with Clayton about his motivations and creative processes. With over 100 books published internationally, Lucado is a passionate and inspired author. He discusses his creativity and love for writing, and the joy that the practice elicits within him. Showing no signs of slowing down, the full-time pastor revels in his busy and inspired lifestyle: “I love what I do. As long as the Lord gives me good health and ideas, I’m going to keep doing what I do.”"See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boxing champion Nigel Benn opened up to Clayton Bjelan about the misguided path he led during his boxing career. “I just thought it was great at the time because I’d come from nothing. I’d gone straight to the top of the food train.” With the overwhelming changes to his everyday life, Nigel found himself surrounded by a different crowd of people, got into drugs, and became addicted to adultery. Unable to break this damaging cycle, Nigel found courage in himself to tell his wife of the 16 years’ worth of affairs. Listen in to hear what the turning point was for him in his life to learn to forgive himself and how his wife came to forgive him for the adultery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Martine is a Director for Generosity Path and believes generosity could solve the world’s problems! She is passionate about supporting churches, ministries and business groups to disciple believers into radical and joyful generosity as a natural response to Jesus' radical generosity to us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clayton chatted with Steve Lawrence about leading in life, character, footy, family and community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason is an accomplished physiotherapist, dynamic entrepreneur, and award-winning leadership expert in high demand. He was the CEO of Australia's largest physiotherapy network at the time, Back In Motion Health Group. He has written three books and chatted to Clayton about his latest book, Unlikely. Jason shares how is life as a businessman is intertwined with God's purposes for him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.