Podcasts about premium subscribers

Is the Palace sending a subtle message to Prince Harry? After his complaints about “the men in grey suits,” royal watchers noticed coordinated grey tailoring across the King, Princess Anne, and the Princess of Wales—prompting viral speculation. Meanwhile, Harry's quiet attempts at reconciliation reportedly don't include Meghan, who remains unconvinced. He also distances himself from legal drama after William was unexpectedly named in court documents. And after Dr. Jane Goodall's passing, the Sussexes' tribute was met with online backlash for making it, as one critic said, “about them.” Plus: King William, our new fictional series, debuts this Sunday, and the Duchess of York continues to hide from view as the Epstein scandal escalates and Parliament threatens to strip titles.

Are small Bible colleges on life support in America? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott welcome Dr. Jim Lytle, former president of Clarks Summit University and former ABWE missionary to South Africa, to discuss the enduring importance of Christian institutions and the plight facing Bible colleges today. They explore how Bible colleges have historically served as crucial training grounds for mobilizing missionaries, shaping young believers' worldviews, and fostering a heart for cross-cultural ministry. Lytle emphasizes that the purpose of these schools was not only theological education but also defining reality for students—helping them see their lives in the context of God's global mission. They also address the challenges facing Christian higher education today, including declining enrollment, rising costs, parental hesitancy toward missions, and cultural changes that have shifted students' perspectives. They discuss the growing need for local churches to take on a greater role in developing and sending workers, the later age at which many missionaries are now mobilized, and the unique openness of Gen Z to purpose-driven and clearly defined callings. Key Topics The role of Christian institutions like Bible colleges in missions mobilization and shaping students' worldview and calling Challenges for Christian higher education (enrollment, finances, cultural shifts) Trends in mobilizing Gen Z for missions and ministry Need for clearly defined, purpose-driven calls to action Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God's calling on their life and church. Learn more at demo.abwe.org and register with promocode: PODCAST. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Prince William's candid comments in a travel show interview have ignited a royal firestorm. Speaking with Eugene Levy, William said he wants to avoid the mistakes of his parents—and openly questioned whether the monarchy, in its current form, is still “fit for purpose.”Royal expert Tom Sykes calls it the clearest sign yet of a deep rift between the Prince and his father, King Charles. Deep Crown weighs in on William's sudden ruthlessness, while Sky News explores how “change” has become William's quiet manifesto.Meanwhile, King Charles reacts to the tragic Yom Kippur attack in Manchester, Aunt Sophie shines a light on sexual violence in the Congo, and Thomas Markle says he's safe—and watching Charlie Chan movies—despite what Samantha Markle claimed. 

The royal family exploded this week with multiple crises converging at once! Queen Camilla and Princess Catherine are reportedly "at odds" after cameras caught Camilla allegedly telling Kate to "move" during Trump's state visit, with insiders claiming Camilla is "territorial" and reminding Kate "she's calling the shots for now." The tension highlights a growing power struggle as Kate becomes increasingly influential with both King Charles and Prince William.Meanwhile, Prince Harry issued a furious statement accusing unnamed palace sources of actively "sabotaging" his reconciliation attempts after reports described his meeting with Charles as "formal." Palace insiders fired back: "Every time there's progress, he runs to the press and ruins it. He needs attention like air." But the week's bombshell came Saturday when William delivered his most candid interview ever with Eugene Levy, calling 2024 "the hardest year I've ever had" and revealing his vision for modernizing the monarchy. He opened up about protecting Kate and Charles during their cancer battles, learning from his parents' divorce mistakes, and why "change is on my agenda." Plus: Andrew and Fergie effectively banned from royal Christmas at Sandringham, Kate skipped the Rugby World Cup final but found time for a Harry Potter set visit with the kids, Meghan's father trapped in Philippines earthquake, and Tom Sykes declares William—not Charles—now calls the shots in the monarchy!

Prince William has given his most personal interview to date—over cider and scooters with Eugene Levy. In a surprising appearance on Apple TV+'s The Reluctant Traveler, the future king opens up about the pressures of 2024, family health struggles, childhood trauma, and the kind of monarch he wants to be. He speaks of Princess Catherine and King Charles's progress, parenting without phones, missing the Queen, and rejecting the media chaos of his youth. Royal insider Deep Crown tells Palace Intrigue why William's style may echo Harry's—but the message couldn't be more different.

A new column in The Times asks whether the public is growing weary of Prince Harry's steady stream of grievances, with royal experts warning he is entering “high-risk territory.” Elsewhere, King Charles is reportedly allowing Prince Andrew to continue hosting shooting parties despite public unease, leaving Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie caught between family loyalty and Sandringham tradition. Commentators say Sarah Ferguson's troubled royal history should serve as a warning for Meghan Markle, while Prince William lightened the mood by sharing Tom Hanks's unlikely reason for becoming an Aston Villa supporter. Also today, locals near Windsor grumble as William and Kate's move to Forest Lodge closes off long-treasured dog walking paths. And in Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri formally abdicates after 25 years, with Prince Guillaume stepping into his new role.

King Charles shared a light-hearted moment at Clarence House when Poppy the prize cow knocked over a table, trampled a hedge, and relieved herself on the pathway during a charity reception. The King joked with guests, “Don't push her back into my boxed hedge,” before cutting a celebratory cake. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle's father Thomas is reportedly trapped in his high-rise apartment in the Philippines after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake, and Meghan herself sparked confusion with an Instagram post in near-illegible handwriting. Adding to her challenges, reports suggest she may be considering a return to acting after disappointing ratings for her latest show.

 It may be the end of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson's public presence within the royal family, as King Charles reportedly has made the decision to keep both the Duke and Duchess of York at “arm's length” following the emergence of emails suggesting that Sarah Ferguson maintained contact with Epstein long after publicly disavowing him in 2011. While Andrew's own connection to the disgraced financier has long dogged the monarchy, this new detail has reignited scrutiny.

Prince Harry has released a rare and pointed statement denying claims about the tone of his recent meeting with King Charles—and suggesting that unnamed sources are actively trying to “sabotage” any reconciliation between father and son. In response, royal sources say the Palace is both “saddened and perplexed” by the accusation.Meanwhile, in the "if Meghan did this" column, the Princess of Wales blew off rugby but made it to Harry Potter.  

Did Camilla tell Kate to move during the state visit? We unpack the clip, Ingrid Seward on Kate's star turn, and Deep Crown on why Catherine steadies the whole Firm—alongside Richard Eden's warning about a Harry-and-Meghan “return.” Then: ITV's Jane Andrews drama sparks a statement from Natalie Dormer, reports that Fergie's TV hopes have stalled, and her Belgravia sale.

What does being a missionary look like among a totally unreached Muslim majority people group? In this week's episode, Alex and Scott sit down with Alan, an ABWE missionary serving in North Africa, who shares his experience of seeing God work in incredible ways among an unreached people group. Despite having a lucrative career in corporate America, Alan felt the call to go preach the gospel to unreached Muslim people, all at the age of 50. Alan shares personal stories about the risks and rewards of serving in an unreached context. He also talks about what he sees as being his biggest need on the field. Read about Alan's full story in ABWE's Message Magazine. Click here. To connect with Alan, email alex @ missionspodcast.com. You can also support his ministry by giving here. Key Topics: Alan's call to ministry. From apathy to having a heart for unreached Muslims. Using a business platform as a means to church planting Personal story about Youssef coming to Christ and then his whole family The biggest need on the field in North Africa. Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Magic FM invites Meghan to guest-host after she praises the station on Netflix; Harry and Meghan will be honored in NYC at Project Healthy Minds; new Montecito snaps with the dogs and that As Ever crest; Harry recalls Disneyland with Diana; updates on Meghan's cooking show and “fizzle” critiques; Norway's Crown Prince weighs in on Märtha Louise; plus a reality-TV PR box dust-up.

This week delivered royal chaos on an epic scale! Seven major charities dumped Sarah Ferguson faster than a hot potato after explosive emails revealed she called Jeffrey Epstein a "supreme friend" just weeks after publicly vowing to cut ties forever. But that wasn't the worst of it - new allegations emerged about Prince Andrew's involvement in a Thai orgy with over 40 women, described by witnesses as "industrial scale" encounters funded by taxpayers! Meanwhile, Prince Harry quietly registered six-year-old Archie for Eton College in a stunning move that could see the Sussex and Cambridge cousins educated together - only to have his spokesperson deny everything by Friday! Palace insiders are still furious over Harry's Guardian interview, with sources saying "his mouth is his biggest problem." Plus: William and Charles held crisis talks at Balmoral about keeping the monarchy united, Kate delivered a tear-jerking tribute to the Southport victims, Princess Anne gave underwire bra advice at a lingerie factory, and Meghan got publicly dumped by a reality TV star after snubbing her with gift boxes!

From Princess Anne troubleshooting underwire at a Welsh lingerie factory—and brushing off “secret sex bomb” chatter—to Prince William telling Eugene Levy that 2024 was his “hardest year,” plus William's low-key trip to see King Charles at Birkhall with strategy talk, Princess Eugenie's anti-counterfeit campaign, and President Trump's Tiffany-tinged gift for Kate.

From shocking new claims about Prince Andrew's alleged “industrial scale” orgies to Meghan Markle's silence after her close friend Whitney Wolfe Herd admitted using slurs, the royals can't escape controversy. We also look at speculation that Jessica Mulroney could pen a tell-all on Meghan, Harry and Meghan's denial that Archie will attend Eton, and listener feedback begging us to fix the audio. Plus, Queen Mary of Denmark is spotted at a lavish birthday party despite palace warnings.

The headlies are bad, the emails are worse.  Will King Charles have to make a move to cut off Fergie?Meanwhile. Kate and Wills have matching bracelets.

Palace Intrigue delivers the most devastating royal exposés yet as Sarah Ferguson's secret correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein explodes into scandal. Just 50 days after publicly condemning the convicted sex offender and vowing "never to speak to him again," Fergie sent a gushing email praising Epstein as a "steadfast, generous and supreme friend," potentially involving £2 million in undisclosed payments rather than the claimed £15,000.Meanwhile, Prince Harry's Guardian interview has triggered royal fury, with palace insiders declaring his "mouth is his biggest problem" and that he "digs the hole deeper" every time he speaks. The royal household is "livid" that "they let him back in—and this is how he repays them," with sources confirming Harry will NEVER return as a half-in, half-out working royal.The episode also exposes the brutal contrast between the royal sisters-in-law: while Kate dazzled at Trump's state dinner operating "at head-of-state altitude," Meghan was reduced to "filming content to sell condiments," wasting her "once-in-a-generation profile." Plus, Irish rap group Kneecap leads anti-royal chants at Wembley, and Buckingham Palace desperately seeks new kitchen staff.

Palace Intrigue delivers the most shocking royal revelation yet as Prince Harry secretly registers six-year-old Archie for Eton College—the same elite boarding school attended by Prince William, Harry himself, and future king Prince George. This explosive move suggests Harry plans to bring his son back to the UK despite the devastating family feud, with Archie potentially sharing classrooms with his royal cousins.Insiders reveal Harry feels his children are "missing out on the extensive family network" enjoyed by William's kids, though Meghan may need convincing about the plan. The security-heavy school would reunite the next generation of royals, with friends noting "statistically, Eton would be safer than an American school thanks to their gun laws."Meanwhile, royal biographer Ingrid Seward decodes Meghan's carefully chosen Harry birthday photo, suggesting she selected his "hunkiest" pre-marriage military image for strategic reasons. Plus, Harry's secret condolence visit to the Duke of Kent reveals his continued royal connections, while Spitting Image brutally satirizes the Sussex brand with puppet parodies of their Netflix ventures.From secret school plans to puppet mockery, this episode exposes Harry's desperate attempts to bridge two worlds while the royal war rages on.

An AI-generated photo of President Trump slurping spaghetti beside King Charles made the rounds online (spaghetti wasn't even on the menu), while Buckingham Palace strongly denied reports of Trump's security team clashing with royal chefs.The President, meanwhile, hinted at inviting King Charles to the United States for America's 250th Independence Day celebration, praising the banquet at Windsor Castle as “beautiful” and calling the King “a wonderful guy.” Elsewhere, a resurfaced clip of Prince William taking his seat before the room sparked debate over whether he was breaking protocol—or proving he is the protocol.In Japan, Edward and Sophie stole the spotlight with a front-row sumo outing, complete with cushion-throwing jokes and golden-shovel tree planting. And in Norway, controversy erupted over Princess Märtha Louise and Durek Verrett's new Netflix series, which the palace says violates their agreement to keep royal status out of commercial projects.

Can AI technology shortcut language barriers for the gospel? Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore the connection between language, culture, and gospel communication. They discuss Apple's new AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translation and explain why technology can't replace the slow, intentional work of learning a language. Scott shares personal stories from learning Mandarin, showing how culture shapes meaning and how simple translation can miss the point. They also warn against reductionistic approaches to missions that downplay language learning and rely too much on quick methods. God Himself prepared a cultural framework over centuries for Christ's coming, which shows why missionaries must engage deeply with local language and culture to clearly communicate the gospel. Key Topics Apple AirPods Pro 3 with Live Translationand the excitement and limitations for missions work Language and culture as inseparable How language shapes thought and the need for teaching new concepts Cultural literacy and understanding local history, customs, and “insider language” Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Donald Trump received the most spectacular royal treatment in history this week—unprecedented golden carriage rides, 1,300 military personnel, 41-gun salutes, and a state banquet where he repeatedly called Princess Kate "so beautiful." King Charles pulled out all the stops for Trump's second state visit, creating diplomatic theater on the scale of a coronation.But behind the pageantry, the royal family was imploding! Prince William was reportedly FURIOUS after discovering King Charles had secretly met with Prince Harry without telling him. When Harry's disastrous Guardian interview dropped 24 hours later—doubling down on demands for "truth" and "accountability"—William reached nuclear meltdown levels. Insiders now say the future king will "throw you out of the room" if you mention Harry's name! Plus: explosive revelations from former royal butler Paul Burrell about Queen Elizabeth's secret cancer battle, Andrew's funeral ambush that left William seething, and why this week of spectacular diplomacy may have permanently destroyed any chance of royal reconciliation forever!

Harry and Meghan make a surprise appearance in a new Disneyland documentary, sharing joyful family memories with Archie and Lilibet. Back in Montecito, a neighbour describes the Sussexes as “splendid” but standoffish. Meghan's former best friend Jessica Mulroney is reportedly preparing a tell-all memoir, while Paul Burrell claims Harry once sent the Queen a secret phone to bypass courtiers. Fresh details emerge about the Queen's final days and her Jubilee determination.Meanwhile, commentators compare Harry's recent UK trip to David Brent hanging around the office, and Valentine Low contrasts Kate's caution with Camilla's warmth.

Tina Brown reports that King Charles may currently be less irritated with Prince Harry than with his heir, as William faces criticism for vacations and a light work schedule. Sources suggest William is back to the point where even hearing Harry's name sparks anger, while Harry zipped around Britain winning easy praise. Former royal butler Paul Burrell weighed in too, claiming Diana would have been disappointed in Harry's choices.Meanwhile, King Charles is busy with greener concerns—moving his Sandringham helipad to protect his gardens and planning a Windsor Castle redesign to dazzle visitors, even from the skies.

Prince William lightened the mood at Trump's Windsor arrival with the quip, “This is my dad,” before a lavish state banquet filled with s'more-inspired cocktails, tiaras, and a 52-yard table. Trump sat between Charles and Kate, praising her beauty multiple times in remarks that left royal watchers cringing, while body language experts noted he looked oddly subservient beside the Princess of Wales. Observers spotted makeup covering bruises on his hand, prompting questions after the Royal Family posted an unedited photo. Princess Anne was absent from the Trump pageantry—naturally, she was busy working in Scotland. And one columnist summed it up: Trump desperately wants to be British, but only Melania might actually pass the test.

Donald Trump lauded King Charles as a “great King” and praised William as a “remarkable son” while calling Kate “radiant and healthy” during his unprecedented second state visit. Kate and Melania teamed up at Frogmore Gardens with the Scouts' Squirrels programme, handing out honey-themed picnic lunches and building bug hotels with children. Insiders called the visit an “awesome spectacle,” while Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, aka “Major Eye Candy,” stole attention on duty. Trump's private carriage ride drew criticism as a “fairground ride,” the banquet sparked dueling headlines in the British press, and Meghan Markle's perfectly timed garden post in Montecito raised eyebrows.

The Trump visit was barely underway before scandal hit: four people were arrested after projecting an image of Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein onto Windsor Castle. Inside the gates, protocol debates sparked over handshakes vs. curtsies, Melania had a deeply symbolic fashion moment, and Kate and Melania teamed up for an outdoor event with young Scouts. Meanwhile, the royal charm offensive was overshadowed by Prince Harry's latest interview — one that some say betrayed his father just days after their private reconciliation. Also: reactions to William's chilly body language toward Prince Andrew at the Duchess of Kent's funeral.

King Charles understood the assignment. In a display of peak royal pageantry, the King welcomed President Donald Trump to Windsor Castle for a full-blown state visit — complete with gold-adorned carriages, bagpipes, a 41-gun salute, a historic document viewing, and an impressively choreographed gift exchange.Melania's mysterious wide-brimmed hat stole attention, Kate's heels sunk into the grass, William was charming (but probably still annoyed about Andrew), and Trump said “Wow… that's so amazing” more than once.Meanwhile, outside Windsor's walls, protesters made their voices heard — and inside, Piers Morgan and Tom Sykes offered wildly different takes on the day's festivities.

Prince Andrew unexpectedly attends the Duchess of Kent's historic Catholic funeral, where Kate Middleton's hair sparks fresh chatter. Meanwhile, Donald Trump receives a royal welcome at Windsor Castle, complete with carriages, fighter jets, and a flypast. And Meghan's birthday photo for Harry fuels wild conspiracy theories.  

 Prince Harry gets candid during his Ukraine trip—opening up about mental health, fatherhood, and media scrutiny. Meghan Markle celebrates his return with a subtle brand promo. Meanwhile, the Royal Family prepares for the historic Catholic funeral of the Duchess of Kent, and King Charles readies Windsor Castle for Donald Trump's second state visit. Tensions, tributes, and tea—all in one packed update.

In the crossover episode with 5 Daily Trivia Questions, we ask five questions about the Duke of Sussex on his birthday.Follow 5 Daily Trivia Questions for a quick fun game each weekday morning.

Happy Birthday, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex turns 41 amid praise for his recent UK engagements, but royal insiders warn he must “learn to keep quiet.” King Charles meets Harry without telling William, sparking tension, while commentators suggest William—not Harry—looked weaker this week. Plus, Kate and William boost security at Forest Lodge, confirm “Together at Christmas” concert, and plans for the Duchess of Kent's funeral.

Can empathy be a bad thing? This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Joe Rigney, Fellow of Theology at New Saint Andrew's College and pastor, as they explore the challenges of Christian leadership, ministry, and missions, and the dangers of emotional sabotage and untethered empathy. Rigney explains that in times of turmoil, leaders must maintain mission clarity and resist being derailed by reactive or manipulative pressures within their organizations. Joe Rigney discusses that rather than being an unqualified good, empathy can be wielded as emotional blackmail, steering ministries away from their God-given purposes. They also focus on principles of mobilization and missions. Rigney stresses that appeals to missions should be rooted not in guilt but in gratitude, joy, and faith in God's future grace. Key Topics The concept of mission drift and how institutions get derailed in anxious times Difference between biblical compassion and untethered empathy The dangers of empathy as emotional blackmail and manipulation How appeals to missions should be based on truth and joy, not guilt Building sober-minded, resilient leaders who can withstand cultural and emotional pressures Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

Prince Harry heads to Kyiv with his Invictus team, pledging to help war-wounded Ukrainians while critics question his security contradictions. Donald and Melania Trump's second state visit kicks off this week, Kate Middleton makes headlines with an improvised hair bun, and Paul Burrell launches a royal podcast. Plus, cancer vaccine theories, Graham Norton's royal wish list, Sarah Ferguson and Celebrity Traitors, and more.

This explosive episode of Palace Intrigue delivers shocking royal revelations that will leave you stunned. We dive deep into Tom Sykes' bombshell analysis of why King Charles revealed his terminal cancer diagnosis—and how it's triggering a dangerous power shift within the monarchy. As Charles grows visibly weaker, Prince Harry is desperately racing against time to reconcile with his father before Prince William's authority becomes absolute.Meanwhile, the monarchy faces its worst crisis in decades as public support plummets to just 51%—the lowest in 40 years. One in three Britons now question the royal institution's importance, with abolition support skyrocketing from 3% to 15%. We also expose Meghan Markle's latest disasters: her Netflix lifestyle series has bombed spectacularly, missing golden opportunities for product placement that could have saved her struggling brand. Royal experts suggest she should abandon lifestyle content and return to acting, with calls for Ryan Murphy or Shonda Rhimes collaborations.Plus, Princess Anne's secret £12 million fortune revealed, and we preview our explosive new series on Norway's royal rebels. Don't miss this jam-packed episode of royal drama, financial scandals, and family feuds that prove the crown is cracking.

Royal watchers are buzzing after Tom Sykes suggested King Charles' health disclosure has shifted power toward Prince William, putting pressure on Prince Harry to reconcile while there's still time. Meanwhile, a new survey shows public support for the monarchy has dropped to its lowest in 40 years. Meghan Markle faces criticism on two fronts — royal experts say she was never prepared for the sacrifices of royal motherhood, and her Netflix series has failed to boost sales of her As Ever brand. The LA Times even wonders if Meghan should ditch lifestyle projects and return to acting. Plus, Channel 5 names Princess Anne to the Royal Rich List with a fortune of £12 million.

Prince Harry and King Charles reunite for a 54-minute private meeting at Clarence House—Harry says his father is “great” and promises no leaks this time. He then wraps up his UK visit with a heartfelt appearance at the Diana Award and pledges $500,000 in Archewell donations to Gaza and Ukraine.Meanwhile, Kate Middleton tours silk mills just as Donald and Melania Trump prepare for their Windsor visit, with the Princess of Wales set to play a starring role.Piers Morgan isn't buying the Sussexes' redemption arc, Princess Beatrice hits the phones with Tom Hardy for 9/11 Charity Day, and the Royal Family opens a condolence book for Katharine, Duchess of Kent, ahead of a historic Catholic funeral.

Victoria Beckham's cheeky “David Beckjam” video has royal watchers wondering if it was a subtle dig at Meghan Markle's As Ever fruit spreads. Meanwhile, Kate Middleton's suddenly blonder, fuller locks have sparked wig and extension theories across the press.Prince Harry is being called “Old Harry” as he looks more relaxed without Meghan at his side, Deep Crown says the royal silence could mean serious talks, and insiders claim King Charles still doesn't trust his son.Over in Montecito, the Netflix-famous mansion from Harry & Meghan still can't find a buyer, and Spinal Tap II gears up for release with cameos from Elton John and Paul McCartney—plus a tongue-in-cheek plea for knighthood from The King.

Does studying classical philosophy have any relevance for missions today? In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Dr. David Talcott, a philosopher and faculty member at New Saint Andrew's College, to discuss the intersection of philosophy, culture, and missions. They ask the famous question “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?”—whether philosophy and Scripture can meaningfully interact. Drawing from Acts 17, they explore how Paul's intellectual preparation and knowledge of Greek culture allowed him to engage with Stoic and Epicurean philosophers, modeling how missionaries today should understand and address the intellectual frameworks of their host cultures. The discussion broadens into how classical philosophy, particularly Plato and Aristotle, still speaks into modern challenges such as relativism, skepticism, and materialism. Dr. Talcott emphasizes that philosophy provides categories and arguments that can prepare hearts and minds for the gospel, acting as a kind of “preparatory grace.” Key Topics Covered: The question: “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?”—philosophy and theology in harmony Acts 17 as a model for missionary engagement with culture and thought Relevance of classical philosophy for confronting modern ideologies (materialism, relativism, skepticism) The role of “common grace” in pagan philosophies and cultures The movement to retrieve classical theology and its value for missions today Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

My Top 10 Fruits! Plus thoughts on Alien: Earth, listener emails, fighting a cold, Regal’s Month of Movie Masterpieces and a ton more! Plus The Tribune! A bonus for Premium Subscribers, I talk about seeing Jaws in IMAX and my review of Weapons!Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

How do you fully understand and explain the work of Jesus on the cross? In this episode, Alex and Scott explore the doctrine of the atonement, focusing on the concept of Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA) and contrasting it with other historical and theological views. The discussion walks through various atonement theories—including the Moral Influence, Ransom, and Christus Victor views and more—acknowledging elements of truth in each while highlighting their limitations compared to PSA. Lastly, they discuss the missiological implications, countering the claim that PSA is purely a Western, legalistic construct. Instead, they stress that guilt and innocence are universal moral realities recognized across cultures, and missionaries should faithfully present the biblical doctrine while adapting metaphors and illustrations for local understanding. Key Topics Importance of understanding the atonement for cross-cultural missions. Overview of major atonement theories: Moral Influence, Ransom, Christus Victor, Satisfaction, Governmental, and Scapegoat. Strengths and weaknesses of each theory compared to Penal Substitutionary Atonement (PSA). Scriptural foundations for PSA and its theological depth. Addressing the critiques of PSA. Practical considerations for contextualizing PSA in missionary work. Download the transcript for this episode. Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

This week, EconoFact Chats features an abridged version of an Ask Me Anything Webinar held on July 17th, 2025, with Michael Strain, Director of Economic Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute. The discussion focused on how populist diagnoses of social and economic issues often assume an unhelpful zero sum mindset, leading to poor policy proposals, and on how 'forcing events' can expand the bounds of what is a politically feasible solution. Michael's latest book is 'The American Dream Is Not Dead: (But Populism Could Kill It).' EconoFact's monthly Ask Me Anything Webinars are exclusively available to our Premium Subscribers. The modest $50 annual fee for becoming a Premium Subscriber supports EconoFact and its efforts to bring timely, accessible, unbiased, and nonpartisan analyses on important economic and social policy issues to the public. You can sign-up for a Premium Subscription at https://secure.touchnet.net/C21525_ustores/web/store_main.jsp?STOREID=157

How do we view other Christian factions like Catholics and Eastern Orthodox? Alex and Scott explore how Evangelical Protestants should view Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox believers in the context of global missions. They address the question of whether these groups are “reached” by the gospel, if they are our brothers and sisters in Christ, if they should be evangelized, and finally if we should consider those groups in our mission strategies. Alex and Scott stress that while unreached people groups deserve priority, revitalizing and strengthening existing Christian communities is also vital to prevent spiritual decline and that a balanced approach is needed in both breaking new ground and building up existing foundations. Key Topics Covered Definitions of “reached” vs. “unreached” in missiological terms. Theological and practical considerations for viewing Catholics and Orthodox believers as brothers in Christ. The historical precedent for re-evangelizing Christianized but nominal regions. The dangers of neglecting existing Christian communities in mission strategy. The need for unity in presenting the gospel across denominational lines. Download the transcript for this episode. Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! With over 3 billion people in the world who have never heard of Jesus, the global need is tremendous for workers to go into the harvest fields (Matthew 9:37-38). Is God calling you to missions? We'd love to have a conversation with you on how you can use your gifts and talents to advance the Great Commission at home and abroad. Visit abwe.org/SendMe for more information and to take your next step in missions. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

What does ministry fruitfulness look like in Papua New Guinea? Alex Kocman talks with Bill and Lori Smith, veteran ABWE missionaries who have served in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for nearly 40 years. The Smiths share their journey into missions, the unique cultural and spiritual challenges in PNG, and the dual nature of their ministry—training pastors and missionaries at Goroka Baptist Bible College and providing medical care through a high-volume clinic and foster care ministry. Bill and Lori emphasize that while PNG is often labeled a “Christian nation,” deep-rooted animism, syncretism, and spiritual oppression are prevalent, creating ongoing needs for evangelism, discipleship, and training indigenous missionaries to reach both remote PNG tribes and neighboring Pacific nations. They share real-life stories of God's miraculous interventions and how, through it all, God is allowing them to plant churches, one baby at a time. Key Topics Bill and Lori Smith's background and calling to missions in Papua New Guinea Cultural context: animism, syncretism, and hidden spiritual strongholds despite widespread Christianity Goroka Baptist Bible College: 50 years of ministry, 500 graduates, 300+ churches planted Medical ministry: serving 150 patients per day, maternal care, and gospel witness To find out more about the Smith's ministry and to get involved, visit abwe.org/png. You can also contact Bill and Lori by emailing bill.smith@abwego.org or lori.smith@abwego.org. Download the transcript for this episode. Being a godly husband and father isn't about one big heroic act, it's about showing up every day. Men need a simple, practical plan to stay faithful in the daily grind. How To Lead Your Family is a no-nonsense guide, from author Joel Beeke, that gives the biblical foundation, Christ-centered encouragement, practical advice for men to purse the high standards that God calls them too. Get 20% off your copy today when you use the promo code: LEADABWE. Additionally, new email subscribers can get 10% off a future order. We are thankful for Reformation Heritage Books for their sponsorship of this episode! Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

How do we theologically look at AI? Alex and Scott sit down with C.R. Wiley, an author, pastor, and podcaster on the theological and cultural implications of artificial intelligence (AI). Wiley outlines how AI—particularly large language models—presents both a technological revolution and a spiritual challenge. He frames AI development as not merely a technical progression but a competing eschatology—a vision of the future that rivals Christian hope. Wiley stresses that AI technologies—especially when perceived as sentient or divine—serve as modern idols that can fulfill spiritual functions, replacing prayer, human affirmation, and even "divine" guidance. This functional idolatry, he argues, should concern Christians deeply. Finally, Wiley calls the church to prepare not only ethically but also spiritually for a future increasingly shaped by machine intelligence. Key Topics: Large Language Models (LLMs) and their limitations The black-box nature of AI and the dangers of unintended outcomes Transhumanism as a form of rival eschatology to Christianity AI as a functional god/idol in a secular age Social, psychological, and pedagogical harms of AI Urgency for ethical and spiritual discernment in engaging AI technologies Download the transcript for this episode. Are you curious about global missions but not sure where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is designed to help you find, explore, and encourage you to take your next step in missions. Find out more and register for the next event at demo.abwe.org. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

What constitutes a Muslim idiom Bible translation, and why is it dangerous? Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Ant Greenham, a retired professor of Islamic Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, to address the theological and missiological dangers associated with Muslim Insider Movements (MIMs) and insider Bible translations. Dr. Greenham critiques the approach where biblical terminology is replaced with alternatives like to make the gospel palatable to Muslim audiences. Dr. Greenham explains the two major frameworks guiding missions: the theological approach, which emphasizes doctrinal faithfulness, and the anthropological approach, which focuses on cultural accessibility. Key Topics Muslim Idiom Translations (MITs) and Muslim Insider Movements Theological vs. Anthropological Approaches in Missions Concerns with omitting critical doctrines due to cultural accommodation Ethical Concerns: “Bait and Switch” Evangelism Proper Contextualization and Relationship Building Download the transcript for this episode. Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

In honor of Stand By Me Day, here are my Top 10 Coming Of Age Movies! Plus your emails, stories from my week in Chicago, and the Holi-Days like Legal Drinking Age Day! And we close things out with The Tribune! Premium Subscribers can stick around after the show for a list of Coming of Age movies that I have not seen and extra stories about Hub City Comedy Week In Chicago! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

In this episode, Alex and Scott talk with Nate Bell, an ABWE missionary serving in Cape Town, South Africa. Nate shares his current focus on church planting and ministry among South Africa's diverse people groups. He explains the historical complexities of South Africa's racial and cultural dynamics, shaped by both Dutch and British colonization and apartheid. Nate details how these dynamics still influence communities today, including deep-seated divisions among white Afrikaners, white South Africans of British descent, and colored and black South Africans. Nate highlights that although about 80% of South Africans identify as Christian, many have a works-based understanding of salvation, especially within the Dutch Reformed Church tradition, and lack a clear grasp of the gospel message. Nate shared honestly about the challenges and learning curve of ministering in such a context as an American, stressing humility, continual learning, and reliance on the unity found in Christ. Key Topics The historical impact of Dutch and British colonialism and apartheid on South Africa's social dynamics. The divisions among South African communities: Afrikaners, British descendants, colored, and black South Africans. Challenges in articulating the true gospel in a culture with nominal Christian identity. The difficulty of planting multicultural churches in segregated and historically divided communities. The importance of humility, cultural sensitivity, and learning for missionaries. To reach out to Nate about his ministry in South Africa, you can email nate.bell@abwego.org. Download the transcript for this episode. God has already called many people to the mission field, but they need your support to get there. Help someone in Prefield get to where God is calling them by prayerfully supporting their ministry at abwe.org/Prefield. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

The Legend of The North Pond Hermit! Plus tales from my weekend in Wisconsin, your emails, and this week’s Holi-Days like International Nude Day! And we close things out as we always do, with The Tribune! Premium Subscribers can stick around after the show for a Midnight Movie Club where I discuss F1 and Superman! Thank you to Aaron Brungardt for engineering, mixing, and production expertise, Geoffrey Tice for artwork, Bobby TBD for theme music, and All Things Comedy for their support, production, and distribution. Email the show at themidnightmailbag@gmail.com!

How can the mundane of motherhood be extraordinary? Alex and Scott talk with Simona Gorton, an author, wife, and mother deeply engaged in local church ministry and missions. Drawing on her experiences with 9Marks and her work translating resources into over 60 languages, she emphasizes the importance of the local church as a training ground and the value of serving where God has placed you, even in seemingly ordinary roles. Simona also discusses her book Mothering Against Futility, which explores Ecclesiastes and the tension between the mundane and the eternal. She challenges mothers and young women to embrace the daily, unseen work as meaningful in the Kingdom of Heaven, connecting everyday tasks to God's eternal purposes. Key Topics The theological foundation of motherhood and everyday tasks Lessons from Ecclesiastes on finding meaning amid daily repetition Advice to young women considering missions: start with local service Encouragement for churches to affirm and support women and mothers in their roles Practical ways to disciple children to value godly character over recognition Download the transcript for this episode. Want to hear more of the conversation? Become a Missions Podcast Premium Subscriber to hear Alex, Scott, and Simona talk about the life of Elaine Townsend and how we can be encouraging young women and mothers in our churches. Sign up at missionspodcast.com/premium. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.

What are the implications if missionaries don't know their theology? Alex and Scott tackle the essential question of whether every missionary should also be a theologian. Drawing from personal experiences and their work with ABWE, they emphasize that missionaries often find themselves as the primary or sole theological resource in pioneer settings. This reality necessitates a strong foundation in theology, even for those not serving in overt teaching roles. The discussion also explores the challenges missionaries face in cross-cultural theological communication, including the lack of access to theological resources in native languages, differing worldviews, the prevalence of insider movements, and syncretism. Key Topics The importance of theology in missions work and why every missionary must be a theologian Real-world implications of inadequate theological preparation in cross-cultural settings The influence of Greco-Roman thought on Western Christianity and its impact on theological expression Use of systematic theology and story-based biblical teaching to bridge cultural gaps The need for deeper engagement with doctrine to counter heresy and build resilient churches Download the transcript for this episode. God has already called many people to the mission field, but they need your support to get there. Help someone in Prefield get to where God is calling them by prayerfully supporting their ministry at abwe.org/Prefield. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Podcast and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionspodcast.com/premium The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionspodcast.com.