A US military commander reportedly told troops that Donald Trump was “anointed by Jesus to light the signal fire in Iran to cause Armageddon and mark his return to Earth". To discuss whether this has could have any Biblical truth, Michael was joined by Revd Dr Ian Paul, theologian and author of Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, alongside John Heathershaw, Professor of International Relations at the University of Exeter.
Spare a thought for Tesco, which recently put up Welsh signs in Cornwall, mistaking them for Cornish. A light-hearted mix-up — but it shows how language shapes identity. Globally, one in five people still await the Bible in their own tongue. We are far from Revelation’s vision of every tribe and language worshipping together. Robin Peake of Wycliffe Bible Translators joined Michael to explain why language matters.
Christian values are back in the spotlight. Reform UK says it will “save Britain’s Christian heritage,” while splinter group Restore Britain puts faith values at its core. Both face controversy over immigration and alleged far-right ties. So what should a party rooted in Christian principles prioritise? Before hearing from a Reform spokesperson, Michael spoke to Keith Brindle, a hospice chaplain and campaigner for Christians Against the Far-Right.
What can the sport of skeleton teach us in our faith? Laura Murdoch from Christians in Sport joined Michael to reflect on the highs and lows of this year’s Winter Olympics and to celebrate 50 years of their incredible ministry.
When we hear “having a job,” we often picture a steady 9-to-5. But in the UK, one in six adults are part of the gig economy, with freelancers contributing over £200 billion to the economy in 2023. It offers freedom, yet brings uncertainty about income and identity. Does that instability hinder or deepen faith? Michael Fanstone was joined by Sandie Eggers Seagroves to share her freelance journey.
Chris Vargas, a tattoo artist from THINK Café, joins Michael Fanstone to chat about being a 'light for the city' in an age of depleting high streets. They discuss how their café survives in a harsh economy, stirring spiritual conversation over coffee, and why he believes the Bible gives us freedom to ink up.
Hannah Rich, director of Christians on the Left, sat down with Michael to reflect on a turbulent week in Westminster and how we can be praying for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
The Beckham family fallout has sent tabloids and social media into a frenzy. But beyond the gossip and drama, bigger questions remain: Is reconciliation always possible — or even the right thing? And does the wisdom to “train up a child in the way he should go” still apply once that child becomes an adult? Jenny Peters, Director of Connected Lives Charity, and Sara Taylor, UK Director for Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries, joined Michael Fanstone.
Many Christians inside Iran are cut off from prayer, worship, and support. But SAT-7 is one of the few ways people can still connect, find hope, and hear encouragement. Martin Thomas, Senior Director at SAT-7 UK, and Omeed, joined Michael to share more on the story.
After the recent storms battering the coasts of the UK, we wanted to shed light on the challenges rural churches face, not just from the weather, but from the many other pressures on their communities. Revd Canon Marc Lloyd, Rural Dean of Dallington in East Sussex, and Bob Goody, CEO of Rural Mission, joined us to share what rural life really looks like in the face of a storm.
Vernette John-Joiles, founder of Digging into Digital, joins Michael to share the do’s and don’ts of WhatsApp etiquette, particularly in our church groups. How do we handle the 'trauma dumps'? Is it bad to ignore prayer requests? And what's the way best way to leave a group?
From the earliest days of the Church, Christians have grappled with how to engage with political power. Jesus’ call to “render unto Caesar” points to both engagement and distance. Partnership with government has at times enabled churches to serve the poor and pursue justice — but at other moments has risked diluting the Gospel. Jack Palmer White and Bishop Mike Royal are part of ChurchWorks, and they joined Premier’s Michael Fanstone to explore the issue.
If the resurrection of Jesus could be 100% verified, how would it change your faith? Mike Hood explores this life-changing question in his new book The “If” That Changes Everything, with Michael on Inspirational Breakfast.
Does life feel permanently hurried? Is your brain always running at full speed? Mutsa James, founder of the Kindred Workshop, and Caro Penney, Abbey Warden at the Iona Community, join Michael to explore what it really means to live slowly without dulling our ambition for the gospel — and why a quieter life isn’t about location, but intention.
As fewer young people are able to take up music in school, could the church step in? Musician and worship leader Simon Nelson chats with Michael about what makes someone 'musical', developing into a worship leader, and how you can learn guitar in just ten weeks.
