Towards Understanding

If you're a fan of the Australian version of The Voice, you would know Bella Taylor Smith as the 2021 winner. Bella is an Australian Christian singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful voice, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling. 
After winning The Voice Australia Bella released her ARIA-nominated pop EP Look Me in the Eyes and spent the next two years touring with renowned artists like Pentatonix, Jeremy Camp, and Riley Clemmons. 
Bella chatted to Clayton from her studio in the USA, where is currently residing while she builds her music career (her debut Christian single is THANKYOU 1000X). She shared with Clayton that her biggest passion is worshipping God through music.

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Jeremiah Beck is our US Political Correspondent and joined Clayton for a second week in the lead up to the US Presidential election. In this episode he speaks about the impact of Christian faith in the election and the possible reaction of the American people depending on who is voted in.

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Clayton was privileged to chat to Abuna (Father) Elias Chacour who is the Archbishop em. of Galilee. Living in Israel, Father Elias was able to give Clayton an update on the current situation in the area and the feelings of the people living through the unrest due to the ongoing conflict. As an Arab-Palestinian-Christian born in Israeli territory he has a unique insight.

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Jeremiah Beck is our US Political Correspondent and is joining Clayton each week in the lead up to the US Presidential election. In this episode he provides an update on the incredibly unique last few months and chats about the impact on the US election for those of us down under.

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Clayton caught up with Svcrina (Sur-See-Nah) while she was in Australia for the Christian Media and Arts Australia Connect Conference. After loving her time in Australia supporting some of Jeremy Camp's concerts in 2023, she wanted to come back! At only 27 years of age, she is a two-time People's Choice nominee and one of pop music's fastest rising stars, who has penned over 700 songs (including for TV & Movies). Svcrina's goal is to create music that not only she connects with personally and spiritually, but is culturally transcendent.

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Neurosurgeon Dr David Levy shares his journey of faith with his medical professionalism. Hear David talk about the nervousness of offering to pray for each patient before he operates on them and the remarkable results.

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Lisa McInnes-Smith, a world-renowned speaker who specialises in the psychology of mastering our emotions and actions, chatted to Clay about how we best live our lives in an ever-changing technological world and how God's role is vital in our lives.

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Iona Rosseley was a champion Speed Skier who almost died in a horrific accident. She explains to Clayton how she then rose to the tip of another sport – Equestrian riding – before discovering the real purpose of her life.

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Bruce Park spoke rawly to Clayton about losing his son, Nathan, due to an accident at work 20 years ago. Bruce explained to Clayton how he wrote The Birthday Card to show how he overcame his pain for the sake of his family and with the help of God.

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Daniel Hagen from Awakening Australia shares his story of becoming truly awake to the purpose of his life.
“I remember one point, when I’m sitting in this penthouse with these gangsters with guns, and I remember just thinking, this is crazy, how did I get to this place?”

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Clayton had a chat with Jana Harmon who has spoken to many former atheists. In a culture of growing scepticism towards Christianity, we often wonder, ‘What would it take for a sceptic to become a Christian? ' and Jana, through her many conversations, discusses the journey of many from atheism to faith.

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Andrew Tierney has been performing in Human Nature for over 30 years. Tim Dunfield is a Canadian worship pastor. They talk about their collaboration, Finding Faith.
 

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Lynda Wake joined Clayton in the studio and shared the inspiration behind her book 'Waiting Well with Jesus', which includes insights from her own grief journey to help readers through their own time of sorrow. Lynda shared deeply how 'Waiting Well With Jesus' is the devotional journal resource she wished she had in her deepest grief following the passing of her daughter, Bethany, just before her 16th birthday after a yearlong battle with brain cancer. When Lynda realised that she may need to wait for decades before being reunited with her daughter, the grief nearly paralysed her.

For more information about Lynda and her daughter Bethany's legacy visit: be-blessings.com. To purchase Lynda's new 52-week devotional journal Waiting Well With Jesus - strength for the journey through heartbreak to hope, please visit your local Christian bookstore. Both the hard copy and the Kindle version are available through Amazon. A portion of all profits will be donated to Bethany's legacy with CBM Australia. 

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Gambling Addiction Special
This week, Clayton hosts another special edition of Towards Understanding, where he chats to three guests with different experiences of gambling addiction.

His third guest is former Melbourne Footy Club Champion, David Schwarz. David shared about seeing his Dad be killed in front of him as a youngster, the impact that had on his life and how he started gambling at the age of 15. David also shared about the incredible impact his wife Karen has had in the turnaround in his life.

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Gambling Addiction Special
This week, Clayton hosts another special edition of Towards Understanding, where he chats to three guests with different experiences of gambling addiction.

His second guest is Joe from New Zealand. Gambling wasn't his main addiction, but it became problematic alongside his other addictions and he chats to Clayton about how God has worked in his life to free him from his addictions.

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This week, Clayton hosts another special edition of Towards Understanding, where he chats to three guests with different experiences of gambling addiction.

His first guest is Rev Tim Costello, who is the Chief Advocate for the Australian Alliance for Gambling Reform, which is the only national peak body working to reduce gambling harm.

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Dr Andrew Thomas is a pioneering Australian astronaut, having over 177 days in space.

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Stewart Bogle chatted to Clay about his book, Learning to Dance in the Darkness and explains that it's his story about a series of traumas he's been through over 20 years and how he has kept his eyes on God. Stewart has also started a website called Resilient Souls to help people going through storms in life.  Check out the website for more resources: www.resilientsouls.com.au

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Clayton chats with Kerry Tucker. She was a white collar criminal who went to a Melbourne prison for years, missing out on seeing her daughters grow up and is the author of 'The Prisoner'.

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Clayton welcomed Christopher into the studio to talk about his award-winning book 'Biblical Critical Theory - How the Bible’s Unfolding Story Makes Sense of Modern Life and Culture'. Christopher shared with Clayton that he became a Christian when he was fifteen years old and since then he has been fascinated by the ways in which philosophy and contemporary culture can be brought into conversation with Christian theology.

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Kent Whitaker experienced a tragedy that most of us will never go through. On December 10th 2003, his wife and youngest son were murdered before his eyes by a masked gunman in their family home. Kent and his eldest son Bart were also shot that night, and it was Bart that was accused of having arranged the ‘hit’ on his own family. Listen in as Kent shares about how he handled the whole ordeal, and how he came to forgive his own son.

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Helen Parker was confronted with her own experience of crisis pregnancy and found little support available to her and, as explained to Clayton, it was the inspiration to start The Babes Project. The Babes Project is changing the way Australians approach crisis pregnancy by supporting women in the perinatal period. Helen shared that by addressing challenges and allowing space for Mums to learn and grow, she has seen women thrive in their early parenting, leading to positive outcomes for their family.

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As a survivor of domestic abuse, Tessa Jetson joined Clayton to discuss her book 'Restart Your Life - Moving forward from abuse'. Tessa shares about overcoming a troubled past and using her experiences to help others in similar circumstance.

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Rabia is a criminal and human rights lawyer, a retired British Army officer, a former terrorism and war crimes prosecutor. She has even written about her experiences in her book “Equal Justice”.

In a terrifying ordeal that garnered worldwide attention, Rabia assisted with the rescue of two SAS soldiers from Iraqi insurgents in Basra. Her male colleague received a Military Cross for outstanding bravery, while Rabia’s part in the incident was covered up by the British Army and Government. In a fight for justice, she brought a landmark discrimination case against the UK Ministry of Defence, and won. 

Tune in as she shares with Clayton her remarkable story of courage, resilience and determination.

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Clayton invited Robert Pradolin into the studio to talk about Housing All Australians (HAA), explaining that it is an Advisory and Action Group of influential leaders from the private sector with a shared belief that it’s in Australia’s long term economic interest to house all Australians, including those on low incomes. Clayton and Rob talk about how to think about the housing crisis and the difference between government and private sector involvement.

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If you were the full-time carer for your husband, who is quadriplegic, and your twin adult girls, who live with disabilities, would you consider it a gift? Nicci Toomey does!

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Daniel joined Clayton to talk about the fracturing of our attention and how to re-train our mind. Daniel is co-host of Spacemakers podcast on this topic and shared with Clayton that he thinks it's deeply relevant to society, and to all Christians ('be transformed by the renewing of your mind!')... and how it crosses over with technological overuse, which is Daniel's area of specialty. Want to make 'space' in your world - then make sure you listen to Daniel!

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Clayton spoke to Bob Delaney, a former undercover cop who infiltrated the Mob in New Jersey and New York for three years. He has since written two books – Covert (his story as ‘Bobby Covert’, his undercover agent name) and Surviving the Shadows (“A Journey of Hope into Post Traumatic Stress”).

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One of the world’s greatest violinists Maxim Venerov is currently on tour in Australia. He took some time out to chat with Clayton about his award-winning musical career and how is violin teacher discovered his strength for playing (hint - it is a VERY amusing story).

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Danielle McAlpine Johnson is a writer, director and producer who is currently working on a feature documentary called Rural Daughters. Danielle spoke about her heart for sharing stories of those with no voice and sharing her faith through her work.

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Al Fadi is a former Wahabbi Muslim from Saudi Arabia and the founder of CIRA International: The Center for Islamic Research and Awareness, and shares with Clayton, his journey to faith in Jesus and his mission to introduce Muslims to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

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Clayton chatted with the founder of Kitedreams, Wai Jia, who recently launched a book called "Dream Brave: A Dare to Live by Faith When You Feel Too Small". She explained that this is a culmination of her radical experiences of faith and courage in the medical profession.

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Trish Porter Topmiller showed courage as an Olympic athlete, but nothing like when she lost a husband and son tragically.  She also shares about a millionaire dad who originally wouldn’t have a bar of faith belief…  

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Harrison Scott Key is a winner of the Thurber Prize for American Humor and, tells the shocking and spiritually profound story of his journey through hell and back when infidelity threatens his marriage. Harrison shares with Clayton the story of being real with the public and faith, in the midst of one of the toughest circumstances.

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French-American tennis player Mary Pierce has won four Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open in 1995. She tells Clayton what it was like to be one of the youngest to start playing tennis professionally, aged 14, when she only started playing tennis four years prior. Tune in as she also delves into her life off the court and how turning to Christianity changed her life forever. 
 

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Stephen McAlpine is the author of Futureproof. Stephen shares with Clayton some of the conversations found in the book including how Christians can live out their faith in a constantly post-Christian world. They talk about the healthiest ways for Christians to discuss politics and future technological advances.

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Kerryn Redpath’s story is of coming to faith in the darkest of moments. She had massive health problems caused by illegal drugs and was on deaths door before a miracle happened.

“I had three specialists come and speak to me and say, ‘This is amazing, it’s like you have a new heart.'”

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Derek Rabelo was born with congenital glaucoma. He chatted to Clayton about how he wanted to surf and believed his faith in God would carry him where others failed. Through the encouragement of his parents, best friend, and surf coach, Derek embarked on a three-year journey of gruelling mental, physical and spiritual training and has now surfed some of the biggest waves in the world!

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Ariel Munoz is the drummer for Christian band Unspoken. Ariel shares with Clayton about his journey to faith (including the miraculous moment that kept him out of jail!). Plus we hear about Unspoken's latest song.

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Abdi Aden’s story might change everything you ever thought about refugees, from fleeing war-torn Africa as a solo teen to eventually arriving by boat in Australia. 

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Maureen Martin shares with Clayton how the bedrock of her faith enabled her to face the challenges, including (in a 6-month period) the death of her son and her husband’s horse-riding accident that resulted in brain damage. Her story encourages us that no matter what life throws at you, there can be a purposeful future up ahead as we trust in God.

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With Garfield’s birthday coming up this week (19 June), Clayton chatted with the creator of the character, Jim Davis. Jim shares about the start of Garfield in the late 1970’s, the maddest fans and his thoughts on a big fat lazy cat in the current ‘health-focused’ society.  Clayton has almost 500 items in his Garfield collection….

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Clayton chatted with the former Deputy Prime Minister, John Anderson. Clayton spoke to John about the tragedies that effectively ended his childhood, his life of Christian faith, the impact on family of being a national leader and the place that Australia & NZ currently hold on the world stage.

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Clayton chatted with Dr Sarah Woodhouse who helps us identify what trauma is, as we all have it – big or small. She chats about how we can move through it and how to help others who are experiencing trauma. 

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With the first anniversary of the coronation of King Charles III and the second anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September, Clayton chats with Robert Hardman, who has interviewed a dozen members of the Royal Family, as a renowned writer and broadcaster, specialising in royalty and history for more than twenty-five years. Robert explained the place in society of the Royal Family in Australia and NZ.

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With World Environment Day on the calendar for this week, Clayton spoke with Tony Rinaudo, the man nicknamed The Forest Maker. Through his restoration of over 200 million trees, it has meant food and finances for those who otherwise would be living in poverty.

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Jessica Clancy opened up with Clayton about how her life was severely impacted by the actions of her mother who remarried several times and moved her around the US where she was exposed to physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect, and domestic violence and the hands of the men bought into her life. Jessica shares how life has turned around as Jesus changed her heart, mindset and future.

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Clayton chatted to Alison Buttenshaw, the author of a book about her life, “Out of the Shadows”. She talked about the horrendous killing of her father in front of her at the age of 10, seeing her mother stabbed multiple times (and yet thankfully lived), the sexual abuse that she endured as a young girl and yet (incredibly) it is most of all a story of hope and forgiveness! 

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Clayton had the opportunity to chat with Luke from For King and Country amidst the brothers' Australian tour, as well as the premier of the movie, "Unsung Hero", the story of their family moving from Australia to the USA and the amazing support of their mum. Clayton and Luke spoke about God's mini miracles in the story and what the greatest assumptions are made about 'Christian Rock Stars' are.

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Clayton chatted with Carolann on overcoming abuse… After moving to Australia, Carolann faced many trials and storms in her life, but was able to overcome them. The King’s Daughter is her true story.

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In light of the tragic and disturbing recent events in Australia and with ongoing global events, Towards Understanding has put together a special edition of the program to encourage people to pursue peace in this time, and to pray. Details of our three guests are below. In addition to this special, a website (PrayAustralia.org) has been set up by Christian Media and Arts Australia, which contains prayer points you can use. If you are struggling, we encourage you to reach out to LifeLine.

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Continuing with the Mother’s Day theme, a daughter reunites with her birth mother 49 years after being given up for adoption… Clayton chats to BOTH mother Robin and daughter Susannah about this heartrending and heart endearing story.

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This Mother's Day Weekend, Clayton had an extra special guest to join him on the program. Helen Smallbone (mother of Rebecca St James and Luke and Joel Smallbone [of For King and Country]). The movie, Unsung Hero, being released shortly is the remarkable true story of Helen and how her faith inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs as they left Australia broke and started a new life in Christian music in the states.

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Frans Cronje is the brother of former South African Cricket Captain Hansie Cronje. Frans spoke to Clayton about the movie that he has made about his brother’s turbulent and yet impactful life which was tragically cut short. Fran talked about Hansie’s own journey to forgive himself about betraying the trust the South African people had place in him.  

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After Death is premiering in Australian cinemas on 15 May and Clayton had a chat to Stephen Gray, the director and creator of the movie. The documentary is based on multiple accounts of people's experience of dying and coming back to life. Clayton and Stephen talk about the similarities each person experienced in their 'out of body' journey and what impact it might have on us who haven't had that experience.

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Sam is a pastor, apologist, author and speaker and while chatting to Clayton, answered questions around sexuality, faith and Western Culture.

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Clayton chatted to Lauren Foster and Georgia Nicholas, who are the co-founders and co-directors of Big Kids' Table, which exists to be an informative, loving perspective and to create safe, honest conversations about identity and sexuality for youth and young adults. They do this within a framework of conversation of a Christian worldview.

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Clayton chats to Ja’Marc, a man who has scaled the highest of highs in Christian music, with a number one hit, and the lowest of lows, after being literally taken from stage to prison, because of his shady past. He’s promised to be open and honest, and he’s never tried blaming anyone else for what he did. Clayton asks the question about what we can learn about God’s personal redemption. 

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Robert released a new book last year, called 'Jesus &'. He chatted with Clayton about how the book takes readers on a journey through the book of Luke to discover the beauty and transformative power of an authentic encounter with Jesus.

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Kayla lost her husband to mental health a number of years ago and is a single mum of three boys. She is an advocate for those confronting mental illness and gives firsthand advice on what to say and what not to say to those who are struggling.

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Kamal Weerakoon, co-author of 'The Gender Revolution' chatted with Clayton about how in this current climate, Kamal helps listeners navigate conversations around transgender ideology and faith.

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Known for his role as Hercules, Kevin Sorbo chatted to Clayton about Hollywood, faith and his career. He shares about his exclusion from Hollywood because of his Christian beliefs and how he has used that to create his own studio.

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With nearly three decades experience of counselling women, Camille Cates talks to Clayton about her book, which answers some of the deepest questions women have following an abortion. She explains that she helps women find the comfort and healing that can only come from God.

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Clayton’s spoke with Frida Umuhoza who is the only survivor in her family of the Rwandan genocide. She has written ‘Chosen to Die, Destined to Live’ about her journey. In this interview, she shared with Clayton the dark horrors of the genocide, the moments of hope, her journey of salvation, healing and transformation through forgiveness.  
 

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Rick Warren is author of the hugely influential 'A Purpose Driven Life', was Pastor at Saddleback church for decades and is now the Executive Director of Finishing the Task. Rick explains to Clayton that FTT is a global movement of denominations, organisations, churches, and individuals working together on the Great Commission goals.

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Karen Bieman, a registered counsellor from Notmycloset.com shares her story about her, more specifically how she found out the person she married was gay and how she learnt to deal that and support people going through the same thing.

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Nik Wallenda has become one of the most decorated aerialists in history, earning 13 Guinness World records and a plethora of other awards. He talked to Clayton about his achievements and how his faith has impacted his decision to be a tightrope daredevil!

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Clayton was excited to chat to the most influential writer in his life. Adrian Plass uses humour, tears and a cutting wit to equally encourage and chasten the church.

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Ann Reardon, host of the 5 million plus subscriber "How to Cook That" YouTube channel, chatted with Clayton about her views on the internet from a faith (and Mum) perspective. How do we best live with purpose in our current technological environment? And how does a dietician and former youth worker end up a YouTube megastar?!

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Clayton chats to journalist and former atheist, Lee Strobel, whose story is told in the film “The Case For Christ”. He explains his journey of trying to prove his Christian wife wrong, until suddenly all the evidence pointed him to Jesus.
 

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Shirley Baskett is the author of 'Living on the Edge of Eternity'. She chats to Clayton about the book, which is her personal story of discovering that she is facing a terminal illness. Shirley opens up about being diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia and how it led her to consider the events and worth of her life before God and to find the way to a death with dignity and resolution.

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Henry Olonga was Zimbabwe’s first black cricketer, as well as the country’s youngest cricketer, to play international cricket. However, he got kicked out of the team and his own country for protesting Robert Migabe’s dictatorship by wearing a black armband in a match.
 

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Tarryn Stokes won the hearts of Australia during the 2023 series of The Voice. She chats to Clayton about The Voice journey and how she now balances her music career with being a mum and shares openly about her mental health and living with ADHD.

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The Soweto Gospel Choir is currently touring Australia and New Zealand until March and Shimmy Jiyane (Gee-ah- nee [male]) chats to Clayton about what it's like being part of such an extraordinary choir that highlights South African culture after surviving apartheid.

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Darren Mulligan is the frontman for the Christian band, We Are Messengers, which recently finished its Australia and New Zealand tour. Darren opened up with Clayton about his journey of faith, life, family and struggles. Little ears warning - adult themes and discussion within interview.

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Kim Billington, author of ‘A Counsellor’s Companion’, shares her immense knowledge with parents and counsellors on how best to talk to kids and family members through their emotions and develop resilience.

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George Xanthis is an Australian actor, who has starred in many Australian series, and is now playing the role of a life time as the Disciple John in the series that is taking the world by storm - The Chosen. George chats with Clayton about how this role has impacted his acting and his life

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Raymond Walters found himself homeless and isolated from his family due to drugs. Raymond opens up to Clayton about how he met Jesus and turned his life around. We also will hear about the incredible family connections that were re-established.

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Andrew Stevenson is the Head of Anglican Youthworks Ministry Support Team. He chatted to Clayton about the concerns about the draft report and reforms to the DGR system. The report means taking away DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status from almost exclusively religious charities – which will have a huge impact on important initiatives such as school building funds and religious education in government schools.
If you would like to have your voice heard regarding these changes, follow this link to some sample wording to send to local government, noting that the deadline for feedback is 9 February 2024.

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Guest 1:
Rabbi Lawrence Hirsch has been serving the Messiah amongst Jewish people since 1990. Lawrence is one of the Co-Founders of Celebrate Messiah Australia and works as the Executive Director of Celebrate Messiah Australia. Lawrence is the messianic Rabbi of Beit HaMashiach Messianic Congregation in Melbourne and is also actively involved in mission work in Israel, Russia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Guest 2:
Jason Damouni is the Secretary and Director of Communication for Palestinian Christians in Australia. He resides in Perth, but was born in New York after his family came from the village of Al-Damoun, a small Christian village between Nazareth and Haifa. His grandfather was displaced from his village during the 1948 Nakba and was never able to return. Jason is a sub-deacon in his local Melkite Catholic Church in Perth and is a knight of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

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Clayton chatted with Father Michael Lapsley.  Originally from NZ Father Michael has lived in South Africa for many years working to rid the country of apartheid… however, because of his involvement someone sent him a letter bomb which meant loss of his hands, one eye and effected his ears.  Hear about his life settling into South African society and his message for us in Australia.

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Amy Brown, former head of Investment NSW, explained to Clayton how she found herself at the centre of what can best be described as a political firestorm, involving an intense public inquiry and an avalanche of media coverage and speculation. As a leader who has always been very open about her Christian faith, she told Clayton that she had to work out pretty quickly what that faith really meant in the context of such a stressful, public and high-stakes situation.

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A drug dealer who went to jail, becomes a successful artist and then becomes a follower of Jesus. But another turn in the road is still to come – hear Bindi Cole Chocka’s story!

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Kuruvilla George (KG) chatted to Clayton about how passionate he is about reducing stigma about mental illness among Christians and Churches. He does a lot of teaching and speaking about a Christian perspective on mental illness and suicide. KG explained that one of the main organisations that he is involved with is the Centre for Theology and Psychology at the Melbourne School of Theology where he is the Associate Director.

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This week – one of the most challenging, deep and personal stories we have ever heard on the show. Dale Sheppard shares with Clayton about becoming a quadriplegic at 18, the fact he now has a Victorian law named after him and why his journey with God means he wouldn’t change any part of his life – even the accident…

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John Kirkby, the founder of Christians Against Poverty shared with Clayton how, from the brink of destitution and a collapsed marriage, he founded one of the the world's largest debt charities. John explained that his life was transformed when a friend shared Jesus with him – and now, he’s setting up an app to help others do the same.

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Clayton chatted with THE Jim behind Jim’s Mowing, Jim Penman, who shared his story of trusting Jesus.

“I was kind of fascinated by God, I fought against him, I didn’t believe in Him, and I used to argue with people. When people said they were a Christian, I said ‘No you’re wrong and this is why you’re wrong.’ But it always fascinated me.”

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In light of National Water Safety Day coming up this week on 1st December, Hayley and Rob Corben share how they lost their son, William, to drowning in 2015. They were told that 80% of couples would divorce following the death of a child so it became paramount to them that they wouldn't be in that statistic. Chatting to Clayton, they would like to be able to offer hope to couples in their shoes, that despite the odds, marriages can still flourish.

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This week the author of ‘The Bible In Australia’ (the Australian Christian Book of the year in 2018), Meredith Lake joined Clayton. They talked about the impact of the Bible in Australian culture, politics and life.

“What have people here thought about it, believed about it, how have they interpreted it or fought over it, had it inked onto their bodies as tattoos, there’s all these different things that don’t neatly fit into either a Christian nation or a Godless nation…”

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Clayton was privileged to chat to Adam Anders, a four-time Grammy nominee and two-time People’s Choice Award winner and Director of the soon-to-be-released movie, 'Journey to Bethlehem'. Adam explained to Clayton that the movie is a live-action Christmas musical celebration for the entire family, which weaves classic Christmas melodies into new pop songs retelling of the timeless story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of Jesus. Don't miss Adam sharing with Clayton how he ended up casting Antonio Banderas in the lead villain role!

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What happens when you give up on life, live in an Australian forest for over a decade and then try to reintegrate into society? This incredible true story is from professor, Dr Gregory P Smith, who chatted with Clayton about his amazing book, Out of the Forest

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Melissa DePaiva Gibson 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.

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Clayton chats with the authors of the book Captive In Iran. They were imprisoned for their Christian faith! Hear the story of Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh.

“From the first day we were threatened with physical torture, we had interrogation. They sent us to a jail which was in the basement, and we had to sleep on freezing and filthy floor with no carpet, we didn’t have anything to eat or drink, we couldn’t take shower, we couldn’t brush our teeth, we couldn’t see the light…”

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Clayton speaks to Mick Fleming, who is an ex-criminal enforcer turned bishop and now the pastor of Church on the Street in Burnley, UK, which helps the homeless, addicts and those on the bread line. Mick explained God has worked in his life and helped him not only forgive the man who raped him as a child, but helped the man get sober.

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Clayton chats to Jonathan Aitken, a former UK Cabinet Minister who was charged with perjury and ended up a prisoner.

Touted as a future PM, hear Jonathan explaining what happened to go from ‘serving Her Majesty” in parliament to ‘serving time in Her Majesty’s’ prisons, his faith journey of understanding Jesus and Christianity as he was in prison and what he spends his doing with his time now (a political comeback is seemingly out of the question).

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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.

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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.

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Clayton was able to chat with Nicky and Sila Lee while they were visiting from the UK, promoting the marriage course, whom they are the founders and presenters of. They explain how the marriage course and the pre marriage course is a global phenomenon within the Alpha suite of resources. And give hints and tips on a great marriage - and even admit to what they need to still work on 47 years after their wedding!  

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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.

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