Mike Jeffreys is joined by Brendan O’Neill, journalist & Editor of Spiked / Host of the Spiked podcast & author of ‘After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation’, to dissect the stories making headlines in the U.K. & the world over the past week.

You can keep up to date with Brendan’s most recent work by visiting the ‘Spiked’ website www.spiked-online.com

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Listen to the full show podcast - Friday - 20th December

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Elf, Love Actually, It’s a Wonderful Life -
who doesn’t love a Christmas movie?

Some are tear-jerkers, some are love stories, and some are a little bit corny… but
we love them all the same.

By design, Christmas movies have strong themes that tell the audience everything is
going to be just fine.

They often share a ‘hero’s journey’ and show that despite the hardship the main
character goes through, everything will be okay in the end.

In addition, the messages of caring, love, hope, community, and forgiveness are
always intertwined into the stories, all of which are central to good mental health in
our own personal realities.

Mike is joined by Dr Marny Lishman, Health & Community Psychologist & Author of ‘Burnout to Brilliant’ who shares her thoughts on why you should enjoy your
festive favourites guilt free and often.

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Being single at Christmas can be tough.

Sometimes it’s nice to share all that festive magic with someone special.

Thankfully, Christmas is also a time for new beginnings and therefore the perfect
time to meet someone new.

Mike is joined by Dating Coach, Karina Chapman, who reveals her tips to help seeking singles find love these holidays:  “There are so many events at Christmas. Attend all those parties, they’re great opportunities to meet new people. Strike up a conversation and make a connection.

Consider volunteering, it’s a wonderful way to meet people who share your values.

Take advantage of online dating. And take care of yourself - confidence is attractive, 
and it can help you find the right person.

But remember, being single at Christmas is just a temporary phase, with these tips,
next year could look very different.

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Listen to the full show podcast - Friday - 20th December

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Mike Jeffreys has a weekly chat with Sue Dodd from the Sydney Markets about what bargains are on offer at the markets this week.

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Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 20th December

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Mike Jeffreys is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes.

This week Sarah whips up Classic Pavlova recipe (recipe courtesy of Australian Women’s Weekly)

Ingredients
6 egg whites
1 1/2 cup (330g) caster sugar
1 tablespoon cornflour
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
300 millilitre thickened cream
1 tablespoon icing sugar mixture
1 teaspoon vanilla essence 250 gram strawberries, halved
125g blueberries 3 passionfruit

Method
1. Preheat oven to 120°C (100°C fan-forced). Mark a 20cm circle on baking paper;
cover oven tray with paper.
2. Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add caster
sugar, beating until dissolved after each addition (this should take 6 or 7 minutes).
Gently fold in cornflour and vinegar.
3. Spread meringue inside circle on prepared tray. Using palette knife or spatula,
shape sides of meringue and level the top.
4. Bake for about 1½ hours or until dry. Turn oven off and leave pavlova to cool in
oven with door ajar.
5. An hour before serving, beat cream, sugar and essence in a small bowl with an
electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fill pavlova with cream mixture and decorate
with fruit.

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As 2024 draws to a close, Mike is joined by Nicole Senior, radio host & commentator, to reflect on the year's biggest highs and lows and explore what lies ahead for the New Year.

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Listen to the full show podcast - Thursday - 19th December

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