Faith with Haith

Next time you get a letter from  a bishop you'll see their signature has a plus-sign by their name: it's symbolic of the blessing of the Cross. But its also perfectly apt that it's a plus-sign, because that person is someone who has dedicated their life to bringing addition and positivity to all the people around them.  None more so than this week's guest on the "Faith with Haith" podcast: +Rob is a man with a  great mind and a kind heart who works tirelessly to make this world a better place. (And I promise I'm not just saying that because he's my boss....)

How does a lad from the suburbs of Stockholm end up negotiating for equitable use of resources in the Middle East? How does a self-confessed sauna addict  advocate for peace and understanding in transboundary water disputes in North Africa? And where does faith fit into all of this, and a busy family life, for this week's guest on "Faith with Haith"? 
Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you: the mighty viking, and lovely man, Anders Jagerskog.

Terl Bryant is not only one of the kindest men you will ever meet, he is totally cool and insanely talented: he would have to be in order to play for, amongst others, Pete Murphy (Bauhaus), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) and Peter Gabriel. We became firm friends in the early '90s when I was asked to drive the bus for his band at the time, Iona, on  the Irish leg of their tour. By some miracle we all survived: his drumming ability and my driving licence both remained unscathed. This episode of the "Faith with Haith" podcast is many things, but it is mainly two old friends catching up after many years.

This week's episode of "Faith with Haith" was not supposed to happen. My son was booked in to have a pretty big operation in the world-famous and wonderful Great Ormond Street Hospital which is, rather extraordinarily, in my parish. Suffice it to say I was a nervous wreck. until my old pal Stef put to work the age-old friendship  practice of "just showing up". The more we chatted the more I realised that we should be recording it. So we both fired up our voice memo apps and this was the result...

So here we are at the start of a new year. Perhaps you have made some fresh resolutions to take on some new creative adventure? Perhaps you have decided it's time to turn your back on some unhealthy practices? Perhaps you want to chart a whole new course with your career? I believe that to do any of these things you will need help from God, but you will also need to find a new confidence, fresh faith, in yourself. In this episode of "Faith with Haith" I explore the concept and power of self-belief with two inspiring entrepreneurs. The faith that Nicky and Steven display, both within and beyond themselves, will supercharge your resolve to make a difference this year.

I figured you wouldn't be up for anything too high-brow today, so this week's episode of the "Faith with Haith" podcast features the now-annual ridiculous chat with my old pals Lorne and Busky. Yes, they have returned. I only wish I could say it was by popular demand...  

Perhaps you know him from his days making tackles and scoring tries for Harlequins, England and the Lions. Perhaps you know him from his TV and radio commentary or captaincy on the iconic BBC "Question of Sport". Or perhaps your favourite version is the one with some serious rumba rhythm as a contestant on "Strictly Come Dancing". However you know Ugo Monye this is your chance to see more of the heart of the man and come to know and love him even more. Tune into the "Faith with Haith" podcast today. Oh...and...happy Christmas. x

A departure this week on the "Faith with Haith" podcast: apologies that there is both no guest  interview and a lot more input from me! But I think you will love this little Christmas treat: in December 2020 we recorded the stunning Spirituals gospel choir under the glorious dome of London's St Paul's Cathedral. You can see the full video online: this is the 2021 audio edit for your listening pleasure. So pour yourself an egg-nog, crank up the volume on your headphones and get carolling!

You know how there are some people who seem to be able to do loads of different things...and not just do them, but do them BRILLIANTLY?   Dave ("The Doctor") Clifton is one such person: making the planet a richer and more beautiful place with both his deep insights and his broad-ranging creativity.  To be honest, initially I was excited to talk about his lifetime of playing lead guitar for famous performing artists, but the way Dave describes the art of pottery and sculpture opened my eyes and heart in a way I really wasn't expecting.
(NB: This episode also features the drinking of holy beers and me playing percussion...for neither of which shall I apologise...)

If you have a creative soul then you will love this week's episode of the "Faith with Haith" podcast. And if you don't have a creative soul, then you are guaranteed to have one by the time you've finished listening to the thoughtful and inspiring Rt Rev'd Andrew Rumsey. He has the most wonderful way of seeing the world, so pull up a chair by the fireside and get to know the world's finest Bard-Bishop.