This episode features Simon Hood, a passionate advocate for children's ministry and faith-based creativity, sharing his journey from a puppeteer in Hornsby to a global influencer in children's evangelism. However, alongside growing a global ministry, he and his wife travelled a long road through infertility, IVF, international adoption, and living through the joys and challenges of neurodiversity. 

During some of the most painful years, Simon felt God continue to ask him: "Will you trust me, even when you don't know what I am doing?"

This conversation is powerful, emotional, and a helpful reminder about how to show up for people who are in grief and difficulty. 

Simon Hood is the founding director of Logosdor - a global ministry serving kids worldwide. He is a professional puppeteer and creative innovator in sharing the gospel with kids through media. 

Key Moments and Takeaways:

- The power of creative evangelism through puppetry and media

- Personal journey through infertility, adoption, and international ministry

- Navigating neurodiversity, mental health, and faith in family life

- The importance of movement thinking and multiplying Kingdom work

- Lessons on trust, lament, and resilience in suffering

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

Professor Louise Baur has spent decades helping children and families navigate the complex realities of obesity, body image, and health. In this episode of Insight, host Karl Faase explores the deeply personal and often misunderstood challenges surrounding childhood obesity - from biology and mental health to social media pressure and stigma.

As both a leading pediatrician and a Christian, Louise shares how her faith shapes the way she approaches medicine, compassion, and care for vulnerable families. Together, Karl and Louise unpack the growing global obesity crisis, the impact of shame and judgment, and why Christians should lead with grace, empathy, and understanding when discussing health and body image.

They also explore the rise of medications like Ozempic and the cultural pressures young people face online today.

Louise also reflects on her calling to paediatric medicine, sharing how her Christian faith shapes the way she lives, works, and engages in both the workplace and the public square.

This is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about health, identity, faith, and what it means to truly care for others.

Key Moments and Takeaways

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

How does a gay man find faith in Jesus?

David Bennett's story is a must listen to. In this episode of Insight, Karl hears David share his story, which journeys from coming out as gay when he is a teenager in a Sydney private school - to studying and living in Oxford. 

The turning point of the story is when David meets someone in a pub who doesn't try to convince him that Jesus is the truth, but instead, embodies the compassion, presence and love of God. 

As she prays for him, something life-changing happens as David experiences the love of God not as words - but as an encounter. 

David Bennett is a now a Christian, a theologian, and a writer who works at Oxford University. He also identifies as gay - a reality that once felt completely incompatible with his faith. His story isn’t a simple one, and it doesn’t offer easy answers - but it does invite us into a deeper conversation about belonging, and the cost and beauty of following Christ.

Key Moments and Takeaways

- Faith Through Doubt: Explore how genuine faith is built through questioning and vulnerability.

- The Power of Presence: Discover the impact of empathy and presence in conveying love.

- Redemptive Suffering: Understand how hardship and rejection play a role in transformation.

- Trust in Scripture: Learn the importance of surrendering control and trusting divine authority.

- Identity in Divine Love: See how rooting identity in love offers stability beyond societal labels.

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

What does theology have to do with winemaking?

In this fascinating conversation, Tim Kirk from Clonakilla Wines shares how faith, creativity, craftsmanship and the landscape itself all shape the wines he creates. From the cool climate to the spiritual symbolism of wine throughout the Bible, Tim offers a unique perspective on what makes great wine truly memorable.

Karl unpacks his story, his faith, his perspective on ministry and how he returned to the family business of making wine. Tim has such a passion for wine and understanding creativity as an expression of our faith - you'll love this conversation. 

Key Moments and Takeaways:

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

Most people only see the surface of a life filled with trauma, adventure, and profound faith. Greg Low’s story reveals how even in the darkest moments - plane crashes, the loss of his mother, and dangerous war zones - there's a remarkable thread of hope, purpose, and discovery.

In this episode of Insight, Greg shares stories from decades of filming in the world's most volatile regions - from Rwanda to Somalia, Ethiopia to Mozambique - and how he’s confronted death firsthand more times than he can count.

Greg’s courageous stories aren't just about danger; they’re about finding good in the chaos and God’s presence in unexpected places.

Karl's guest, Greg Low, is an accomplished cameraman and author, whose career spans filming across war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises around the globe. His experiences have shaped a life dedicated to capturing truth and living it with faith, despite the chaos. His story is a reminder that light and hope can be found in the darkest places! 

Buy Greg's book here: https://www.gdu.com.au/book

Key Moments and Takeaways:

- Greg's early career in media and how he transitioned from student to cameraman for major political moments in Australia.

- Experiences filming in war zones like Rwanda, Somalia, and Ethiopia, including close encounters with danger and death.

- The story of losing his mother and how that tragedy shaped his faith and outlook on life.

- Greg’s reflections on faith, how God met him through a Supertramp song, and his evolving relationship with spirituality.

- Personal stories of family, adoption, and balancing a life of danger with raising children.

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

Phil Cave is the Principal and Partner at private equity firm, Anchorage. In this conversation, Phil shares about his career running and turning around major businesses and what it takes to succeed in business. But, Karl and Phil also talk about the time he considered a career change and moving into ministry. He’ll share why he didn’t make the change and how God has used him exactly where he is.

Phil Cave’s insights remind us that whether in ministry or business, understanding our strengths and limitations is essential for fulfillment and success. By surrounding ourselves with supportive people and recognizing where we can best serve, we can avoid burnout and enhance our contributions.

As Phil aptly puts it, "Let's maximise our skills."

Key Takeaways:

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

Most of us chase after success, significance, and purpose through our careers, families, or achievements. But what if our true calling is found in the place we often overlook - in the everyday moments and relationships that build a life of genuine impact?

Duncan Brown's extraordinary journey reveals how life's deepest identity and calling are rooted in Christ, not in career accomplishments or societal status and it’s a story that will reshape how you see your own purpose.

In this episode of Insight, Duncan shares the pivotal moments that defined his life - from childhood farm memories during Queensland's dairy crisis to the painful departure of his father and the profound way God's grace brought healing. You’ll discover how Duncan's relentless pursuit of success was finally reshaped through encounters with Jesus, unconditional love, and a renewed understanding of identity rooted in faith. His story highlights that whether you’re in business, ministry, or at home, your true calling can unfold in any stage of life when grounded in Christ’s limitless love.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 - Duncan’s diverse career paths and identity in Christ

02:27 - Childhood memories on the farm amid dairy industry crisis 

05:45 - Personal story of familial breakup at age 13

07:39 - The influence of community and church in healing and mentorship

15:58 - The subtle idolatry of success and the role of Jesus in life

21:55 - Journalism: creativity, stories, and connecting with people 2

34:13 - Leadership in crisis and God’s provision in tough seasons

36:32 - Returning to ministry leadership at Scripture Union Queensland

49:23 - Duncan’s side ventures: Cafe and community enterprise

57:16 - Family dynamics, relationship with his father, and reconciliation

66:07 - The legacy of his father’s salvation and faith journey 

70:20 - The overarching insight: trusting God amidst volatility 

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

Dr Mike Bird is a respected New Testament scholar, author, and lecturer, but his story begins in a very different place.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home marked by addiction, instability, and fear, Mike learned early how deeply childhood shapes identity. With no faith background and little academic direction, he joined the army as a way out. It was there amid discipline, challenge, and unexpected invitation that everything began to change.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from trauma to transformation: discovering faith through a local church, wrestling with questions of meaning and morality, and eventually stepping into a life of scholarship, teaching, and writing.

Along the way, we explore:

This is a story about identity, hope, and the surprising paths that lead us to who we’re meant to become.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 – A Childhood Shaped by Chaos

06:30 – Searching for Escape and Identity

16:30 – An Unexpected Encounter with Faith

28:30 – A Life Transformed

40:30 – From Soldier to Scholar

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

What is really happening with faith in Australia?

In this insightful conversation, Karl Faase sits down with leading researcher Ruth Powell to explore the shifting spiritual landscape which is moving from church decline and cultural distrust to surprising signs of curiosity and hope among younger generations. Drawing on decades of research through the National Church Life Survey, Ruth offers a nuanced perspective.

While the church has lost confidence and cultural influence, there are fresh opportunities emerging - particularly among Gen Z and young men. This episode is both honest and hopeful, calling the church to rediscover its message, reimagine its methods, and step boldly into a new season.

Takeaways

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 — Introduction

02:00 — A Childhood in Papua New Guinea

06:00 — Mission, Transformation & Cultural Change

10:30 — The Role of Women & the Message of Worth

18:00 — Wrestling with Colonialism

27:00 — From Psychology to Church Research

31:00 — 30 Years of Church Trends in Australia

36:00 — Is There a Quiet Revival?

40:30 — The Rise of Spiritual Curiosity in Gen Z

42:30 — Young Men & Faith

48:00 — We’re Wired for Hope

50:00 — Advice for Church Leaders

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media

In this episode, Greg Attwells discusses the 36-month campaign, a movement aimed at delaying children's access to social media until age 16. A campaigned that massed over 150,000 signatures of concerned parents; a campaign that changed the law; a campaign that was profiled at the UN. Greg shares insights on parenting challenges in the digital age, the impact of technology on youth, and the importance of creating a supportive environment for teens. Greg also reflects on his personal journey, including his upbringing, faith, and experiences in church leadership.

Takeaways

Chapters and Key Moments:

00.00 Introduction to Greg Attwells and the 36-Month Campaign

03.00 Parenting Challenges in the Digital Age

09:00 The Impact of Technology on Youth

15:00 Greg Attwells' Personal Journey and Faith

21.00 Building Supportive Environments for Teens 

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org 

Special Thanks To

Christian Finance 

Vision Christian Media