In the 75th year of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, we ask what is it about the fictional land of Narnia in the classic novel by C.S. Lewis that continues to entice and entertain children and adults alike? Adventure and faith discovery in Narnia is the latest Life Issues podcast with Vicky Gibbens and her guest Dr Jem Bloomfield.

[Originally broadcast the week of 30th December 2019]

The night time economy - a catalyst for anti-social behaviour and debauchery, or a thirsty place for the message of Jesus? Joining Vicky Gibbens to share their insights are Carolyn Skinner, Founder of Third Space Ministries, and Ellie Barrett, who at the time of recording was the charity’s Night Life Ministries Assistant.

[Originally broadcast the week of 20th October 2024]

Words are one of the most powerful tools we have but often they can escape us. Particularly when it comes to prayer. But what if we don't need the "right" words or even our words? In this week's Life Issues Helen Lea is exploring the ancient practice of liturgy with authors of Liturgies for Hope & Liturgies for Wholeness Audrey Elledge and Elizabeth Moore.

This week on Life Issues we’re asking - what makes a good dad? No dad’s perfect and becoming a dad can be one of the scariest things a man will do, with the sense of the endless opportunities to fall short, let them down, get it wrong. But if we all, like Jesus, need to hear a Father say you are my child, whom I love and I am pleased with you…. then what does it take to be a good dad, and is the way we treat dad’s in the media undermining the role at a time when youngsters need it most?

Thomas Aquinas once said: “There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.”  And although there are plenty of examples of friends who desert – a friend who sticks closer than a brother is a thing of great value. So how much effort am I making to say “you’ve got a friend in me, yeah you got a friend in me”? It’s the Life Issues podcast this week entitled – “maybe I’ll get by, with a little help from my….”

[Originally broadcast the week of 21st November 2022]

Longing for a hope-filled perspective on dementia? Dr Jennifer Bute’s approach to living with the condition will inspire you.

[Originally broadcast the week of 18th December 2023]

Do you struggle to share your faith? Find it difficult to bring Jesus into every day conversations? Afraid you won't have the answer to a difficult question? Maybe you don't want to come across sounding preachy?

But if the gospel is good news for EVERYONE and faith comes by hearing… how do we talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot? This week’s Life Issues with Andy Bannister, Author of How to talk about Jesus without looking like an idiot.

As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, we remember when Nazi Germany officially surrendered to the Western Allies, ending the Second World War in Europe. What about those Christians who resisted the occupation, like Corrie Ten Boom and her family? Pete Peterson, Artistic Director, of Rabbit Room Theatre and playwriter of The Hiding Place, and Nan Gurley, the actress who played Corrie Ten Boom in the stage adaptation of the book, have been sharing how Corrie led an underground Dutch resistance against the Nazi’s and helped hundreds of Jews escape the Holocaust.

[Originally broadcast the week of 4th April 2022]

Gardening – it’s is one of the nation’s favourite hobbies. But are we overlooking the spiritual insight it offers? Richard Littledale took up 'project garden' to help combat the loneliness of bereavement, only to find that the physical transformation of his garden mirrored a real change in himself too. Tune in to this week’s Life Issues with to hear how he discovered more of God through his perspective as an ‘under gardener’.

Ever feel like you are not that important? An extra in the story, or part of the chorus rather than in a main role? The two disciples walking down the road to Emmaus on Resurrection morning were not part of the inner circle, ‘bit players’ you might say. Yet despite not being main characters, Jesus came to them in their confusion, listened to them and answered their need. So, what does that say for the rest of us ‘bit players’? It’s the Life Issues podcast this week: The Easter Walk That Changed Everything.