Happy Christmas! In this festive episode we share – and then judge – our Christmas micro-sermons. Also we think about the practices that will nourish us this Christmas and reflect on how the darkness and worry of the nativity stories does not diminish the life and hope. Remember everyone – you're still alive, and that's a wonderful thing!

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After a brief debate about which of us is the more miserable, we discuss whether social media can help us engage with our shadow, detaching from the news without feeling guilty, and how hate actually tethers us to the object of our hatred. Also, as we enter Advent, where do we look for the hope? And what can we do to add to the hope and love that is really all around us?

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In this episode, we talk about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and, more specifically, about the systems of thinking which lead almost inevitably to coercion and abuse. How can we challenge systems like this? Is there any hope? And is God relying on us to be the answers to prayer?

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Joe talks to award-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant, the 'shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen' from North Carolina. As well as sharing their story of growing up in the evangelical church, they talk about the need to trust peoples' experiences and how, so often, we have a view of God who 'doesn’t love very well'. Along the way, Flamy talks about mystical encounters, dealing with opposition and abuse and why, in the end, it's all about joy.

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We talk about prayer and laughter, about creativity, and about the everyday acts of hope that help us transcend the news. Also we discuss judging a theology by the fruit it bears. Meanwhile Nick talks about his retreat and there is a lot about cheese. Business as usual, then.

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In times of disappointment, darkness and fear, how should we respond? What difference can we make? We talk about joy as a revolutionary act, and how we can refuse to join in the game. Also, we discuss reclaiming labels such as 'Christian', and we have powerful stories about the power of prayer, mystical coincidences and, of course, parking spaces. Brought to you by Saint Joe of the Cheese and St Nick, patron saint of innuendo.

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We have an interview with singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph. He talks about his career, the craft of song-writing, his campaigning worked the importance of just turning up. And we end, of course, with a song.

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Is God really in charge of the universe? Do prophecies actually happen? We have some fascinating feedback about hearing from God and how he is calling us to collaboration and co-creation. Meanwhile, Nick quotes Ezekiel and Joe goes all mystical about Robins.

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In this episode we explore one of the central questions of theology: is it right to pray for a parking space? If we believe in an interventionist God, then what kind of intervening does he do? Does Joe really have the spiritual gift of parking? Also, we touch on sadness as holy ground, grieving for past versions of ourselves, and how to respond when people present prophecies and words of knowledge. Oh and it was our eight anniversary this week. Not that one of us noticed…

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Joe talks with Shaun Lambert about mindfulness, wonder, and the need to 're-perceive' God. As well as actually leading us in a contemplative exercise, Shaun talks about strengthening our 'attention' muscles, encountering God in the present and becoming a more responsive but less reactive presence. All this and Diadochos of Photiki too!

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