Salt – Conversations

The New Christian is a podcast for anyone exploring faith — asking big questions about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian.

Hosted by Chris Jolly, Drive announcer on Hope 1032 and a relatively new Christian himself, this podcast follows a journey of discovery as Chris sits down with seasoned Christian leaders, mentors, and thinkers to explore the foundations of faith.

Key Takeaways:

• "The New Christian" podcast is designed to help those exploring Christianity by answering fundamental questions about faith, God, and church life.
• Chris Jolly recently embraced Christianity and seeks to share his insights with a broader audience, drawing upon his background in radio broadcasting.
• Each episode in the first season covers major topics such as the nature of God, understanding Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and navigating church customs.
• The podcast endeavors to demystify the church experience for newcomers, addressing common questions and anxieties faced by new Christians.
• Listeners can expect a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and thoughtful discussions aimed at guiding them through the early stages of their faith journey.

Notable Quotes:

• "Why are you doing this, Chris?" — Ben McEachen
• "There are things that you can't explain that led us both into, I think, the new age world." — Chris Jolly
• "But here I am, 20 years later, so keen to go to church." — Chris Jolly
• "This is the podcast that you wished was around when you were becoming Christian?" — Ben McEachen
• "Vanessa said, very sheepishly, I should add, would you mind if maybe one Sunday you drive me to church?" — Chris Jolly

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Episode 1 available April 7

The New Christian is a podcast for anyone exploring faith — asking big questions about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian.

Hosted by Chris Jolly, Drive announcer on Hope 1032 and a relatively new Christian himself, this podcast follows a journey of discovery as Chris sits down with seasoned Christian leaders, mentors, and thinkers to explore the foundations of faith.

Season One covers questions like:

Who is God?

Who is Jesus?

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Why church? Why prayer? Why does evil exist?

Even… how do you read the Bible?

Each episode is an honest, thoughtful conversation designed for the curious, the seeker, the new believer — and even the lifelong Christian wanting to go deeper.

No jargon. No assumptions. Just real questions, trusted voices, and a growing faith.

Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time or rediscovering it, you’re invited to learn alongside Chris — one conversation at a time.

Because some questions don’t have quick answers… but they’re worth asking.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at hope1032.com.au/podcasts.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With All Due Respect - Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Tune in to find out if that’s possible.

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of "With All Due Respect," hosts Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into the complex and timely topic of immigration in Australia. This conversation couldn't be more pertinent as recent protests, the March for Australia, have stirred national debate about whether the country faces an immigration problem and how people, especially Christians, should respond. The discussion progresses to explore the nuanced aspects of immigration, including its impact on cultural identity, the rising presence of non-Christian faiths, and how statistics can often misrepresent the real picture, creating unwarranted fear and tension.

Joining the conversation is Jeri Jones Sparks, a Tamil Indian Australian with an active ministry presence, who shares her experiences and insights on living as an immigrant and working within the church to foster intercultural understanding. The episode further highlights the gripping SBS series "The Secret DNA of Us," which unveils the hidden ethnic makeup of Australian towns. This, coupled with stories of individual ancestry, shines a light on Australia's multifaceted identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and social policy.

Key Takeaways:

• Immigration Debate: Recent protests have highlighted the complexity surrounding immigration in Australia, often fueled by misinformation and political agendas.
• Cultural and Religious Shifts: Australia's demographic changes bring both challenges and opportunities as the country navigates a more multicultural and religiously diverse population.
• Christian Response: The necessity for Christians to redefine what it means to engage with 'the other,' drawing from biblical examples of how to treat foreigners among us.
• Intercultural Church Dynamics: The importance of churches evolving towards interculturalism, incorporating various cultural perspectives to enhance community and belonging.
• Understanding Heritage: Emotional and personal journeys uncovering one's ancestry, as showcased in the SBS series, can redefine individual and communal identity.

Notable Quotes:

• "We're not as good at estimating numbers or proportions. It all comes through filters of bias." — Megan Powell du Toit
• "I think there's going to be some kind of shift in our normal of engaging with cultural commentary." — Jeri Jones Sparks
• "It's really messy. There's going to be conflict. But there's something gospel-hearted in how it shapes our gathering." — Jeri Jones Sparks
• "The church has a lot to teach our society by modeling that kind of internationalism, that kind of welcome which is blind to race." — Michael Jensen
• "When we know that it's God who appoints where and when all people should live, who are the people that God has put around us?" — Jeri Jones Sparks

Resources:

• Satya Network
• SBS TV Series: The Secret DNA of Us
• ABC online article by Michael Jensen on Immigration

This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to explore whether Morling is the right place for your next step. 

Learn more about Morling College and register for the Online Open Night on February 5, 2026 at info.morling.edu.au/open-night. Discover how your faith and calling can come together at Morling. 

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INTRODUCING: WIth All Due Respect

This podcast is part of the Hope Media production. 

Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Tune in to find out if that’s possible.

This episode has been one of the highest listened to episodes in the WADR catalogue! With schoolies ongoing as well as the holiday season just over the horizon, we'd like to replay this ep and to stir some thought and discussion.

Discuss!? Glad you asked - head to our WADR group here on Facebook!

In this episode, the WADR team talk about how to have better sex. No, this is not Megan and Michael's opportunity to present the evangelical version of the karma sutra. Rather, they want to talk about the ways Christianity has got sex right - or a lot of the time wrong - and what can be done better for everyone's sake. 
First up, Megan and Michael invite on to the show the co-author of the influential Christian book The Great Sex Rescue, Sheila Wray Gregoire. Sheila shares what she and her co-authors discovered when they talked to 22,000 Christian women. 
Then the WADR duo talk about the Australian #metoo moment and what they think about consent education. 
Finally, we finish the show with the film Give Me Sex Jesus, a title that sells itself. And consider this your warning. This episode is talking about sex, so it is definitely for mature audiences.

LINKS

Follow this link to check out Sheila's book, The Great Sex Rescue: The Lies You've Been Taught and How to Recover What God Intended, by Sheila Wray Gregoire, psychology graduate Rebecca Gregoire Lindenbach and epidemiologist and statistician Joanna Sawatsky.

You can watch Give Me Sex Jesus for free on Vimeo - it's a Staff Pick!

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INTRODUCING With All Due Respect (WADR) 

Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Subscribe, follow and track along with WADR on your favourite podcast app! 

This week, Michael and Megan tackle the difficult topic of church control. 

They discuss how much—if any—control churches should be allowed to have over members and how to safeguard against any misuse of power by leaders.

Christian psychologist Kylie Walls then joins the show for a sobering discussion on spiritual abuse, before our hosts review the hit podcast Sons of Patriarchy, which deals with the hyper-conservative ministry of Douglas Wilson.

If this episode has raised concerns for you, help is available. Call 1800 737 732, or head to the website 1800respect.org.au.

• (01:20) - - For Arguments Sake
• (18:42) - - Be Our Guest
• (50:52) - - Through The Wardrobe

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UNDISTRACTED is a place where life isn’t just lived, but crafted. On UNDISTRACTED we explore the lives and expertise of our guests to help us become better at building our lives with intention.

After over four decades in pastoral ministry, Max Lucado has found himself returning to the same three tools in counselling, conversation and sermons. Tools he believes can help anyone navigate their mental and spiritual wellbeing. Max unpacks them in his latest book, 'Tame Your Thoughts' and considers their spiritual implications. 

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNDISTRACTED is a place where life isn’t just lived, but crafted. On UNDISTRACTED we explore the lives and expertise of our guests to help us become better at building our lives with intention.

Historian, author and theologian John Dickson joins us to talk about The First Hymn—a new documentary uncovering the oldest known Christian song. Combining his love of ancient history and music, John explores how this 1,800-year-old hymn was rediscovered, reimagined, and returned to the church in a new way.

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Follow or Subscribe to get weekly devotionals from Heidi Wysman

Join Heidi Wysman as she reflects on biblical principles to anchor you deeper in Hope.

Heidi’s desire is for everyone to understand and experience the love of God, that she encountered in 1993. She is the founder of Hope with Heidi, a ministry to help disciple people to have a revelation of Jesus. Heidi is a recognised speaker and lecturer. She has a BA in Ministry and is the author of One – Complete Intimacy with God.

"I pray this message will encourage and inspire you," – Heidi

Key Takeaways:

• Unwavering faith, like that of Joshua and Caleb, enables a transformed perspective, allowing one to see past immediate challenges.

• Focusing on God's promises rather than the 'giants' or problems leads to spiritual strength and clarity.

• Fear and unbelief can deter us from realizing God's promises; maintaining faith shifts our understanding and acceptance of challenges.

• Measure life's problems against the vastness of God's power rather than magnifying them beyond His reach.

Notable Quotes:

• "Think about that. They journeyed with the cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night."

• "Giants shrink when we realize just how big God is."

• "No challenge is too big for God. Measure your problems against God's greatn

Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ten seasons of deeply gratifying, inspiring Gospel stories, Amy Townsend brings the Salt Podcast to a close.

But Amy has one last recommendation to make. Click on over to listen to the Aspire podcast, brought to you by Sydney Missionary and Bible College students.

For the final episode of Season 10, Amy Townsend introduces us to a woman with a vast experience of the nature of grief.

Nancy Guthrie has written many books on the sorrows of life and how to navigate them.

With her husband, she has developed respite retreats for the broken-hearted, and 'Grief Share' videos that lessen the burdens people carry.

This episode, Nancy begins by telling Amy how God introduced her to the difficult topic of grief.

LINKS

Salt is proudly brought to you by Sydney Missionary and Bible College. Click here for more information on the wide range of courses available.

If you're interested in following Jenny Salt's podcast recommendation, you can find The Hope Book Club here.