Soul Search

So much of the religious diversity in this land is created by immigration. But what does migration – leaving, or even losing one's homeland – mean for a person's faith? What happens to their beliefs as they make Australia home?

What happens when stories of your homeland are shrouded in secrecy and pain? Author Aatish Taseer is the son of an Indian Sikh and a Pakistani Muslim, whose search for his roots led him to Varanasi, the ‘spiritual capital of India’. And the mother and son duo behind Counting and Cracking reveal how the play helped them understand Sri Lanka's past.

Former fast-bowler Henry Olonga was forced to leave behind his career and country after he protested against the late Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe. So what gave shape to his convictions and values? And we hear how Kenyan-Australian academic Kathomi Gatwiri reclaimed her African identity after leaving religion.

Even if you find religion hard to stomach, you'll love cooking with Jeong Kwan, a Korean Buddhist nun who once starred in the Netflix series, Chef's Table.

Three women share how the ocean shapes their faith, and brings them closer to God.

A music special with Father Rob Galea, a Maltese-Australian Catholic priest and musician whose incredible story may soon be heading to Hollywood. And, the Ballarat-based gospel and world music group, Sweet Mona’s Choir.

How did the 2000-year-old conversion story of St Paul in the Bible inspire bestselling Australian author Christos Tsiolkas? We also meet popular children's author Susannah McFarlane, who had her own 'Damascus road' experience in her fifties.

During this time of year, we hear a lot about "peace and goodwill to all." But how exactly do you put peace into practice? How is peacemaking a part of living out one's faith? And what does peace on earth and with the earth look like?

How are you feeling about the impending end of the year? Maybe you’re waiting for Christmas, or maybe for some rest; a chance to recharge and pay more attention to your inner life.

In this episode, two meditators from different faith traditions share how they slow down, find peace – and even encounter the divine.