Towards Understanding

Who are the people trusted to advise presidents, prime ministers and global leaders? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks joins Clayton to share insights from conversations with chiefs of staff to some of the world's most influential decision-makers, exploring leadership, influence, trust and what happens behind the scenes of power.Phoebe is the founder of Missing Perspectives, a media platform dedicated to elevating women's voices and stories around the world. A former policy adviser who has worked across government, human rights and international organisations, her work explores the intersection of media, power and leadership. She is the author of The Right Hand.

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Many people experience rejection, but for some, even minor criticism or perceived disapproval can feel overwhelming. Rebecca Challoner joins Clayton to explore Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), discussing its impact on relationships, self-worth and everyday life, and how greater understanding can help people navigate these intense emotional responses with greater awareness and compassion.Rebecca is an ADHD coach, speaker and advocate who helps people better understand the emotional and practical challenges associated with ADHD. Through her work, she is passionate about increasing awareness of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and supporting individuals to build healthier relationships, greater resilience and a stronger sense of self-understanding.

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Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn and live, but how do we use these powerful tools wisely? Daniel Sih joins Clayton to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI, the importance of human wisdom and discernment, and how we can embrace innovation without losing sight of what matters most. Together they discuss technology, attention, productivity and the uniquely human qualities that remain essential in a rapidly changing world.About Daniel SihDaniel Sih is an author, speaker and the founder of Spacemakers, an organisation that helps busy people regain focus, reduce overwhelm and make room for what matters most. His work explores the intersection of technology, productivity and human flourishing, including the impact of digital habits, healthy technology use and artificial intelligence. Daniel is the co-author of Wise AI and is passionate about helping individuals, families and leaders navigate technology with wisdom and purpose.

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What happens when life repeatedly takes turns you never wanted and never expected? Vaneetha Rendall Risner joins Clayton to share her journey through disability, grief, loss and an unwanted divorce, reflecting on how faith can survive even the most painful seasons. Together they explore disappointment, suffering, resilience and the hope that can still be found when life looks very different from the one we imagined.

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Airports are places of reunions, farewells, celebrations and crises, where some of life's most significant moments unfold. Martyn Scrimshaw joins Clayton to share what years of chaplaincy at Melbourne Airport have taught him about people, resilience and the power of being present in moments of uncertainty. Together they explore the unexpected encounters and life lessons.Martyn serves as Head Chaplain at Melbourne Airport, supporting travellers, airport staff and families through some of life's most challenging and meaningful moments. Through years of listening, caring and walking alongside people in times of crisis and transition, Martyn's experiences inspired the SBS drama series The Airport Chaplain.

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One in seven Christians around the world experiences persecution for their faith, yet many Australian Christians know little about what life is like for believers living under pressure. Nathan Holland joins Clayton to explore the stories behind the 2026 World Watch List, including the growing challenges facing Christians in places like Nigeria, Syria and across Asia. Together they discuss resilience, faith under pressure, and what it means to move from distant sympathy to active solidarity with the persecuted Church.Nathan works with Open Doors Australia, helping connect Australian Christians with the realities facing the persecuted Church around the world. Through speaking, podcasting and advocacy, he shares the stories of believers living under pressure and encourages others to stand with them through prayer, awareness and practical support.

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The internet has opened up incredible opportunities for young people, but it has also introduced new challenges for parents and families. Susan McLean joins Clayton to discuss the realities of growing up in a digital world, exploring online safety, social media, cyberbullying and the practical steps parents can take to help children and teenagers navigate life online with confidence and resilience. Susan is one of Australia's leading experts in cybersafety and youth wellbeing. A former police officer and the first Victorian Police Officer appointed to a cyber safety role, she has spent more than two decades helping parents, schools and communities understand the opportunities and risks young people face online.

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Sometimes the experiences that shape us most are the ones we never planned. Ian Reilly joins Clayton to reflect on how a teaching opportunity in Samoa transformed his understanding of culture, community and compassion, influencing the course of his life and career in ways he never expected. Together they explore the lessons learned through cross-cultural living, innovation, leadership and seeing the world through someone else's eyes.

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What happens after the initial shock begins to fade after a crisis, but life still doesn't feel normal again? Adriel Booker joins Clayton to discuss the often-overlooked season between crisis and recovery, exploring grief, change, uncertainty and the challenge of finding hope when the future feels unclear. Together they reflect on the quiet work of healing and how we can navigate life's in-between spaces with courage and faith as focused on in Adriel's book "Tethered to Hope".

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Clayton spoke to Shelby Abbott is an author and campus minister. Shelby spoke about his book, Why We're Feeling Lonely (and What We Can Do About It, which explores common causes of loneliness among young adults, specifically about digital isolation, porn & casual sex, increased anger & tribalism and depression & anxiety. Shelby talks about the opportunities for healing from these areas in our lives.

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