Is there a masculinity crisis? Or have we fundamentally misunderstood what being a man in the 21st century means?

Our hosts spend some time discussing their understanding of masculinity, how they’ve seen it shift around them, and what a Christian vision of masculinity really looks like.

Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity Simon Smart joins the show to discuss this tricky topic. 

 Finally, Michael and Megan turn their attention to the comedy-drama series Barry. 

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Do we live in a culture that thrives on offence? Is it ever okay to intentionally offend? Michael and Megan are joined this week by Presbyterian Minister and writer Nathan Campbell to think through these questions.

Our hosts also discuss the theology behind offence, and what offends them.

Finally, the 2022 Psychological Thriller Tar - starring Cate Blanchett - comes under the WADR microscope. It's a film all about the destructive consequences of offending. But is it any good?

• (00:09) - - Be Our Guest
• (35:28) - - For Arguments Sake
• (53:05) - - Through The Wardrobe

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This week, our hosts discuss the touchy topic of class. Does Christianity have an issue with class in Australia? What class do our hosts think they belong in?

For 'Through the Wardrobe', Michael and Megan share their thoughts on the hit HBO drama The Gilded Age, a show dedicated to the world of the upstairs and downstairs world of 19th century America.

• (01:36) - - For Arguments Sake
• (18:41) - - The Secret Life of Us
• (33:09) - - Through the Wardrobe

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This week, our hosts are grappling with the topic of sin. They discuss what sin is, and then ponder the relationship of desire to sin. In particular, is all sinful desire ... sinful? Michael and Megan don't entirely see eye to eye on this one!

Writer and podcaster Elizabeth Oldfield, well-known as the host of The Sacred podcast, then joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion, including on her new book Fully Alive: Tending to the Soul in Turbulent Times.

Finally, our hosts discuss the confronting - and beautiful - film Manchester By The Sea (2016).

• (01:32) - - For Arguments Sake
• (22:29) - - Be Our Guest
• (48:00) - - Through The Wardrobe

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This week our hosts ponder the role of animals in creation. What is the standing of animals in comparison to humans in the created order? Is it ever ok to eat animals? Do they go to heaven?

Ethicist and Professor of Animal Theology Clair Linzey then joins the show to ponder these questions further, before Michael and Megan turn their attention to the 2017 film The Zookeeper's Wife, which tells the true story of two brave zookeepers in Warsaw who resisted the invading Nazi forces. 

• (01:44) - For Arguments Sake
• (22:13) - Be Our Guest
• (41:37) - Through The Wardrobe

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Humans are learning creatures. We spend our whole lives picking up new skills, improving them, and finding new areas of knowledge to explore.

This week Michael and Megan think through the Biblical implications of this, and along the way are joined by Zeeshan LaalDin. Zeeshan is a Project Officer with Anglican Aid. He will be delivering a keynote address at the upcoming Common Knowledge Conference, which looks at the role of education in eradicating global poverty.

Finally, our hosts watch the 2005 TV adaptation of Thomas Hughes' classic 1857 novel Tom Brown's School Days.

• (01:52) - For Arguments Sake
• (18:25) - Be Our Guest
• (40:19) - Through the Wardrobe

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This week, our hosts hold up a mirror to themselves and discuss the role of the pastor. They ponder a range of questions, including the Biblical job description of a pastor and whether the modern church is equipping its pastors well enough for the job.

Principal of Morling College Tim MacBride then joins the show to discuss the challenges facing the pastoral profession.

Finally, Michael and Megan riff on the 2001 film Wit (starring Emma Thompson), a cinematic adaptation of the play of the same name, which chiefly focuses on ... death.

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Neurodiversity is a topic that has seen an upswing of awareness in recent years.

With more visibility than ever before, our hosts discuss whether neurodivergence is a good, or "fallen" condition.

Writer and scholar Kate Morris then joins the show to discuss her own experiences raising a neurodivergent child, as well as her substack aimed at helping Christians love their neurodivergent friends and family.

Finally, Michael and Megan cast an eye over the hit ABC show Austin, featuring Love on the Spectrum star Michael Teo. 

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Theology. It's a term often associated with old professors and dusty books. But theology is actually crucial for the church. So, why don't more Christians take an interest in it? Why has it become so .... stale? These are the questions our hosts (and resident theologians) grapple with.

Speaking of childlike - Michael and Megan are joined this week by author Kaitlyn Scheiss, host of the Curiously Kaitlyn podcast where she fields questions about theology from children!

Finally, our hosts cast an eye over the coming-of-age film adaptation of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

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This week, Megan and Michael look at the epidemic of gendered violence sweeping through both the church and society at large. Our hosts look at what the Bible has to say on the issue and are then joined by expert consultant Carolyn Cousins for a discussion about what the church can do to help stamp it out.

They then turn their attention to the program Asking For It, a look at the impacts of gendered violence, hosted by journalist and author Jess Hill who wrote the seminal See What You Made Me Do.

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