Signs Radio

In this episode, we speak to Kristin Martinez. She's a counsellor and proponent of non-violent communication. She wrote an article that appeared in the October issue of Signs of the Times called "From judgement to connection". You can read the article by clicking the link below. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

Talking about the birds and the bees with your teenager doesn't have to be scary—even though it usually is. Counsellor Mikaela Matthes helps us navigate the world of sex and relationships, and why we don't need to be frightened of the dreaded "talk".Content warning: in this episode, we talk about sex, relationships and themes around trauma and sexual assault. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Technical warning: in this episode, Jesse's mic audio was not up to the high quality that you've come to expect from Signs Radio. We apologise for this, but thankfully Mikaela's audio was not affected by this technical error. 

You'd be forgiven for not having ever heard of P. Oxy. XV 1786, otherwise known as the "Oxyrhynchus hymn". It's a papyrus manuscript written in Greek and was discovered, alongside numerous other papyri, in the ancient buried city of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt in 1918. We don't have the entire hymn, but what we do have goes a little like this:Together all the eminent ones of GodNight] nor day Let it/them be silent. Let the luminous stars not,[Let the rushings of winds, the sources] of all surging rivers [cease]. While we hymnFather and Son and Holy Spirit, let all the powers answer, Amen, amen, Strength, praise,[and glory forever to God], the sole giver of all good things. Amen, amen.In part one of a two-part episode series, we speak to the two driving forces of a documentary that's bringing this fragment from our ancient past into the present in a brand-new way. Mark Hadley and John Dickson are two friends and collaborators who have just released The First Hymn, a documentary chronicling the discovery of this hymn fragment, then breathing new life into it thanks to modern scholarship, as well as modern songwriters.In this episode, we speak to John Dickson. John is an academic, historian and advocate for faith in a secular world. He's also the host of the popular Undeceptions podcast, and host of The First Hymn. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X https://www.thefirsthymnmovie.com/

You'd be forgiven for not having ever heard of P. Oxy. XV 1786, otherwise known as the "Oxyrhynchus hymn". It's a papyrus manuscript written in Greek and was discovered, alongside numerous other papyri, in the ancient buried city of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt in 1918. We don't have the entire hymn, but what we do have goes a little like this:Together all the eminent ones of GodNight] nor day Let it/them be silent. Let the luminous stars not,[Let the rushings of winds, the sources] of all surging rivers [cease]. While we hymnFather and Son and Holy Spirit, let all the powers answer, Amen, amen, Strength, praise,[and glory forever to God], the sole giver of all good things. Amen, amen.In part one of a two-part episode series, we speak to the two driving forces of a documentary that's bringing this fragment from our ancient past into the present in a brand-new way. Mark Hadley and John Dickson are two friends and collaborators who have just released The First Hymn, a documentary chronicling the discovery of this hymn fragment, then breathing new life into it thanks to modern scholarship, as well as modern songwriters.In this episode, we speak to Mark Hadley about his involvement in the project as producer/director, and what it was like to bring the project to life.Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X https://www.thefirsthymnmovie.com/

Why do so many of us feel not good enough, unlovable, or like we don’t belong? Clinical psychologist Jessica Bishop explains how these “life’s lies” form, how they impact us, and how we can start to break free—through both psychology and grace.To view the full list of schemas head to this link: https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/early-maladaptive-schemas/Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

What does it mean to celebrate NAIDOC Week—not just as a cultural observance, but as a national calling? In this episode, Indigenous pastor Darren Garlett unpacks the history, heart and hope behind NAIDOC and what it really means for Australia’s future. We talk about truth-telling, intergenerational mentoring, the role of faith and why reconciliation starts with walking across the room. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

Are we feeling our way into failure? In an age where empathy is praised as a high virtue, some argue it's steering us toward destruction. This episode explores the unintended consequences of unchecked compassion—and those who advocate for the abandonment of empathy altogether. Is our obsession with empathy making the West morally fragile?Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

In this episode, we speak to Mitchell Strahan. Mitch recently reviewed the recent TV series House of David, which you can read here. We dug a little deeper beneath the surface of the show, its historical background and how the show portrays the Bible stories, characters—and God. Fair warning: it gets nerdy. Read Mitch's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

What if Communion wasn’t just a sacred ritual—but a bold act of social resistance? In this episode, we dive into Paul's scorching critique of classism in the Corinthian church and explore how a shared meal became a battleground for justice, dignity, and radical equality. From Martin Luther to modern-day churches, what does Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 11 have to say about power, privilege, and who gets a seat at the table?Read Jesse's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

Mother's Day is here and to celebrate, Zanita spoke to some of the mothers who often get forgotten: the mothers of the mothers. So, however you celebrate this year, don't forget to listen to your mum. You may be surprised what wisdom she has to offer.Zanita's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

Covid-19 changed a great many things—including how we think about illnesses and pandemics in general. Zombie movies hit different post-Covid and the upcoming film 28 Years Later explores a world irrevocably shaped by its own pandemic. Join us in talking to Mark Hadley about his recent article Pandemics and the problem of pain. We talk about the movie but more interestingly, we talk about the issue that has plagued believers for centuries. What do we do with pain and how can Christians believe in a good God who allows it?More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

In this special episode, Zanita and Jesse discuss the recent passing of Pope Francis. What happens after the pope's death, the mourning period and the appointment of a new pope? If you'd prefer to read Jesse's write up, you can do so here. More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

When Signs of the Times editor Jarrod Stackelroth embarked on a journey walking the Kokoda Track, he couldn't have imagined the ups and downs he would experience. Despite the hardships he was about to endure, it taught him a lesson he'd never forget.Read Jarrod's article | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

For our first (belated) episode for 2025, we speak to Simon Matthews. Simon is a psychologist and academic who specialises in behaviour change. In this episode, we ask all the tough questions including: is behaviour change really possible, long term? What about discipline culture, what with ice plunges and getting up at 4am? And how can I know I'm really living according to my values?All this and more in episode 220 of Signs Radio!More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Simon's article | Simon's Google Scholar page | The Lift Podcast | The Lift Project

We're back for our annual end-of-year roundup featuring the whole team, all together! In this episode, Jarrod, Zanita and Jesse talk about their favourite episodes for the year, stories in the news we wished we'd had more time to cover and what's in store for 2025.If you've been a faithful listener this year, we'd also like to say thank-you for enabling us to have conversations that matter. We wish you a very happy Christmas and New Year. We'll see you in 2025. More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

Road to Bethlehem is an extraordinary event that happens every year in selected locations around Australia and New Zealand. It also has just celebrated its 30th birthday. Join friend of the pod Nathan Brown as he speaks to the current director of RtB Melbourne, Alicia Ralph.Read Nathan's article | Read Nathan's other article | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Find a Road to Bethlehem near you

War is more in our faces than it's ever been before. But in the face of more global conflicts, have we become almost spiritually attracted to it?Read Jarrod's article | Adventist conscientious objectors | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X  (00:00) - Signs Radio 217 (03:59) - Introduction and Welcome (04:10) - Reflecting on Remembrance Day (04:43) - Exploring the Article: Do We Worship War? (04:53) - Edinburgh Castle and War Memorials (07:06) - Religion and National Identity (08:10) - The Decline of Religion in Scotland (11:34) - The Role of War in Modern Society (13:10) - The Human Fascination with Heroism (20:28) - The Dangers of Mythologizing War (28:23) - Conscientious Objectors and True Heroism

It's the race that stops the nation. But should we stop it altogether?Read the article | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses | Nup to the Cup | ADRA Australia

The two topics we were all taught to avoid at the dinner table are religion and politics. Today, we're tackling both. In the light of the upcoming American election, we speak to Mark Hadley about Alex Garland's Civil War. What can it teach us about religion and politics, and how should we relate the two to each other? Read Mark's review of Civil War | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X 

In this episode, we speak to Kelli Pepa. Kelli is a pastor, dad and former member of NZ's own Purest Form. Purest Form was one of the very first R&B groups in New Zealand and in many ways, paved the way for the modern Kiwi R&B scene. We talk to Kelli about his journey in the music industry, his background of faith and the journey that led him away from Purest Form and into pastoral ministry. Read Kelli's story | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X