The four themes of the season of Advent in the Christian calendar are hope, peace, joy and love. There are two others that we've noticed, though, which are anticipation and celebration. In this episode, Petra explores how these two things can happen at the same time. First up, Petra and producer Sam talk to a handful of people who are all at different moments of change (graduation, motherhood, marriage etc). Later on Petra talks to Rev. Sarah Lea-West about her art (found here) and how she has learnt to navigate the combination of anticipation and celebration. Sacred Text: A passage from Padraig O'Tuama's book In the Shelter Music: Exchange by Massive AttackSunshine Family Affair by Mary J Blige The Breeze by Dr Dog Peace Piece by Bill Evans Muramura by Aro
Sunday the 30th of November marks the start of Advent for 2025, the season of the Christian calendar that leads into Christmas. As Petra and guest producer Mick get into, Advent is all about waiting. In the first half, Mick talks to his close friends Tom and Carly about a long wait they endured in 2021. Later on Petra talks to Rev. Mathew 'Newt' Newton about how faith in God can help us to learn to wait, even when it often feels like there is no good reason to. Sacred Text: Sacred Trust by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin Music: A Change is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke Statue of a Woman by Novo Amour Moon Age by Duster Sitting in Limbo by Jimmy Cliff Intro by The xx Space 7 by Nala Sinephro
Why do people still go to church? There are no shortage of reasons why church might seem like an outdated model for collective Christian worship, so why do they hang around? In this collab episode with the In The Shift podcast, Petra and Michael Frost sit down to talk about the societal and spiritual reasons why churches are still worthwhile, in spite of their spotty history. If you want to find the full discussion that Petra and Michael had, look for In The Shift wherever you find your podcasts. Find the website here and the Instagram here. An episode of In The Shift we recommend you start with if you're keen to hear more is episode #104 with James Beck, 'Earthiness, Spirituality and Relational Resonance'. Sacred Texts: Quote from Dietrich Bonhoeffer Excerpt from a Guardian profile of popstar Rosalia Music: Another Scorcher by Christoph El Truento Equipoise by Max Roach Galvanise by The Chemical Brothers FTA by Whitney Get Together by The Youngbloods Grazing In The Grass by Hugh Masakela Just Saying by Jamie xx
In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, what happens when communities are involved in times of death. Petra Bagust talks to Treza Gallogly, a death doula (think death midwife), about why making plans and involving others helps so much when preparing for death. Producer Sam talks to those involved with the community response to the death of baby Anahera in the Auckland suburb or Onehunga. Treza's website can be found here and is part of the End of Life Doula Alliance Aotearoa Sacred text: Late Fragment by Raymond Carver, read by Gabriel Byrne Music: You are the Gold by Terrible Sons Sun Rays Like Stilts by Tommy Guerero Moonlight on the River by Mac DeMarco Last Orders by Richard Hawley I Still Hear You by Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek New Grass by Talk Talk Tesifa by Laney Tripp
Most of us think we're pretty good at listening. From kids asked to "whakarongo mai" at school, to a one-on-one catch up with a friend, listening can't be that hard, can it? But what changes when the person speaking feels truly heard or understood? And what similarities are there between listening to others, and listening to God? In this episode, Petra talks to sexologist and relationship coach Meg Cowan about how we can better listen to others. Later on, fan favourite Rev. Spanky Moore returns to share what he has noticed in the years he's spent listening to God, and helping others to do the same. Rev. Frank Ritchie brings a fantastic reflection of Communion, we hear your thoghts during Community Life, and there's top notch waiata/music as always. Sacred Texts: - Francis Bebey and the Pygmy Flute Music: Emotional Intelligence by Chaos in the CBD (played to start Meg's interview) Space 7 by Nala Sinephro (played to end Meg's interview) Man I Need by Olivia Dean Rivers That You Cannot See by North Americans (played during communion) Live for Each Other by Cut Off Your Hands Homeless Wanderer by Emahoy Tsege Maryam Gebru (played at the end) Bird sound effect: Various_birds_bush_NewZealand_4channel_front.flac by Phistomefel -- https://freesound.org/s/326546/ -- License: Attribution 3.0
Kia ora e te whānau! Petra and producer Sam jump in to say hi after their hiatus. Come for the updates on what they've been up to and the impromtu spelling bee, stay for the wisdom from Nick Cave and Nigel Latta. The first full episode of Sunday Sanctuary will be out on October 19th. Here is Nick Cave's letter Here is a link to buy Nigel's book Songs: Pray for Me by SAULT (played to end the episode)
While Sunday Sanctuary is on a break, we want to share episodes from podcasts that we think you'll really like. This week: Makers & Mystics. This episode is from season 13 of Makers and Mystics, "the podcast for the art-driven, spiritually adventurous seekers of truth and lovers of life." In this episode, Stephen Roach and his guest, John Heers, discuss viewing "hospitality as revolution". Big thanks to Stephen for letting us share this episode. If you like what you hear, you can find Makers & Mystics wherever you listen to podcasts. Makers & Mystics website Makers & Mystics Instagram
While Sunday Sanctuary is on a break, we want to share episodes from podcasts that we think you'll really like. This week: Ngā Here - The Many Connections. This episode is the first from season four, of which all the episodes are out now! If you like what you hear, then go and find Ngā Here wherever you listen to podcasts. Big thanks to James for letting us share this episode. Follow Ngā Here on Instagram
Kia ora! Sunday Sanctuary is on a break until mid-October. Petra's schedule is VERY busy, and so it was decided that Sunday Sanctuary could take a back seat for a little bit. While we are taking a break from releasing normal episodes, we still have different blessings, and episodes of other podcasts that we think are great that we will be sharing with you! This week, a blessing for what makes us us, from The Lives We Actually Have by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Read by Rev Frank Ritchie. The music is Old Peel by Aldous Harding.
Kia tau te rangimārie ki runga i a koutou. As-salamu alaykum. Shalom. Peace is so often something that we wish upon others, and even seek for ourselves. But what do we mean when we talk about peace? Can peace be more than just the absence of conflict, whether that is conflict within us or between people? In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, producer Sam talks to spiritual director Shannon Mawdsley, activist Adrian Leason, and the Lead Chaplain of the NZDF, Dave Lacey, to hear how their perspectives on peacemaking align....and how they don't. Petra then talks to Sunday Sanctuary regular Rev Frank Ritchie. They unpack what St Francis of Assisi meant when he prayed asking God to make him "an instrument of your peace". Music: - Mesa Redonda by Hermanos Gutierrez (played between Shannon's and Adrian's interviews)- Hanoi 6 by Unknown Mortal Orchestra (played between Adrian's and Dave's interviews)- Nouh Al Hamam by Maryam Saleh (played between Dave's and Shannon's interviews)- TUMUTUMU MAUNGA by Sanguine (played to end the first half)- We Got To Have Peace by Curtis Mayfield- Las Petits Gris by Khruangbin (played during the candle segment)- Peace Piece by Bill Evans Trio- Hope by Fat Freddy's Drop (played at the end of the episode)
Kids play all the time. So do animals in fact. But adults… much less so. Why do we lose our passion for play when we get older? And what else do we lose in the process? We go on a journey to explore the importance of adult play (not that kind). Come with us! Sacred Texts: Stephen Nachmanovitch’s Free Play: Improvisation in Life and Art G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy, (Chicago: Moody Publishers, 2009) Music: Sweet Release by Common Saints My Boy by Marlon Williams We Move Lightly by Dustin O’Halloran Reflections from Rocky Soundtrack Happy by Pharrell Williams Play with Me by The Album Leaf
There seems to be a sea of things that we can find overwhelming these days. How do we move through it all without becoming bogged down? In this episode, producer Sam talks to Phoebe Atkinson, Lissy Cole, and Rudi Robinson about the ways they see and approach overwhelming circumstances. Later on, Petra sits down with Rachel Kitchens, a spiritual director, to talk about her own experiences and a handful of practical tips. To be clear, this episode doesn't address the overwhelming nature of serious physical or mental health issues. The sense of overwhelm focussed on applies to otherwise healthy people who find either personal or global circumstances to be just too much at times. Wherever you're at, feel free to join us. Haere mai! Sacred Texts: Michael Leunig's poem Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (pages 102 to 104) Music: Come and Play in the Milky Night - Demo by Stereolab (played to open Phoebe's interview) Huia by Aro (played to open Lissy and Rudi's interview) Cumbia Sobre el Mar y Quantic (played during Sam's bike ride) Those Days by Dal and Leah Yager (played during Michael Leunig's poem) You Got The Love by Candi Staton and The Source Space 1 by Nala Sinephro (played during Tuesdays with Morrie reading) Sun Rays Like Stilts by Tommy Geurero (played to end communion) Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes FTA by Whitney (played to end Rachel's interview) Space is the Place by Ezra Collective (played during the benediction)
Are we living in an age that's ugly by design? This question arose after Petra and producer Sam read an article by the writer Andrew Shamy. The second in a series called "The Museum of Things We've Lost", Andrew unpacks the role of beauty and the consequences of its absence. In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, Petra is joined by both Andrew and architectural design lecturer Abby Temby-Spence. As always, space is made for reflection alongside great waiata/music. Haere mai! Sacred texts: Andrew Shamy's article. His whole substack is well worth looking through, and maybe even subscribing to.... This edition of Nick Cave's Red Hand Files Music: You are the Gold by Terrible Sons (Intro song) Climb by Laura Misch (played at the end of the into) 100% by Boycrush (played at the end of Andrew's interview) Mona Lisa by Nat King Cole Moon Age by Duster (played underneath Nick Cave's Red hand File) Slider - Lorenzo Saxophone Dub by This Is The Kit (played during the time for contemplation) Wash by Bon Iver (played at the end of communion) I Love My Leather Jacket by The Chills Two Fish and an Elephant by Khruangbin (played to end Abby's interview) Caja de la Sala by Khruangbin (played under Petra's poem)
Mānawatia a Matariki!! Producer Sam has a brief thought to share tied to Matariki weekend. We hope you find space to embrace the themes of Matariki this year. We'll be back next week with a new episode. Music: - Ruru by Aro
Prayer is something found is almost every culture and society in the world. It's so ubiquitous that even some of those who descibe themselves as non-religious or atheist have resorted to prayer at times. In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, Petra goes looking for answers about the different forms that prayer can take, and what role it can play in our lives. Along the way, she talks to broadcaster and champion of the Māori language, Stacey Morrison, about karakia and inoi. After a short chat with producer Sam, Petra ropes in Strahan Coleman to ask about the role of prayer in deepening our relationship with God. Haere mai (come along)!! Sacred Text: This scene from the film It's a Wonderful Life Music: A Calf Born in Winter by Khraugbin (played at the end of the intro) Instrumental by The Fuzzy Robes (Played at the end of Stacey's interview) 2516 by Luna Li (Played just before the ad break) I Say a Little Prayer For You by Aretha Franklin Wichita Lineman (Instrumental) by Fatback Band (Played during community life) Solar Gap by Hinds (Played during communion) Come Ye by Nina Simone The Guitar is Dead 3 by Horsegirl (Played to bridge the conversations with Sam and Strahan) Just Saying by Jamie xx (Played to end Strahan's interview) Those Days by Dal (Played at the end of the episode) Big thanks to St Paul's here in Auckland for letting producer Sam book a spot in their 24/7 prayer room!
What goals or ambitions do you have? Have you ever thought about the way you're working towards them? In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, Petra Bagust explores what it might look like to re-define our idea of success. Along the way, she talks to Emily Looker, one half of the band Aro. Producer Sam also introduces Petra to some crazy runners and to Taufa Lavemaau, a boxer who shares his journey towards the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sacred Texts: A clip from an interview with actor Ethan Hawke on the podcast Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso Prayer Vol. 2 by Strahan Coleman (pages 30 and 31) Music: Actually by Dan Kye (played during the vox pops of Riverhead ReLaps runners) Home by @Peace (played to end interview with Taufa) Soulful Strut by Young-Holt Unlimited (played just before the ad break) A Hero's Death by Fontaines D.C. - Soulwax Remix Tezeta by Hailu Mergia (played during the contemplative practice) FTA by Whitney (Played to end communion) Te Karanga by Aro Statue Of A Woman by Novo Amor (played during the benediction)
Breathe in. Breathe out. Such simple instructions that can make a huge difference, especially when we pay attention to our breath and how we feel. When was the last time, however, that you thought about breathe as being essential to life? In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, Petra explores the importance of breathe and it's link to spirit. Along the way she talks with Manuel Beazley, the vicar for māori in the Catholic diocese of Auckland, and friend of the show Rev. Frank Ritchie. Include some feedback from listeners, top quality waiata (songs), and some hollywood star power and you have the recipe for a great episode! Haere mai! Sacred Texts: This clip from the BBC podcast Sidetracked This scene from the film Apollo 13 A small correction: The film clip is from the movie Apollo 13, not Apollo 11. Music: Space 7 by Nala Sinephro (Used during the first breathing exercise) Slider - Lorenzo Saxophone Dub by This Is The Kit (Used at the end of Manuel Beazley's interview) Breathe by Six60 Oh My God by Kevin Morby (Used at the end of the reflection on communion) Breathe Deeper by Tame Impala Love Is Everywhere by Pharoah Sanders (Used at the end of Rev Frank Ritchie's interview) Frolic by Jake Xerxes Fussell (Used during the last breathing exercise)
It is so often our differences that divide people, but have you ever noticed the beauty in difference? In this episode of Sunday Sanctuary, Petra goes in search of what that means, and why difference is something o be desired, despite it's challenges. Dame Anne Salmond is Petra's first guest. She lays out the advantages of difference at an anthropological level (as she is so good at doing!) Rev Brett Jones is up next! Leader of the Weslyan Methodist church in Aotearoa/New Zealand, his own church and the many he oversees are full of a beautiful diversity of people. But what does this mean in actuality? We have a new intro song! It's called You Are the Gold by Terrible Sons. The sacred text in this episode is from a post by @dusttodigital. Music:Intro by The xxHarvest for the World by The Isley BrothersJust Saying by Jamie xxMarechia by Nu GeneaGive a Little Bit by SupertrampOcean City by Gunn - Trusincski Duo
For the first time in Sunday Sanctuary's history, we a re-running an episode! We want to take you back to Easter 2023, and bring back an episode that has turned into a bit of a time capsule. While the events discussed in the episode are no longer so immediately relevant today, the conversations had and points made are still relevant to us today. It's also interesting to look back at the show at a point in time when we didn't know what would happen. Would another radio station pick up the show? Would we commit to being a podcast/ Well, look at us now! We hope you enjoy this throwback. A brand-spanking-new episode will be in your feed again in two weeks time! Follow along on Instagram at @sundaysanctuarynz for updates.
Nature has seasons, the transitions between which can be difficult for many people. Life also has seasons. How do we navigate the ending of one part of our life, and the beginning of another? In this episode, Petra is joined by Rev. Frank Ritchie to unpack how he is approaching an upcoming season change in his life. Petra also talks to a group of her own friends, all of whom are in the midst of their own season changes. Haere mai/come along! A small correction: We mistakenly attributed the 'Welcoming Prayer' to Thomas Merton, instead of Thomas Keating. Music: Autumn Sweater by Yo La Tengo (played at the end of the intro) Equipoise by Max Roach (played at the end of Frank's interview) Bashed Out by This is the Kit Just Saying by Jamie xx (played during communion) Warned You by Good Morning (played during community life) Seasons (Waiting on You) by Future Islands Innerspace by The Apples in Stereo (played at the end of Petra's chat with her friends)