Breakfast with the P-M's

In this episode, we come back to the subject of mission as Matthew and Ellie prepare to spend the winter serving with Altitude Mission in Méribel. We talk about what the season might look like, from Ski Angels and serving people on the mountain to building relationships, hospitality and simply being available to the people around us. But the conversation quickly becomes about something much bigger...

In this episode, Matthew and Ellie come back from watching the new  Sense and Sensibility  feeling very romantic, very whimsical, and suddenly convinced that modern life might be moving far too fast. We talk about our desire for a slower and simpler life, something we have felt before after coming home from New Zealand, but somehow seem to have drifted away from again. That leads us into conversat...

In this episode, we start by talking about mission and the work Patrick and Philly have been doing with their church in a local school, alongside around 60 other volunteers and church members. As part of R.E. lessons, students have been given the chance to “Grill a Christian” and ask whatever they want. Patrick and Philly share some of the questions they have been asked, and Matthew inevitably sta...

In this episode, we talk about control, passivity and what can happen in a relationship when one person starts taking over and the other slowly stops stepping in. Patrick and Philly share honestly about the early years of their marriage, when Philly realised she was trying to control almost every situation and Patrick found himself becoming increasingly passive and avoiding decisions altogether. T...

In this episode, we talk about community, friendship and whether we actually need as much of it as we are sometimes told we do. Do women generally want or need community more than men? Do our friendships change as we get older? And after years of putting in the time, honesty and vulnerability to build strong relationships, do we need to be quite so intentional about finding “community”? We also qu...

In this episode, we attempt our very own, slightly questionable version of Desert Island Discs. With Ellie missing from the breakfast table, Matthew asks Patrick and Philly what food and music they would take with them to a desert island. We manage the food, but barely make it to the first song before getting completely sidetracked. That detour takes us back to the beginning of Patrick and Philly’...

In this episode, we take a trip back to Patrick and Philly’s childhoods and compare growing up then with growing up now. We talk about 5p pocket money, childhood freedom, school days and even getting the slipper or cane. We also explore how life felt slower and simpler without smartphones, social media, the internet and the constant noise of modern technology. Matthew is convinced he was born too...

In this episode, we talk about work, identity and the pressure we can put on ourselves to find fulfilment in what we do. Does your job define who you are? Can work become too closely tied to your identity? And what happens when the thing you thought would make you feel successful or fulfilled doesn't quite do that? We discuss ambition, purpose, career choices, comparison and the different ways...

In this episode, we find ourselves having a conversation we never really intended to have, and end up tackling some of the biggest and most difficult questions of faith. We talk about healing and what happens when healing doesn’t come, suffering, unanswered prayer, and how we continue to trust God when we don’t understand what He is doing. Along the way, the conversation turns to Jesus Himself. Wh...

In this episode, we talk about what it means to hear from God and seek His guidance when making decisions in life. We discuss how God leads us through prayer, reading the Bible, wise counsel from others, and learning to know His voice over time. We also explore the idea that guidance often comes as we step forward in faith, because “God can’t steer a ship at anchor.” Sometimes we have to start mov...

In this episode, Patrick shares the story of being told the "inconvenient diagnosis", and the impact that has had on him and the family. Together, we talk honestly about fear, sadness, pain and uncertainty, but also about faith, hope and what it means to trust God in the middle of devastating news. This is a more serious and personal conversation about facing suffering without pretending...

In this episode, Matthew opens a can of worms with a question for Patrick:  do you identify as someone with kidneys? What begins as a funny and slightly ridiculous question leads into a much deeper conversation about health, dialysis, comparison and the strange guilt we can feel when we think we “shouldn’t complain” because someone else appears to have it worse. We also talk about the different si...

In this bonus episode, Philly shares her Top Ten Tips for Tough Times . Philly goes through her list and reflects on what it means to remain grateful and thankful even in the middle of really difficult, painful or uncertain seasons. Together, they talk honestly about having to choose gratefulness which can help us keep going when life feels or gets heavy. We hope this episode brings encouragement...

In this episode, we talk about gratefulness. What it means, why it matters, and how we can choose it even when life feels difficult. We explore choosing to be thankful, and how that choice can slowly change our posture, our perspective and the way we see the world around us. Rather than turning inward and becoming caught up in ourselves, gratefulness can help us look outward, praise God, recognise...

In this episode, we talk all things marriage! From the early days of being newlyweds to the lessons learned after many years together. Patrick and Philly share honest reflections, funny stories and practical wisdom from their own marriage, while Matthew and Ellie ask questions from the perspective of a younger couple still learning along the way. We chat about communication, commitment, expectatio...

In this episode, Patrick and Philly share the story of how and why they became Christians. This is a more serious and personal conversation about faith, testimony, the Holy Spirit, and the moments that shaped their relationship with God. They talk honestly about their journeys, what changed for them, and how their faith has continued to guide their lives, marriage and family. Whether you share the...

Matthew is turning 30, and it has got him thinking: why does life seem to be moving so quickly, and what does it really mean to live each day well? In this episode, Matthew and Ellie talk with Mum and Dad about growing older, making the most of everyday life and learning to take our eyes off ourselves. They explore what it means to focus on God, serve others, read the Bible consistently and “die t...

In our first episode, we introduce Breakfast with the P-M’s and share why we wanted to start the podcast, who we hope it will encourage, and what listeners can expect from our conversations. We also begin telling some of our family story, including Philly’s thoughts on friendship, Patrick’s experience of living with dialysis, and the life lessons that have shaped us along the way. It’s an honest,...

Welcome to Breakfast with the P-M’s , a relaxed and honest podcast with Matt, Ellie, Patrick and Philly. Join us around the breakfast table as we talk about marriage, family, faith, finances, friendship, life’s challenges and everything in between. Our first episode launches on Friday 3 July, so follow the podcast now and come and join us for breakfast!