The Pink Elephant

In this final episode of the podcast, Mel explores some statements that are made in the worship setting that we could maybe do without.  Since it is the last episode, Mel also shares some reflections of her time as a podcaster.     

This last month, Josh and I had the pleasure of interviewing Marty Solomon again about his new book "The Gospel of Being Human" that he has co-authored with Reed Dent. The book is all about our understanding of what it means to be human, and how that also effects what we read in scripture. The book will be released in April 2026, so keep following Mel on socials so you can get your copy.    Mel al...

In last months episode, Mel delivered a practical episode on reading the Bible, intended to enhance the positive experience associated with a devotional time. But of course, a devotional time is not only made up of reading the Bible. We can't forget prayer! In this episode, Mel discusses some practical tips to improve your prayer time. 

As a flow on from last month's episode about RENEWING THE MIND, Mel proposes some practical thoughts on how we can have a positive and affirming experience when reading the Bible. A great practical episode that will surely help you in your devotional life. 

Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. But how in the world do we do that? In this months episode, Mel explores this verse and provides some suggestions for how we can go about effectively renewing our minds.  Check it out, where all good podcasts are found Also, check out Mels website at www.meljsaward.com/resources from the 21st August 2025 to download a...

The Bible is full of the encouragement to endure. In this months episode, Mel explores the theme of endurance offering the factors that help us to endure through tough situations.  Check it out where all good podcasts are found

This months episode Mel interviews Rev Dr Tania Harris all about Hearing God. Tania is the Director of God Conversations, a ministry birthed out of her PHD where she examined the ways in which God speaks in the scriptures.    Check it out where all good podcasts are found.    FYI - there will be no episode in June, while Mel and her family do some travelling. But tune in, in July for the next epis...

In this final episode of this 3-part series on Worship, we hear from the Reverend Dr Melinda Cousins about the Psalms. Melinda studied the Psalms for her PHD in 2016, and has some great insights to share on the idea of pilgrimage.  Check it out! 

Episode 2 of this 3 part series on Worship, discusses some aspects of worship that we don't always talk about. What does it really mean to worship? Is the songs we sing on a Sunday what God had in mind when He asked us to live a life of worship? In this months episode, Mel promises to delve a little deeper on these questions...   Check it out!

We're back! To kick off this new season, we will spend a few episodes talking about Praise and Worship. Melinda Medvedsky, a Worship consultant to local churches, spent some time with Mel in this first episode, talking about Praise.  Check it out! 

For this Season 4 finale episode, Mel continues her legacy of "Statements We Could Do Without" with a guest: Marty Solomon!! The creator of the BEMA podcast and the author of "Asking Better Questions of the Bible". Also, welcome for the first time a guest host, and husband of Mel...Josh Saward!  Yes, we are only up to episode 9 but decided that this year can just be a little different. We will be...

In this months episode, Mel examines the theme of judgement and considers various keys to refraining from the sin of judgement. Additionally, she provides some thoughts on how to handle when others judge you. 

In last months episode, Mel started by unpacking Ecclesiastes and demonstrating that the teacher is seeking self-fulfillment, that ultimately leaves him unfulfilled. By following his logic, the reader naturally arrives at some important questions: What are we meant to do with this message? What is a meaningful endeavour in life? What are we meant to do with our desires? In this months episode, Mel...

In this first segment of a 2-part series, Mel explores the book of Ecclesiastes. What is this book about? What hidden gem can be found in this book that is entirely countercultural and challenging to the core? Ecclesiastes is a rich text that is often misunderstood, so be sure to check this one out. 

Anger can be an extremely dangerous emotion and there is plenty in the scriptures that tell us the sinful consequences of unbridled anger. But is anger always negative?  In this month's episode Mel takes a look at Anger in the scriptures and presents some unusual insights, as well as some tips to dealing with angry feelings. 

Jonah is one of the most unique stories to be found in the Bible. But what is the point of it? Many times, it has been said that Jonah is a message to remind us of what can happen when we disobey God. However, in this months episode, Mel examines in depth the hidden Pink Elephants revealed through the life of Jonah. So many of which are highly relevant to our culture today. 

In this months episode, Edwina Blair, Associate Lecturer in Biblical Studies, talks with us about the Retribution Principle, an ideology that is present in the Old Testament. This Principle can effect how we interpret or misinterpret the Old Testament scriptures - so get ready to have your mind expanded

We have so many reasons to distrust in this day and age. So how do we learn to trust God? What aren't we seeing about trusting God that could elevate our faith? That's the subject of this months episode! Mel tells you what the Bible says about trust and how you can grow to trust God more. 

Welcome back to Season 4!  In this first episode for 2024, I interview Dr Denise Powell about the concept of being Righteous in the book of Luke, the subject of her PHD. Dr Denise draws incredible insights for our daily walk with God, that will challenge and humble.   

In this FINALE episode for Season 3, Mel continues the legacy of 'Statements We Could Do Without'. Did you know that FEAR, GUILT & SHAME are really terrible motivators? Not only that, they are concepts that as Christians we aren't meant to carry anymore. In this edition, Mel takes a look at a few statements present in the Christian world that use FEAR, GUILT or SHAME to motivate believers into...

Holiness can be confusing! In this episode, Mel discusses her first exposure to holiness and how utterly strange it was. So strange in fact that she decided not to think about it. Until last year when she started reading more extensively about the holiness movement. What was it about the message of holiness that caused such a stir? What is holiness? What isn't it?  Find out in this months episode!

As a special feature episode, please help yourself to this FREE audio-version of Chapter 1 from Deep Faith, Resilient Faith. 

In this month's episode, Mel shares her most recent learnings about false humility. False humility can be deceptive. We often put our trust in people who appear humble, only to find out that they aren't really humble at all. In this episode, examines the goals and the gains of a false humility mindset and how we can prevent it

In this months episode, Mel spends some time considering what power and witness might be, and how we often interpret them within the context of Acts 1:8 which says: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth"

There might not be any relationship that is more influential on the person you become than that of your parents. Even if they are absent, they still influence the person you turn out to be. There are some pink elephants in the Christian world when it comes to our parents...tackling these is the goal for Mel in this months episode.