Towards Understanding

How do you keep going when the life you know disappears overnight? Daniella Kafouris joins Clayton to share the devastating moment her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and the journey that followed. Together they explore fear, uncertainty, faith and resilience, reflecting on how a season of profound darkness became the place where hope, strength and a life-changing encounter with...

What makes a story endure long after the people who lived it are gone? Anthony D'Ambrosio joins Clayton to discuss the extraordinary life of Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who gave his life for another prisoner in Auschwitz, and why stories of courage, sacrifice and compassion continue to resonate today. Together they explore the role of storytelling, the search for purpose and belonging,...

Financial hardship affects far more than a bank account. Rosie Kendall joins Clayton to discuss the personal impact of debt, financial stress and economic uncertainty, and why hope, dignity and community are essential ingredients in helping people rebuild their lives. Together they explore the role churches can play in supporting those facing financial challenges and what genuine transformation lo...

Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of Australians and touches the lives of countless families, yet many misconceptions remain about what it is and how best to respond. Professor Henry Brodaty AO joins Clayton to discuss the latest understanding of dementia, the importance of early intervention, brain health and prevention, and how families and carers can better support those living with the co...

As the world marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Clayton revisits his conversation with Gennelle Guzman-McMillan, the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble of the World Trade Center. Trapped for more than 27 hours beneath the collapsed towers, Gennelle shares her extraordinary story of survival, faith and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. Together they refl...

Who are the people trusted to advise presidents, prime ministers and global leaders? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks joins Clayton to share insights from conversations with chiefs of staff to some of the world's most influential decision-makers, exploring leadership, influence, trust and what happens behind the scenes of power. Phoebe is the founder of Missing Perspectives, a media platform dedicated to e...

Many people experience rejection, but for some, even minor criticism or perceived disapproval can feel overwhelming. Rebecca Challoner joins Clayton to explore Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), discussing its impact on relationships, self-worth and everyday life, and how greater understanding can help people navigate these intense emotional responses with greater awareness and compassion. Rebec...

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work, learn and live, but how do we use these powerful tools wisely? Daniel Sih joins Clayton to explore the opportunities and challenges of AI, the importance of human wisdom and discernment, and how we can embrace innovation without losing sight of what matters most. Together they discuss technology, attention, productivity and the uniquely huma...

What happens when life repeatedly takes turns you never wanted and never expected? Vaneetha Rendall Risner joins Clayton to share her journey through disability, grief, loss and an unwanted divorce, reflecting on how faith can survive even the most painful seasons. Together they explore disappointment, suffering, resilience and the hope that can still be found when life looks very different from t...

Airports are places of reunions, farewells, celebrations and crises, where some of life's most significant moments unfold. Martyn Scrimshaw joins Clayton to share what years of chaplaincy at Melbourne Airport have taught him about people, resilience and the power of being present in moments of uncertainty. Together they explore the unexpected encounters and life lessons. Martyn serves as Head Chap...

One in seven Christians around the world experiences persecution for their faith, yet many Australian Christians know little about what life is like for believers living under pressure. Nathan Holland joins Clayton to explore the stories behind the 2026 World Watch List, including the growing challenges facing Christians in places like Nigeria, Syria and across Asia. Together they discuss resilien...

The internet has opened up incredible opportunities for young people, but it has also introduced new challenges for parents and families. Susan McLean joins Clayton to discuss the realities of growing up in a digital world, exploring online safety, social media, cyberbullying and the practical steps parents can take to help children and teenagers navigate life online with confidence and resilience...

Sometimes the experiences that shape us most are the ones we never planned. Ian Reilly joins Clayton to reflect on how a teaching opportunity in Samoa transformed his understanding of culture, community and compassion, influencing the course of his life and career in ways he never expected. Together they explore the lessons learned through cross-cultural living, innovation, leadership and seeing t...

What happens after the initial shock begins to fade after a crisis, but life still doesn't feel normal again? Adriel Booker joins Clayton to discuss the often-overlooked season between crisis and recovery, exploring grief, change, uncertainty and the challenge of finding hope when the future feels unclear. Together they reflect on the quiet work of healing and how we can navigate life's in-between...

Clayton spoke to Shelby Abbott is an author and campus minister. Shelby spoke about his book, Why We're Feeling Lonely (and What We Can Do About It , which explores common causes of loneliness among young adults, specifically about digital isolation, porn & casual sex, increased anger & tribalism and depression & anxiety. Shelby talks about the opportunities for healing from these area...

How do culture, politics and faith influence one another? Historian, and author of 'Jesus and John Wayne', Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Clayton to explore the forces that shape religious communities, the relationship between belief and cultural identity, and what history can teach us about the challenges facing faith in the modern world. Kristin specifically focuses on the influence of white-evangel...

What does it mean to truly belong? Anna Dombkins joins Clayton to explore adoption, family and the life-changing impact of giving children a place to call home. Drawing on her family's own adoption journey, Anna reflects on the joys and challenges of building a family across cultures, while also sharing why supporting vulnerable mothers is a vital part of helping children thrive. About Anna Dombki...

Modern slavery can feel like a problem from another era, yet millions of people around the world remain trapped in trafficking, forced labour and exploitation. Peter Williams joins Clayton to discuss the realities of modern slavery today, the work being done to protect vulnerable people, and why justice requires more than simply being aware of the problem. About Peter Williams: Peter Williams serv...

In a crumbling Soviet Union, the Petrosyan family finds themselves as outcasts - wherever they go. Hear Violetta & Ivan talk with Clayton about how their Armenian heritage marked them out for discrimination, first in their home country of Azerbaijan and then in Russia. After finding their eternal hope through a church planted by American missionaries, the hostilities of everyday life push them...

Maureen Martin shares with Clayton how the bedrock of her faith enabled her to face the challenges, including (in a 6 month period) the death of her son & her husband's horse-riding accident that resulted in brain damage. Her story encourages us that no matter what life throws at you, there can be a purposeful future up ahead as we trust in God.   See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

CHECK: Dave Adamson is a speaker, author, and digital ministry leader who has spent more than two decades helping churches communicate clearly, disciple people effectively, and reach beyond their walls through digital platforms. After nearly a decade as a TV reporter with Channel TEN in Melbourne, Australia, Dave moved to the US in 2008 to work at the intersection of church, media, and digital cul...

Support the podcast and help keep these conversations going: https://donate.thelight.com.au/ Magnus is the founder and CEO of Mary’s Meals International, a global charity providing daily meals to over 3 million of the world’s poorest children in their place of education. His journey began in 1992 when, moved by the Bosnian conflict, he and his brother delivered aid from Scotland to Bos...

Clayton spoke to Robert Rogers. In 2003, Robert experienced a deep tragedy. After 8 years as a father, nearly 12 years as a husband, Robert's life completely changed one night on his family's way home from a wedding in which he and the family got caught out in a wild flash flood. Sadly Robert was the only one to survive, with his wife and 4 children drowned. Through his immediate trust in God, Rob...

Clayton chatted with Hilda John, who has been serving vulnerable communities through DAIA (Development Association for Integrated Activity) since its inception in 2002. With a professional background as a civil engineer in India, she stepped away from a successful technical career to pursue her true calling, serving people in need, bringing a wealth of leadership, professional expertise, and deep...

Clayton chatted to Lauren Novak (an award-winning journalist) specialising in coverage of education, parenting, family violence and child safety. But, it was her personal journey of understanding why motherhood causes havoc with your life that led her to write the book Meltdown: Why motherhood makes us angry and what to do about it . Clayton and Lauren talk through the discoveries, the reserach an...