Episodes

  • Enduring hardship [Jairus's story]
    Nov 20 2025

    In Part 2 of his story, Joel and Braden explore with Jairus what it means to be consistently Christian in a world that doesn't always understand.

    Jairus doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. He talks about his family's story—his parents' long struggle to have children, the miracle of his birth, and how people he now meets in Adelaide still tell him they prayed for him before he was born. He shares how traveling to Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India as a young kid exposed him to real suffering and gave him perspective that keeps him grounded when peers at school "carry on like clowns" without realising how blessed they are.

    The conversation explores what it's like when your mates already know not to invite you out on Saturday nights because you'll be at church and late night youth. Jairus explains why he never changes how he acts around non-Christian friends, why living consistently matters more than immediate conversions, and how standing out as different—"What are you doing Saturday? I'm going to church"—plants seeds that might grow 20 years later.

    We also hear about youth leading, building relationships with Year 10 boys who don't come to church but show up every Friday, and the reward of seeing two of them start coming to church. Jairus shares about running at national championships in Adelaide with his grandfather watching, who FaceTimed him every day and he struggled through lockdown and then witnessed God's work culminating in baptism and representing NSW. And he reflects on the Easter Sunday when he baptized his brother Zach in the river, a moment that became a core memory.

    Jairus's simple affirmation through chaos? "Life sucks, but God's got me."

    This is Part 2 of Jairus' story. Listen to Part 1 for Jairus's journey through lockdown, discovering running as meditation, and how discipline carried him through the HSC.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • The Game's Gone [Jairus's story]
    Nov 13 2025

    We chat with Jairus just days after he finishes his HSC. Apart from discussing the post-exam haze and the pressure surrounding university admissions, they discuss Jairus' faith journey, his baptism and the role of faith in overcoming challenges.

    Jairus shares how his faith has been tested by his grandmother's illness and how running and a supportive community helped him through difficult times. The conversation also delves into the impact of COVID lockdowns on teenagers, particularly the challenges of isolation and identity formation and the importance of his faith-based community and the unique relationships he has formed at Soul Revival.

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    44 mins
  • I can't be perfect [Emily's story]
    Oct 31 2025

    Emily gets real with Joel and Brayden about faith, identity, and the struggle of trying to be “perfect” when you know you’re not.

    From growing up in a Christian school to teaching medical ethics at uni, Emily shares how her faith guides her through big questions about life, morality, and influence — without making her feel like she has to have it all figured out.

    They chat about:
    💬 Why “I can’t be perfect” is actually a step into real faith
    📚 How school shaped her understanding of God and identity
    ⚖️ Discussing ethics, morality, and real-world dilemmas as a Christian
    💡 Staying grounded in truth while engaging with the wider world
    🎵 And yes… there’s even a bit of Taylor Swift talk

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    59 mins
  • Elevate my faith [Jwanel's story
    54 mins
  • Remember what God has done [Jwanel's story]
    Oct 9 2025

    Jwanel shares her powerful story of how God brought her from a season of anxiety, burnout, and deep depression to a life filled with joy and peace.

    She opens up about what it was like to lose her sense of purpose and struggle with negative thoughts — and how, in one transforming moment of prayer, she experienced freedom from the weight she’d been carrying.

    As she reflects on her journey, Jwanel talks about learning to rest, let go of perfectionism, and trust God’s timing in every part of her life — including singleness, purpose, and identity. Her story is an honest and encouraging reminder that even in our darkest moments, God is near, and He can bring lasting hope and renewal.

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    52 mins
  • Gerald's life [Gerald's story]
    59 mins
  • Unexpected kindness [Gerald's story]
    Sep 25 2025

    We sit down with Gerald who shares his remarkable journey from Malaysia to Sydney, filled with culture, resilience, and surprising moments of kindness.

    From discovering Vegemite and honey on buttered toast, to unforgettable encounters with strangers who showed compassion at McDonald’s and even concerned bikers checking on his daughter, these stories remind us that small acts of care can leave lasting impacts.

    He also reflects on his studies, career twists, and how a chance phone call led him into IT sales—a role that brought both challenges and deep joy. Eventually, his love for Australia, sparked in part by Peter Allen’s “I Still Call Australia Home,” brought him and his family back to Sydney to start a new chapter.

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    57 mins
  • Being present for others [Megan's story]
    Sep 18 2025

    We sit down to continue Megan's story, a school chaplain, climber, and social work student. She shares what it means to serve in a pastoral role in public schools, where one-on-one ministry is about care, listening, and support rather than preaching. She opens up about the challenges of carrying emotional burdens, the comfort she finds in prayer, and the privilege of pointing people to Christ—even indirectly.

    Outside of chaplaincy, Megan finds joy and mental health benefits in climbing, music, and being part of a supportive community. We also hear about her training at Youthworks, her path into community services and social work, and her vision of working with kids, families, and mental health in the future.

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    49 mins