Happy Christmas! In this festive episode we share – and then judge – our Christmas micro-sermons. Also we think about the practices that will nourish us this Christmas and reflect on how the darkness and worry of the nativity stories does not diminish the life and hope. Remember everyone – you're still alive, and that's a wonderful thing!

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Strictly Come Dancing FInal
• Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video)
• Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) (Directors' Cut)
• Conclave
• Winter solstice

After a brief debate about which of us is the more miserable, we discuss whether social media can help us engage with our shadow, detaching from the news without feeling guilty, and how hate actually tethers us to the object of our hatred. Also, as we enter Advent, where do we look for the hope? And what can we do to add to the hope and love that is really all around us?

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Joy
• Ludwig
• Anne Lamott, Almost Everything
• Tish Harrison Warren, Go Slow and Repair Things

In this episode, we talk about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, and, more specifically, about the systems of thinking which lead almost inevitably to coercion and abuse. How can we challenge systems like this? Is there any hope? And is God relying on us to be the answers to prayer?

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Brian Draper Advent 2024 - The Inside of Love
• Episode 94: Happy New (Liturgical) Year
• The Muppet Christmas Carol
• Paddy McGuinness Ultra Endurance Cycle Challenge
• ‘Prolific, brutal and horrific’: Makin report calls out the Smyth abuse and the cover-up

Joe talks to award-winning and Billboard-charting artist Flamy Grant, the 'shame-slaying, hip-swaying, singing-songwriting drag queen' from North Carolina. As well as sharing their story of growing up in the evangelical church, they talk about the need to trust peoples' experiences and how, so often, we have a view of God who 'doesn’t love very well'. Along the way, Flamy talks about mystical encounters, dealing with opposition and abuse and why, in the end, it's all about joy.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Paddington in Peru
• Flamy Grant- Website

We talk about prayer and laughter, about creativity, and about the everyday acts of hope that help us transcend the news. Also we discuss judging a theology by the fruit it bears. Meanwhile Nick talks about his retreat and there is a lot about cheese. Business as usual, then.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
• Paddington in Peru
• Deadpool & Wolverine
• Norman Wirzba, Love's Braided Dance - Hope in a Time of Crisis
• Ten Arguments for Deleting Your Social Media Accounts Right Now
• WSJ: X Algorithm Feeds Users Political Content—Whether They Want It or Not
• Waitrose: Christmas Stollen, Panettone & Pandoro

In times of disappointment, darkness and fear, how should we respond? What difference can we make? We talk about joy as a revolutionary act, and how we can refuse to join in the game. Also, we discuss reclaiming labels such as 'Christian', and we have powerful stories about the power of prayer, mystical coincidences and, of course, parking spaces. Brought to you by Saint Joe of the Cheese and St Nick, patron saint of innuendo.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Battle, East Sussex
• Where did the Battle of Hastings happen?
• William I 'The Conqueror'
• Heretic
• All Saints' Day
• Show of Hands - Roots

We have an interview with singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph. He talks about his career, the craft of song-writing, his campaigning worked the importance of just turning up. And we end, of course, with a song.

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Mentioned in this episode:

• Martyn Joseph
• Martyn Joseph - Chapel Porth Beach
• Let Yourself Trust
• Tour Dates 2024
• Liberal Backslider

Is God really in charge of the universe? Do prophecies actually happen? We have some fascinating feedback about hearing from God and how he is calling us to collaboration and co-creation. Meanwhile, Nick quotes Ezekiel and Joe goes all mystical about Robins.

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• Contact the podcast through your email machine
• Mid-faith Crisis Facebook Page
• Nick's Blog

Mentioned in this episode:

• Dear Evan Hansen
• Alex Horne and the Horne Section
• Robin
• Bearded Tit
• Essence–energies distinction
• Thomas Jay Oord
• Ezekiel 37:1-14 The Valley of Dry Bones