Advertise on podcast: Towards Understanding

Belonging shouldn't begin with a wedding ring. In this episode, Clayton talks with Lisa LaGeorge about singleness, community and the role of the church in creating genuine connection and belonging for everyone, regardless of relationship status.Lisa has spent more than twenty years serving in ministry, teaching and mentoring people across cultures and stages of life. Drawing on her own experience and years of ministry leadership, she is passionate about helping churches better understand, value and support single adults. She is the author of Single Together. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can a person's past ever place them beyond the reach of God's grace? Robyn Dykstra joins Clayton to share her remarkable story of faith, loss, redemption and hope. From a turbulent early life and a journey far from God, to becoming a passionate Christian speaker and Bible teacher, Robyn reflects on the ways God met her through both heartbreak and healing. Together they explore grief, second chances, faith through suffering and the surprising ways hope can emerge from life's most difficult seasons.Robyn is an author, speaker and Bible teacher who is passionate about helping people discover the hope, healing and freedom found in Jesus Christ. Through her book The Widow Wore Pink: A True Story of Life After Loss and the Transforming Power of a Loving God, she shares her deeply personal journey through grief, faith and restoration following the loss of her husband. Drawing on her own experiences of redemption and God's grace, Robyn now encourages audiences around the world to find strength, purpose and hope, no matter their past or present circumstances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Dennis was lost for 5 days in an abandonded cave without any food or water - his discovery and survival are miraclous! Clayton hears from Joshua over 3 decades later as he reflects on the experience, what it has taught him and the encouragement to others who might find themselves in their own 'darkness'. Joshua is the author of Power & Light: A True Story of Faith in Christ, a compelling true story of faith that inspired the feature film Faith of Angels. Through his writing and speaking, he encourages others to recognise God’s power and light in the midst of life's challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you see a problem and decide you can no longer ignore it? Rochelle Courtenay joins Clayton to share the story behind Share the Dignity, the national charity she founded after learning that many women experiencing homelessness could not access basic period products. What began as a simple collection drive quickly grew into a movement that has helped millions of Australian women and girls. Together they explore compassion, dignity, generosity and how ordinary people can create extraordinary change when they choose to act.Rochelle is the Founder and Managing Director of Share the Dignity, one of Australia's most recognised charities supporting women and girls experiencing hardship. Since launching the organisation in 2015, Rochelle has helped build a national movement powered by thousands of volunteers and community supporters. A passionate advocate for women's dignity and wellbeing, she is a sought-after speaker, podcast host and changemaker. While she holds many titles, the one she cherishes most is "The Pad Lady." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a life's calling leads through both extraordinary joy and unimaginable heartbreak? David and Alicia Lloyd join Clayton to reflect on decades of ministry in Haiti, the communities they have served, and the devastating loss of their son Davy and daughter-in-law Natalie at the hands of gang members in Haiti. Together they explore grief, faith, purpose and the difficult journey of holding on to hope when life changes forever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 God emerged.About Daniella KafourisDaniella Kafouris is a writer and storyteller whose life was transformed by her family's journey through childhood cancer. Raised in Zambia and South Africa before settling in Australia with her husband Mike, Daniella spent years searching for meaning through different philosophies and ideas. When their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. Her debut book, The Pink Alice Band, shares the story of navigating a parent's deepest fears while discovering faith, hope and unexpected strength in the midst of suffering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, and the power of lives lived for something greater than themselves.About Anthony D'AmbrosioAnthony D'Ambrosio is a storyteller, filmmaker and founder of Sherwood Fellows, where he helps organisations communicate purpose and inspire meaningful change. His work has focused on how movements are shaped through shared vision, belonging and human connection. Anthony is the writer and director of Triumph of the Heart, a feature film exploring the life and legacy of Maximilian Kolbe, whose extraordinary act of self-sacrifice continues to inspire people around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 looks like beyond the numbers.About Rosie KendallRosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy, a Christian organisation that partners with churches across Australia to support people facing financial hardship. For nearly two decades, Rosie has worked alongside individuals and families navigating debt, poverty and financial crisis, while helping equip churches to respond with practical support and lasting hope. Originally involved with the ministry in the UK before moving to Australia, Rosie is passionate about seeing lives transformed through compassion, community and the love of Jesus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 condition. Together they explore the challenges, opportunities and hope emerging from decades of research and care.Professor Henry Brodaty AO is one of Australia's leading experts in ageing, mental health and dementia. He is Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney and has spent decades advancing dementia research, improving care and supporting people living with dementia and their families. In 2026, he was named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to dementia research, advocacy and care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 reflect on resilience, purpose and the lessons that emerged from one of history's most significant tragedies.Gennelle as working on the 64th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the September 11 attacks occurred. After the towers collapsed, she became the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble. Her remarkable story of survival, recovery and faith has inspired people around the world and continues to offer hope to those facing their own difficult circumstances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 elevating women's voices and stories around the world. A former policy adviser who has worked across government, human rights and international organisations, her work explores the intersection of media, power and leadership. She is the author of The Right Hand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Rebecca is an ADHD coach, speaker and advocate who helps people better understand the emotional and practical challenges associated with ADHD. Through her work, she is passionate about increasing awareness of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and supporting individuals to build healthier relationships, greater resilience and a stronger sense of self-understanding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 human qualities that remain essential in a rapidly changing world.About Daniel SihDaniel Sih is an author, speaker and the founder of Spacemakers, an organisation that helps busy people regain focus, reduce overwhelm and make room for what matters most. His work explores the intersection of technology, productivity and human flourishing, including the impact of digital habits, healthy technology use and artificial intelligence. Daniel is the co-author of Wise AI and is passionate about helping individuals, families and leaders navigate technology with wisdom and purpose. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the one we imagined. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 Chaplain at Melbourne Airport, supporting travellers, airport staff and families through some of life's most challenging and meaningful moments. Through years of listening, caring and walking alongside people in times of crisis and transition, Martyn's experiences inspired the SBS drama series The Airport Chaplain. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.