Real Hope Conversations

INTRODUCING: The New Christian - In the beginning with Ben McEachen

Real Hope Conversations

Show Notes

The New Christian is a podcast for anyone exploring faith — asking big questions about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian. Hosted by Chris Jolly, Drive announcer on Hope 1032 and a relatively new Christian himself, this podcast follows a journey of discovery as Chris sits down with seasoned Christian leaders, mentors, and thinkers to explore the foundations of faith. Key Takeaways: "The New Christian" podcast is designed to help those exploring Christianity by answering fundamental questions about faith, God, and church life. Chris Jolly recently embraced Christianity and seeks to share his insights with a broader audience, drawing upon his background in radio broadcasting. Each episode in the first season covers major topics such as the nature of God, understanding Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and navigating church customs. The podcast endeavors to demystify the church experience for newcomers, addressing common questions and anxieties faced by new Christians. Listeners can expect a blend of personal stories, expert interviews, and thoughtful discussions aimed at guiding them through the early stages of their faith journey. Notable Quotes: "Why are you doing this, Chris?" — Ben McEachen "There are things that you can't explain that led us both into, I think, the new age world." — Chris Jolly "But here I am, 20 years later, so keen to go to church." — Chris Jolly "This is the podcast that you wished was around when you were becoming Christian?" — Ben McEachen "Vanessa said, very sheepishly, I should add, would you mind if maybe one Sunday you drive me to church?" — Chris Jolly See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from Real Hope Conversations

Jul 28, 2026

Heidi Wysman, regular contributor and partner on Hope1032 and founder of Hope WIth Heidi has published her first sit down conversation on the series Enduring Hope. We go through the journeys of different individuals who are standing in the middle of the promise and miracle and how their faith outworks through it all. Ursula Young is a former women's pastor who has navigated through significant life changes with resilience and faith. She transitioned from a strong ministry role into motherhood, faced financial and identity loss, and emerged with a testimony of enduring hope and perspective. Peter Young is a former business owner in the construction industry who faced bankruptcy during the 1989 economic recession. His journey from success to financial collapse and back again with faith at the core showcases perseverance and spiritual growth. Key Takeaways: The importance of anchoring identity in faith rather than in societal roles or professional titles. How personal crises can serve as pivotal moments for spiritual growth and deeper reliance on God. The transformative power of counseling and community support during times of emotional and spiritual distress. The concept of the "cloak of forgiveness" and its ability to heal and protect relationships within church communities. Enduring hope is developed and strengthened through continued trust in divine plans and promises despite life’s challenges. Notable Quotes: "Enduring hope doesn't just appear in the storm. It's been growing in you all along." - Heidi Wysman "He was modern Jesus, but he would come up and put his arm around me and… say, I'm taking you through." - Ursula Young "I felt a great sense of being adrift. I still cared about what was happening to people within the church." - Ursula Young "Everybody on that steering committee was, in one form or another, just totally destroyed." - Peter Young "I actually put my hand up and said, I need to talk to you about that." - Peter Young Resources: Heidi Wysman's 365 daily devotions book - Enduring Hope Heidi Wysman's Social Media: Twitter, Instagram

Apr 1, 2026

Episode 1 available April 7 The New Christian is a podcast for anyone exploring faith — asking big questions about who God is, who Jesus is, and what it really means to call yourself a Christian. Hosted by Chris Jolly, Drive announcer on Hope 1032 and a relatively new Christian himself, this podcast follows a journey of discovery as Chris sits down with seasoned Christian leaders, mentors, and thinkers to explore the foundations of faith. Season One covers questions like: Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit? Why church? Why prayer? Why does evil exist? Even… how do you read the Bible? Each episode is an honest, thoughtful conversation designed for the curious, the seeker, the new believer — and even the lifelong Christian wanting to go deeper. No jargon. No assumptions. Just real questions, trusted voices, and a growing faith. Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time or rediscovering it, you’re invited to learn alongside Chris — one conversation at a time. Because some questions don’t have quick answers… but they’re worth asking. Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at hope1032.com.au/podcasts. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 16, 2026

With All Due Respect - Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Tune in to find out if that’s possible. Episode Summary: In the latest episode of "With All Due Respect," hosts Megan Powell du Toit and Michael Jensen dive into the complex and timely topic of immigration in Australia. This conversation couldn't be more pertinent as recent protests, the March for Australia, have stirred national debate about whether the country faces an immigration problem and how people, especially Christians, should respond. The discussion progresses to explore the nuanced aspects of immigration, including its impact on cultural identity, the rising presence of non-Christian faiths, and how statistics can often misrepresent the real picture, creating unwarranted fear and tension. Joining the conversation is Jeri Jones Sparks, a Tamil Indian Australian with an active ministry presence, who shares her experiences and insights on living as an immigrant and working within the church to foster intercultural understanding. The episode further highlights the gripping SBS series "The Secret DNA of Us," which unveils the hidden ethnic makeup of Australian towns. This, coupled with stories of individual ancestry, shines a light on Australia's multifaceted identity. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and social policy. Key Takeaways: Immigration Debate: Recent protests have highlighted the complexity surrounding immigration in Australia, often fueled by misinformation and political agendas. Cultural and Religious Shifts: Australia's demographic changes bring both challenges and opportunities as the country navigates a more multicultural and religiously diverse population. Christian Response: The necessity for Christians to redefine what it means to engage with 'the other,' drawing from biblical examples of how to treat foreigners among us. Intercultural Church Dynamics: The importance of churches evolving towards interculturalism, incorporating various cultural perspectives to enhance community and belonging. Understanding Heritage: Emotional and personal journeys uncovering one's ancestry, as showcased in the SBS series, can redefine individual and communal identity. Notable Quotes: "We're not as good at estimating numbers or proportions. It all comes through filters of bias." — Megan Powell du Toit "I think there's going to be some kind of shift in our normal of engaging with cultural commentary." — Jeri Jones Sparks "It's really messy. There's going to be conflict. But there's something gospel-hearted in how it shapes our gathering." — Jeri Jones Sparks "The church has a lot to teach our society by modeling that kind of internationalism, that kind of welcome which is blind to race." — Michael Jensen "When we know that it's God who appoints where and when all people should live, who are the people that God has put around us?" — Jeri Jones Sparks Resources: Satya Network SBS TV Series: The Secret DNA of Us ABC online article by Michael Jensen on Immigration This season of With All Due Respect is sponsored by Morling College, a Christ-centred higher-education institution shaped by its Baptist heritage and broad evangelical vision. Morling is committed to rigorous theological study, deep spiritual formation, and learning how to engage faithfully and thoughtfully with difference. Study options include ministry and theology, counselling, chaplaincy, and education. Download a course guide to ex

Nov 27, 2025

INTRODUCING: WIth All Due Respect This podcast is part of the Hope Media production. Less aggro, more conversation. Is it even possible to have a deep discussion without it descending into chaos? Michael Jensen and Megan Powell du Toit think yes, and want to show the rest of us how to do it. There’s plenty of things they disagree on: free will, feminism, where you should send your kids to school and what type of church you should go to. But there are also plenty of other things that they have in common. They want to talk about all these things with conviction. But they also want the conversation to be constructive. Tune in to find out if that’s possible. This episode has been one of the highest listened to episodes in the WADR catalogue! With schoolies ongoing as well as the holiday season just over the horizon, we'd like to replay this ep and to stir some thought and discussion. Discuss!? Glad you asked - head to our WADR group here on Facebook!

Aug 23, 2024

Tap here to listen to this Money Faith & Finance episode Join hosts Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows as they sit with Danniebelle on the Money: Faith & Finance podcast. Discover how Danniebelle's upbringing in biblical generosity faced challenges from redundancy and mortgage pressures to anxiety. Learn how she turned to Jesus' promises in the Sermon on the Mount and 1 Corinthians 10:13, seeking God through hardship to grow in faithfulness. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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