Dr Natalie Thorburn, head of policy at Women's Refuge, has dedicated her life to researching and understanding gender-based violence. With a wealth or research and practice behind her, we're privileged to be able to learn from her and ask: what is violence? Why does it happen? And why is it so hard to escape it? Along the way, Dr Thorburn busts some myths about gender-based violence, such as ideal of the 'perfect victim' and why violence is not about anger. This is an info-packed and illuminating conversation for anyone who cares about making the world safer for women.

We are privileged to be joined by Dr Linda Dear, New Zealand's foremost expert in menopause. She has founded a specialist menopause clinic, led a conversation-changing survey of 4000 women in New Zealand, met with MPs, and is often seen on TV. No topic is off limits in this episode, as we talk about what perimenopause and menopause actually are, why they play havoc in all sorts of ways, and what we can do about it. Along the way, we talk about menopause stigma, mental health, how it affects our sex lives, HRT, and why menopausal women are extra awesome!

#womenshealth #menopause #women #equity #health #faith #salvationarmy

It would not be overstating it to say that this is a life-changing kōrerō. We are joined by Envoy Anihera Carroll and Gina Colvin, 2 wāhine who are embedding Tikanga Māori into who we are as The Salvation Army. It is world-view, mind-altering conversation, as we ask big questions like:

Why should we care about Te Reo Māori?

Is the reo a justice issue?

What does it mean to decolonise our faith?

If you are Pākehā we encourage you to feel the fear and do it anyway. If you are Māori our hope is that you will feel centred, seen and celebrated.

Dr Colonel Janet Munn joins us all the way from New York. She is The Salvation Army's foremost authority on gender equity - in fact, she literally wrote the book on it! Get ready for some theological bombshells, as Col Janet unpacks God's relationship to power and gender. It's an unforgettable conversation that will stretch your biblical knowledge ... and watch out for that dragon reference!

#salvationarmy #genderequity #women #theology #egalitarian #faith

Terena Goodwin shares her story of growing up on the streets of South Auckland, in this beautiful and difficult story. She speaks honestly about being a 'street kid', the trauma of foster care and the abuse she suffered during her childhood - all of which accumulated in an attempt at suicide. But Terena heard the voice audible voice of God telling her that she still had more to do. That's when she embraced her Salvation Army village and turned her life around. Today, she is creating community with other wāhine who have walked similar paths to her: she runs a weekly group called Kaha Wāhine Kotahitanga (Strong Women in Unity) which provides a safe space for women to talk, and her garage is full of free clothes for women who need it. Today, Terena is living life to the full and a leader in her community.

#newepisode #disturbance #women #maori #salvationarmy #christian #faith #abusesurvivor #homelessness

Celebrate Easter with us as we're joined by biblical super sleuth and scholar Carla Lindsey. She takes us on a treasure hunt through the Easter story, uncovering the hidden gems we may have missed along the way.

Have you ever heard of a character called Rufus?

What about the young man who ran away naked from Gethsemane?

What actually is a 'triumphal entry'?

And what is the significance of the 'Marys' who followed Jesus?

Carla uncovers fascinating new insights that will bring the Easter story to life all over again, and give us a deeper knowing of the full restoration we find at the cross and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.

Peace be with you this Easter.

#easter #Christian #heisrisen #womensministries #salvationarmy #ourwomenpreach

Ingrid interviews her husband Martin about the trauma of growing up with family violence. He gets real about its impact, as he suffered depression and struggled with relationships. But the loving community he found at church helped him break the cycle and begin healing. Along the way, they talk about (their) marriage, how Martin learned a more healthy way to be masculine, and why it's so important for men to speak out about violence against women. PS: Eagle-eyed viewers might notice this is our first ever male guest! Find out why ...

For many years as a Salvation Army officer, Jules Badger found her identity in busyness - until the grief she had been running from caught up with her. She had a breakdown and had to find her faith again, as she left the 'valley of death' and discovered the 'still waters' of God. Now, she is embarking on her new calling as a spiritual director, and has written a book about her experiences with her husband, Captain Mat Badger, called 'When the Lights Go Out'. We were privileged to hear her story, before it is launched into the world.