UNDISTRACTED with Laura Bennett

Ever feel distracted as a parent? Do you find a sense of purpose and calling in being a num or dad, but get overwhelmed by the details? Today's guest is psychologist, author and qualified teacher Collett Smart. As host of the 'Raising Teens' podcast Collett helps us set foundations for the school year ahead, use values to shape the family calendar and find ways to be an undistracted parent.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt uneasy, or even distracted by, the way churches are run? Do the financial mechanics of the "business" of church make you uncomfortable? Nathan Apffel is the director of 'The Religious Business', an upcoming documentary series examining the evolution of institutionalised Christianity and its resemblance to Jesus. Informed by the American system, Nathan’s quest for financial transparency and accountability has so far seen him arrested, accused of hating church, but it’s also led him to re-examine what life following Jesus and impacting others is meant to look like, and the shape of church within that.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's guest is Steph Penny. Psychologist and author of 'Surviving Singledom', 'Surviving Childlessness' and now, 'Surviving Chronic Illness', Steph has had debilitating symptoms most of her life eventually being diagnosed with Lupus – an autoimmune condition where her body attacks itself, causing severe inflammation in her joints, tissues and organs.In this conversation Steph gets raw about it all. From being angry with God, frustrated at doctors, feeling suicidal and how sex is affected by illness. We hear how Steph finds purpose, and what her definition of success is when she feels out of control.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever had a really vivid dream and wondered if it was God speaking to you? Tania Harris is a pastor, practical theologian, author, broadcaster and the Director of God Conversations, a global ministry that equips people to recognise and respond to God’s voice. Her book 'God Dreams', explores how God’s voice shows up in dreams, how dreams can give us direction in life and what to do if you’re having really bad dreams or just aren’t sure how to interpret what’s happening while you sleep.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest is Bethel Music CEO, worship leader, mum, author and wife, Jenn Johnson.Together with the Bethel Music collective, Jenn is about to release 'We Must Respond' – an album about reacting to God’s goodness. Speaking with Laura from her family Christmas in Nashville, Jenn shared how the family continue to deal with the loss of Jenn's mother-in-law Beni Johnson, why we need to respect our capacity and the role of local churches in a complex word.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dru Hammer’s life sounds like a fairytale: raised in a humble American Christian home, a chance encounter on an airplane sees her married into the Hammer family dynasty, enjoying the bounty from an oil company, meeting royalty, running businesses and raising actor-son Armie Hammer who would become a Hollywood favourite after starring in 'The Social Network'.Things turned though, when Dru’s 25-year marriage to Michael Hammer ended after serial infidelity, and more recently, when the ‘House of Hammer’ documentary aired confronting accusations about Armie's alleged mistreatment of women and disturbing private messages they’re said to have exchanged.   While Armie was cleared of any criminal wrongdoing, Dru witnessed his career plummet, family relationships strain and the Hammer’s having to answer for what the media called years of privilege.Dru’s memoir 'Hammered', touches on the aftermath of that time, the complications of divorce and where faith fits when life’s giving you a beating.  Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we welcome back Debra Fileta, a licensed counsellor specialising in dating, marriage and relationship issues, along with a spectrum of mental health disorders and challenges. She's authored many books including 'True Love Dates', 'Are You Really Ok?’ and her latest ‘Soul Care’.Pulling from Jesus’ own life rhythms 'Soul Care' guides us to true health and rest, and in this episode, Laura talks to Debra about soul care during dating: how we can look after souls when you face rejection, get caught up caring for people you date or struggle with varying definitions of healthy intimacy encountered along the way.  Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve ever felt that irritable tug, a relentless ache burrowing into the unfulfilled areas of your life telling you there is more, this discussion is for you. Strahan Coleman is a musician and author and his latest book, 'Thirsting: Quenching Our Souls Deepest Desire' is about the drive to feel content and why we sometimes don't.Strahan shares the heartbreak behind ending his singing career, how to follow a God that doesn’t meet your desires and what leads us to a constant sense of longing.Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Laura Bennett chats with Ruth Chou Simons about her latest book, "Now and Not Yet," focusing on navigating the challenging seasons of waiting and personal growth. Ruth shares insights on balancing ambition with patience, active trust versus passive waiting, and embracing life's intrinsic uncertainties. They explore the significance of being present, cultivating deep roots, and finding purpose in hidden or seemingly insignificant moments. Ruth also emphasizes the power of meaningful relationships and daily practices in feeding our spiritual and emotional nourishment.  Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Lucado features on Undistracted and delves into the mysteries of the end times as described in the Bible. Lucado explores themes from his book, "What Happens Next," discussing signs, tribulations, and the rapture. He shares insights on the Antichrist, the resurgence of Israel, and how Christians should live in anticipation of these events. Laura and Max also consider the modern-day relevance of these prophecies, addressing the global rise in anxiety and how faith offers hope amidst uncertainty. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.