PODCAST · religion
UNDISTRACTED with Laura Bennett
by Hope 103.2
UNDISTRACTED is a place where life isn’t just lived, but crafted. On UNDISTRACTED we explore the lives and expertise of our guests to help us become better at building our lives with intention. 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.
Episodes
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"My 'Why Don't We' identity was all I had." - Jonah Marais S17E10
Jonah Marais rose to fame as one-fifth of pop group Why Don’t We, building a global fanbase before legal issues forced the band into hiatus in 2022. Since then, he’s been redefining his identity beyond the group and found a faith that's alerted his artistic ambition. Jonah will bring The Dreamer...
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"Blindness wasn't going to define me," - Matt Formston S17E09
Australian Para-Athlete Matt Formston lost 95 percent of his vision at just five years old. Determined not to let his disability define him, he went on to become a champion cyclist and surfer, was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2025 and now leads and trains global executive...
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"Marriage and kids aren't needed to have a fulfilling life." - Sheree Joseph S17E08
By 2030, it’s estimated 45 percent of women will be single and child free. It a contrast to previous generations where marriage and kids was the expected norm, but for many reasons a lot of women aren’t in the relationships they were brought up to assume were guaranteed. Sydney author Sheree…
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Rachel Khoo: "The Little Paris Kitchen brought the world to my door," - S17E07
British cook Rachel Khoo is known to Australians fans for her work on 'The Great Australian Bakeoff', but many years before she appeared on our screens it was cooking out of a small kitchen in her Parisan flat that gave Rachel her first TV role. 'The Little Paris Kitchen' became a hit BBC series...
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"God doesn't abandon us when life gets messy," - S17E06 Clare Bruce
Our guest today is author and former Hope 103.2 journalist Clare Bruce. In memoir 'Sinner, Saint, Servant', Clare tells the story of Troy White. A onetime policeman, pastor and military chaplain who struggled with PSTD, anxiety and depression, and a growing alcohol addiction his admirers had…
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"Gendered violence can't be addressed if survivors are silenced," - Jennifer Robinson S17E05
After the #MeToo movement emboldened victims to speak up about gendered violence, survivors found themselves silenced by defamation laws being used to stop them sharing their experiences. In Silenced, International human rights lawyer and co-author of How Many More Women? Jennifer Robinson shows…
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"Preventing abortions starts with choosing grace," - Amy Ford S17E04
Our guest today is Embrace Grace founder Amy Ford. In her teens Amy fell pregnant unexpectedly and, as happens for many young women in the church, was met with judgement, shame and rejection. Her goal since, has been to equip churches to support women in choosing life at such a crucial time in...
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"Feeling stuck is sign healing with God is needed," - Heather O'Brien S17E03
Do you ever feel stuck? You’re a Christian who loves Jesus, you believe God has a good plan for your life, and yet you feel like something has stalled. Today we’re welcoming back minister and host and author of the Heal with God podcast and book Heather O’Brien. After years of struggling with...
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"Joy in poverty proves wealth isn't all material." - Edwin Estioko S17E02
Our guest today is a photojournalist with Compassion International. For more than 20 years, Edwin Estioko has documented children and families living through poverty, disaster and recovery in the Philippines - one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. His work takes him into...
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"Jesus has undeniable appeal to anyone wanting to do good." - Everald Compton S17E01
Our guest today is 94-year-old Order of Australia recipient Everald Compton. With years of experience in education, Church life and public service, Everald’s novel ‘Walk in the Spirit’ put characters of all different faith backgrounds together to explore how faith might be expressed through...
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"Consciously facing death empowers us to better live." - Oliver Christen S16E10
This episode relates to end-of-life care. In his memoir ‘As She Chose’, guest Oliver Christen tells the story of his 86-year-old mum and her choice to, in his words, “consciously end a life well lived”. He explores end of life choices through his journey as a son supporting his dying mum. Who…
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"Alcohol addiction stopped me knowing who I really was." - Justine Santowiak S16E09
As July starts, so too does a commitment by many to embrace Dry July. In today’s episode we’re dipping into the archives for a chat with sobriety advocate and wellness coach Justine Santowiak. In 2012 she almost lost her life when her alcohol addiction became too much, entering rehab and forever...
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"My life is still worthy even if it feels small." - Rebekah S16E08
This week’s episode is a little different. We’re hearing from one of you. Our guest today is a local Sydney mum named Rebekah, who funds this podcast because of the hope she found in it when her husband left her and their two young twins just two years ago. Rebekah’s story is one of courage…
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"How to make friends is one of the lost skills of the lonely generation." - Sheridan Voysey S16E07
How do you become, and have, a quality friend? Why are adult friendships exhausting sometimes, and could we be better off talking to A.I.? Our guest today is Sheridan Voysey. Author, broadcaster and founder of Friendship Lab, a platform empowering people with the resources they need to make...
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"Letting ourselves quit can expand our potential." - Nir Eyal S16E06
Our guest today is former Standford lecturer, author and entrepreneur Nir Eyal. His latest book, 'Beyond Belief', looks at the science behind motivation and achievement, how prayer and ritual effect belief and when quitting is the best option. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at...
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"We adopted three but couldn't stop thinking about the 50 left behind." - Anna Dombkins S16E05
Our guest today is adoptive mum and founder of Forever Projects Anna Dombkins. Together with her husband Mark, Anna moved to Tanzania and adopted three babies in need of urgent care. Anna’s book 'Home Forever' tells the story of why they left Australia to grow their family, the reality of having...
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"End times preparedness begins with devotion to Jesus." - John Bevere S16E04
Today, we’re jumping into end time theology about the return of Christ and getting a dose of Bible school with Christian author, speaker and founder of Messenger International, John Bevere. John admits to avoiding the potentially controversial subject for 40 years, but his new book 'The King is...
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"Money struggles are strongly connected to our values." - Rosie Kendall - S16E03
CEO of Hope Economy - formerly CAP Money - Rosie Kendall explores the connection between our money and our identity, and how our spending can be better aligned with our values. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s…
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"The lies you don't know you believe erode your life." - Jennie Allen S16E02
Our guest today is Bible teacher and 'New York Times' bestselling author Jennie Allen. She's with us to help uncover 'The Lies We Don't Know We Believe' and what truth to replace them with. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via…
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"Mistakes don't have to be the end of the road." - Tyson Roberts S16E01
Our guest today isn’t an academic, he’s not a public figure, he’s a Sydney truckie and former Navy-man whose lived experience of professional collapse, personal trauma and discovery of Christian faith inspired him to write ‘Mistakes a Like Fertiliser’, a journey into some of history’s biggest...
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John Mark Comer: "Coming to quiet is one of the greatest skills we can learn." - S15E11
Today we’re going back into the archives to a chat I had with John Mark Comer about 'The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry'. Released in early 2020 the book pre-empted what became a time of serious reflection about what we filled our days with and how rushed modern life had become. 6 years on the...
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"Showing authentic struggle makes faith-films more appealing." - Andrew Erwin S15E10
Our guest today is filmmaker Andrew Erwin. Together with his brother Jon, Andrew has been a part of some of the biggest faith films of the last decade including 'Jesus Revolution', 'I Still Believe' and 'Ordinary Angels'. His latest project, 'I Can Only Imagine 2', is the sequel to the 2018 hit...
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"I'm terrible at flirting but nervousness doesn't have to ruin dating." - Jessica Kate S15E09
Author of 'Why Are All My Boyfriends Fictional', Jessica Kate joins Laura to talk about bad flirting, red flags in Christian dating and how - whether for a season or for life - you can find joy in singleness. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the…
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"The Chosen has let me honestly explore my spirituality." - George Xanthis S15E08
Our guest today is Australian actor George Xanthis, who plays John on 'The Chosen', the global hit series about the life of Jesus and his disciples. The next season is one the biggest as they face the crucifixion of Christ and in this episode, George not only talks about that, but about how a…
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"Our drive toward individualism affects our ability to engage." - Sita Walker S15E07
Our guest today, Sita Walker is a high school literature teacher and award-winning writer, whose 20 years’ experience in education frame her debut novel 'In a Common Hour' - The story of a single lunch time that unravels a school community. It prompts discussion about masculinity, truth and...
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"Dreaming can be God talking to us, but what is He saying?" - Paige Collins S15E06
Have you ever woken form a dream and wondered if it meant anything? Was it just your brain processing life, or was God speaking to you? And if He was, what was He trying to say through what you saw? Paige Collins is usually a publicist and filmmaker, but she’s added author to the list with…
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"Our idea of God has the biggest impact on our identity." - Dr. Eric Moyer S15E05
In this episode, Christian educator and identity coach Dr. Eric Moyer explains how our view of God affects our sense of identity, and why he sees a problem with the cultural idea that we can "be who want to be". Pre-order 'Redeeming Identity' and get a 15% discount:...
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S15E04 Dean Keaney: Founder of Open Doors Australian felt unqualified for vital role
Our guest today is Dean Keaney. Together with his wife Becky, Dean moved from Ohio in the late 70’s to establish the Australian arm of Christiann aid organisation Open Doors. He was inspired by the organisations founder Brother Andrew who distributed countless Bibles throughout the communist...
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S15E03: 'David' Writer Kyle Portbury the Newcastle local bringing epic film to life
Newcastle writer and filmmaker Kyle Portbury helps bring epic Biblical musical David to life, detailing how an international team made it happen, how AI is affecting creativity and why he's willing to wait for big breaks. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au.…
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S15E02 Brian Bird: Making 'When Calls the Heart' is a balance of realism and idealism
Louisa May Alcott’s novel Little Women has been adapted for film nearly 10 times since it was published in 1868. This year, it’s got a reimagined Christmas twist in A Little Women’s Christmas under the direction of feel-good romance genre icon Brian Bird. Behind the scenes of projects like…
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S15E01 Simon Smart: Have we reached the end of men?
Join us for this special episode of UNDISTRACTED recorded live at Hopen-Day 2025, with Executive Director of the Centre for Public Christianity, Simon Smart. 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...
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S14E10 Juliet Rieden: "Quentin Bryce always has an attitude of 'why not?' that leads..."
Dame Quentin Bryce is a trailblazer, feminist, reformer, and Australia’s first female Governor-General. Our guest Juliet Rieden, the author of Quentin Bryce: The Authorised Biography, unpacks not just Quentin’s career achievements, but the values and practices that define her intentions and made...
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S14E09 Matt Crocker: "After UNITED, 'Interlude' is worship for change and for the middle..."
For more than 20 years, Matt Crocker toured with Hillsong UNITED writing many of the songs they became known for. With 'Interlude' he steps out as a solo artist continuing his love for worship in a new way and in a new country. Matt talks with Laura about trusting God in transitions, his...
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S14E08 Ronan Soussa: "'Love on the Spectrum' showed people with autism deserve..."
Love on the Spectrum cast-member Ronan Soussa is not only known for his warmth and humour on the show but also for his advocacy as an ambassador for the Autism Community Network. In this conversation, Ronan opens up about life with autism, what inclusion really looks like, and how important it is...
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S14E07 Greg Sheridan: "A search for meaning comes from a search for purpose."
Journalist and author Greg Sheridan talks about How Christians Can Succeed Today. Greg takes us on a journey back to the world of the early church and draws out lessons for Christians navigating life in our modern world. From the resilience of the first Christians, to the wisdom of St Augustine…
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S14E06 Heather OBrien: "We think fear is our friend but to heal we..."
Heather O’Brien is a prophetic healing coach, deliverance minister, author and host of the Heal with God podcast who turned her own long journey out of anxiety and depression into a practical, faith-centered road map for others. After years of struggling with depression and leaning into Scripture...
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S14E05 Jim Penman: "The cure for society's downfall can be traced back to..."
If you could take a pill that would cure you of life’s ails: loneliness, addiction, worry, would you? Aussie businessman and author of 'No Other Success' Jim Penman is best known as the founder of Jims Group, a franchising company that specializes in everything from lawn mowing, to cleaning and…
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S14E04 Paul & Hannah McClure: "When we have a 'father wound' our worship is..."
Bethel Music's Paul and Hannah McClure talk about the heart behind their latest album, After God’s Heart. The McClures share openly about life as pastors’ kids, moving to Redding more than a decade ago, and how worship has shaped both their family and their faith. Paul reflects on his journey…
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S14E03 Max Lucado: "Our thinking is where life and death begins, so we..."
After over four decades in pastoral ministry, Max Lucado has found himself returning to the same three tools in counselling, conversation and sermons. Tools he believes can help anyone navigate their mental and spiritual wellbeing. Max unpacks them in his latest book, 'Tame Your Thoughts' and...
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S14E02 Jessica Seaborn: "Adult friendships are like dating but with..."
Today, we chat with Jessica Seaborn, Sydney-based author and former journalist, about her new book 'Isn't it Great We Both Hate the Same Things' exploring the challenges and rewards of adult friendship—why making friends later in life is harder, but so deeply necessary. Listen to more from our…
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S14E01 John Dickson: "Unity can't endure without..."
Historian, author and theologian John Dickson joins us to talk about The First Hymn—a new documentary uncovering the oldest known Christian song. Combining his love of ancient history and music, John explores how this 1,800-year-old hymn was rediscovered, reimagined, and returned to the church in…
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S13E15 DawnChere Wilkerson: "Waiting isn't a waste when..."
DawnChere leads Vous Church in Miami alongside her husband Rich. In her debut book, 'Slow Burn' DawnChere explores the slow refining journey of surrender that can come in waiting, and what she learned through 8 years of infertility. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at...
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S13E14 Elizabeth Green: "Being a flying doctor sometimes you have to..."
Flying doctor and pediatrician Elizabeth Green talks about her years in rural and remote care and why she wrote 'NoTime for Makeup'. 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...
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S13E13 Jamila Risvi: "My brain tumor is the reason I have more..."
Jamila Risvi was 31 when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Confiding in friend Rosie Waterland, who’d suffered PTSD and depression for years, the friends found the way they were supported in their illness varied greatly because of a perceived distinction between mental and physical illness.…
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S13E12 Nick Hall: Stress recovery is about being able to deal with...
Dr. Nick Hall talks about 'The Stress Recovery Effect' and how training our bodies to deal with stress is key to health and wellbeing. 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...
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S13E11 Levi Lusko: Mid-life breakdowns can be a blessing
Levi Lusko has been a pastor since he was 20, but when his life spiraled at 38 it reset his approach to ministry and informed his latest book Blessed Are the Spiraling. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app,...
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S13E10 Victoria Vanstone: "I didn't need perfection, I needed understanding."
Hosting Sober Awkward, a comedy podcast following two former party animals as they navigate life without booze, Victoria’s laid out her life again in Mumming. Tackling our perceptions of perfect parenting, the book lets you know you’re not the one “locking the door and crying alone on the toilet”...
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S13E09 TAYA: "It was distressing, but God redeems all things."
The last two years have been some of most significant for Australian singer and Hillsong alumni TAYA, as she officially leaves the church, releases her second solo album, has a baby, relocates to the US and prepares for her first headline tour. Add to that a skin cancer diagnosis and living out…
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S13E08 Rebecca St. James & Cubbie Fink: "Life carries a theme of surrender that..."
Husband and wife couple Rebecca St. James and Cubbie Fink talk about 'Lasting Ever' and how to date in a world ditching Christian ideals and the heartbreak - and healing - that came after "I do". Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message...
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S13E07 John Eldredge: "Information promised control, but didn't deliver..."
Is critical reasoning crushing our souls ability to thrive? Are we so informed we’re missing the benefits of embracing mystery and wonder? This week's guest is Christian counsellor and author John Eldredge. Known for his 'Wild at Heart' series which just reached 7 million sales globally, John’s...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
UNDISTRACTED is a place where life isn’t just lived, but crafted. On UNDISTRACTED we explore the lives and expertise of our guests to help us become better at building our lives with intention. 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.
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Hope 103.2
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