Browse Blogs

14 July 2021

Meeting Michelle Obama

If you’ve ever faced challenges in your life then you will know that they either weaken you or make your stronger. For Karen Bryson her difficulties and disappointments have made her determined to give young people the best start in life. This autumn she is setting up a new Christian school, after having spent years running a tutoring service to provide extra support for children from all walks of life and financial situations.

Interviews

8 July 2021

Finding peace in everyday life

Have you ever returned from a Christian conference, camp or retreat and wished you could hold on to the sense of joy or peace you experienced at it? Dr Gemma Simmonds is a sister with the Congregation of Jesus and she has written a book to help us bring retreat practices into daily life. She shared some of her own story with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.

Interviews

11 June 2021

Moving on from past mistakes

Have you ever looked back over your life and wondered how it could have been different? Jen Baker’s new book, Unwavering, encourages us to reflect on the choices we make to move from making fear-based decisions to faith-based living. Premier’s Maria Rodrigues chatted with her about her own journey with this.

Interviews

21 May 2021

Look after yourself!

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by all the demands and responsibilities in your life? Ruth Rice was a very capable, busy woman, but then one day her life started to unravel. She shared with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues what happened.

Interviews

20 May 2021

Is it time to pray differently?

Have you always prayed the same way? Author Sarah Bessey believes we can learn something from Christians who pray differently to us.

Interviews

4 May 2021

When life falls apart

Have you experienced disappointment and loss? Sarah Stockinger has journeyed through miscarriage and, more recently, experienced a ministry job falling through…after her and her husband sold everything to move to America to take up the post. She shared what she has learned through these experiences with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues.

Interviews

29 April 2021

Moving from fear to compassion

Christine Soule had a series of traumatic experiences in her childhood, including her stepfather phoning her when she was nine years old and home alone, threatening to rape her. As a result she carried chronic fear into adulthood, until one day God set her free. She shared her story with Premier’s Maria Rodrigues:

Interviews

25 March 2021

'I was pregnant with my 5th child when my marriage and ministry fell apart'

Karen Allen reached a tipping point in her life when she told God she couldn't do ministry anymore. Her marriage of 14 years had suddenly ended and she found herself pregnant with her 5th child. A close friend spoke into her life and changed things. Here is some of what Karen shared with Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues

Interviews

15 March 2021

Healing from abortion

Toni Raye is a Christian mother who runs the 'Toni Raye Talks' podcast. She shared with Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues something of a dark season in her life

Interviews

5 March 2021

My mum ran a brothel

EMMA WEAVER grew up in a situation where she would alternate between living with her mum or dad. At one point she moved to Spain with her mother, but when financial difficulties hit she returned to the UK to be with her father. In that time her mum set up a business. Premier's Maria Rodrigues heard something of the story, as written in Emma's book 'Unvanquished Spirit'.

Interviews

15 February 2021

Is there a right way to pray?

Carla Harding works for the 24/7 Prayer movement, but when she was younger she felt terribly inadequate in the area of prayer. She shared her story with Premier radio presenter, Maria Rodrigues

Interviews

2 February 2021

Is divorce okay for Christians?

Dr Zina Arinze is a lawyer, so why did she go into the field of helping those who have been through divorce find healing and restoration? Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke with her to find out more about her story

Interviews

23 January 2021

Let's talk about sex

Adrian and Celia Reynolds have written a book about the struggles couples often face with physical intimacy in marriage, exploring why the Bible says about it and the priority sex should take in a marriage. Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke with them about it

Interviews

22 January 2021

Processing unexpected death

Kate Patterson and her pastor husband had been writing and presenting on the topic of eternity, when a few months later it became a more significant topic for the family than they could ever have imagined. Kate has now released a book called 'Living for Eternity', and Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke to her to find out more

Interviews

13 January 2021

Do UK churches only cater for the middle-class?

Natalie Williams has authored two books on the role she believes churches ought to play in combatting poverty and injustice. When she became a Christian, she says she had to learn new ways of behaving, and not just when it came to following the Gospel. She spoke to Premier Radio presenter, Maria Rodrigues

Interviews

26 November 2020

‘My OBE comes with a sense of responsibility’ 

​Muyiwa Olarewaju’s father was killed by militants because of his faith. As he celebrates being awarded an OBE, Muyiwa speaks with Urenna Kiwanuka on being determined to counter the millitants’ promise to wipe his father’s name from all the earth 

Interviews

25 November 2020

Would you adopt a child with a different skin colour to you?

The government has removed the requirement for an ethnic match in adoption but Black children are still far less likely to find forever homes. Adoption and fostering charity Home for Good has conducted a poll to find out why

Interviews

18 November 2020

Do we need a Black Santa?

Sarah Bishop, founder of a diverse greeting card company talks to Woman Alive Editor Tola-Doll Fisher about a Black Santa Claus and the negative responses to the recent Sainsbury’s Christmas advert featuring a Black family

Interviews

16 November 2020

Should we discuss period pain and sex in church?

Fiona Furman battled for years with excruciating pain during her 'time of the month' which led to a hysterectomy at a young age, but it took a very long time for anyone to realise that something was medically behind it. She shared her story with Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues

Interviews

13 November 2020

Are you blocking God from speaking to you?

Shaneen Clark is author of 'The Lord of the Silence'. She tells Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues that many of us could be blocking God out in everyday life

Interviews

12 November 2020

Emmerdale’s Down syndrome abortion storyline is insulting and Christians needs to speak out 

ITV soap Emmerdale is running a storyline about a coupling choosing to abort their baby when they find out it has Down syndrome. Sarah Costerston a Christian mother to a girl with Down’s says it’s an insult to parents like her. 

Interviews

11 November 2020

Who is Mary Wollstonecraft and why is she naked?

The unveiling of a statue dedicated to this 18th century feminist has met with public outrage. We asked a historical novelist, Olive Mackintosh-Lowe, to tell us why...

Interviews

10 November 2020

Taking God to work

Amanda Bindon, Co-Chief Executive of the Cinnamon Network talks to Premier Presenter Maria Rodrigues about the part Christ has played in her career

Interviews

5 November 2020

Am I too ambitious?

Pastor Jo Naughton was a highly successful PR and business woman, but one day she was stopped in her tracks when someone challenged her about whether her worth was tied up in the positions she held. Premier presenter Maria Rodrigues heard her story

Interviews

29 October 2020

‘Jesus died of a broken heart’

Singer songwriter Lucy Grimble’s new album emphasises just how much love God has for us. She says,

Interviews

28 October 2020

‘I spent my childhood holidays smuggling Bibles’

Arianna Walker, director of Mercy UK, tells Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues about the family trips that hid a surprising secret

Interviews

27 October 2020

‘My son was killed by excessive police force’ 

​Ajibola Lewis, 71, shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son, and how she found healing through forgiveness 

Interviews

16 October 2020

Should Christians masturbate?

Premier radio presenter Maria Rodrigues spoke with Bobbi Kumari, author of 'Sacred Sexuality', and asked some challenging questions

Interviews

23 June 2020

A prisoner of faith

What would you do if you were given three days to recant your faith in Jesus?

Interviews

27 May 2020

Enjoy the life that’s right in front of you 

Our very own editor, Tola-Doll Fisher, spoke to Claire Musters about how life might not always turn out the way we expect it to, but it is always a gift 

Interviews

14 April 2020

How good neighbours became good friends

Cat Townley shares how the threat of coronavirus turned her street into a thriving community

Interviews

24 January 2020

“We can trust God with our future”

Maria Rodrigues spoke with international singer, songwriter and worship leader Lou Fellingham during Worship Week on the Woman to Woman show

Interviews

17 December 2019

Longing for intimacy

Jen Baker shares candidly about her own journey towards intimacy with God, which is the subject of her new book Face to Face

Interviews

17 December 2019

A church for young people

Beth Resch spoke to Premier’s Woman to Woman presenter Maria Rodrigues about hearing God’s call for her life, and how the various roles she’s had within the Church of England are helping her impact young people’s lives

Interviews

26 November 2019

IN CONVERSATION WITH ABBY EATON

Singer Abby Eaton seemed to have it all. She loved making music, her husband Chris was writing songs for big-name artists and the couple had a lovely home. But when they had a baby Abby found herself struggling with postnatal depression and tackling the taboo that often surrounds mental illness. She talks about her daily battle with anxiety and the joy of creating new music.

Interviews

23 October 2019

Make peace not war

Peace activist and campaigner Pat Gaffney talks to Premier’s Woman to Woman presenter, Maria Rodrigues about challenging Britain’s involvement in the arms trade, being jailed for non-violent protests and how we all have a role to play as peacemakers

Interviews

3 September 2019

Rev Kate Bottley interview

She’s much in demand, but Rev Kate Bottley is determined to keep her feet on the ground, as she explains to Andrew Graystone

Interviews

2 July 2019

Being a mother has inspired me

Katherine Jenkins talks to Lorraine Wylie about being a mum and her latest, very personal, album

Interviews

21 May 2019

Sharing my struggles has enabled me to help others

Low self-esteem, ill health and a struggling faith are some of the challenges Dianne Parsons has had to face. She shares some of the lessons she has learned with Catherine Larner

Interviews

19 February 2019

Amy Orr-Ewing

My passion for evangelism and young people, and what the Church needs to focus on now

Interviews

15 January 2019

The reluctant Reverend

The role of Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury comes with both challenges and privileges, as Rev Dr Isabelle Hamley explains to Jo Swinney

Interviews

9 October 2018

It’s Okay not to be Okay

Bestselling author, speaker and Bible teacher Sheila Walsh says that when she discovered “I’m not good enough and I’m good with that,” everything started to change

Interviews

12 September 2018

'Multi-tasking energises me'

With her varied career, community involvement and family responsibilities, Tania Bright’s life is never dull. She talks to Jo Swinney about her journey to faith and how she manages her exceptionally busy life ...

Interviews

14 August 2018

'I want people to discover the good news of Jesus'

New Testament scholar Paula Gooder talks to Catherine Larner about the importance of good theology, encouraging women and her latest book on a key figure in the early church

Interviews

17 July 2018

'I'm so much happier now'

Actress Amanda Root talks to Alastair McIver about her career and how she is using her creative gifts to help victims of trauma

Interviews

12 June 2018

'I would love people to find hope in what I'm doing'

Philippa Hanna tells Catherine Larner how finding faith transformed her life and her music

Interviews

15 May 2018

'Courage is a muscle – I am much more confident now'

Former CIA counterterrorism expert Michele Rigby Assad talks to Catherine Larner about seeking God’s plan for her life and encouraging women to fulfil their potential

Interviews

13 February 2018

I can only be who I am

Bishop Libby Lane talks to Catherine Larner about being a pioneer, making prayer a priority and the opportunities her role brings

Interviews

19 December 2017

'I think things always get better'

Jeremy Vine talks to Catherine Larner about the changing face of news, how people communicate and staying positive in a time of uncertainty

Interviews

17 October 2017

'I have to make the presence of God my priority'

Author, speaker and pastor Christy Wimber talks to Catherine Larner about stepping down as leader of her local church, sharing her story in her new book and the big challenge facing the Church today

Interviews

26 September 2017

My faith takes first place now

Actress Emma Rigby talks to Alastair McIver about life in Hollywood, rediscovering her faith and resetting her priorities.

Interviews

15 August 2017

Hold the dream

Co-founder and global pastor of Hillsong Church Bobbie Houston talks to Catherine Larner about the importance of women’s ministry, facing criticism and staying the course

Interviews

21 February 2017

Carrie Grant: "This is extreme parenting"

Carrie and David Grant have four children with hidden disabilities. Carrie tells Catherine Francis about how they manage and how others can learn about people on the autistic spectrum

Interviews

6 December 2016

All That Jazz!

Award-winning saxophonist YolanDa Brown tells Russ Bravo how motherhood has impacted her faith and her music

Interviews

10 November 2016

Martha Collison speaks

Martha tells Catherine Larner about life after "The Great British Bake Off" and the opportunities it has given her to work with Christian charities ...

Interviews

10 February 2016

Being good enough

Diane Louise Jordan chats about her life - parenting, faith and slowing down

Interviews

10 December 2015

Plight of refugees

Refugees worker Catherine Ashcroft tells Mandy Pilz why Europe's open door policy is not the answer ...

Interviews

14 July 2015

Life on kids' TV

Hannah Hiles talks to CBeebies' Gemma Hunt about her work and what it's like being a role model

Interviews

12 May 2015

Baking for God

Martha Collison speaks to Ali Herbert about her faith and life after 'The Great British Bake Off'

Interviews

12 February 2015

A "Beautiful Mess"

Ali Herbert interviews Danielle Strickland about her childhood, coming to faith, and ministry among the disadvantaged

Interviews

12 January 2015

Sheridan Voysey speaks

Sheridan Voysey shares some of the ups and downs of life and how we can all have a "resurrection year"

Interviews

5 November 2014

The "Bake Off" queen

Mary Berry speaks about her passions in life - her love of baking and how she has balanced her career with her family life.

Interviews

5 November 2014

I survived Ebola

Suzanne Green speaks to Nancy Writebol about how she contracted and survived the Ebola virus

Interviews

11 September 2014

Reclaim the good news

Philip Yancey encourages us to welcome the good news of our faith despite our struggles and doubts

Interviews

15 July 2014

The power of music

Carol Pemberton, founder of Black Voices, talks about the increasing popularity of community singing

Interviews

12 June 2014

Jamaica 'pocket rocket'

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is preparing for the Commonwealth Games and talks about her Christian faith

Interviews

13 November 2013

Finding my way

It's a new phase now for songwriter and worship leader Martin Smith

Interviews

19 September 2013

The rough edges

Amy Grant on touring, tough times and her new album

Interviews

12 July 2013

Called to be funny

King of the one-liners Milton Jones talks to Ali Herbert

Interviews

28 May 2013

Big city Bishop

Bishop of London Richard Chartres on the challenges facing the Church in the UK

Interviews

8 May 2013

My story

Speaker and author Liz Curtis Higgs on why she loves encouraging women

Interviews

7 March 2013

April 2013 In Conversation

Lady Elizabeth Berridge, the youngest female peer in the House of Lords, talks to Andrew Boyd about being a role model and working for change

Interviews

7 December 2012

January 2013 Woman to Woman

Millions of people have been helped by Stormie Omartian’s The Power of Praying books. She reveals why books have been important for her too

Interviews

5 November 2012

December 2012 Interview

Angela Piper talks about her new cookery book, celebrating Christmas and her alter ego Jennifer Aldridge from The Archers

Interviews

3 October 2012

November 2012 New Directions

Meet Jean Martyn, the unlikely star who shot to fame in the 2011 series of Britain’s Got Talent

Interviews

8 August 2012

September 2012 Interview

Author, broadcaster and former nun Dr Lavinia Byrne talks about her exciting journeys

Interviews

9 July 2012

August 2012 2012 Games

Olympic Champion Christine Ohuruogu explains why she wants to encourage children

Interviews

13 June 2012

July 2012 Interview

Best-selling author and speaker Michele Guinness reveals what she's up to over the summer

Interviews

2 April 2012

May 2012 Reaching Women

Meet Carrie Longton, one of the founders of Mumsnet

Interviews

5 January 2012

February 2012 Interview

Lou Fellingham on music, motherhood and God

Interviews