Signs Radio
Religion & Spirituality
About
Signs of the Times is a Christian worldview magazine published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia since 1886. The podcast is a little newer than that.
Episodes
- How AI is unmaking us
This episode features philosopher Paul Kingsnorth discussing his concept of "the Machine" and its relation to the perceived dark future of progress and AI, reflecting a growing societal apprehension.
- AI 2027: are we cooked?
In the second part of a series on AI, Jesse and Zanita examine the AI 2027 research project. They discuss its predictions and whether they indicate a path towards global annihilation.
- Is Peter Thiel right about the Antichrist?
This episode explores the historical use of the Antichrist concept as a political and spiritual weapon and delves into tech billionaire Peter Thiel's interest in this biblical idea, examining its implications.
- Six foods for 2026
In this episode of Signs Radio, Dr. Christiana Leimena-Lehn discusses six foods recommended for 2026, aiming to make incorporating new dietary items easier. The episode covers nuts, cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts, legumes, berrie…
- Why willpower doesn’t work
This episode discusses why willpower strategies frequently fail, exploring the limitations of discipline and self-control. It examines alternative approaches to lasting change, considering the role of faith and environment in personal tran…
- 2025 in review
Signs Radio presents its 2025 year-in-review, highlighting favorite articles from Signs of the Times magazine. The episode covers content from the past year.
- Can there truly be peace on earth?
This episode explores the theme of peace during the holiday season, considering both secular pursuits and the Christian message of the Prince of Peace. It references two articles from the December 2025 issue of Signs of the Times that exam…
- Why you should be eating less protein, and more fibre
In this episode of Signs Radio, Sisi Toro joins the discussion on the benefits of consuming less protein and more fibre. The conversation also touches upon other essential nutrients.
- The soccer star who found the Sabbath
Silvan Wallner, a former FC Zürich soccer player, describes his experience of anxiety and confusion despite a promising career. His life changed after discovering the Bible and learning about the Sabbath.
- How to communicate non-violently
This episode features counsellor Kristin Martinez discussing non-violent communication. Martinez authored the article "From judgement to connection," which was featured in the October issue of Signs of the Times.
- Let's talk about the birds and the bees
Counsellor Mikaela Matthes joins Signs Radio to discuss how parents can talk to teenagers about sex and relationships. The episode addresses common anxieties surrounding these conversations and offers practical advice, with a content warni…
- John Dickson brings an 1,800-year-old song back to life
John Dickson joins Signs Radio to discuss "The First Hymn," a documentary he co-created. The film explores the 1918 discovery of the Oxyrhynchus hymn, an 1,800-year-old Greek manuscript fragment, and its modern reinterpretation.
- The first Christian hymn—ever
This episode discusses P. Oxy. XV 1786, an ancient Greek hymn fragment discovered in Egypt, and the documentary "The First Hymn" by Mark Hadley and John Dickson that brings it to life using modern scholarship and songwriting.
- Defeating the lies we live
Clinical psychologist Jessica Bishop explains the formation and impact of common negative self-perceptions like feeling not good enough or unlovable, and outlines ways to overcome these "life
- Passing the torch in Indigenous Australia
This episode features Indigenous pastor Darren Garlett discussing NAIDOC Week, truth-telling, intergenerational mentoring, the role of faith, and reconciliation in Australia.
- Empathy: a bug in the machine?
This episode of Signs Radio discusses the concept of empathy, questioning if it's a 'bug in the machine' that could lead to failure and destruction. It examines arguments that unchecked compassion might be making the West morally fragile a…
- The real David
In this episode, we speak to Mitchell Strahan. Mitch recently reviewed the recent TV series House of David, which you can read here . We dug a little deeper beneath the surface of the show, its historical background and how the show portra…
- Class war at the Communion table
What if Communion wasn’t just a sacred ritual—but a bold act of social resistance? In this episode, we dive into Paul's scorching critique of classism in the Corinthian church and explore how a shared meal became a battleground for justice…
- The mothers of the mothers
Mother's Day is here and to celebrate, Zanita spoke to some of the mothers who often get forgotten: the mothers of the mothers. So, however you celebrate this year, don't forget to listen to your mum. You may be surprised what wisdom she h…
- Pandemics and the pain paradox
Covid-19 changed a great many things—including how we think about illnesses and pandemics in general. Zombie movies hit different post-Covid and the upcoming film 28 Years Later explores a world irrevocably shaped by its own pandemic. Join…
- The pope has died. What happens next?
In this special episode, Zanita and Jesse discuss the recent passing of Pope Francis. What happens after the pope's death, the mourning period and the appointment of a new pope? If you'd prefer to read Jesse's write up, you can do so here…
- Heartbreak at Kokoda
When Signs of the Times editor Jarrod Stackelroth embarked on a journey walking the Kokoda Track, he couldn't have imagined the ups and downs he would experience. Despite the hardships he was about to endure, it taught him a lesson he'd ne…
- Can we really change?
For our first (belated) episode for 2025, we speak to Simon Matthews. Simon is a psychologist and academic who specialises in behaviour change. In this episode, we ask all the tough questions including: is behaviour change really possible,…
- Christmas special 2024
We're back for our annual end-of-year roundup featuring the whole team, all together! In this episode, Jarrod, Zanita and Jesse talk about their favourite episodes for the year, stories in the news we wished we'd had more time to cover and…
- 30 years of Road to Bethlehem
Road to Bethlehem is an extraordinary event that happens every year in selected locations around Australia and New Zealand. It also has just celebrated its 30th birthday. Join friend of the pod Nathan Brown as he speaks to the current dire…
- Do we worship war?
War is more in our faces than it's ever been before. But in the face of more global conflicts, have we become almost spiritually attracted to it? Read Jarrod's article | Adventist conscientious objectors | More Signs of the Times | Faceboo…
- Should you say "nup" to the Melbourne Cup?
It's the race that stops the nation. But should we stop it altogether? Read the article | More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses | Nup to the Cup | ADRA Australia
- An American civil war
The two topics we were all taught to avoid at the dinner table are religion and politics. Today, we're tackling both. In the light of the upcoming American election, we speak to Mark Hadley about Alex Garland's Civil War. What can it teach…
- Keli Pepa: from Purest Form to church pulpit
In this episode, we speak to Kelli Pepa. Kelli is a pastor, dad and former member of NZ's own Purest Form. Purest Form was one of the very first R&B groups in New Zealand and in many ways, paved the way for the modern Kiwi R&B scene. We ta…
- Climate refugees
This episode is a special one. We spoke to not one, not two—but three guests about the issues of climate change in the South Pacific. Connect with Tracie & Taupo | ADRA NZ | "People Need the Lord" song More Signs of the Times | Facebook |…
- Ukrainian refugees
This episode was more difficult than most to put together. Today, we're talking to Greg Young about Ukraine and the refugee crisis that's currently going on in it. ADRA Australia —> Get involved in what ADRA is doing with refugees Roje's s…
- Presidents and their daddies
This episode, we talk about American presidents and their relationships with their dads. Strap in, because it's going to be a ride. More -> Jesse's article -> Signs of the Times
- The Bible is for sceptics, too
Today, we speak to Pastor Daniel Christie. Daniel didn't grow up in a Christian household but even as a skeptic, found Christianity. Now he works as a pastor and is passionate about sharing the Bible. In this episode, we cover the historic…
- You're tired! You need a Sabbath
In this episode, Zanita talks to longtime friend of the show Maryellen Hacko, as well as Georgia, a new friend. The topic is the Sabbath, a much-misunderstood concept. Maryellen is a life-long Seventh-day Adventist but Georgia isnt, so the…
- THE HOPEFUL
It's a story of hope, loss and truth. And, it's coming to a cinema near you soon. In this episode, we speak to Kyle Portbury, a filmmaker and director of THE HOPEFUL. The film charts a rocky period in American history, starting in the War…
- Energy drinks: delicious or deadly?
Energy drinks are everywhere and for the most part, we just accept them as part of our everyday beverage consumption culture. But are they all they're cracked up to be—and could they be dangerous for us and our kids? Read Christian's artic…
- Moesha's Olympic Miracle
Moesha Johnson came from humble beginnings; a Christian country girl from rural Australia. But, like many other kids, she had dreams. In particular, she dreamed of swimming professionally. This dream seemed too big to come to fruition, so…
- The Mum Load
In this episode, we speak to Melody Tan. Melody is the director of Mums at the Table , a project that seeks to connect mums with like-minded people and help them create a sense of community. Melody recently wrote an article titled "The Mum…
- How to Media-Proof your Kids
Let's face it: most of us who are parents often feel like we're fighting a losting battle. It's not a battle against monsters—but screens. Whether an iPad or TV, media seeks to shape the next generation in ways that often contradict the va…
- Demons and the Drugs they Like
Satan, demons, conjurings: these are all the hallmarks of the sinister subculture many know of as "the occult". It's a shadowy world of secret societies, subliminal messaging and the taboo and anathema. It's also a world that Jamie Lehn in…
- The Problem with Men
Many of us are lonelier than ever before. According to the data, in the Western world, men are among the loneliest. When men leave the workforce and retire, many of them lose their social networks, as well as a primary driver for meaning,…
- The Fertility Cliff
Welcome to the brand-new version of the podcast. We're excited and we hope you enjoy it! SHOW NOTES Today we're talking about the so-called "fertility cliff"—the belief that after the age of 35, a woman's chance of having a child drops pre…
- Signs Radio episode 200 SPECTACULAR!
It's been a few years in the making, but Signs Radio officially just turned 200... well, 200 episodes! Join us as we reminisce about the past, discuss some highlights from the past 200 episodes and look to the future of the podcast!
- Are cheesy Christmas movies deeper than we thought? ft. Mark Hadley
In this episode of Signs Radio, we speak to Mark Hadley about Christmas movies. They're cheesy, saccharine-sweet and are usually unrealistic to the point of being ridiculous. But buried in these movies are themes that transcend time and sp…
- Should you be a social media influencer? ft. Justin Khoe
Justin's done it all. First breaking his back selling books door-to-door, then as a Youtuber, podcaster, as well as now an Instagram and TikTok creator, he knows the ups and downs of social media all too well. In this fascinating interview…
- My gambling addiction
In this episode, I (Jesse) take you on a journey back to a time when I had my own experience with gambling. No, it wasn't scratchies, pokies or any other traditional forms of gambling. I was addicted to a slot machine in a videogame. As it…
- Maryellen is Late ft. Maryellen Hacko
This episode, Zanita and Jesse are live in-studio with Maryellen Hacko! Maryellen wrote an article recently about her trip to Singapore with her two sisters and what it revealed to her about her always-hurrying nature. We talk about that,…
- Vaping: the grape-flavoured disaster ft. Professor Renee Bittoun
In this bonus episode, we speak to Professor Renee Bittoun on the topic of vaping. Professor Bittoun is a physiologist and clinical academic. Among many other achievements, she is currently Conjoint Professor at Notre Dame University, Aust…
- Ditching the screens for Sabbath ft. Emma Dyer
This episode, we talk to Emma Dyer. Emma is a former teacher and pastor, and is a current wife and mum of two. Recently, she wrote an article for us about her struggle to ditch the screens and take a real day of rest. Sabbath has been part…
- Embracing the silence ft. Ellice Cook & Zanita Fletcher
In this episode, we speak to Ellice Cook and Zanita Fletcher about two articles they wrote in Signs of the Times magazine. Both of them touch on the themes of prayer and silence, and how they responded differently to silence. To read their…