

Signs Radio
Signs of the Times magazine
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
Mentioned books

Oct 2, 2025 • 46min
Let's talk about the birds and the bees
Talking about the birds and the bees with your teenager doesn't have to be scary—even though it usually is. Counsellor Mikaela Matthes helps us navigate the world of sex and relationships, and why we don't need to be frightened of the dreaded "talk".Content warning: in this episode, we talk about sex, relationships and themes around trauma and sexual assault. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X Technical warning: in this episode, Jesse's mic audio was not up to the high quality that you've come to expect from Signs Radio. We apologise for this, but thankfully Mikaela's audio was not affected by this technical error.

Aug 31, 2025 • 30min
John Dickson brings an 1,800-year-old song back to life
You'd be forgiven for not having ever heard of P. Oxy. XV 1786, otherwise known as the "Oxyrhynchus hymn". It's a papyrus manuscript written in Greek and was discovered, alongside numerous other papyri, in the ancient buried city of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt in 1918. We don't have the entire hymn, but what we do have goes a little like this:Together all the eminent ones of GodNight] nor day Let it/them be silent. Let the luminous stars not,[Let the rushings of winds, the sources] of all surging rivers [cease]. While we hymnFather and Son and Holy Spirit, let all the powers answer, Amen, amen, Strength, praise,[and glory forever to God], the sole giver of all good things. Amen, amen.In part one of a two-part episode series, we speak to the two driving forces of a documentary that's bringing this fragment from our ancient past into the present in a brand-new way. Mark Hadley and John Dickson are two friends and collaborators who have just released The First Hymn, a documentary chronicling the discovery of this hymn fragment, then breathing new life into it thanks to modern scholarship, as well as modern songwriters.In this episode, we speak to John Dickson. John is an academic, historian and advocate for faith in a secular world. He's also the host of the popular Undeceptions podcast, and host of The First Hymn. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X https://www.thefirsthymnmovie.com/

Aug 25, 2025 • 29min
The first Christian hymn—ever
You'd be forgiven for not having ever heard of P. Oxy. XV 1786, otherwise known as the "Oxyrhynchus hymn". It's a papyrus manuscript written in Greek and was discovered, alongside numerous other papyri, in the ancient buried city of Oxyrhynchus, Egypt in 1918. We don't have the entire hymn, but what we do have goes a little like this:Together all the eminent ones of GodNight] nor day Let it/them be silent. Let the luminous stars not,[Let the rushings of winds, the sources] of all surging rivers [cease]. While we hymnFather and Son and Holy Spirit, let all the powers answer, Amen, amen, Strength, praise,[and glory forever to God], the sole giver of all good things. Amen, amen.In part one of a two-part episode series, we speak to the two driving forces of a documentary that's bringing this fragment from our ancient past into the present in a brand-new way. Mark Hadley and John Dickson are two friends and collaborators who have just released The First Hymn, a documentary chronicling the discovery of this hymn fragment, then breathing new life into it thanks to modern scholarship, as well as modern songwriters.In this episode, we speak to Mark Hadley about his involvement in the project as producer/director, and what it was like to bring the project to life.Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X https://www.thefirsthymnmovie.com/

Jul 20, 2025 • 34min
Defeating the lies we live
Why do so many of us feel not good enough, unlovable, or like we don’t belong? Clinical psychologist Jessica Bishop explains how these “life’s lies” form, how they impact us, and how we can start to break free—through both psychology and grace.To view the full list of schemas head to this link: https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/early-maladaptive-schemas/Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Jul 9, 2025 • 32min
Passing the torch in Indigenous Australia
What does it mean to celebrate NAIDOC Week—not just as a cultural observance, but as a national calling? In this episode, Indigenous pastor Darren Garlett unpacks the history, heart and hope behind NAIDOC and what it really means for Australia’s future. We talk about truth-telling, intergenerational mentoring, the role of faith and why reconciliation starts with walking across the room. Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Jun 20, 2025 • 46min
Empathy: a bug in the machine?
Are we feeling our way into failure? In an age where empathy is praised as a high virtue, some argue it's steering us toward destruction. This episode explores the unintended consequences of unchecked compassion—and those who advocate for the abandonment of empathy altogether. Is our obsession with empathy making the West morally fragile?Read the article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Jun 5, 2025 • 51min
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 portrays the Bible stories, characters—and God. Fair warning: it gets nerdy. Read Mitch's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

May 26, 2025 • 1h 8min
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, dignity, and radical equality. From Martin Luther to modern-day churches, what does Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 11 have to say about power, privilege, and who gets a seat at the table?Read Jesse's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

May 12, 2025 • 1h 40min
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 has to offer.Zanita's article | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Apr 30, 2025 • 35min
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 us in talking to Mark Hadley about his recent article Pandemics and the problem of pain. We talk about the movie but more interestingly, we talk about the issue that has plagued believers for centuries. What do we do with pain and how can Christians believe in a good God who allows it?More Signs of the Times | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X