Things I Wish I Knew

In this episode, Julia chats with Andy Cassidy about his transformative journey from a life far from faith to recognising God in everyday moments. He shares his struggles growing up in a sectarian environment and his initial doubts about Catholicism, revealing the key experiences that brought him to embrace his faith.Through touching personal stories, including insights into family dynamics and balancing work with spirituality, Andy opens up about how he discovers God in both the ordinary and extraordinary.Find out more at: www.thinkingfaith.orgFollow us on Instagram: @tiwik_pod

In this episode, Julia speaks with Christine Allen, the director of CAFOD, about her remarkable journey in faith and leadership, as well as the importance of authenticity in her role.Christine shares her experiences growing up in a cradle Catholic family, and reflects on her unexpected path from studying philosophy and international relations to becoming a leader in the Church, highlighting the challenges and triumphs along the way.With a focus on the significance of women’s contributions in leadership roles, Christine discusses the need for humility, discernment, and the power of prayer in making tough decisions.Find out more at: www.thinkingfaith.orgFollow us on Instagram: @tiwik_pod

In this powerful conversation, Julia sits down with Lauren Windle to explore her inspiring journey from addiction to over 11 years of sobriety.Lauren shares how alcohol and drugs once felt like an escape from social anxiety and a way to fit in, until they took a devastating toll on her life. She opens up about the turning point that led her to seek help, the challenges of early addiction recovery, and how faith and community became anchors in her healing process.This episode offers an honest look at the complexities of addiction and the transformative power of grace, resilience, and support.Find out more at: www.thinkingfaith.org Follow us on Instagram: @tiwik_pod

In this reflective episode, Julia is joined by producer Ethel as they pause to consider the journey of the podcast and the themes that have emerged so far. Together, they discuss the importance of community, the unexpected paths life can take, and the power of gratitude in their personal and spiritual lives.Find out more at www.thinkingfaith.orgFollow us on Instagram: @tiwik_pod

In this episode, Julia speaks with Charlie Bennett, a passionate teacher who shares his journey from the charity sector to the classroom. He reflects on how his experiences shaped his vocation and the profound impact of faith on his teaching philosophy.Charlie discusses the joys and challenges of teaching, the importance of social justice in education, and how he navigates the highs and lows of working with young people. He also touches on the unique environment of Catholic schools and the sense of community they foster.Find out more at www.thinkingfaith.org.

In this episode, Julia chats with Ruth Holgate, Director of St Beuno’s retreat centre in Wales, about prayer as a simple and personal conversation with God.Ruth shares her journey from growing up Catholic to deepening her faith through retreats, theology studies, and spiritual direction. She talks about the impact of her first 30-day silent retreat and why it’s important to find your own way to pray.They explore the ups and downs of prayer and discernment, with Ruth reminding us that there’s no wrong way to pray. Just show up, keep it simple, and stay open.Find out more at www.thinkingfaith.org

In this episode, Julia sits down with Susan Akyeampong, a communications lead and freelance writer, to delve into the complexities of friendship and the importance of setting boundaries.Susan shares her journey from her childhood in Brighton to her university experience in Nottingham, highlighting the challenges of making genuine connections in a busy world. She reflects on how her faith and relationship with Jesus have shaped her understanding of adult friendship, emphasising the need for deep, meaningful relationships that support one another through life's ups and downs.Join them as they explore the significance of being vulnerable, the necessity of communication in friendships, and how to navigate the pressures of maintaining connections in a fast-paced society.Visit www.thinkingfaith.org to learn more.