Mike Bird: An Unexpected Journey from Army Life to Biblical Scholar

David Bennett: Truth Is Not A Concept, It's A Person Named Jesus

How does a gay man find faith in Jesus? David Bennett's story is a must listen to. In this episode of Insight, Karl hears David share his story, which journeys from coming out as gay when he is a teenager in a Sydney private school - to studying and living in Oxford.  The turning point of the story is when David meets someone in a pub who doesn't try to convince him that Jesus is the truth, but instead, embodies the compassion, presence and love of God.  As she prays for him, something life-changing happens as David experiences the love of God not as words - but as an encounter.  David Bennett is a now a Christian, a theologian, and a writer who works at Oxford University. He also identifies as gay - a reality that once felt completely incompatible with his faith. His story isn’t a simple one, and it doesn’t offer easy answers - but it does invite us into a deeper conversation about belonging, and the cost and beauty of following Christ.   Key Moments and Takeaways - Faith Through Doubt: Explore how genuine faith is built through questioning and vulnerability. - The Power of Presence: Discover the impact of empathy and presence in conveying love. - Redemptive Suffering: Understand how hardship and rejection play a role in transformation. - Trust in Scripture: Learn the importance of surrendering control and trusting divine authority. - Identity in Divine Love: See how rooting identity in love offers stability beyond societal labels.   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/] Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch [http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch/] Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/nudge/]    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College [https://excelsia.edu.au/] Christian Finance  [https://bfs.org.au/] Vision Christian Media [https://vision.org.au/]

Tim Kirk: From Theologian to Award-Winning Winemaker

What does theology have to do with winemaking? In this fascinating conversation, Tim Kirk from Clonakilla Wines shares how faith, creativity, craftsmanship and the landscape itself all shape the wines he creates. From the cool climate to the spiritual symbolism of wine throughout the Bible, Tim offers a unique perspective on what makes great wine truly memorable. Karl unpacks his story, his faith, his perspective on ministry and how he returned to the family business of making wine. Tim has such a passion for wine and understanding creativity as an expression of our faith - you'll love this conversation.    Key Moments and Takeaways: * How landscape and terroir shape flavour * The story behind Clonakilla Wines * Why craftsmanship matters in winemaking * His journey from theology to wine * The spiritual significance of wine and creation * Building a reputation for quality and excellence   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/] Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch [http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch/] Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/nudge/]    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College [https://excelsia.edu.au/] Christian Finance  [https://bfs.org.au/] Vision Christian Media [https://vision.org.au/]

Greg Low: Finding Light In The Darkest Places

Most people only see the surface of a life filled with trauma, adventure, and profound faith. Greg Low’s story reveals how even in the darkest moments - plane crashes, the loss of his mother, and dangerous war zones - there's a remarkable thread of hope, purpose, and discovery. In this episode of Insight, Greg shares stories from decades of filming in the world's most volatile regions - from Rwanda to Somalia, Ethiopia to Mozambique - and how he’s confronted death firsthand more times than he can count. Greg’s courageous stories aren't just about danger; they’re about finding good in the chaos and God’s presence in unexpected places. Karl's guest, Greg Low, is an accomplished cameraman and author, whose career spans filming across war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises around the globe. His experiences have shaped a life dedicated to capturing truth and living it with faith, despite the chaos. His story is a reminder that light and hope can be found in the darkest places!  Buy Greg's book here: https://www.gdu.com.au/book [https://www.gdu.com.au/book]   Key Moments and Takeaways: - Greg's early career in media and how he transitioned from student to cameraman for major political moments in Australia. - Experiences filming in war zones like Rwanda, Somalia, and Ethiopia, including close encounters with danger and death. - The story of losing his mother and how that tragedy shaped his faith and outlook on life. - Greg’s reflections on faith, how God met him through a Supertramp song, and his evolving relationship with spirituality. - Personal stories of family, adoption, and balancing a life of danger with raising children.   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/] Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch [http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch/] Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/nudge/]    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College [https://excelsia.edu.au/] Christian Finance  [https://bfs.org.au/] Vision Christian Media [https://vision.org.au/]

Phil Cave: Work In Your Strengths And Beware Of Ego

Phil Cave is the Principal and Partner at private equity firm, Anchorage. In this conversation, Phil shares about his career running and turning around major businesses and what it takes to succeed in business. But, Karl and Phil also talk about the time he considered a career change and moving into ministry. He’ll share why he didn’t make the change and how God has used him exactly where he is. Phil Cave’s insights remind us that whether in ministry or business, understanding our strengths and limitations is essential for fulfillment and success. By surrounding ourselves with supportive people and recognizing where we can best serve, we can avoid burnout and enhance our contributions. As Phil aptly puts it, "Let's maximise our skills."   Key Takeaways: - Burnout often stems from working outside one’s strengths. - Faith can grow in unexpected places, such as sports. - Leadership is rooted in effective people management. - It’s crucial to empower others and avoid micromanagement. - Recognizing and maximizing our skills leads to fulfillment.   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/] Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch [http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch/] Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/nudge/]    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College [https://excelsia.edu.au/] Christian Finance  [https://bfs.org.au/] Vision Christian Media [https://vision.org.au/]

Duncan Brown: Many Assignments But Only One Calling

Most of us chase after success, significance, and purpose through our careers, families, or achievements. But what if our true calling is found in the place we often overlook - in the everyday moments and relationships that build a life of genuine impact? Duncan Brown's extraordinary journey reveals how life's deepest identity and calling are rooted in Christ, not in career accomplishments or societal status and it’s a story that will reshape how you see your own purpose. In this episode of Insight, Duncan shares the pivotal moments that defined his life - from childhood farm memories during Queensland's dairy crisis to the painful departure of his father and the profound way God's grace brought healing. You’ll discover how Duncan's relentless pursuit of success was finally reshaped through encounters with Jesus, unconditional love, and a renewed understanding of identity rooted in faith. His story highlights that whether you’re in business, ministry, or at home, your true calling can unfold in any stage of life when grounded in Christ’s limitless love.   Chapters and Key Moments 00:00 - Duncan’s diverse career paths and identity in Christ 02:27 - Childhood memories on the farm amid dairy industry crisis  05:45 - Personal story of familial breakup at age 13 07:39 - The influence of community and church in healing and mentorship 15:58 - The subtle idolatry of success and the role of Jesus in life 21:55 - Journalism: creativity, stories, and connecting with people 2 34:13 - Leadership in crisis and God’s provision in tough seasons 36:32 - Returning to ministry leadership at Scripture Union Queensland 49:23 - Duncan’s side ventures: Cafe and community enterprise 57:16 - Family dynamics, relationship with his father, and reconciliation 66:07 - The legacy of his father’s salvation and faith journey  70:20 - The overarching insight: trusting God amidst volatility    Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/] Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch [http://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch/] Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org [https://www.olivetreemedia.com.au/nudge/]    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College [https://excelsia.edu.au/] Christian Finance  [https://bfs.org.au/] Vision Christian Media [https://vision.org.au/]