Everyday Saints

Episode #12 - Matthew Clarke & Bella Rossini-Clarke

Content Warning - this episode references sexual abuse. Matthew Clarke and Annabella Rossini-Clarke have always believed in lifting people up and never lowering them down. The two ordinary Christians from the Anabaptist tradition run social enterprise initiative Turning Teardrops into Joy to aid people in poverty wherever they can. But, through their work, they were troubled to learn about the worsening global problem of human trafficking. They started a project to crack open the issue and find effective ways of stamping it out. The couple spoke with host Jenan Taylor about human trafficking and the role that biblical mercy could play in helping to thwart it. This episode references sexual abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14

Episode#11 - Alexandra Amerides

* CONTENT WARNING * This episode of Everyday Saints touches on gender dysphoria and mental health. If you or someone you know needs support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.Alexandra Amerides is a trans and non-binary opera singer who grew up Greek Orthodox but has since found a home in the Anglican Church. They spoke with Maya Pilbrow about gender roles, opera singing, worship music, and what it means for gender diverse people to be welcomed in religious spaces.

Episode#10 - Natalie Dixon-Monu

* CONTENT WARNING * This episode of Everyday Saints touches on family violence, self harm, drug taking and sexual abuse, among other issues. If you or someone you know needs support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. The Reverend Natalie Dixon-Monu is coordinator of the award-winning Boroondara Community Outreach, a mental health ministry that also provides those it supports with worship, hospitality and art.A minister in the Uniting Church of Australia, Ms Dixon-Monu has also worked with young prisoners, and individuals who have struggled with a range of addictions.She spoke with Jenan Taylor about how her own turbulent upbringing drove her towards the Bible in her youth, and how her faith has been a gateway into helping people, whom many others might give up on, make sense of the Church.

Episode #09 – Shanti Michael

Shanti Michael is a musical director for a group named Chorus Ecclesiae, which performs Gregorian chanting and sacred polyphony in Victorian churches. She has worked and studied in the US, worked for the Catholic church in Malaysia and now resides in Australia. She spoke with host Kirralee Nicolle about growing up Malaysian, her faith and its family emphasis and the beauty of acceptance across religious bounds. Her story is one of creative journeys, loss and experiencing faith alongside those you love.Everyday Saints is hosted and edited by Kirralee Nicolle, with help from Elspeth Kernebone, Michelle Harris, Jenan Taylor and Maya Pilbrow. Graphics by Julian Karajic.

Episode #08 – Jan Shattock

Jan Shattock's faith has been a feature of her life for many decades. As a teacher, lay minister, mission worker, ESL teacher and mum, her faith has sustained her through some unexpected trials, including a sudden and frightening diagnosis. She is a parishioner at St Thomas' Burwood, and has served the Melbourne diocese and the non-English speaking community in a variety of ways. Host Kirralee Nicolle got to hear a little about what keeps her going in the ups and downs of life. Everyday Saints is hosted and edited by Kirralee Nicolle, with help from Elspeth Kernebone, Michelle Harris, Jenan Taylor and Maya Pilbrow. Graphics by Julian Karajic.