PODCAST

All Things Considered

BBC Radio Wales

Religious affairs programme, tackling the thornier issues of the day in a thought-provoking manner

religion & spirituality

All Episodes

29:00

Does God Do Maths?

All Things Considered ·

2025/05/11

It can inspire fear and dread in many of us, but for others there is a beauty in maths that is sometimes closely related to matters of faith. Rosa Hunt hears from four mathematicians whose mathematical research has helped to support their religious faith. Professor Larry Lesser gives some fascinating insights into the mathematics of Judaic peoples as reflected in the Torah and the Talmud. For mathematician and bishop's chaplain Rev. Dr Emma Whittick one of the most curious numerical sequences is one

28:48

Where is God in a natural disaster?

All Things Considered ·

2025/05/04

Delyth Liddell in conversation with Dr Sharon Dirckx, author of the recently published 'Broken Planet: If There's a God, Then Why Are There Natural Disasters and Diseases?' In the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar, Delyth and Sharon examine one of the most enduring and difficult questions, if there is a good and loving God, how can we make sense of natural disasters and diseases? It’s a question that has challenged philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people for centuries. Sharon holds a

29:00

With the Smell of Sheep : The Papacy of Pope Francis

All Things Considered ·

2025/04/27

Jonathan Thomas and guests examine the life and legacy of Pope Francis, from his beginnings in Buenos Aires to his leadership as the head of the Catholic Church. The passing of the 88 year old Pontiff this week came the day after he offered his final Apostolic Blessing on Easter Sunday. Francis famously told all priests to be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep," to connect and empathise with the people they serve. Thousands flocked to Rome for his funeral yesterday; a public reaction that has

28:58

Owen Cottom: Resurrection hope

All Things Considered ·

2025/04/20

In recent years, mainline denominations in Wales have faced a continual decline. Meetings have been held to address these losses, focusing on training and retaining clergy, and utilizing church buildings as resources rather than burdens. However, earlier this month, the Bible Society released a report titled ‘The Quiet Revival,’ highlighting a surprising trend: many churches in England and Wales are experiencing growth, particularly among Gen Z. This demographic has shown a significant increase in

29:00

The Art of Argument

All Things Considered ·

2025/04/14

In an age of polarised politics “cancel culture” and online echo chambers, it can feel as though respectful disagreement is a dying art. However, across the world’s faith traditions, argument isn’t something to be avoided. Jesus questioned, challenged, and debated—often with religious leaders of his day. Abraham argued with God in the Hebrew scriptures. Across many religions, sacred texts are filled with dialogue, debate, and the wrestling of ideas.Rosa Hunt is joined by an inter-faith panel to

29:00

Sacred Solidarity: Religion and the Miners' Strike

All Things Considered ·

2025/04/06

As the 'Strike' exhibition wraps up at Cardiff Museum, Azim Ahmed embarks on an exploration into the role of churches during the strikes. What actions did they take, and were they sufficient? Through this journey, we uncover covert meetings between church leaders and politicians, and the emotional tale of a Welsh politician who lost faith—both in the church and spiritually—due to its perceived silence. This narrative shines a light on power, faith, and the complexities of moral responsibility in

28:58

Sacred harmonies: Psalm singing in Wales

All Things Considered ·

2025/03/30

For centuries the singing of psalms has been a cornerstone of Christian worship and in Wales today psalms are sung in the splendour of great cathedrals and in the quiet devotion of Catholic monasteries. While the singing of psalms has long been cherished, in some churches and denominations psalm singing has been replaced by more modern songs and worship. But a new movement called 'Psalm Roars' is challenging that notion. Led by vicar Tim Vasby Burnie, 'Psalm Roars' aim to make psalm singing

28:59

Memories, Faith and Dementia

All Things Considered ·

2025/03/23

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 1 in 3 people in the UK will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime. 55 million people worldwide. But, what is dementia, how does it affect people, and what role does faith play in a person’s journey with dementia? In this programme, presenter Delyth Liddell talks to her mother about the experience of being a full-time carer for a relative with dementia. We also visit Rhos on Sea, just outside Colwyn Bay, to meet the chaplain of Coed Craig residential

28:54

Faith and Neurodiversity

All Things Considered ·

2025/03/16

Neurodivergency is an umbrella term that includes people with Tourette’s, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and more. To mark ‘Neurodiversity Celebration Week’ Jonathan Thomas asks whether faith communities do enough to support people with additional needs. Pembrokeshire born artist and writer Sophie Killingley has recently been commissioned to write a book, ‘Blessed are the Neurodivergent’. She shares her experience of raising her two Autistic children, and how churches could be more welcoming to all.We visit

28:59

Pioneering on Anglesey

All Things Considered ·

2025/03/09

The Baptist Union of Wales has recently recognised a new type of minister. A 'Category 7 Minister' has a licence to pioneer. It may not be clear what a Pioneer Minister does, but there are more of them than we might think, across all the Christian denominations. For today's programme, Rosa Hunt travels to Anglesey and interviews 5 people involved in pioneering ministry. We meet the Reverend George Bearwood in Holyhead, who as well as being an Anglican vicar, has his own heavy metal radio show; Rev

29:00

Women in the New Testament

All Things Considered ·

2025/03/02

Later this week, on March 8, we’ll celebrate International Women’s Day. It's a time to acknowledge the achievements of women, as well as championing equality. And today, on All Things Considered, in an episode originally broadcast in 2024, we consider the way women are presented in the New Testament, their place in Jesus’s ministry and the early church. We ask whether women were silenced in the Bible and explore the extent to which we have an accurate picture of the way the culture and the church

28:56

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at 75

All Things Considered ·

2025/02/23

It’s 75 years since the publication of C.S.Lewis’s classic children’s fantasy The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In celebration, the West End stage version is touring in UK and Ireland throughout the year – its run in Cardiff finished a week ago, and it will be back in Wales, at Llandudno, in August. In this ATC we look at the continuing appeal of this story, look at the man behind it, and explore the use of an imagined world for conveying religious truth. We also discuss Philip Pullman, JK

27:34

Wealth: Blessing or Burden?

All Things Considered ·

2025/02/16

Throughout history, faith-driven philanthropists, from the Cadbury family to the Aga Khan to the Bloombergs, have given generously to help those in need. But does wealth always lead to generosity? Is it possible to be wealthy and live according to faith values? And in an age of social media influencers and lavish lifestyles, how are young people’s financial values being shaped? Azim Ahmed is joined by four guests to discuss the issues: Rhys Parry is a Christian business consultant known as the Money

28:59

Keith and Kristyn Getty

All Things Considered ·

2025/02/09

It’s estimated that around 100 million people sing hymns by Keith and Kristyn Getty around the world each year. Originally from Northern Ireland, they now live in America, with their 4 children. And their songs are seemingly universal. According to Christianity Today, they’ve “changed the way evangelicals worship.” Across Wales, in English and Welsh, you won’t have to search far to hear a Getty hymn being sung on a Sunday morning. They have performed for Presidents and Prime ministers, and been

27:35

Traitors, truth and trust

All Things Considered ·

2025/02/02

‘What self-respecting murder mystery doesn’t have a priest.’ So said the Rev Lisa Coupland in the recent hit psychological reality TV series, The Traitors, where players have to decide who they can trust. The ‘Faithful’ spend their time trying to work out who the Traitors are, and the Traitors, ‘murder’ the Faithful one by one. It is a game that has taken the country by storm.But, does the programme glorify lies and deception at a time when, as a nation, some studies suggest we are becoming more

27:42

A Sound Night's Sleep

All Things Considered ·

2025/01/26

Sleep is said to be a gift from God, but what happens when you can't drift off at night, or you regularly wake up in the small hours? Rosa Hunt investigates the science and spiritual purpose of sleep. Roughly 1 in 3 people experience periodic bouts of insomnia, and there's no it can be deeply troubling, both mentally and physically. Rosa Hunt (who suffers herself from insomnia) investigates the fascinating science and spiritual purpose of sleep, and talks to a number of fellow insomniacs.Rev'd

27:41

The President's Ear

All Things Considered ·

2025/01/19

On July 13th last year a would-be assassin narrowly failed to kill Donald Trump, instead grazing the Republican candidate's right ear. Many people of faith - both on the right and left - see this narrow miss as something of a miracle, and for some evangelicals it is a sign of God's favour towards the president-elect. Roy Jenkins looks at the influence of faith groups on US politics, and the Republican party in particular, as Americans and the world look towards Donald Trump being officially declared

27:28

Grief and Consolation

All Things Considered ·

2025/01/12

In this programme, Rosa Hunt, explores the experience and journey of grief, consolation and faith as a fellow Pilgrim walking with our contributors. Ruth McDonald lost her son Ben when he collapsed after running the Cardiff Half Marathon six years ago. Kathy Richards, who lost her son to cancer over four years ago, now runs a bereavement course. These two mothers speak to us out of their personal experience of grief. We also talk to Professor Wynn Thomas, who published 'The Art of Losing' this

27:54

Offa's Dyke - Highlights

All Things Considered ·

2025/01/05

The border between England and Wales is something that some don’t really notice. Whether you’re crossing the Severn Bridge in the South as you see the dark grey of rain clouds loom. Or crisscrossing back and forth, dancing between lands in the North. Travelling between these two countries is something that is done easily and without much thought.For others, the border is a matter of heart, identity, heritage and pride. Look closely and you will see flat fields turn to mounds and mountains. Listen

27:39

Favourite Carols

All Things Considered ·

2024/12/22

Jonathan Thomas talks to a range of musicians as he explores the stories and the wonderful associations behind some of our favourite Christmas carols. Andrew Gant, a former choirmaster at the Chapel Royal, is the author of 'Deck the Hall' exploring some of curious histories of certain songs. Caroline Sheen from Caerleon is a much loved star of musical theatre on the West End stage, and she recalls happy memories of singing the descant to O Come All Ye Faithful when a member of her school choir. The

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