How do culture, politics and faith influence one another? Historian, and author of 'Jesus and John Wayne', Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Clayton to explore the forces that shape religious communities, the relationship between belief and cultural identity, and what history can teach us about the challenges facing faith in the modern world. Kristin specifically focuses on the influence of white-evangelicals in the American culture & politics.About Kristin Kobes Du Mez:Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a historian, author and professor at Calvin University. Kristin examines the historical movements, ideas and cultural influences that have shaped generations of Christians and continue to impact society today.

How do culture, politics and faith influence one another? Historian, and author of 'Jesus and John Wayne', Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Clayton to explore the forces that shape religious communities, the relationship between belief and cultural identity, and what history can teach us about the challenges facing faith in the modern world. Kristin specifically focuses on the influence of white-evangelicals in the American culture &amp; politics.About Kristin Kobes Du Mez:Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a historian, author and professor at Calvin University. Kristin examines the historical movements, ideas and cultural influences that have shaped generations of Christians and continue to impact society today.

Towards Understanding is a full-length feature interview radio program hosted by Clayton Bjelan. The show contains a mix of interviews based around the understanding and living out of Christian faith and those just doing remarkable things in our world. It focuses on three key groups of people - The Known, The Overcomer and The Unknown.



89.9 | TheLight | PositiveMedia | LightFM | Melbourne 

Towards Understanding is a full-length feature interview radio program hosted by Clayton Bjelan. The show contains a mix of interviews based around the understanding and living out of Christian faith and those just doing remarkable things in our world. It focuses on three key groups of people - The Known, The Overcomer and The Unknown.
 
89.9 | TheLight | PositiveMedia | LightFM | Melbourne

Towards Understanding

Kristin Kobes Du Mez | When Faith and Culture Shape Each Other

Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of Australians and touches the lives of countless families, yet many misconceptions remain about what it is and how best to respond. Professor Henry Brodaty AO joins Clayton to discuss the latest understanding of dementia, the importance of early intervention, brain health and prevention, and how families and carers can better support those living with the condition. Together they explore the challenges, opportunities and hope emerging from decades of research and care.Professor Henry Brodaty AO is one of Australia's leading experts in ageing, mental health and dementia. He is Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney and has spent decades advancing dementia research, improving care and supporting people living with dementia and their families. In 2026, he was named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to dementia research, advocacy and care.

Dementia affects hundreds of thousands of Australians and touches the lives of countless families, yet many misconceptions remain about what it is and how best to respond. Professor Henry Brodaty AO joins Clayton to discuss the latest understanding of dementia, the importance of early intervention, brain health and prevention, and how families and carers can better support those living with the condition. Together they explore the challenges, opportunities and hope emerging from decades of research and care.Professor Henry Brodaty AO is one of Australia's leading experts in ageing, mental health and dementia. He is Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health at UNSW Sydney and has spent decades advancing dementia research, improving care and supporting people living with dementia and their families. In 2026, he was named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to dementia research, advocacy and care.

Professor Henry Brodaty AO | Living Well with Dementia

Marker 01

Marker 02

As the world marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Clayton revisits his conversation with Gennelle Guzman-McMillan, the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble of the World Trade Center. Trapped for more than 27 hours beneath the collapsed towers, Gennelle shares her extraordinary story of survival, faith and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. Together they reflect on resilience, purpose and the lessons that emerged from one of history's most significant tragedies.Gennelle as working on the 64th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the September 11 attacks occurred. After the towers collapsed, she became the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble. Her remarkable story of survival, recovery and faith has inspired people around the world and continues to offer hope to those facing their own difficult circumstances.

As the world marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Clayton revisits his conversation with Gennelle Guzman-McMillan, the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble of the World Trade Center. Trapped for more than 27 hours beneath the collapsed towers, Gennelle shares her extraordinary story of survival, faith and hope in the face of overwhelming darkness. Together they reflect on resilience, purpose and the lessons that emerged from one of history's most significant tragedies.Gennelle as working on the 64th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower when the September 11 attacks occurred. After the towers collapsed, she became the last known survivor to be rescued from the rubble. Her remarkable story of survival, recovery and faith has inspired people around the world and continues to offer hope to those facing their own difficult circumstances.

Gennelle Guzman-McMillan | The Last Survivor

Who are the people trusted to advise presidents, prime ministers and global leaders? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks joins Clayton to share insights from conversations with chiefs of staff to some of the world's most influential decision-makers, exploring leadership, influence, trust and what happens behind the scenes of power.Phoebe is the founder of Missing Perspectives, a media platform dedicated to elevating women's voices and stories around the world. A former policy adviser who has worked across government, human rights and international organisations, her work explores the intersection of media, power and leadership. She is the author of The Right Hand.

Who are the people trusted to advise presidents, prime ministers and global leaders? Phoebe Saintilan-Stocks joins Clayton to share insights from conversations with chiefs of staff to some of the world's most influential decision-makers, exploring leadership, influence, trust and what happens behind the scenes of power.Phoebe is the founder of Missing Perspectives, a media platform dedicated to elevating women's voices and stories around the world. A former policy adviser who has worked across government, human rights and international organisations, her work explores the intersection of media, power and leadership. She is the author of The Right Hand.

Kristin Kobes Du Mez | When Faith and Culture Shape Each Other

In 1 playlist(s)

Towards Understanding

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips