What happens when life repeatedly takes turns you never wanted and never expected? Vaneetha Rendall Risner joins Clayton to share her journey through disability, grief, loss and an unwanted divorce, reflecting on how faith can survive even the most painful seasons. Together they explore disappointment, suffering, resilience and the hope that can still be found when life looks very different from the one we imagined.

What happens when life repeatedly takes turns you never wanted and never expected? Vaneetha Rendall Risner joins Clayton to share her journey through disability, grief, loss and an unwanted divorce, reflecting on how faith can survive even the most painful seasons. Together they explore disappointment, suffering, resilience and the hope that can still be found when life looks very different from the one we imagined.

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

Vaneetha Rendall Risner | Walking with God through Divorce

How do you keep going when the life you know disappears overnight? Daniella Kafouris joins Clayton to share the devastating moment her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and the journey that followed. Together they explore fear, uncertainty, faith and resilience, reflecting on how a season of profound darkness became the place where hope, strength and a life-changing encounter with God emerged.About Daniella KafourisDaniella Kafouris is a writer and storyteller whose life was transformed by her family's journey through childhood cancer. Raised in Zambia and South Africa before settling in Australia with her husband Mike, Daniella spent years searching for meaning through different philosophies and ideas. When their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. Her debut book, The Pink Alice Band, shares the story of navigating a parent's deepest fears while discovering faith, hope and unexpected strength in the midst of suffering.

How do you keep going when the life you know disappears overnight? Daniella Kafouris joins Clayton to share the devastating moment her three-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and the journey that followed. Together they explore fear, uncertainty, faith and resilience, reflecting on how a season of profound darkness became the place where hope, strength and a life-changing encounter with God emerged.About Daniella KafourisDaniella Kafouris is a writer and storyteller whose life was transformed by her family's journey through childhood cancer. Raised in Zambia and South Africa before settling in Australia with her husband Mike, Daniella spent years searching for meaning through different philosophies and ideas. When their young daughter was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. Her debut book, The Pink Alice Band, shares the story of navigating a parent's deepest fears while discovering faith, hope and unexpected strength in the midst of suffering.

Daniella Kafouris | What happens when your 3 year old gets cancer?

What makes a story endure long after the people who lived it are gone? Anthony D'Ambrosio joins Clayton to discuss the extraordinary life of Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who gave his life for another prisoner in Auschwitz, and why stories of courage, sacrifice and compassion continue to resonate today. Together they explore the role of storytelling, the search for purpose and belonging, and the power of lives lived for something greater than themselves.About Anthony D'AmbrosioAnthony D'Ambrosio is a storyteller, filmmaker and founder of Sherwood Fellows, where he helps organisations communicate purpose and inspire meaningful change. His work has focused on how movements are shaped through shared vision, belonging and human connection. Anthony is the writer and director of Triumph of the Heart, a feature film exploring the life and legacy of Maximilian Kolbe, whose extraordinary act of self-sacrifice continues to inspire people around the world.

What makes a story endure long after the people who lived it are gone? Anthony D'Ambrosio joins Clayton to discuss the extraordinary life of Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan priest who gave his life for another prisoner in Auschwitz, and why stories of courage, sacrifice and compassion continue to resonate today. Together they explore the role of storytelling, the search for purpose and belonging, and the power of lives lived for something greater than themselves.About Anthony D'AmbrosioAnthony D'Ambrosio is a storyteller, filmmaker and founder of Sherwood Fellows, where he helps organisations communicate purpose and inspire meaningful change. His work has focused on how movements are shaped through shared vision, belonging and human connection. Anthony is the writer and director of Triumph of the Heart, a feature film exploring the life and legacy of Maximilian Kolbe, whose extraordinary act of self-sacrifice continues to inspire people around the world.

Anthony D'Ambrosio | Why Do Stories of Sacrifice Still Matter?

Financial hardship affects far more than a bank account. Rosie Kendall joins Clayton to discuss the personal impact of debt, financial stress and economic uncertainty, and why hope, dignity and community are essential ingredients in helping people rebuild their lives. Together they explore the role churches can play in supporting those facing financial challenges and what genuine transformation looks like beyond the numbers.About Rosie KendallRosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy, a Christian organisation that partners with churches across Australia to support people facing financial hardship. For nearly two decades, Rosie has worked alongside individuals and families navigating debt, poverty and financial crisis, while helping equip churches to respond with practical support and lasting hope. Originally involved with the ministry in the UK before moving to Australia, Rosie is passionate about seeing lives transformed through compassion, community and the love of Jesus.

Financial hardship affects far more than a bank account. Rosie Kendall joins Clayton to discuss the personal impact of debt, financial stress and economic uncertainty, and why hope, dignity and community are essential ingredients in helping people rebuild their lives. Together they explore the role churches can play in supporting those facing financial challenges and what genuine transformation looks like beyond the numbers.About Rosie KendallRosie Kendall is the CEO of Hope Economy, a Christian organisation that partners with churches across Australia to support people facing financial hardship. For nearly two decades, Rosie has worked alongside individuals and families navigating debt, poverty and financial crisis, while helping equip churches to respond with practical support and lasting hope. Originally involved with the ministry in the UK before moving to Australia, Rosie is passionate about seeing lives transformed through compassion, community and the love of Jesus.

Vaneetha Rendall Risner | Walking with God through Divorce

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