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

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

Dr Mike Bird is a respected New Testament scholar, author, and lecturer, but his story begins in a very different place.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home marked by addiction, instability, and fear, Mike learned early how deeply childhood shapes identity. With no faith background and little academic direction, he joined the army as a way out. It was there amid discipline, challenge, and unexpected invitation that everything began to change.

In this episode, Mike shares his journey from trauma to transformation: discovering faith through a local church, wrestling with questions of meaning and morality, and eventually stepping into a life of scholarship, teaching, and writing.

Along the way, we explore:

• How childhood trauma shapes adult life
• Why Christianity still underpins modern ideas of justice
• The tension between faith and military service
• The intellectual and personal journey to belief
• What it means to find purpose and redemption

This is a story about identity, hope, and the surprising paths that lead us to who we’re meant to become.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 – A Childhood Shaped by Chaos

06:30 – Searching for Escape and Identity

16:30 – An Unexpected Encounter with Faith

28:30 – A Life Transformed

40:30 – From Soldier to Scholar

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media

What is really happening with faith in Australia?

In this insightful conversation, Karl Faase sits down with leading researcher Ruth Powell to explore the shifting spiritual landscape which is moving from church decline and cultural distrust to surprising signs of curiosity and hope among younger generations. Drawing on decades of research through the National Church Life Survey, Ruth offers a nuanced perspective.

While the church has lost confidence and cultural influence, there are fresh opportunities emerging - particularly among Gen Z and young men. This episode is both honest and hopeful, calling the church to rediscover its message, reimagine its methods, and step boldly into a new season.

Takeaways

• The cultural moment is not just hostile — it’s open.
• Hope is a powerful entry point for faith conversations.
• The next generation needs new language, not just old answers.
• Churches must move from preservation to mission again.
• Innovation (“new wineskins”) is no longer optional.

Chapters and Key Moments

00:00 — Introduction

02:00 — A Childhood in Papua New Guinea

06:00 — Mission, Transformation & Cultural Change

10:30 — The Role of Women & the Message of Worth

18:00 — Wrestling with Colonialism

27:00 — From Psychology to Church Research

31:00 — 30 Years of Church Trends in Australia

36:00 — Is There a Quiet Revival?

40:30 — The Rise of Spiritual Curiosity in Gen Z

42:30 — Young Men & Faith

48:00 — We’re Wired for Hope

50:00 — Advice for Church Leaders

Find Out More

Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au

Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch

Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org

Special Thanks To Excelsia University College

Christian Finance

Vision Christian Media