Best National Center on Restorative Justice Podcasts (2025)

1
Reflecting On Pastor Ara Torosian's Story 26:39

Play Pause

4d ago26:39

26:39

In a time of cultural divides and political tension, what is the church's role in bringing healing and truth to a fractured society? This episode dives into the complex intersection of faith, politics, and justice, exploring how Christianity can navigate today's challenges with humility, love, and a commitment to Jesus' teachings. The hosts reflect…

1
A Personal Story of Resistance - w/ Pastor Ara Torosian 1:06:51

6d ago1:06:51

1:06:51

Pastor Ara Tarosian joins Mike and Tim to share his incredible journey from persecution in Iran to building a vibrant church community in Los Angeles. He went viral a few weeks ago for a visdeo he posted of members of his congregation being abducted by ICE (See our instagram this week for the video). From surviving the Iranian Revolution to smuggli…

1
Young Person Bench Marking Forum: In Their Own Words 1:11:24

7d ago1:11:24

1:11:24

Send us a text This episode was recorded in Leeds at National Leaving Care Bench Marking Forum with Harlie, Victoria, Dyllan and Mark from the Young Person Bench Marking Forum. This episode explores what Young Person Bench Marking Forum is, and key recommendations which have come out of the ‘In Their Own Words’ Report in relation to working with an…

1
A Near Life Experience: The Theology of Disability and Punk Rock Prophets - w/ Dr. Timothy Gombis 1:05:10

13d ago1:05:10

1:05:10

What does punk rock have to do with the heart of the Gospel? In this episode, the Voxology team, joined by the Dr. Timothy Gombis, dives deep into the unexpected intersections of radical community, inclusivity, and the teachings of Jesus. From punk rock's raw authenticity to the profound ministry of disability-focused communities that Mike recently…

1
Reunification: Putting hope and relationships at the heart of practice 54:12

14d ago54:12

54:12

Send us a text This episode focusses on reunification, with the main body of the episode recorded at the Reunification Conference in Coventry. The episode features Matt’s opening of the conference, followed by speakers from the day and the voices of families and practitioners from Coventry’s reunification service. Thank you for listening to The Rel…

1
Roman’s 13: Give to God What is God’s 1:02:46

20d ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Is Romans 13 being misused to justify political or social agendas? In this intellectually rich yet accessible discussion, the hosts tackle the challenges of interpreting Romans 13 in the context of faith, politics, and justice. Exploring the tension between government authority and the church's mission to love one's neighbor above all, they delve i…

1
Luke Rodgers: More than a story 1:12:42

21d ago1:12:42

1:12:42

Send us a text This week Matt and Hannah are joined by Luke Rodgers, a lived experienced leader, award winning social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Care Leaders. This episode explores the reasons behind why Luke made the decision to stop sharing his own story of being in care, his views on care experience as a protected characteristic, an…

1
What About Romans 13... Joyful Non-Compliance: Faith in Action Today 1:08:24

27d ago1:08:24

1:08:24

What does "Joyful Non-Compliance" look like in today’s world? In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts explore how faith intersects with politics, justice, and cultural challenges. Diving into Romans 12 and 13, they discuss the biblical posture of joyful, peaceful non-compliance, emphasizing the church's role in society as a force of love, just…

1
Lemn Sissay: Gold from the Stone – care, poetry and Christmas dinners 54:21

28d ago54:21

54:21

Send us a text This week Hannah and Matt are joined by Lemn Sissay, poet, writer and founder and trustee of the Gold from the Stone Foundation. In this episode Lemn shares his experiences of being a young person in care and leaving care, and the importance of love and care in the care system. We discuss poetry, writing, the Gold from the Stone Foun…

1
Joyful, Peaceful, and Gracious Noncompliance 1:29:27

1M ago1:29:27

1:29:27

How should Christians approach immigration, justice, and faith in today’s cultural climate? In this episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim dive into "Joyful, Peaceful, and Gracious Noncompliance," exploring what scripture teaches about welcoming the stranger, showing compassion, and advocating for justice. Drawing on the work of experts like…

1
Catherine Gladwell: Refugee Week – Community as a superpower 54:20

1M ago54:20

54:20

Send us a text This week Matt and Hannah are joined by Catherine Gladwell, Founder and Chief Executive of Refugee Actions UK to talk about the importance of education for refugee and asylum-seeking children. The episode explores some of the insights that Catherine has gained from working with children, young people and teachers through humanitarian…

1
The World of, Behind and In Front of the Text: Navigating Biblical Interpretations 51:20

1M ago51:20

51:20

In this episode, Tim and Mike continue the conversation about the complexities of biblical interpretation, exploring how various contexts—textual, cultural, and personal—shape our understanding of scripture. What does "biblical" really mean, and why does it matter in today's world? Mike and Tim explore the "world of the text," the cultural and hist…

1
Dr Lisa Cherry: Weaving a Web of Belonging 1:14:30

1M ago1:14:30

1:14:30

Send us a text This episode begins by Hannah and Matt discussing the tragic event which happened at the Liverpool Premier League celebrations, and the reaction to this in the media and online. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Dr Lisa Cherry, to talk about her new book, ‘Weaving a Web of Belonging’. The episode explores trauma informed practice, k…

1
The Bible as a Cross Cultural Experience 1:11:44

2M ago1:11:44

1:11:44

Is the label "biblical" helping or hurting how we approach faith, church, and cultural challenges? In this thought-provoking episode of the Voxology Podcast, Mike and Tim explore the pitfalls of using "biblical" as a rigid brand, how it impacts theology, and its effects on navigating issues like justice, community, and interpretation of Scripture. …

1
Jo Williams: Supervision and the spaces in between 54:14

2M ago54:14

54:14

Send us a text In this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Jo Williams, an independent social work consultant, author and research, with a particular interest in supervision and social work leadership. This episode explores the components of good quality supervision, and how supervision does not only take place within one-to-one and group setting…

1
Why 'Biblical' Might Not Mean What You Think 1:06:03

2M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

Is "biblical" always what it seems? In this thought-provoking episode, the hosts unpack why the word "biblical" might not mean what you think and explore its misuse across faith, politics, and cultural issues. From examining how "biblical" has become a branding tool to discussing its role in sociological stress tests and power dynamics, this conver…

1
Donald Forrester: From AI to difficult conversations – practice considerations for social work practice moving forwards 1:06:28

2M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

Send us a text In this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Donald Forrester, Professor of Child and Family Social Work at Cardiff University, the Director of CASCADE the Children’s Social Care Research and Development Centre, and the Deputy Director SCALE the Centre Social Care and Artificial Intelligence Learning. The episode explores the use of…

1
Discernment: Cruciformity is Active, Not Passive 59:26

2M ago59:26

59:26

Discernment: Cruciformity is Active, Not Passive. On this episode of the Voxology podcast, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford focus on discernment in faith, the essence of Christian identity, and the importance of critiquing ideologies rather than individuals. They emphasize the need for community engagement and humanizing conversations across divides, par…

1
Cllr Pat Seaman: The role of local politics in Children’s Services 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

Send us a text In this episode Matt and Hannah are joined by Cllr Pat Seaman, Lead Member for Children’s at Coventry City Council. Pat talks about the importance of relationships, community and help being available for families when they are in need. We discuss Pat’s journey into politics and the role that local politics plays in how Children’s Ser…

1
The Corruption of Biblical Leadership (Cruciformity Series) 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

What does leadership shaped by the cross really look like in today’s church—and how far have we drifted from it? Mike and Tim continue the Cruciformity Series with a raw, revealing, and intensely personal reflection on their own experiences with American evangelical leadership culture. From megachurch strategy to influence-based platforms, they unp…

1
Isabelle Trowler: The future of social work according to the Chief Social Worker 57:27

2M ago57:27

57:27

Send us a text This episode starts by announcing which two of our newsletter subscribers are the first winners of a Madlug bag and some podcast merchandise. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Isabelle Trowler, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families. The episode explores Isabelle’s role as Chief Social Worker, and social work as a political p…

1
Prophetic Resistance: Challenging the Status Quo (Cruciformity Series) 1:02:04

3M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

How the church responds when Jesus is co-opted by political power, and what it means to faithfully resist using cruciform love. In this latest installment of the Exile Series, Mike and Tim explore recent headlines where government leaders invoke Christianity as a means to assert national identity and justify coercive policies. Rather than offering …

1
Rachael Wardell: Episode brought to you in affiliation with the Association of Directors of Children's Services 58:22

3M ago58:22

58:22

Send us a text In this episode Matt and Hannah speak with Rachael Wardell, Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning (DCS) at Surrey County Council and President of The Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS). This episode explores the work of the ADCS and Rachael’s hopes for her presidency, including tackling ch…

1
A Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone - w/ A. J. Swoboda 1:04:36

3M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

How reclaiming a teachable spirit can radically transform our faith, our churches, and our relationships with those we often see as “the other.” Mike and Tim welcome theologian, pastor, and author A.J. Swoboda to unpack his latest book, The Teachable Spirit: The Virtue of Learning from Strangers, Enemies, and Absolutely Anyone, as well as a powerfu…

1
Dave Linton: Make a difference luggage - can bags bring dignity to care leavers 54:38

3M ago54:38

54:38

Send us a text We are back after having a break over Easter with the first episode of Series 3! In this episode, Matt and Hannah chat with Dave Linton, founder and CEO at Madlug. This episode explores how Dave went from being a youth worker to a social entrepreneur, after hearing how many children in care have to move their belongings in bin bags, …

1
Why Did Jesus Have to Die? Understanding the Wages of Sin and Sacrifice (Cruciformity Series) 1:03:02

3M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Unpacking the deep narrative threads that make Jesus’s death not just inevitable, but essential to our human story, Mike and Tim dive into the costs of sin, how death is a consequence—not simply a punishment—and what Jesus’s crucifixion really reveals about God’s nature. This Good Friday reflection brings clarity to questions we’ve inherited or sid…

1
Cruciformity: Living in the Shape of the Cross (A Cross - Shaped Life) - Q&A w The Voxology Patrons 1:09:50

3M ago1:09:50

1:09:50

How does understanding the difference between what the Bible describes and what it prescribes shape the way we live, lead, and love today? Mike Erre and Tim Stafford kick off their new Christianity 101 Series with an in-depth—and often hilarious—conversation that lays the groundwork for how the Voxology community approaches Scripture, biblical auth…

1
Two Christianities: Cruciform Love vs. Power and Culture Wars w/ Dr. Timothy Gombis (Cruciformity Series) 1:19:25

3M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

How a cruciform vision of faith challenges cultural Christianity obsessed with dominance, political power, and exclusion. Mike Erre, Tim Stafford, and special guest Dr. Timothy Gombis kick off a new Cruciformity Series by wrestling with the relational and theological tensions between two distinctly different expressions of Christianity. They dive i…

1
The Anti-Greed Gospel: How Greed Fuels Racism and What the Church Can Do About It - w/ Dr. Malcolm Foley 1:17:15

4M ago1:17:15

1:17:15

Unpacking the intersection of economics, race, and faith, Mike and Tim sit down with historian and theologian Dr. Malcolm Foley to explore the dangerous roots of racism in greed and how Christian communities can resist the power of money—biblically referred to as "Mammon." With incisive insight, emotional clarity, and a sense of urgency, Malcolm wa…

1
Laurie Kilby: Weekending - reimagining fostering through the lens of relationships 41:20

4M ago41:20

41:20

Send us a text It’s the final episode of Series 2! In this episode Hannah and Matt are joined by Laurie Kilby, Co-Founder and Practice Lead at the charity Now Foster. This episode explores Weekenders, an innovative approach to foster care, based on wrapping love and support around young people, building life long relationships and connection, and t…

1
500 Episodes, Two Christianities, and Clarifying the Center of Jesus 1:21:39

4M ago1:21:39

1:21:39

Celebrating 500 episodes and nearly 10 years of bold conversations, Mike and Tim pause to reflect on the Voxology journey and address a growing burden: the deepening divide between competing versions of Christianity in American culture. This milestone episode explores how one branch of Christianity has co-opted the language of Jesus to justify nati…

1
The Relational Social Work Podcast Live: What role does Children’s Services have in a tumultuous world? 50:47

4M ago50:47

50:47

Send us a text This episode was recorded at Compass Jobs Fair in Birmingham with a live studio audience. First Matt and Hannah speak with Kellie Doubtfire (Publishing and Events Director at Compass) about Compass and Social Work Today, before speaking with a panel of guests: Beverley Barnett-Jones (Associate Director at Nuffield Family Justice Obse…

1
The Affections of Christ Jesus: What Paul’s Theology of Love Teaches Us Today - w/ Nijay Gupta 58:50

4M ago58:50

58:50

How do we truly love others, and what does it mean to love God with our whole being? In this rich and deeply engaging conversation with New Testament scholar Dr. Nijay Gupta, Mike and Tim explore the heart of Paul’s theology of love, as captured in Nijay’s newest book, “The Affections of Christ Jesus.” Tackling questions like "Can we love someone w…

1
Diversity and Inclusion in the Family Justice System: A Family Justice Council Conference special 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

Send us a text This week’s episode was recorded at the Family Justice Council Conference in Birmingham. Hannah and Matt are joined first by Sir Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division, Head of Family Justice and Chair of the Family Justice Council, to discuss the role of the Family Justice Council before sharing some key messages for soc…

1
Bridging the Gap: How Biblical Justice Calls Us to Reimagine Equity, Economics, and Jubilee - w/ Sarah Pechan Driver 1:04:34

4M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

How the biblical blueprint for justice offers a practical and powerful vision for reimagining community, equity, and generosity. In this compelling episode of the Exile Series, Mike and Tim are joined by longtime friend and justice advocate Sarah Pecan Driver to explore what it means to faithfully pursue the restoration of shalom. Drawing deeply fr…

1
Ryan O'Donnell: A story fit for Hollywood - A foster carer and father fighting for reunification in a broken system 59:20

4M ago59:20

59:20

Send us a text In this episode Hannah and Matt chat with Ryan O’Donnell, Co-Founder and CEO of Sunlight and previous foster carer in America, about his experience of fostering a young boy who had “no family” and how a chance encounter found his father. This episode explores a journey of reunification which saw many injustices for a black father and…

1
Understanding Grace as a Social Dynamic: Resisting the Myth of a Christian Nation (Exile Series) 1:07:48

5M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

How reframing grace as a radical, social equalizer challenges cultural power systems and reshapes the church’s role in a fractured world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford continue the Exile Series by unpacking how American nationalism distorts the purpose of the church—and how the book of Ephesians offers a subversive vision of identity rooted in Christ,…

1
Yvette Stanley: Ofsted’s next chapter - rethinking inspection and focusing on what matters 1:01:46

5M ago1:01:46

1:01:46

Send us a text In this episode, Matt and Hannah speak with Yvette Stanley, National Director of Social Care at Ofsted about inspection and regulation. The episode explores how Ofsted captures relationships, love and care in their reports, and how they have embraced relational practice. Yvette talks about the changes that are coming to the ILACS (In…

1
Social Justice as a Core Aspect of the Gospel: How the Early Church Modeled Social Restoration (Exile Series) 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

How the early church responded to injustice offers a roadmap for communities struggling to embody Christ’s vision of transformation and Shalom today. Mike and Tim dive deep into real examples from Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Galatians to reveal how the early Christians addressed systemic injustice across ethnic, economic, and cultural lines—while poin…

1
Sue and Chloe, The House Project: Moving on in community 51:38

5M ago51:38

51:38

Send us a text In this episode Matt and Hannah chat with Sue Hammersley, Director at National House Project, and Chloe, Care Leavers National Movement Champion, about the work of the National House Project and changing the narrative in relation to young people with care experience. The episode explores the importance of relationships, and how these…

1
Finding Hope in Overwhelming Times: Embracing the Church's Role in Restoring Shalom (Exile Series) 1:11:42

5M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Exploring how to keep hope alive in overwhelming times and the church's role in restoring Shalom and unity amidst despair. Unpacking Ephesians 2, Mike Erre and Tim Stafford discuss practical ways to overcome feelings of helplessness by engaging in community action and embracing a holistic understanding of sin and salvation. Key Takeaways: Finding H…

1
Dez Holmes: What role does research play in practice? 1:01:30

5M ago1:01:30

1:01:30

Send us a text In this episode Dez Holmes, Director of Research in Practice and Strategic Director of the National Children’s Bureau, talks with Matt and Hannah about evidence informed practice, the complexities of relational practice and how practice is a by-product of systems, leadership and infrastructure. Thank you for listening to The Relation…

1
Rethinking Sin, Salvation, and Community in Modern Christianity (Exile Series) 1:12:59

5M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

Exploring how reframing sin and salvation as communal realities can transform our understanding of justice, community, and the mission of the church in today's world, Mike and Tim dive deep into the implications of being a community of justice and shalom while continuing their Exile Series. Key Takeaways: • Sin and Salvation as Communal Concepts – …

1
Tony Stanley: Should UK social work be aspiring to follow the Land of the Long White Cloud? 56:42

5M ago56:42

56:42

Send us a text In this episode Hannah and Matt are joined from New Zealand by Tony Stanley, National Practice Advisor at Oranga Tamariki – Ministry for Children. The episode explores child protection practice in both New Zealand and the UK and the importance of practice frameworks as a scaffold for social work practice. Tony talks with Matt and Han…

1
How Sin and Salvation Shape a Community of Justice (Exile Series) 1:07:26

6M ago1:07:26

1:07:26

Explore how recognizing sin and salvation as communal realities empowers the church to become a beacon of justice and shalom in a divided world. Mike Erre and Tim Stafford delve into the deep-seated issues within modern Christianity, examining the dichotomy between individualistic and communal understandings of faith. They discuss how embracing a c…

1
Anna Glinski: Finding hope in dark places 53:28

6M ago53:28

53:28

Send us a text This episode starts with Matt and Hannah’s reflections on the discussion they with Josh MacAlister last week. Hannah and Matt are then joined by Anna Glinski, Deputy Director of the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse. The episode explores some of the recommendations of The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s report into…

1
Breaking Free from Political Idolatry: Embracing the Church's True Mission (Exile Series) 1:12:16

6M ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Explore how Christians can resist the allure of political power, understand the biblical call to live as exiles, and rediscover the transformative impact of being the church in a polarized society. Key Takeaways: • Resisting Political Idolatry – Understanding the dangers of aligning Christianity with political parties and leaders. • Embracing Exile…

1
Josh MacAlister: Disrupting and Reforming Children's Social Care 1:01:17

6M ago1:01:17

1:01:17

Send us a text In this episode Matt and Hannah chat with Josh MacAlister, Labour MP, former teacher, founder of Frontline and Chair of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care. The episode explores the progress of social care reforms since the review was published, how it has informed the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and his hopes…

1
Submissive and Subversive: Jesus's Interactions with the Herod Dynasty (Exile Series) 1:05:03

6M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

Mike and Tim unveil the revolutionary ways Jesus navigated oppressive systems by balancing submission and subversion, and how this approach empowers us to confront modern challenges with wisdom and courage. Key Takeaways: • The Submissive-Subversive Tension – Understanding how Jesus embodied both submission to authority and subversion of oppressive…

1
Emily Frith: Making adoption work in the 21st Century 48:07

6M ago48:07

48:07

Send us a text It’s Blue Monday, so this episode starts with Matt and Hannah sharing some of their own struggles with their mental health and wellbeing. They are then joined by Emily Frith, CEO of Adoption UK, exploring the importance of relationships and support in adoption, open adoption and what this means for children, birth families and adopti…

National Center On Restorative Justice Podcasts