Best Ryan Paulson Podcasts (2025)

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What God is Building | The Things We Build | Revelation 21 & 22 40:42

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2d ago40:42

40:42

In this sermon, Pastor Aaron explores the concept of the heavenly city depicted in Revelation 21 and 22. He emphasizes the attributes of this divine city, highlighting its absence of chaos, presence of God, complete safety, lack of evil, and abundant provision. Drawing practical lessons for the present, he encourages believers to build communities …

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Sardis: A Letter to a Dead and Dying People | Revelation 3:1-6 37:10

2d ago37:10

37:10

We live in uncertain times. The pace of life is fast, culture feels divided, and people are searching for solid ground to stand on. It’s not all that different from the world the early church faced. About 60 years after Jesus rose from the dead, the church found itself struggling and trying to hold on to its identity as God’s people in the middle o…

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Wade Eastwood On The Stunts Of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 41:20

2d ago41:20

41:20

Whether it's Tom Cruise risking his neck underwater, or above ground while clinging to the wing of a biplane, Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning is filled with stunts that might just turn your hair white. That's if you don't lose it completely. That's just one of the side effects discussed in this Empire Podcast interview special, as the fil…

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Starting In The Middle (with guests Jesse Armstrong, Tim Key, Tom Basden & Carey Mulligan) 1:53:44

5d ago1:53:44

1:53:44

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees the podteam — Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, James Dyer and Alex Godfrey — get to grips with the definition of in media res, as they discuss some of their favourite films that throw you right into the action. Elsewhere, they talk about the week's movie news, pay tribute to Empire's founding editor Barry M…

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Building from Obedience | The Things We Build | Nehemiah 6:1-9 & Matthew 25:23 48:58

8d ago48:58

48:58

In this week's sermon, Pastor Alex discusses the struggle between comfort and discomfort within our faith journeys, relating it to biblical stories and personal anecdotes. He is joined by Steve, our retiring executive pastor, who reflects on his 40-year ministry, emphasizing faithfulness over success and the unexpected ways God prepares us for His …

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Life on Mission: Ambassadors | 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 43:35

8d ago43:35

43:35

Life on Mission What if the place you live, the job you have, and even your favorite hobbies aren’t random but part of God’s strategy? Every neighbor you greet, every coworker you engage, and every friend you laugh with is an opportunity to reflect the love and hope of Jesus. But where do you start? This Sunday, discover simple, practical ways to l…

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Christopher McQuarrie on The Final Reckoning, Benicio del Toro & Michael Cera on The Phoenician Scheme, Tony Gilroy on Andor s2 (spoilers), and Cannes You Dig It? 1:58:45

12d ago1:58:45

1:58:45

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Chris Hewitt mark the release of Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning by doing a non-spoiler, non-epic (less than 20 minutes!) chat with that film's director, the legendarily loquacious Christopher McQuarrie, [26:00 - 43:06 approx] and have a lovely natter with the stars of the new Wes Anderson fi…

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The Shameless Plug #3: Jurassic World Rebirth And Other Animals 39:22

12d ago39:22

39:22

The Shameless Plug — the show in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down and talk you through the latest issue of Empire — is back for its third episode, folks. This one is dedicated to issue 441 of Empire (on sale now at all good, evil, and virtual newsagents), which features Jurassic World Rebirth on the cover, and Nick ta…

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When We Lose What We Have Built | The Things We Build | Psalm 137 & Lamentations 5 40:36

16d ago40:36

40:36

In this week’s message, Pastor Alex invites us into the raw and honest space of grief and loss through the lens of Lamentations. As we reflect on the sorrow of a broken Jerusalem, we’re also invited to name the pain in our own stories. With compassion and insight, Alex reminds us that even in seasons of deep hurt, we are not without hope. God’s fai…

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A Letter to Tolerant People | Revelation 2:18-29 45:44

16d ago45:44

45:44

VII: Letters to the Church A Study of the Book of Revelation We live in uncertain times. The pace of life is fast, culture feels divided, and people are searching for solid ground to stand on. It’s not all that different from the world the early church faced. About 60 years after Jesus rose from the dead, the church found itself struggling and tryi…

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The Extraordinary Miss Flower: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 30:31

17d ago30:31

30:31

Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard's The Extraordinary Miss Flower is part-concert film, part-performance art piece inspired by the life of its subject, a woman called Geraldine Flower. When she passed away a few years ago, her daughter Zoe discovered a number of letters, written over the years by suitors of Geraldine's, which painted a picture of a wil…

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Rosamund Pike & Matthew Rhys, Final Destination Bloodlines directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, Superman and Spelling Bees 1:38:49

19d ago1:38:49

1:38:49

This week's episode of the BSME Awards-nominated Empire Podcast had better not be the episode that the BSME Awards judging panel listens to ahead of voting, or our nomination might be rescinded. Which is to say, chaos reigns as Chris Hewitt returns — eventually, after being waylaid by a McQ&A — to the hosting chair, and is joined by Helen O'Hara, J…

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Building with Ambition | The Things We Build | Genesis 11:1-9 39:08

23d ago39:08

39:08

In this sermon, Pastor Alex explores the deep desires that shape our lives—both the ones within us and the ones we absorb from the world around us. Looking at the story of the Tower of Babel, he invites us to consider how easily our ambitions can lead us away from God’s design for community, humility, and trust. From Genesis to Philippians, we’re r…

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A Letter to Compromising People | Revelation 2:12-17 46:37

23d ago46:37

46:37

VII: Letters to the Church A Study of the Book of Revelation We live in uncertain times. The pace of life is fast, culture feels divided, and people are searching for solid ground to stand on. It’s not all that different from the world the early church faced. About 60 years after Jesus rose from the dead, the church found itself struggling and tryi…

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Lily Gladstone & Kelly Marie Tran, Great Actor/Director Pairings, Tariffs and Teen Movies 1:39:12

26d ago1:39:12

1:39:12

It's another cracking episode of the (freshly award-nominated) Empire Podcast this week, folks, as Helen O'Hara slips into the hosting chair and tries to wrestle James Dyer and Alex Godfrey into shape as they talk about changeable movie titles, great actor/director pairings, Alex's favourite teen movies, the week's movie news including Donald Trump…

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Building with Fear | The Things We Build | Genesis 4:1-24 38:38

30d ago38:38

38:38

In this message, Pastor Alex explores the deeply human experience of fear—how it shapes our choices, builds walls around our lives, and tempts us to trust ourselves more than God. Drawing from the story of Cain and Jesus’ words in Matthew 6, we’re invited to consider a counter-cultural way of living: one marked not by self-protection but by trust, …

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A Letter to Hurting People | Revelation 2:8-11 43:26

30d ago43:26

43:26

VII: Letters to the Church A Study of the Book of Revelation We live in uncertain times. The pace of life is fast, culture feels divided, and people are searching for solid ground to stand on. It’s not all that different from the world the early church faced. About 60 years after Jesus rose from the dead, the church found itself struggling and tryi…

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Wyatt Russell, David Harbour & Hannah John-Kamen, Paul Feig, Ryan Coogler, And It’s Episode 666 1:57:55

1M ago1:57:55

1:57:55

It had to happen: the Empire podcast has finally gone to hell — quite literally in this case, as this particular show is episode 666. Perhaps appropriately, James is in the driving seat for this one, embracing this demonically anointed episode to bring you such thematically-relevant discussions as a Mount Rushmore of movie Satans and an off-topic d…

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A Letter to Drifting People | Revelation 2:1-7 47:11

1M ago47:11

47:11

VII: Letters to the Church A Study of the Book of Revelation We live in uncertain times. The pace of life is fast, culture feels divided, and people are searching for solid ground to stand on. It’s not all that different from the world the early church faced. About 60 years after Jesus rose from the dead, the church found itself struggling and tryi…

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Building with Shame | The Things We Build | Genesis 3:1-20 38:08

1M ago38:08

38:08

In this message, Pastor Alex explores the story of Adam and Eve to help us understand the roots of shame in our lives. Through honest stories and deep spiritual insight, he shows how shame shapes our relationships and invites us to step out of hiding. Rooted in God's love and grace, this sermon calls us to experience healing, freedom, and deeper co…

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The Convergence Is Here (ft. Gareth Evans, Christian Gudegast, and Gavin O'Connor), And Mount Rushmoreapalooza 1:55:20

1M ago1:55:20

1:55:20

It was foretold by the Ancient Ones: The Convergence (or Gunvergence, if you will), the day on which three absolutely slamming action movies will be released at the same time in the UK (albeit on different formats), ushering in a new era of sweaty dad bods, car chases, and many scenes where people die in a hail of bullets. And that day is today, fo…

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The Shameless Plug #2 — The June Issue 31:57

1M ago31:57

31:57

The Shameless Plug returns, folks, for a second glorious episode in which Chris Hewitt and Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, sit down in the podbooth and tell you how (and why) the sausage is made. That sausage being the new issue of Empire, which is on sale now in all good, evil, and virtual newsagents. Our dynamic duo talk through the month's big c…

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Easter Sunday 2025 31:14

1M ago31:14

31:14

In this Easter message, Pastor Alex explores the life-changing hope of Jesus’ resurrection. Through personal stories and the Gospel narrative, he reminds us that resurrection isn’t just a past event—it’s a present reality. Even in the midst of pain, loss, or uncertainty, Jesus brings new life. This sermon invites us to receive the renewal only He c…

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Larger Than Life (Easter) | Revelation 1:1-20 39:47

1M ago39:47

39:47

This Easter, join us as we celebrate the glorious, victorious, and powerful resurrected Jesus. In a world filled with uncertainty, the resurrection reminds us that Jesus holds the future and our lives in His hands. Whether you feel weary, afraid, or in need of hope, Jesus speaks words of life: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I was d…

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Easter Guestapalooza (Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland, Ludwig Göransson, Osgood Perkins), Movie Musicals, And The Oscars' Latest Stunt 1:59:21

2M ago1:59:21

1:59:21

This week's Empire Podcast (episode 664 if you're keeping score!) is more packed with goodness than your average Easter egg. Not only do Chris Hewitt, Helen O'Hara, and Alex Godfrey get into a discussion about what exactly makes a musical a musical (along with an impromptu visit to a certain mountain), but they tackle the week's movie news, includi…

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Palm Sunday 2025 39:52

2M ago39:52

39:52

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Alex takes us on a reflective journey through the significance of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, examining the challenging choices and deep spiritual lessons that emerge from this biblical event. The sermon connects these ancient stories to our modern lives, encouraging listeners to contemplate how Jesus' path and c…

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The Heart of the Matter | Jonah 4:1-11 44:54

2M ago44:54

44:54

Jonah’s story isn’t just a children’s tale — it’s a profound invitation to confront uncomfortable truths about our lives and God’s relentless grace. Though it challenges us to believe the impossible, Jesus saw it as central to his own death and resurrection, calling it “the sign of Jonah.” This is a story of running and returning, of stubbornness a…

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Kevin Macdonald on One To One: John & Yoko — An Empire Podcast Interview Special 29:25

2M ago29:25

29:25

Kevin Macdonald's latest documentary, One To One: John & Yoko, is out now in cinemas around the UK, folks, and it's well worth your time for anyone with even a passing interest in John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono, and their lives after The Beatles split up. But if you're a Beatlemaniac, this is manna from heaven as it not only brings you remaster…

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Ralph Fiennes & Juliette Binoche, Rami Malek & Laurence Fishburne, Christopher Landon, Movie Weddings, And Helen Returns! 1:57:56

2M ago1:57:56

1:57:56

This week's episode of the Empire Podcast is jam-packed etc. etc. Bumper-sized, and so on and so forth. But it's true, perhaps this week more than ever as Chris Hewitt sits down for chats with two pairs — first, there's Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, who reunite almost 30 years after The English Patient for this week's Odyssey-sampling drama, …

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Babylon | Rev. 18:1-24 | Imagery in Revelation - A Lenten Series 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

In this sermon, Alex delves into the notion of empires and their perennial rise and fall through history, centering on the symbolism of Babylon as described in the Book of Revelation. He reflects on how these empires often elevate material abundance, military prowess, and technological sophistication over spiritual integrity. By examining the fall …

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The Pathway to Revival | Jonah 3:1-10 47:33

2M ago47:33

47:33

Jonah’s story isn’t just a children’s tale — it’s a profound invitation to confront uncomfortable truths about our lives and God’s relentless grace. Though it challenges us to believe the impossible, Jesus saw it as central to his own death and resurrection, calling it “the sign of Jonah.” This is a story of running and returning, of stubbornness a…

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Will Poulter, Amber Midthunder, Beatles, Avengers, And Farewell To Val Kilmer 1:40:20

2M ago1:40:20

1:40:20

This week's Empire Podcast sees the long-awaited return of one of our favourite guests, the wonderful British actor Will Poulter, who talks to Chris Hewitt about his role in the new movie, Death Of A Unicorn, playing a prize A-hole, and impromptu tongue-twisters. [20:38 - 33:28 approx]Another returning guest joins us this week, as the delightful Am…

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The Beast | Rev. 13:1-18 | Imagery in Revelation - A Lenten Series 44:26

2M ago44:26

44:26

In this episode, Pastor Alex dives into the challenging themes of the Book of Revelation, exploring its significance for the Lent season. He discusses the importance of prayer, the concept of bright sadness, and the fear-inducing passages of Revelation 13. Pastor Alex also reflects on personal encounters with temptation and faith, drawing parallels…

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The Power of Powerlessness | Jonah 2:1-10 49:57

2M ago49:57

49:57

Jonah’s story isn’t just a children’s tale — it’s a profound invitation to confront uncomfortable truths about our lives and God’s relentless grace. Though it challenges us to believe the impossible, Jesus saw it as central to his own death and resurrection, calling it “the sign of Jonah.” This is a story of running and returning, of stubbornness a…

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George MacKay, Irwin Winkler, And The Avengers Doomsday Cast Announcement 1:59:44

2M ago1:59:44

1:59:44

We start on a director's chair. We pull back to reveal its back. On it is emblazoned a name. That name? George MacKay, the wonderful star of this week's thought-provoking original movie musical, Joshua Oppenheimer's The End, who pops into the podbooth to have a good old natter [from 30:49 - 48:20 approx] with... We pull back. It's another director'…

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The Shameless Plug #1 — The May 2025 Issue 34:25

2M ago34:25

34:25

Welcome to The Shameless Plug, a brand new Empire Podcast regular show, folks. As the title suggests, every month Chris Hewitt will sit down with Empire editor, Nick de Semlyen, for a deep dive into the latest issue of Empire, bringing you the stories behind the stories and covering everything including the cover. This month's cover feature is Thun…

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Life on the Run | Jonah 1:1-16 47:30

2M ago47:30

47:30

Jonah’s story isn’t just a children’s tale — it’s a profound invitation to confront uncomfortable truths about our lives and God’s relentless grace. Though it challenges us to believe the impossible, Jesus saw it as central to his own death and resurrection, calling it “the sign of Jonah.” This is a story of running and returning, of stubbornness a…

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The Four Horsemen | Rev. 6:1-15 | Imagery in Revelation - A Lenten Series 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

In this sermon, we delve into the complex and often unsettling imagery of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the book of Revelation. Through examining each horseman—representing false saviors, war, famine, and death—we explore the themes of justice, suffering, and the persistence of evil in the world. The sermon aims to help followers of Jesu…

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Barry Levinson, Gints Zilbalodis, Snakes On A Podcast, And The Convergence 1:43:06

3M ago1:43:06

1:43:06

It's another bumper-sized edition of the Empire Podcast this week, folks, in which Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom with the legendary director, Barry Levinson, on the eve of the release of his new gangster movie, The Alto Knights, starring Robert De Niro, Robert De Niro and Robert De Niro's dogs. [23:31 - 40:13 approx] Then, we also hear from Gints …

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Hans Zimmer And Paul Dugdale: An Empire Podcast Interview Special 32:15

3M ago32:15

32:15

This week sees the release of Hans Zimmer And Friends: Diamond In The Desert, a concert film like no other, which captures the great Hans Zimmer and his band in full flow in Dubai, and also intersperses a number of revealing interviews Zimmer conducted with the likes of Christopher Nolan, Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Denis Villeneuve,…

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Faith + Science | Romans 1:19-20 40:24

3M ago40:24

40:24

REASON[ABLE]: Defending Faith in an Age of Skepticism We all have questions. Can we really trust the Bible? Why does God allow suffering? What’s the meaning of life? Do science and faith contradict? These aren’t just abstract debates; they’re the questions that shape how we see God, the world, and ourselves. In this series, we’ll tackle these big t…

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The Dragon | Rev. 12:1-17 | Imagery in Revelation - A Lenten Series 42:50

3M ago42:50

42:50

In this compelling sermon, Aaron Bjorklund explores Revelation 12, unfolding the vivid imagery of the woman, the dragon, and the cosmic battle portrayed in the scripture. By delving into the ancient concept of dragons and their symbolic significance, Aaron invites us to reflect on how these chaos-bringers are still present in our lives today. He ch…

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Millie Bobby Brown & Chris Pratt, Michael Fassbender & Marisa Abela, Best Fourth Parts, And The Number 12 1:45:28

3M ago1:45:28

1:45:28

Welcome to episode 659 (yes, we're keeping count) of The Empire Podcast, folks. And it's a belter, as Chris Hewitt sits down on Zoom with The Electric State's Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt to talk about their favourite Russo brother, accents, and which one will attend the parade if/when Liverpool win this year's Premier League title. [23:34 -3…

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How Could a Loving God Judge and Send People to Hell? | 1 John 4:8; Hebrews 9:27 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

REASON[ABLE]: Defending Faith in an Age of Skepticism We all have questions. Can we really trust the Bible? Why does God allow suffering? What’s the meaning of life? Do science and faith contradict? These aren’t just abstract debates; they’re the questions that shape how we see God, the world, and ourselves. In this series, we’ll tackle these big t…

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What God Starts, He Finishes | Peter Persson 46:40

3M ago46:40

46:40

In this sermon, Peter Persson reflects on the intricate weave of God's grand narrative that spans from Abraham to Revelation. Emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness amidst human frailty, the sermon explores key biblical events and figures to reveal how our stories are interwoven into His divine plan. Join us and discover profound insights on God…

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Jack Huston, Bong Joon Ho, The Oscars, and The Greatness Of Gene Hackman 1:50:16

3M ago1:50:16

1:50:16

This week's Empire Podcast features two cracking interviews with two directors at different stages of their career. First, actor-turned-director Jack Huston sits down on Zoom and tells Chris Hewitt how he managed to make his directorial debut, the black-and-white drama Day Of The Fight, recruiting Joe Pesci for a supporting role, and the influence …

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Fasting | In the Way of Jesus (Part 9) 42:27

3M ago42:27

42:27

Join Pastor Alex as he delves into the ancient practice of fasting and its place in modern Christian life. In this sermon, discover the balance between fasting and feasting, and how these practices can deepen your spiritual journey. Whether you're new to the concept or revisiting it, this message invites you to explore the richness of spiritual dis…

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Humanity’s Search for Meaning | Mark 10:17-22 48:28

3M ago48:28

48:28

REASON[ABLE]: Defending Faith in an Age of Skepticism We all have questions. Can we really trust the Bible? Why does God allow suffering? What’s the meaning of life? Do science and faith contradict? These aren’t just abstract debates; they’re the questions that shape how we see God, the world, and ourselves. In this series, we’ll tackle these big t…

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Pamela Anderson, Naomi Ackie, And Farewell To Gene Hackman 1:37:19

3M ago1:37:19

1:37:19

Don't call it a comeback. This week's episode of the Empire Podcast sees Pamela Anderson, star of Baywatch and Barb Wire, sit down with Alex Godfrey to tell him about how Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl has given her a second chance in Hollywood. [23:46 - 38:29 approx] Our other interview sees Mickey 17 (out next Friday, fact fans!) star Naomi Acki…

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People of the Book | 2 Timothy 3:13-17 43:10

3M ago43:10

43:10

REASON[ABLE]: Defending Faith in an Age of Skepticism We all have questions. Can we really trust the Bible? Why does God allow suffering? What’s the meaning of life? Do science and faith contradict? These aren’t just abstract debates; they’re the questions that shape how we see God, the world, and ourselves. In this series, we’ll tackle these big t…