The Pink Elephant: Recent Episodes
meljsaward
There is a pink elephant in the Christian world. Despite all we have and all the resources at our fingertips...it can feel like something is missing in our faith experience. This podcast investigates exactly what is missing, and how we can move toward a deeper more satisfying faith.
In this final episode of the podcast, Mel explores some statements that are made in the worship setting that we could maybe do without.
Since it is the last episode, Mel also shares some reflections of her time as a podcaster.
This last month, Josh and I had the pleasure of interviewing Marty Solomon again about his new book "The Gospel of Being Human" that he has co-authored with Reed Dent. The book is all about our understanding of what it means to be human, and how that also effects what we read in scripture. The book will be released in April 2026, so keep following Mel on socials so you can get your copy.
Mel also has an announcement at the end of the episode - make sure you listen till the end.
In last months episode, Mel delivered a practical episode on reading the Bible, intended to enhance the positive experience associated with a devotional time. But of course, a devotional time is not only made up of reading the Bible. We can't forget prayer! In this episode, Mel discusses some practical tips to improve your prayer time.
As a flow on from last month's episode about RENEWING THE MIND, Mel proposes some practical thoughts on how we can have a positive and affirming experience when reading the Bible. A great practical episode that will surely help you in your devotional life.
Romans 12:2 tells us that we are to be transformed by the renewing of the mind. But how in the world do we do that? In this months episode, Mel explores this verse and provides some suggestions for how we can go about effectively renewing our minds.
Check it out, where all good podcasts are found
Also, check out Mels website at www.meljsaward.com/resources from the 21st August 2025 to download a 5-day devotional to coincide with this topic.
The Bible is full of the encouragement to endure. In this months episode, Mel explores the theme of endurance offering the factors that help us to endure through tough situations.
Check it out where all good podcasts are found
This months episode Mel interviews Rev Dr Tania Harris all about Hearing God. Tania is the Director of God Conversations, a ministry birthed out of her PHD where she examined the ways in which God speaks in the scriptures.
Check it out where all good podcasts are found.
FYI - there will be no episode in June, while Mel and her family do some travelling. But tune in, in July for the next episode all about ENDURANCE!
In this final episode of this 3-part series on Worship, we hear from the Reverend Dr Melinda Cousins about the Psalms. Melinda studied the Psalms for her PHD in 2016, and has some great insights to share on the idea of pilgrimage.
Check it out!
Episode 2 of this 3 part series on Worship, discusses some aspects of worship that we don't always talk about. What does it really mean to worship? Is the songs we sing on a Sunday what God had in mind when He asked us to live a life of worship? In this months episode, Mel promises to delve a little deeper on these questions...
Check it out!
We're back! To kick off this new season, we will spend a few episodes talking about Praise and Worship. Melinda Medvedsky, a Worship consultant to local churches, spent some time with Mel in this first episode, talking about Praise.
Check it out!
For this Season 4 finale episode, Mel continues her legacy of "Statements We Could Do Without" with a guest: Marty Solomon!! The creator of the BEMA podcast and the author of "Asking Better Questions of the Bible". Also, welcome for the first time a guest host, and husband of Mel...Josh Saward!
Yes, we are only up to episode 9 but decided that this year can just be a little different. We will be back at it in 2025 (the 5th year of the podcast!) on the 18th February...ready to talk about more Pink Elephants in the Body of Christ. Peace!
In this months episode, Mel examines the theme of judgement and considers various keys to refraining from the sin of judgement. Additionally, she provides some thoughts on how to handle when others judge you.
In last months episode, Mel started by unpacking Ecclesiastes and demonstrating that the teacher is seeking self-fulfillment, that ultimately leaves him unfulfilled. By following his logic, the reader naturally arrives at some important questions: What are we meant to do with this message? What is a meaningful endeavour in life? What are we meant to do with our desires?
In this months episode, Mel does her best to answer these very deep, very important questions from the book of Ecclesiastes.
In this first segment of a 2-part series, Mel explores the book of Ecclesiastes. What is this book about? What hidden gem can be found in this book that is entirely countercultural and challenging to the core? Ecclesiastes is a rich text that is often misunderstood, so be sure to check this one out.
Anger can be an extremely dangerous emotion and there is plenty in the scriptures that tell us the sinful consequences of unbridled anger. But is anger always negative?
In this month's episode Mel takes a look at Anger in the scriptures and presents some unusual insights, as well as some tips to dealing with angry feelings.
Jonah is one of the most unique stories to be found in the Bible. But what is the point of it? Many times, it has been said that Jonah is a message to remind us of what can happen when we disobey God.
However, in this months episode, Mel examines in depth the hidden Pink Elephants revealed through the life of Jonah. So many of which are highly relevant to our culture today.
In this months episode, Edwina Blair, Associate Lecturer in Biblical Studies, to talk with us about the Retribution Principle, and ideology that is present in the Old Testament. This Principle can often effect how we interpret or misinterpret the Old Testament scriptures - so get ready to have your mind opened!
We have so many reasons to distrust in this day and age. So how do we learn to trust God? What aren't we seeing about trusting God that could elevate our faith?
That's the subject of this months episode! Mel tells you what the Bible says about trust and how you can grow to trust God more.
Welcome back to Season 4!
In this first episode for 2024, I interview Dr Denise Powell about the concept of being Righteous in the book of Luke, the subject of her PHD. Dr Denise draws incredible insights for our daily walk with God, that will challenge and humble.
In this FINALE episode for Season 3, Mel continues the legacy of 'Statements We Could Do Without'. Did you know that FEAR, GUILT & SHAME are really terrible motivators? Not only that, they are concepts that as Christians we aren't meant to carry anymore.
In this edition, Mel takes a look at a few statements present in the Christian world that use FEAR, GUILT or SHAME to motivate believers into action or obedience.
The Pink Elephant podcast will be back in 2024 with Episode 1 releasing on the 20th February. Stay subscribed so you don't miss it!
Holiness can be confusing! In this episode, Mel discusses her first exposure to holiness and how utterly strange it was. So strange in fact that she decided not to think about it. Until last year when she started reading more extensively about the holiness movement. What was it about the message of holiness that caused such a stir? What is holiness? What isn't it?
Find out in this months episode!
As a special feature episode, please help yourself to this FREE audio-version of Chapter 1 from Deep Faith, Resilient Faith.
In this month's episode, Mel shares her most recent learnings about false humility. False humility can be deceptive. We often put our trust in people who appear humble, only to find out that they aren't really humble at all. In this episode, examines the goals and the gains of a false humility mindset and how we can prevent it
In this months episode, Mel spends some time considering what power and witness might be, and how we often interpret them within the context of Acts 1:8 which says:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth"
There might not be any relationship that is more influential on the person you become than that of your parents. Even if they are absent, they still influence the person you turn out to be. There are some pink elephants in the Christian world when it comes to our parents...tackling these is the goal for Mel in this months episode.
In this month's episode Mel speaks with Author & Speaker Annette Spurr on the topic of Gratitude. Annette is the author of "The Simple Joy of Seeing God" where she shares many stories and thoughts on joy and gratefulness, and its relationship.
You can find her on Instagram and Facebook.
In this episode, Mel addresses a topic that is rarely taught about in church...despite Jesus' frequent teaching and warnings on the subject - prepare to have your mind opened!
Emotions are a tricky business in the church. At one extreme we can suppress emotions. At the other, we can be ruled by them. In this episode, Julani Potgieter joins Mel to discuss the role of emotions in the life of a believer.
You can follow Julani at on Instagram at Sound Mind Mentoring
When Jesus told Paul "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"...He assured us centuries of confusion. It would be tough to find a concept more counter-cultural than this one.
In this episode, Mel delves into the concept of weakness. What was Paul meaning when he claimed to boast in his weaknesses? How and why would we ever want to do that?
Discover the immense power in weakness, in this first episode of Season 3
Mel refers to the following book in the episode: "Paul, Apostle of Weakness: Astheneia and Its Cognates in the Pauline literature" by David Alan Black...PURCHASE HERE
Continuing in the legacy established in Season 1, this final episode is another examination of "Statements We Could Do Without"...but with a twist! Tim Whittaker from the New Evangelicals contributes his thoughts about the following statements we make that might need some evaluation:
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"Your not a Christian if you...."
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"The Bible is clear"
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"Hate the sin, but not the sinner"
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"They're only human"
If you'd like to check out the New Evangelicals you can find them on Instagram: @thenewevangelicals or on their website: www.thenewevangelicals.com
We so often hear in the Christian world, that relationship is at the core of faith. But how do we actually develop an intimate relationship with Him? Many Christians find this question really difficult to answer, because we've been doing the typical activities associated with relationship (Prayer, Reading the Word, Attending Church) for so long, without a great change in the connection we experience with Him.
In this episode, Mel takes on some of the biggest Pink Elephants relating to this topic. With some thoughts to help you draw closer to God.
In this months episode, I got the pleasure of interviewing Alex Headrick & Bryan Burkholder of the UPRISING PODCAST. These guys are seriously insightful, thought provoking and I'm confident they'll get your brain juices going!
In this episode they talk all about the Kingdom Culture, and how we can elevate our perspective to consider the Kingdom way...which is not always so obvious.
Go check these guys out at www.theuprisingpodcast.com or you can follow them on social media.
We presume that waiting is barrier to what God really wants us to experience in life: the destination. But the scriptures show us many things about waiting and how critical it is to the process of deepening our faith.
In this months episode, discover what God might intend for your waiting season...it may just be the actual breakthrough you need.
I cover this topic even more extensively in my latest book: "Deep Faith, Resilient Faith: Curing Shallow Christianity"...check it out at www.https://www.meljsaward.com/store/p/deep-faith-resilient-faith
Most people want more peace in life, whether they are Christian or not. But what exactly is peace, and how is depth effecting our experience of this incredible Christian concept?
We are told that we are free, but why don't we feel free? What don't we comprehend about scripture that could truly unshackle us? This is the question Mel explores, having desired true freedom herself.
In this episode, Mel also talks about her past struggles with pornography. So be sure to listen to this episode without little ones around.
As a bonus, Fight the New Drug a non-religious group that raises awareness about the harms of pornography, have offered a 15% discount on all their merchandise! Listen to the end to get the code, and support the cause.
Spiritual Gifts are a beautiful blessing that God has given us. But often we are unable to experience the fullness of this gift. And why would that be?
In this episode, Mel talks about some critical missing pieces in the operation of the gifts of the Spirit. With the hope that you are able to experience the blessing it was always meant to be to our lives and communities.
Links:
www.spiritualgiftstest.com
https://www.instagram.com/preachersnsneakers/
https://www.instagram.com/thenewevangelicals/
This month in the Pink Elephant podcast Mel interviews Charissa Steffens to discuss the place of Prophetic ministry. Charissa herself is an exceptional example of stewarding the gift of prophecy and she discusses in this episode some of the challenges that prohibit believers from going deeper in the prophetic ministry.
Charissa's podcast "Abiding Matters with Charissa" is available on all major podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or you can access any of her resources, including devotionals at her website: www.abidingmatters.com.au.
In this first ever interview on the Pink Elephant podcast, Mel interviews Dr Omar Djoeandy author of "Redefining Success According to Jesus".
Dr Omar shares the scriptural foundation for success, providing great stories and examples along the way.
Purchase his book or download a free chapter at www.redefiningsuccess.com.au
Welcome back for Season 2!
We have much to look forward to in this season, including some special guests and the usual array of great topics
Tune in this year to be challenged and...GO DEEPER!
In this episode, Mel explores the significance of 'Seeking' in scripture and discovers that there is more to it than simply reading scriptures each day.
Find out how this revolutionary idea could change how you see God
In the final episode of Season 1, Mel takes on a few common statements that are used in the Christian world that probably aren't the most helpful.
What might be the impact to our faith with statements like:
"Blessed to be a blessing"
"God is in Control"
"The best is yet to come"
Check out this episode!
The podcast will begin again on the 15th of February 2022! So don't forget to subscribe/follow so you don't miss out.
On the 7th day of creation, God rested. God then initiates a rest day for His people, which they were to honour. But something has changed between then and now. Our society including Christians has gravitated toward an exceptionally busy lifestyle, devoid of rest. What is missing? How might there be more to this concept of rest?
This is the 3rd episode in the Holy Spirit series, where Mel shares some ways that you can grow in hearing the Holy Spirit give individual guidance. Mel talks about a unique approach to hearing the Holy Spirit based on the inherent risks associated with each type, and how she mitigate such risks.
A companion diagram can be found at meljsaward.com
In this second episode in the 3-part Holy Spirit series, Mel tackles the concept of the anointing. Whilst the concept mainly occurs in the Old Testament, in many churches today the anointing and the 'anointed' is still believed to be a Pastor or Leader chosen by God. Mel pokes some holes in this idea to demonstrate the true nature of the anointing and how it impacts our experience of faith.
There are many things missing when it comes to how we behave and cooperate with the Holy Spirit. In this episode, Mel starts a much needed conversation about the barriers that stand in the way of experiencing the fullness of the Spirit in this day.
We know that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). But why do we still struggle with shame? In this episode, Mel gets deeper into the subject of shame and how you can be free of it
Guilt is a powerful emotion. And often it rules our actions and behaviours, like an oppressive master. Guilt is misused, misunderstood and misappropriated in the Body of Christ. In this episode, Mel considers guilt and how it is affecting our relationship with God, and the health of the Christian community.
In John 17, Jesus prays to the Father that those who believe the gospel message would be ONE. Whether you love or hate the Church, this episode delves into the Pink Elephants that often prohibit the accomplishment of the lofty vision Jesus had for His people: ONENESS WITH EACH OTHER.
In this episode, we explore the concept of 'Oneness'. What is it and how does it change how we look at our relationship with God?
Pride and humility are two of the most discussed topics in the scriptures. It holds so much opportunity for growth and healing. And yet, it is not a common message in the Christian community. In this episode, Mel pulls apart these ideas and demonstrates the practical hope available to every believer.
In this episode, Mel revisits the overall purpose of this podcast. To go deeper! She does this by exploring another well-known parable and demonstrates its underlying implications.
Prayer is a significant area of our Christian life. But based on our approach to prayer, there is much we don't understand about it. In this episode, Mel takes on a few conflicting attitudes toward prayer.
In this episode, Mel delves into the topic of 'Surrender'. It's not necessarily a word that is used a lot these days, but it is a critical topic that Jesus referred to when defining a disciple.
Mel explores the subject of the religious spirit, and how it masks as real faith and detracts from the fullness of life we were meant to experience.
In this episode, Mel takes on the topic of FEARLESSNESS. Is it possible to live without fear? By exploring two major theologies that were pertinent to the early church, Mel demonstrates that fearlessness may be closer than we think.
In this episode, Mel explores the topic of Contentment. She demonstrates how a lack of depth can impact our pursuit of contentment, even though it is what all society really desires in this life.
Please note: The episode has been labelled explicit because it mentions pornography as a topic.
In this episode, Mel explores the meaning of fruitfulness. In particular, she investigates an area that has often been confused as fruitfulness that can distract us from the true power of the gospel.
In this episode, Mel looks in detail at one well-known passage of scripture and relates it back to this theme of depth.
This is a special feature episode, where you can learn a bit more about Mel, how she became a Christian and the journey to writing and podcasting.
What does it really mean when we say "Something is missing?" And what is causing us to feel like something is missing? In this second episode, Mel explores this question.
There is a pink elephant in the Christian world. Do you know what it is? In this first episode, you'll be introduced to the most influential issue in the Body of Christ.