The Purpose Podcast: Recent Episodes
Upper Room Media
The Purpose Podcast is an Upper Room Media original production. The podcast aims to shed light on our purpose as human beings, in the light of the Gospel and the Orthodox Church. Hosted by Daniel Mawad and Christina Ibrahim!
Podcast music by Scott Holmes (scottholmesmusic.com)
In the last episode before the team's mid-season break, Dan & Mon catch up with Albert Osseily to dive into David Goggins' book 'Can't Hurt Me' an inspiring story about grit, tenacity and overcoming adversity and the key lessons we can learn from him.
Ever get stuck in the situation where you feel like you're begging and pleading with God to act? To resolve your problem and to heal your pain? Join Dan, Mon and David as they unpack what it takes to move the heart of God and what it actually means.
Join Dan, Mon & special guest speaker Fr Sam Fanous as they discuss all things 'Bible Reading', they'll unpack questions like how to read the signs of misinterpretation of scripture, how to develop a consistent relationship with scripture and most importantly is the audio Bible ok?
As Christians we sometimes have conversations around mental health and ‘not being ok’ where it becomes misinterpreted as a sign of a lack of faith, a depleting prayer life or an absence of adequate spiritual guidance. Join our hosts Dan & Mon along with special guest Kiro Saleeb as they have an open and raw discussion how we can begin the discussion of mental health in the church in a healthy and beneficial way whilst also navigating the mental health issues that deeply affect those in our community.
You know the person that drives you up the wall? That one (or two) person that's dancing on your very last nerve? Join Dan, Mon & Fr Paul as they discuss the best ways to deal with those people and how you can use situations where you just want to bang your head on a table to actually look internally and improve your character! (This episode has elements of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are products of our hosts imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, is entirely coincidental... and Dan apologises in advance).
It turns out an hour is just not enough to discuss 'singleness and dating' so we're releasing a 10 mins rapid fire question segment with Fr Mark to answer questions you submitted about the topic.
We've received endless requests to discuss the topic of singleness and dating - and it only took us 2 years to get this to you! Join Dan, Mon & special guest speaker/Coptic wingman Fr Mark as they discuss this big topic and answer all your questions from God's Will in finding your soulmate, how to be content in your single season and what to do about mixed messages.
What was meant to be a short break turned into a year long hiatus but now the gang is back! We’re kicking off this season with a chat about how to find rest in God (we do see the irony of rest being the topic - we are well rested). Join Daniel, Monica and Marc B as they unpack how 2 years of pandemic, international conflict and Will Smith may have left us all feeling a little exhausted and how they’ve been recharging with the One whose ‘burden is easy and yoke is light’.
Michael Ibrahim breaks down the liturgy, and the role of tradition, culture and music in our liturgical life. Not to be missed!
The team launch Season 2 of the Purpose Podcast with a discussion with Bass Sowmi on what the church and scriptures say about money and our relationship with it.
It’s the season finale and we’re wrapping it up with the biggest question of the season “How can a loving God send anyone to hell?” moreover “How can He allow for the creation of Hell?” Tune in as Dan, Christina and very special guest Fr Antonios Kaldas as they crack these questions, a few dad jokes and explain the synopsis of Lord of the Rings?
No doubt we have asked ourselves some questions relating to God’s existence. Mainly, where actually is He? We know He’s all loving and all powerful, but why hasn’t He shown Himself? Moreover, why would He even leave any room for doubt? Join Dan, Christina and Dr Sam Kaldas as in our penultimate episode of the year as they tackle the big question and Dan finds solace in Sam’s very similar ways of thinking (Big sigh from Christina).
This week we were absolutely blessed to have Debbie, the founder and driving force behind Exodus Youth Worx. Join Dan and Christina as they delve into the colourful and fascinating journey that Debbie has been on. Debbie gives us some beautiful insights into the purpose of being uncomfortable in ministry, and how ministry extends past the Sunday school classroom. To support Debbie and Exodus, head to https://www.exodusyouthworx.org.au/take-action.
Books mentioned:
Tattoos on the heart- Greg Boyle
Purpose Driven Life- Rick Warren
Habib Girgis: Coptic Orthodox Educator and a Light in the Darkness- Anba Suriel
Forgiveness is one of those things that is required of and granted to every Christian. However, it can often be a very difficult thing to do. On today's episode with our beloved Fr Elijah from St Mark's in Sydney, we ask all the hard questions like "Should I forgive and forget?", "Do I need to like someone after I forgive them?", and "What if I can't forgive myself?"
Tune in to this packed episode as Daniel goes on tangents, and everyone still continues to get Christina's name wrong.
On today’s episode, we’re finally answering some of our fan questions! Dan, Christina and Marc delve into discussion on dating, monasticism, culture and faith (in no particular order). Tune in as Dan finally answers more questions than he poses!
On today's episode, we delve into a topic close to our heart, our Youth. Often we ask ourselves, what am I supposed to do with my life now? What's my direction? Am I too late to start "glorifying the Lord in the days of (my) youth"? Catch Dan ,Christina and Special Guest Marc Bastawrous as we discuss Dan's journey from lycra-clad cyclist to drummer to (almost) married man, and much more!
Important episode alert!
Friendships are such an important part of our lives, yet they can be difficult to navigate at times. In this episode, we unpack what a true friend looks like, discover some personal stories of our hosts, explore the concept of vulnerability within friendships, and as always, have plenty of fun doing it! Not to be missed!
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On today's episode, we discuss a topic that may seem irrelevant but in actuality, has immense relevance to our lives as modern day Christians; Martyrdom. Featuring one of Upper Room Media's hidden heros, Kiro Nassief!
On Ep 4, we discuss a topic that is on everyone's mind. Passion. Do I have one? How do I know? What if I don't? A jam-packed episode discussing the NBA, music, parenting, Chariots of Fire, Whitney Houston, and so much more! Featuring a surprise guest!
The Church. Is it important to belong to one? What if there are problems? Why does it matter to me as a Christian? All these questions and more in this jam-packed episode with our favourite, Fr Sam Fanous!
Today's episode discusses arguably one of the most important questions that we should ask as Christians, what does a relationship with Christ mean? And why is it so crucial to my purpose in life?
The Pilot! On today's ep you'll meet our weird and wonderful hosts, Dan and Christina, as well as get a bit of an insight into why we created this podcast, why sheep eat koalas, and why humans have a need for purpose!