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The Thread, from Alpha

The Thread, from Alpha

Alpha International 57 Episodes Jul 21, 2026

The Thread is a podcast that offers fresh perspectives on Christian leadership, global culture, and evangelism in a changing world. Produced by Alpha, it features timely talks, relevant insights, and open conversations with diverse leaders from around the globe. The show is hosted by Stephen Foster.

Episodes

LC26 Bonus Episode: Johannes Hartl, Are We Working Too Hard or Not Hard Enough?
LC26 Bonus Episode: Johannes Hartl, Are We Working Too Hard or Not Hard Enough? Jul 21, 2026 00:28:04 In his main stage talk from LC26, Johannes Hartl poses the question, "Are we working too hard or are we not working hard enough anymore?" Referencing Nietzsche's model of the camel, lion, and child, he explains why this is a spiritual question that demands the spiritual solution of being rooted and grounded in the love of God in order to no longer operate as orphans.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Louise Perry
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Louise Perry Jul 14, 2026 00:22:20 Through working as a journalist and a support worker at a rape crisis centre, Louise Perry began analysing the impact of the sexual revolution and went on to write The Case Against the Sexual Revolution. In this interview with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel at Leadership Conference 2026, she discusses her findings on the cost of removing Christian sexual ethics from society and how this led her to faith i
LC26 Bonus Episode: Tope Koleoso, Cultivating a Prayer Culture
LC26 Bonus Episode: Tope Koleoso, Cultivating a Prayer Culture Jul 7, 2026 00:41:03 Exhorting the leaders at LC26 to "ask for rain in the time of rain" (Zechariah 10), Jubilee Church London pastor Tope Koleoso shares a powerful message on prayer. He calls believers back to a place of intercession, declaration, confession, and adoration, offering practical teaching on hindrances to prayer and cultivating a prayer culture in our churches and communities.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Tsitsi Masiyiwa
LC26 Bonus Episode: An Interview with Tsitsi Masiyiwa Jun 30, 2026 00:26:50 Nicky speaks to award-winning philanthropist Tsitsi Masiyiwa, who has leapfrogged her way to incredible impact alongside her husband, Strive. The interview highlights stories from their inspirational journey, some of the challenges along the way, and the power of prayer.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel in Conversation with Cardinal Tagle
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel in Conversation with Cardinal Tagle Jun 23, 2026 00:22:31 Speaking to Nicky Gumbel in Rome, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – one of just 12 Cardinal-Bishops in the Catholic Church – shares his wisdom on humility, being a good listener, remaining anchored in Jesus, and being light of heart. He also gives a one-line response to each of the Alpha episode topics.
LC26 Bonus Episode: An interview with Evika Siliņa
LC26 Bonus Episode: An interview with Evika Siliņa Jun 16, 2026 00:23:03 "Fear is the worst advisor." In a captivating interview with Nicky Gumbel, Latvia's former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa shares her wisdom on leadership. She discusses everything from running Alphas and encountering the Holy Spirit, to being called into politics and her friendship with President Zelenskyy.
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel, The Unshakeable Kingdom
LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel, The Unshakeable Kingdom Jun 9, 2026 00:45:52 In his LC26 address, Nicky Gumbel reminds us that in a world marked by instability, anxiety, and uncertainty, the Kingdom of God remains unshakable. Drawing on Hebrews 12:28 and the biblical image of Jesus as the Rock, he shares a message of resilience and hope – encouraging the church to unite around Jesus, the unshakable rock, and challenging us to play our part in the evangelisation of the nati
The Open Generation, Going Viral, and Returning to First Love with Xenia James & Jesse Fellingham
The Open Generation, Going Viral, and Returning to First Love with Xenia James & Jesse Fellingham Mar 18, 2026 01:08:32 Stephen Foster is joined by Xenia James and Jesse Fellingham, two hosts of the Alpha Youth Series and The Way UK. They share their personal journeys to faith, the story behind their street interviews with thousands of young people, and what they’re discovering about Gen Z’s openness to spirituality and Christianity. They also reflect on the pressures of online momentum, the importance of slowing d
Faith Across Borders with Miles Toulmin, Shaila Visser & Patricia Lau: Stories of Growth, Renewal, & the Next Generation
Faith Across Borders with Miles Toulmin, Shaila Visser & Patricia Lau: Stories of Growth, Renewal, & the Next Generation Mar 4, 2026 00:40:02 Stephen Foster speaks with Miles Toulmin, CEO of Alpha International; Shaila Visser, Global Vice President and National Director of Alpha Canada; and Patricia Lau, Executive Director of Alpha Hong Kong about Alpha’s impact around the world. From church planting in Malaysia to student-led Alpha in schools, they explore a global surge in faith, innovative outreach, and how even children as young as
The Science of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: Leadership, Meaning, and the Cost of Success
The Science of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: Leadership, Meaning, and the Cost of Success Feb 18, 2026 00:57:33 Join Stephen Foster and Arthur Brooks, Professor at Harvard University and New York Times bestselling author, live from Leadership Conference 2025 as they discuss the science of happiness for leaders and the importance of reckoning with idols. Arthur shares fascinating findings on neurochemistry, covering the concepts of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning; the emotional cost of leadership; and i
Against the Current with Louise Perry: Sex, Truth, and the Return to Faith
Against the Current with Louise Perry: Sex, Truth, and the Return to Faith Feb 4, 2026 00:56:37 Author and journalist, Louise Perry, joins Stephen Foster to examine why the sexual revolution has failed many women and families. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her own journey from atheism to faith, she reflects on marriage, dating, power, and why ancient wisdom may speak more clearly to modern confusion than today’s promises of liberation.
Extraordinary Days with Archie Coates, Al Gordon & Pete Hughes: Spiritual Hunger, Openness, and the Call to Be Ready
Extraordinary Days with Archie Coates, Al Gordon & Pete Hughes: Spiritual Hunger, Openness, and the Call to Be Ready Jan 21, 2026 00:47:06 Stephen Foster is joined by church leaders Archie Coates, Al Gordon, and Pete Hughes. Together they reflect on a growing spiritual openness across society and a renewed hunger for God within the church. They discuss the surge of people exploring faith, stories of healing and encounter, and what this moment calls for in terms of prayer, invitation, and relational leadership – especially in raising

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