Things Unseen

Things Unseen

Things Unseen grapples with a spiritual climate that no longer conforms to orderly patterns – with fewer of us attracted to formal religion, but many still believing that there’s more out there than meets the eye. Thought-provoking speech radio for people of faith – and those who just feel intrigued by the spiritual dimension to life.

  • 33 minutes 55 seconds
    Faithtime: Minah Shannon
    Mina Shannon is a reality TV personality and broadcaster with a growing presence across radio and television. Raised between Uganda, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Liverpool, her diverse upbringing shaped her confidence and adaptability. In conversation with Liz Adekunle, Mina reflects on her journey into broadcasting, her experience on The Traitors UK 2025, and her non-traditional Christian faith.
    18 December 2025, 12:00 am
  • 52 minutes 6 seconds
    Faithtime: Sacha Jones - Fired up by Jesus
    Sacha Jones is a reality TV personality, businesswoman and broadcaster who rose to fame on Married at First Sight UK in 2024. A former Miss Birmingham and beautician, she once explored New Age practices before a dramatic encounter led her to embrace Christianity. In conversation with Liz Adekunle, she reflects on her upbringing, pageantry, and how faith transformed her life.
    3 October 2025, 12:00 am
  • 32 minutes 44 seconds
    The Penitent Thief
    In this episode of Things Unseen, Mark Dowd and his guests explore the enduring relevance of St Dismas, the penitent thief in the story of Christ’s passion. Biblical novelist Rob Seabrook, ex-convict Michael Emmett and former prison chaplain Sue Culver share their perspectives on how the thief's story of repentance can inspire those in search of hope and transformation.
    15 April 2025, 9:23 am
  • 24 minutes 2 seconds
    Almost Beheaded for My Faith
    In 2012 Manga, a young Christian from northern Nigeria, was attacked and almost beheaded by armed men from the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram. The attackers forced Manga and his younger brother to witness their father’s brutal murder before turning their attention to them. Manga, now 33 years old, relates how that horrific ordeal has changed his outlook on life and strengthened his Christian faith.
    1 April 2025, 12:00 am
  • 31 minutes 54 seconds
    Fitness and Health in Ramadan
    Taj Uddin Ahmed and Nazia Khatun are both fitness coaches. As observant Muslims, they want to help people have a more fulfilling and healthier life, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. So what’s the best way of keeping up an exercise regime and eating healthily during Ramadan, while also trying to focus on your spiritual life? Taj and Nazia join Amir Suleman at the Muscleworks Gym in Whitechapel, London, to share their best tips.
    24 February 2025, 12:00 am
  • 37 minutes 8 seconds
    Will I meet my dog in heaven?
    Have you lost a beloved dog, cat or rabbit – and after their death, have you ever had a sense that they were still around? In this podcast, we hear from people who are convinced that their pets are living on after their earthly death. Discussing these cases are dog owner Mark Dowd, Christian theologian and environmental campaigner Canon Dr Ruth Valerio, and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who believes his dog taught him how to be a better human.
    13 February 2025, 12:00 am
  • 26 minutes 41 seconds
    Rediscovering the Music of Auschwitz
    Composer and conductor Leo Geyer tells the story of how he came across unfinished manuscripts in the archive at the Auschwitz death camp, and his determination to share them with the world. With Jewish soprano Caroline Kennedy and Hungarian Roma violinist Antal Zalai. © Sky UK/ Windfall Films
    24 January 2025, 12:00 am
  • 24 minutes 10 seconds
    A Carol for the Soul
    O Holy Night has long been one of the UK's most popular Christmas carols. But what is its magic? In this montage of voices from singers and musicians, a priest, a Paralympic athlete and a historian, we discover how the tune and lyrics work together perfectly to create a song that is moving, uplifting and liberating in equal measure.
    13 December 2024, 11:09 am
  • 32 minutes 59 seconds
    The Toughest Christmas
    Christian author, magician and comedian Steve Legg died of cancer in September 2024, leaving wife Bekah and a blended family of children and grandchildren behind. Few things could be as tough as the first Christmas after losing a close loved one. In conversation with Mark Dowd, Bekah – who herself has a strong Christian faith - reflects on how, despite her grief, she is able to look ahead to Christmas with hope.
    6 December 2024, 2:09 pm
  • 33 minutes 21 seconds
    Dreading Christmas
    Liz Adekunle is a Church of England priest - yet she dreads Christmas. For her it’s often been a stressful and difficult time, and there have been years when she’s had no one to spend Christmas day with. Liz is not alone. Research has shown that nearly half of us have similar feelings, often because of the expense or pressure to spend Christmas time with family you may not get on with. So how, Liz asks, can those who do dread the season make Christmas better – for themselves and those around them, whether or not they are Christian? So, in this edition of Things Unseen, she gathers together some people who can help uncover a more spiritual – and more relaxed and meaningful - side to Christmas. Christian Comedian Paul Kerensa delves into how you can make new traditions to make it special for you, while Salvation Army officer, Jo Moir, explains how to her Christmas is about helping those who struggle the most. And Catholic nun Sister Gemma Simmonds advises on finding the still points in the season, even if you’re celebrating alone.
    29 November 2024, 12:00 am
  • 37 minutes 44 seconds
    Faithtime: Bobby Seagull
    In this FaithTime episode, Liz Adekunle meets Bobby Seagull, former University Challenge captain, maths teacher, and education equality advocate. Bobby opens up about his upbringing as an Indian Catholic in East Ham, his pivotal career shift from banking to teaching and his ongoing search for both spiritual and romantic fulfillment.
    29 August 2024, 12:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App