A Podcast Offering Hope in Uncertain Times

The idea to begin the Happy Revolution podcast began when, upon leaving a religious studies lecture, friends Rayne Aldridge and Rachel Tovey discussed the fact they had more questions going out of the class than they had at the beginning.

They found themselves with the mixed emotions many students feel: confusion, delight, curiosity, surprise and wonder. And it led them to discuss a general trend they had noticed among fellow students at Victoria University of increased pessimism and cynicism about life in an increasingly complex and broken world.

“We really thought there was a lack of hope”, says Rayne. “Within university we have been taught how to criticise, deconstruct, and analyse the forces that shape our lives: capitalism, secularism, climate change, religion, racism and so on. But we wanted to ask our lecturers about where hope might fit into these ideas.”

They came up with the idea of creating a podcast where they would interview academics, activists, pastors and public figures. Roping in housemate Mika Hervel and ecumenical chaplain Matthew Bartlett, they formed a team and the Happy Revolution podcast was born. Named after the group’s desire to see personal and transformation in the world, they wanted the podcast to discuss how achieving this might be a joyful, hopeful, non-violent process.

Rayne, Rachel, Mika and Matthew are connected through their involvement with the Anglican Chaplaincy at Victoria University. Rayne and Mika live at Ramsey house where the chaplaincy is located.

They each take turns to host the interviews as well as pitch in with the editing and production to create each episode. Guests have included Dr Chris Marshall, Dr Jonathan Boston, Māmari Stephens, Michael Toy and Dr Bronwyn Wood. While guests so far have mainly been people from the Christian tradition, the intention is to also engage with disciplines and opinions outside of their own, creating conversations where each guest feels welcome to share what they have to offer.

Rayne says it has been wonderful to see how beautiful and diverse Christianity is, and how their guests’ intellectual endeavours have informed their faith. “We wanted to make a space that’s really thoughtful and open.”

While they thought the podcast would appeal mostly to students, it has been other academics, working professionals and Christians who have provided the most feedback. Rayne says that one lecturer told her the blend of intellectual thought, along with faith and theology was a rare combination in a podcast in New Zealand.

“It has also been fun to build and engage with a wider number of people who have been faithful listeners to this podcast, and to continue the conversations we’ve had with our guests within our communities.”