The first episode of Examened, available to listen to now, brings together presenters Ethel Mudavanhu and Gareth Powell with Fr Peter O’Sullivan SJ, a recently ordained Jesuit priest serving as assistant priest at St Anselm’s Church in Southall. Together, they explore the phenomenon of ‘Christmas creep’ – the increasingly early arrival of Christmas in shops, advertising and popular culture – and what it reveals about how we experience waiting.
Listen to the first episode of Examened here.
The new podcast will examine subjects ranging from politics and global events to film, music and technology, inviting listeners to reflect on where God might be found in the stories shaping the modern world.
The title is a play on the Ignatian Examen, a reflective prayer rooted in the spirituality of St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, which encourages people to recognise God’s presence in everyday life.
Aimed particularly at young adults aged 18 to 40, Examened features informal conversations between presenters Ethel Mudavanhu and Gareth Powell, alongside a Jesuit, bringing together personal reflections and spiritual insights.
Each episode lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes, beginning with a topical news or cultural story before the presenters discuss their reactions and explore its spiritual significance. Two questions guide the conversations: “Where is God in this?” and “Why can’t I see God in this?”
Ethel Mudavanhu, producer and co-host of the podcast, said:
“I often hear people talk about how the news and the things happening around us are sometimes too disheartening to engage with. By exploring how we can reflect before we react, I hope Examened will help listeners engage without being disheartened, and hopefully spot glimpses of god in the everyday, sometimes challenging, moments of life.”
Fran Murphy, Editor of Thinking Faith, said:
“Our mission has always been to help people to think about their faith and think, through their faith, about the world - Examened is a new and exciting way to do just that! Listeners will notice how what they hear surprises, challenges or encourages them, and all three of those responses can lead them closer to God, other people and the world around us.”
The podcast aims to encourage listeners to engage thoughtfully with contemporary issues, drawing on the Ignatian tradition of finding God in all things.
The launch follows a recent milestone for Thinking Faith’s existing podcast, Things I Wish I Knew, which celebrated its 50th episode in October. While that series explores personal experiences and reflections on faith, Examened focuses on contemporary news and culture, offering a different way of engaging with Ignatian spirituality.
Examened is available to listen to online now!
Follow Examened on Instagram: @examened_pod
