Filthy Hope | Faith. No Filter.

Filthy Hope
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The Podcast that talks Faith. No Filter. Got questions about God you don’t feel like you can ask in church? Drawn to Jesus, but disconnected from the polished, clean-cut side of religion? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. This is Filthy Hope. A safe space for conversations about Jesus, life, and the grey areas in-between. Join Rev. Ness, Rev. Jon, and our guests as we explore tough and taboo topics, like doubt, hardship, trauma, shame, and finding hope through it all.

  1. Finding God in despair: a life shaped by shame & hope

    3D AGO

    Finding God in despair: a life shaped by shame & hope

    CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. If you need support, Lifeline is available in Australia 24/7 on 13 11 14. What if the parts of your story marked by shame are not the end? 0:00 – Intro: Jon’s Story 0:44 – Unpacking the word “bastard” 1:50 – The filth and hope in being adopted 3:11 – Content warning: suicidality and the lowest point 3:50 – The lawn mower epiphany 5:49 – The premature surprise 8:35 – Any excuse to skip church 11:37 – A hint at ministry 15:40 – The gardener’s prophecy and the elder’s question 20:56 – “Why be normal?” Pushing boundaries in faith In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries turn the lens inward as Jon shares his own life story, shaped by adoption, shame, despair, and an unexpected encounter with God. Jon reflects on growing up adopted, grappling with identity and suicidality, and the quiet moment that shifted everything, discovering he could not be snatched from God’s hands. This episode explores how faith can take root in the most ordinary and painful moments, and how God can bring hope, calling, and purpose from stories marked by shame. It is a raw and honest reflection on despair, resilience, and the long journey of becoming who God is already calling you to be. #FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FindingGod #FaithAndMentalHealth #AdoptionStory #HopeAfterShame #Testimony #MessyFaith #ChurchAndLife

    27 min
  2. Holy friction: how an "A-hole" became my ministry partner

    FEB 10

    Holy friction: how an "A-hole" became my ministry partner

    What happens when God puts you in ministry with someone you can’t stand? 0:00 – Intro: Welcome back to Filthy Hope 0:28 – Ness thought Jon was a jerk 1:00 – The hard question 2:28 – Secretly hoping for rejection 4:46 – Reunited at Ravenswood 5:33 – Learning in school chaplaincy 7:16 –  Creative approach to ministry 8:56 – The homeless man chapel service 15:30 - A series of unfortunate events 17:43 – Reframing life experience as gifts In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries reflect on the unlikely beginning of their friendship and ministry partnership. From first impressions, bruised egos, and uncomfortable questions, to shared risk-taking, creative ministry, and deep trust, they explore how God can use conflict, honesty, and “holy friction” to shape both calling and character. This episode looks at how the parts of our stories we would rather avoid, whether tension, failure, or messy humanity, can become the very ground where meaningful ministry and real friendship are formed. #FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndFriendship #MinistryLife #ChurchStories #MessyFaith #HolyFriction #HopeInTheFilth

    29 min
  3. The future of the Church: facing what’s not working

    FEB 2

    The future of the Church: facing what’s not working

    Has the Church lost its way, or is it finding a new one?0:00 – Intro: Is the church broken?0:43 – Welcome to Filthy Hope1:06 – Introducing Rev Charissa Suli1:42 – What hope is there for the church?4:37 – Progress: multiculturalism and First Nations Peoples5:49 – Hope in the priesthood of all believers9:00 – Hope in everyday people11:51 – Listening to young people15:10 – The hope of Rev Suli’s Presidency17:11 – Weaving Christ’s loveIn this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, to wrestle honestly with the future of the Church. Together they explore what is not working, where there is real hope, and why the Church may be doing better than we think. The conversation touches on multiculturalism, First Nations Peoples, women in leadership, the priesthood of all believers, listening to young people, and the need to cut away fear and toxicity while weaving Christ’s love across cultures and communities.This episode offers a grounded, hopeful vision of a Church shaped by people, not buildings, and invites listeners to imagine what might be possible when faith communities are brave enough to face decline honestly and nurture what is already growing.#FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FutureOfTheChurch #FaithAndCulture #UnitingChurch #ChurchLeadership #WomenInMinistry #HopeAndFaith #ChurchReform

    24 min
  4. President of the Uniting Church: your past is your power

    JAN 20

    President of the Uniting Church: your past is your power

    What if the parts of your story you were told to hide, are the very things God wants to use? In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries are joined by Rev Charissa Suli, President of the Uniting Church in Australia, for an honest conversation about leadership, faith, and the power of embracing your whole story. Charissa shares her journey from becoming a teen mum to being ordained and elected as President, reflecting on shame, judgment, cultural expectations, and the moments the church fell short of its own values. Together, they explore how God can work through what feels taboo or disqualifying, and how faith, family, and calling can transform pain into purpose. This episode is a powerful reminder that your past does not disqualify you, it can become the very source of your strength. #FilthyHope #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndLeadership #UnitingChurch #TeenMum #ChurchAndCulture #ShameAndGrace #WomenInMinistry #Testimony #Hope

    33 min
  5. The 679 km walk: finding purpose beyond addiction

    12/29/2025

    The 679 km walk: finding purpose beyond addiction

    What happens when recovery leads you beyond sobriety, and into purpose? In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries continue their conversation with UK actress Elizabeth Meadows about addiction, faith, and the long road of recovery. Liz shares how her 12-step journey opened the door to Christianity, quieted the constant pull of addiction, and eventually led her to walk 679 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago.Along the way, Liz reflects on surrender, hyper-independence, learning to ask for help, and discovering God’s love through spiritual discipline, generosity, and prayer. This episode explores how purpose is often found not in dramatic breakthroughs, but in the daily choice to keep walking, long after recovery begins. Filthy Hope:Follow The Podcast: https://beacons.ai/filthyhopepodcast

    33 min
  6. Addiction & Faith: how hope is born out of suffering

    12/16/2025

    Addiction & Faith: how hope is born out of suffering

    What happens when addiction, trauma, and coping mechanisms collide with faith? In this episode of Filthy Hope, hosts Rev Ness Williams-Henke and Rev Jon Humphries are joined by UK actress Elizabeth Meadows to talk openly about addiction recovery, Christianity, and the 12 step journey. Liz shares how alcohol, sex, and validation became ways of coping with trauma, and how recovery, surrender, forgiveness, and faith led to healing. Ness reflects on her experience with AA, while Jon speaks about the ongoing practice of living in recovery. This episode explores how hope can be born out of suffering, even in the places church rarely talks about. Hosted by Rev Ness and Rev Jon. Get in touch at hello@unitingheartandsoul.org

    38 min
  7. A new look Filthy Hope | Faith. No Filter.

    12/07/2025

    A new look Filthy Hope | Faith. No Filter.

    Welcome back to Filthy Hope. Faith without the filters. Brave, compassionate conversations about life’s hardest parts. We're so glad you're with us as we share new stories with new guests soon. Hosted Rev Ness and new co-host Rev Jon. Get in touch Rev Ness: revness@unitingheartandsoul.org Rev Jon: revjon.smatts@gmail.com Subscribe now on your favourite listening app to be the first to hear. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTA_6jGZ2DXuLaKWSChZ_g/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UVp8SePdfm7zwN7hqrN2r Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/filthy-hope-faith-no-filter/id1620102857 Hosted by Rev Ness and Rev Jon. Get in touch at hello@unitingheartandsoul.org

    9 min
  8. We’ll be back after a short break

    08/20/2025

    We’ll be back after a short break

    Rev Ness comes back to the place the podcast started, at Uniting Heart and Soul church, and shares on taking a short break. Hosted by Rev Ness and Rev Jon. Get in touch at hello@unitingheartandsoul.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    3 min
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About

The Podcast that talks Faith. No Filter. Got questions about God you don’t feel like you can ask in church? Drawn to Jesus, but disconnected from the polished, clean-cut side of religion? You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place. This is Filthy Hope. A safe space for conversations about Jesus, life, and the grey areas in-between. Join Rev. Ness, Rev. Jon, and our guests as we explore tough and taboo topics, like doubt, hardship, trauma, shame, and finding hope through it all.

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