Insight with Karl Faase

Olive Tree Media

Hosted by Karl Faase, Insight delves into the big themes of life, faith, and culture through the power of story. Each conversation opens a window into the experiences of everyday people, leaders, thinkers, and creatives who have navigated life’s challenges and found hope along the way. Rooted in a Christian worldview but open to all, Insight aims to spark thoughtful reflection and encourage deeper engagement with the world around us.

  1. 3d ago

    Louise Baur: Being a Christian in the Workplace is a Significant Call

    Professor Louise Baur has spent decades helping children and families navigate the complex realities of obesity, body image, and health. In this episode of Insight, host Karl Faase explores the deeply personal and often misunderstood challenges surrounding childhood obesity - from biology and mental health to social media pressure and stigma. As both a leading pediatrician and a Christian, Louise shares how her faith shapes the way she approaches medicine, compassion, and care for vulnerable families. Together, Karl and Louise unpack the growing global obesity crisis, the impact of shame and judgment, and why Christians should lead with grace, empathy, and understanding when discussing health and body image. They also explore the rise of medications like Ozempic and the cultural pressures young people face online today. Louise also reflects on her calling to paediatric medicine, sharing how her Christian faith shapes the way she lives, works, and engages in both the workplace and the public square. This is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about health, identity, faith, and what it means to truly care for others.   Key Moments and Takeaways The biological and environmental factors contributing to obesity across the globe The psychological and health impacts of high body weight in children The influence of social media on body image and eating disorders The importance of compassionate, stigma-free support for families The potential and challenges of medications like Ozempic and bariatric surgery The role of faith and how Christians can advocate for body positivity and health Louise's story of faith and the challenge of not being able to start a family  The role of Louise's Christian faith in her work  The future and next steps   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    1h 5m
  2. May 27

    David Bennett: Truth Is Not A Concept, It's A Person Named Jesus

    How does a gay man find faith in Jesus? David Bennett's story is a must listen to. In this episode of Insight, Karl hears David share his story, which journeys from coming out as gay when he is a teenager in a Sydney private school - to studying and living in Oxford.  The turning point of the story is when David meets someone in a pub who doesn't try to convince him that Jesus is the truth, but instead, embodies the compassion, presence and love of God.  As she prays for him, something life-changing happens as David experiences the love of God not as words - but as an encounter.  David Bennett is a now a Christian, a theologian, and a writer who works at Oxford University. He also identifies as gay - a reality that once felt completely incompatible with his faith. His story isn’t a simple one, and it doesn’t offer easy answers - but it does invite us into a deeper conversation about belonging, and the cost and beauty of following Christ.   Key Moments and Takeaways - Faith Through Doubt: Explore how genuine faith is built through questioning and vulnerability. - The Power of Presence: Discover the impact of empathy and presence in conveying love. - Redemptive Suffering: Understand how hardship and rejection play a role in transformation. - Trust in Scripture: Learn the importance of surrendering control and trusting divine authority. - Identity in Divine Love: See how rooting identity in love offers stability beyond societal labels.   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    58 min
  3. May 13

    Greg Low: Finding Light In The Darkest Places

    Most people only see the surface of a life filled with trauma, adventure, and profound faith. Greg Low’s story reveals how even in the darkest moments - plane crashes, the loss of his mother, and dangerous war zones - there's a remarkable thread of hope, purpose, and discovery. In this episode of Insight, Greg shares stories from decades of filming in the world's most volatile regions - from Rwanda to Somalia, Ethiopia to Mozambique - and how he’s confronted death firsthand more times than he can count. Greg’s courageous stories aren't just about danger; they’re about finding good in the chaos and God’s presence in unexpected places. Karl's guest, Greg Low, is an accomplished cameraman and author, whose career spans filming across war zones, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises around the globe. His experiences have shaped a life dedicated to capturing truth and living it with faith, despite the chaos. His story is a reminder that light and hope can be found in the darkest places!  Buy Greg's book here: https://www.gdu.com.au/book   Key Moments and Takeaways: - Greg's early career in media and how he transitioned from student to cameraman for major political moments in Australia. - Experiences filming in war zones like Rwanda, Somalia, and Ethiopia, including close encounters with danger and death. - The story of losing his mother and how that tragedy shaped his faith and outlook on life. - Greg’s reflections on faith, how God met him through a Supertramp song, and his evolving relationship with spirituality. - Personal stories of family, adoption, and balancing a life of danger with raising children.   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    1h 7m
  4. Apr 29

    Duncan Brown: Many Assignments But Only One Calling

    Most of us chase after success, significance, and purpose through our careers, families, or achievements. But what if our true calling is found in the place we often overlook - in the everyday moments and relationships that build a life of genuine impact? Duncan Brown's extraordinary journey reveals how life's deepest identity and calling are rooted in Christ, not in career accomplishments or societal status and it’s a story that will reshape how you see your own purpose. In this episode of Insight, Duncan shares the pivotal moments that defined his life - from childhood farm memories during Queensland's dairy crisis to the painful departure of his father and the profound way God's grace brought healing. You’ll discover how Duncan's relentless pursuit of success was finally reshaped through encounters with Jesus, unconditional love, and a renewed understanding of identity rooted in faith. His story highlights that whether you’re in business, ministry, or at home, your true calling can unfold in any stage of life when grounded in Christ’s limitless love.   Chapters and Key Moments 00:00 - Duncan’s diverse career paths and identity in Christ 02:27 - Childhood memories on the farm amid dairy industry crisis  05:45 - Personal story of familial breakup at age 13 07:39 - The influence of community and church in healing and mentorship 15:58 - The subtle idolatry of success and the role of Jesus in life 21:55 - Journalism: creativity, stories, and connecting with people 2 34:13 - Leadership in crisis and God’s provision in tough seasons 36:32 - Returning to ministry leadership at Scripture Union Queensland 49:23 - Duncan’s side ventures: Cafe and community enterprise 57:16 - Family dynamics, relationship with his father, and reconciliation 66:07 - The legacy of his father’s salvation and faith journey  70:20 - The overarching insight: trusting God amidst volatility    Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    1h 13m
  5. Apr 22

    Mike Bird: An Unexpected Journey from Army Life to Biblical Scholar

    Dr Mike Bird is a respected New Testament scholar, author, and lecturer, but his story begins in a very different place. Growing up in a dysfunctional home marked by addiction, instability, and fear, Mike learned early how deeply childhood shapes identity. With no faith background and little academic direction, he joined the army as a way out. It was there amid discipline, challenge, and unexpected invitation that everything began to change. In this episode, Mike shares his journey from trauma to transformation: discovering faith through a local church, wrestling with questions of meaning and morality, and eventually stepping into a life of scholarship, teaching, and writing. Along the way, we explore: How childhood trauma shapes adult life Why Christianity still underpins modern ideas of justice The tension between faith and military service The intellectual and personal journey to belief What it means to find purpose and redemption This is a story about identity, hope, and the surprising paths that lead us to who we’re meant to become.   Chapters and Key Moments 00:00 – A Childhood Shaped by Chaos 06:30 – Searching for Escape and Identity 16:30 – An Unexpected Encounter with Faith 28:30 – A Life Transformed 40:30 – From Soldier to Scholar   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    1h 17m
  6. Apr 15

    Ruth Powell: We’re Wired for Hope - What the Data Really Says About Faith in Australia

    What is really happening with faith in Australia? In this insightful conversation, Karl Faase sits down with leading researcher Ruth Powell to explore the shifting spiritual landscape which is moving from church decline and cultural distrust to surprising signs of curiosity and hope among younger generations. Drawing on decades of research through the National Church Life Survey, Ruth offers a nuanced perspective. While the church has lost confidence and cultural influence, there are fresh opportunities emerging - particularly among Gen Z and young men. This episode is both honest and hopeful, calling the church to rediscover its message, reimagine its methods, and step boldly into a new season.   Takeaways The cultural moment is not just hostile — it’s open. Hope is a powerful entry point for faith conversations. The next generation needs new language, not just old answers. Churches must move from preservation to mission again. Innovation (“new wineskins”) is no longer optional. Chapters and Key Moments 00:00 — Introduction 02:00 — A Childhood in Papua New Guinea 06:00 — Mission, Transformation & Cultural Change 10:30 — The Role of Women & the Message of Worth 18:00 — Wrestling with Colonialism 27:00 — From Psychology to Church Research 31:00 — 30 Years of Church Trends in Australia 36:00 — Is There a Quiet Revival? 40:30 — The Rise of Spiritual Curiosity in Gen Z 42:30 — Young Men & Faith 48:00 — We’re Wired for Hope 50:00 — Advice for Church Leaders   Find Out More Olive Tree Media: www.olivetreemedia.com.au Watch+ Platform: www.olivetreemedia.com.au/watch Daily Nudge: www.dailynudge.org    Special Thanks To Excelsia University College Christian Finance  Vision Christian Media

    1h 4m

About

Hosted by Karl Faase, Insight delves into the big themes of life, faith, and culture through the power of story. Each conversation opens a window into the experiences of everyday people, leaders, thinkers, and creatives who have navigated life’s challenges and found hope along the way. Rooted in a Christian worldview but open to all, Insight aims to spark thoughtful reflection and encourage deeper engagement with the world around us.

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