Join Jacob for his quick review of the Bristol Bears game as he chats about Tigers recovering from a Bears onslaught to get a try scoring point, awesome scrums and Evie Wills having a certain Ilona Maher in her back pocket! Enjoy!By Jacob Bassford

As you move through this new year, are you merely setting Christian-sounding goals or truly seeking God daily with a heart of worship? In this special episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan reflects on the importance of pursuing godliness above all else. Drawing from 1 Timothy 4:8, listeners will be reminded that physical and worldly disciplines…

In this compelling episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Pastor Jaime Owens of Tremont Temple in Boston, a church rich in history yet facing the challenges of revitalizing faith in one of America’s most secular cities. Jaime shares his dramatic journey—from a hungover skeptic stepping into a church for the first time to a…

It's 2025, new year, new beginnings and what a start for Tigers Women as they bank their first ever home win in the domestic top flight with a resounding victory over Sale. This also marks our first pod since the news that Jess has become the new Tigers Women and Development Officer and as such as had to leave the Fancast, this means that this week…

Jacob is joined by star guest co-host and ex-Tigers Women legend Ufure Ugiagbe (sitting in for Jess) as they talk about Meg Jones hatred of low ponytails, a vegan haggis story that has some very loose relevance to the Big Game and in-between all that we chat through the news that Harry Simmons will be joining the coaching staff of the Women's team …

Have you ever stopped to think about how the first Christmas was meticulously planned centuries before it happened? In this week's episode, Dr. Jonathan Youssef shares the divine blueprint behind the birth of Jesus—one too precise to be left to chance. In a world of uncertainty, discovering the fulfilled prophecies of the first Christmas can bring …

We're fed up of these storm metaphors in our pod episode titles this season as we are of the actual weather itself, but more importantly we're back for a short review of the game at the weekend where we fell to Sarries 05-38. Before then we talk rugby boots as we chat about some of the negatives behind the Canterbury deal with the PWR, more regiona…

Wow, what a win! Bonus points, super-dominant forwards and Magic Meg saw us to our first win of the PWR season, and, you guessed it, we're super duper giddy so we have a bumper episode ahead for you. Before we get into a famous win, we chat about the major headlines of Ilona Maher heading to the Bears, Bristol's stunning away win over defending cha…

What does it mean this Christmas season that "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight"? Join Jonathan on Candid Conversations to reflect on this Christmas hymn and the birth of Jesus—the light of the world who fulfills our deepest hopes and fears. In this reflection, Jonathan talks about: The promise of peace and security in Je…

With storms and the Wicked soundtrack dominating everyone's life (it isn't just Jacob's, right guys?), Jess and Jacob are back to review our first ever loss away in the East Mids Derby in which we look to the stats to show that we're creating the opportunities but not converting them, as well as pay reverence to a 1/10 intercept read by Meg Jones! …

After a PWR-wide week off, Jess and Jacob are back to get very giddy about Derby Day in a bumper episode featuring not one but two guests, including a welcome return to an old friend of the pod, Elis Martin who is now with Loughborough, and a first ever interview of our American superstar prop Keia Mae Sagapolu Sanele! Before then we chat the speci…

Are you wrestling with beliefs that feel more like chains than freedom? Do you wonder what it means to experience a faith rooted in grace, not fear? In today’s episode of Candid Conversations, Jinger Duggar Vuolo joins us to share her powerful journey from a life of rigid rules and public expectations to one of true spiritual freedom. Raised in the…

Are you facing the difficult journey of caring for an aging parent and wondering what it means to honor them in this season of life? As parents age and face cognitive or physical decline, families are often left with more questions than answers, including how to handle challenging emotions, manage difficult decisions, and stay true to their wishes …

Jess and Jacob are back in a vain attempt to offer themselves, fans and the women’s team therapy and catharsis to go over just how a famous win against a quality Trailfinders side slipped from our grasp. Before then, we summarise our collective anger at the recent revelations levelled against the WRU in their treatment of the women’s national team,…

On this special election day episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan addresses the balance between political engagement and spiritual grounding. As the nation watches election results roll in, Jonathan reflects on the hope, fear, and faith that often accompany these moments. He emphasizes that while participation is essential, our ultimate peace …

After a week off, Jess and Jacob are back to blow the cobwebs off the Quins game, talk why Tigers are so susceptible to intercepts but also emphasise how f-ing good Julia Omokhuale was. We talk World Cup fixtures and Tigers involvement in the second tier over the rest week. This is all before we have an enthralling and insightful chat with the incr…

In today’s fast-paced media landscape, truth and integrity remain essential, especially for journalists who are Christians. But with today’s divisive narratives, how can believers step into mainstream media with a commitment to honesty and faith? Join Jonathan Youssef on Candid Conversations as he welcomes award-winning journalist and news anchor J…

Do you feel intimidated by the idea of evangelism or wonder how to share your faith in today’s world? In this remarkable new episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan sits down with his father, Dr. Michael Youssef, to discuss the misconceptions surrounding evangelism and share this simple truth—it’s just one beggar telling another where to find bre…

Battling power outages, wifi issues and gloominess surrounding the Chiefs game, Jess and Jacob are back to park the Sunday loss to Chiefs as done and dusted, whilst still finding time for the #GiveReverencetoCharlotteFray section and praise Evie Wills, Jordan Russell and Nadine Vincent for all being included in the PWR Team of The Week. We round up…

With full-match replays, social media hits and stats galore, there may be some semblance of wisdom in this week's episode as Jess and Jacob reflect on our defeat to Gloucester-Hartpury, which is full of positives but also easy fixes ahead of our tough away fixture to Chiefs. We slightly panic about injuries, but praise our team performances, resili…

Have you heard someone say, "I'm spiritual, but not religious"? It's a phrase everywhere, from casual conversations to celebrity interviews, and it might leave you wondering: What does that mean, and where does it come from? In this enlightening episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes back Dr. Michael Horton, a renowned theologia…

After a weekend of WXV action, Jess and Jacob return to do a Tigerrrr watch and chat a little about ongoing discourse surrounding crowds and format of WXV. Our focus subsequently turns back to the domestic game as we chat about the reaction to this season’s new Powered Differently campaign. We then move on to preview the return of Premiership Women…

Amidst storms, rain, HIA stoppages, thunderous hits and a match that seemingly never ended, Leicester Tigers Women emerged from a game (that sounds like the stuff of legend) victorious. Jess and Jacob return to the airwaves triumphant as we celebrate a second consecutive away Derby Day victory, and our first top-flight win since February 10th 2025.…

What does it take to bring the Gospel to some of the hardest-to-reach places in the world? In this episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with longtime friend Maged Atalla, the International Director of Leading The Way, to explore that question. Maged shares his incredible journey of faith, from growing up in Egypt to playing a…

Woohoo Leicester Tigers Women were back in action, and although it was another home defeat, we reflect positively on 12 amazing debutants for the club as well as other encouraging signs of growth against a decent Sharks side! Before then, we have a lengthy news section comprising of the Red Roses vs Black Ferns (including Twickenham Toilets obvious…

Recovering from the devastating news of James Earl Jones' passing, Jess and Jacob reunite after a summer break to dust off the airwaves and speak about all things Leicester Tigers' Women. We chat the Olympics and Paralympics, activate 'Operation Don't Panic' with the news about Meg Jones' injury and yet again have another discussion about inadequat…

Discerning the Truth can be challenging in a world where definitions are shifting and confusion is common. We're facing intense cultural shifts, from new pronouns to attempts to redefine Christianity. But as Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes, “There is nothing new under the sun.” The enemy uses old tricks. Thankfully, we have eternal Truth to guide us.…

Are you facing a mountain of challenges? Do you need help growing in the Christian faith? In this timely reflection, Jonathan reminds us of the power of community and the essential role of friendships in fulfilling God’s calling in life by exploring the significance of the eight friends mentioned by the Apostle Paul in Colossians 4. These friends, …

In this special follow-up episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef welcomes Becket Cook, author of "A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption," back to the program for a compelling Q&A session. Becket returns to address listener questions and provide insight into his incredible transformation in Christ. Listeners wi…

In this profound episode of Candid Conversations, Jonathan Youssef sits down with Becket Cook, author of "A Change of Affection: A Gay Man’s Incredible Story of Redemption" and host of The Becket Cook Show. Becket shares his powerful testimony of living a homosexual lifestyle until a radical encounter with Jesus transformed his life. Raised in a co…

In this thought-provoking episode of Candid Conversations, Dr. Jonathan Youssef explores the pervasive cultural narrative that prioritizes feelings, personal pleasure, and subjective truths above all else. Our malls display it, our shows advise it, our commercials glorify it, and our universities disseminate it. Every aspect of our culture proclaim…

Jonathan sits down with renowned author and teacher Nancy Guthrie. Together, they explore the transformative benefits of studying Scripture through holistic Biblical theology, emphasizing the importance of focusing on God rather than ourselves to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the Bible. Drawing from her rich personal experiences,…

Raising children to know, love, and follow Christ in today's challenging culture is a daily endeavor. How can families stay committed to Christ and guide their children to become godly adults? Join Jonathan in this episode of Candid Conversations, where he shares valuable insights into biblical parenting and discusses five essential Biblical princi…

She faced false accusations, family betrayal, and deep loss, forcing her to abandon her entire life. Despite all this, she chose forgiveness and, through God's grace, experienced profound redemption in her darkest moments. Jonathan's guest today had countless reasons to withhold forgiveness and remain bound by the trauma of severe abuse. Yet, she f…

This week's engaging episode features a conversation with Os Guinness, a profound advocate for faith, freedom, truth, reason, and civility. Os is an esteemed author and social critic and the great-great-great-grandson of Arthur Guinness, the famous Dublin brewer. With a bibliography exceeding 30 books, he provides insightful perspectives on our cul…

Are you committed to Christ but searching for guidance? In this new reflection, Jonathan Youssef explores the gripping Biblical story of Jacob—a tale of struggle, transformation, and divine engagement. Jonathan connects his own experiences with Jacob’s journey, offering insights into the challenges of perseverance, the power of repentance, and the …

With Jess recovered from jet lag and Jacob recovered from a post-exam Otley Run, the two JBs are back for one final episode of Season 1 to do an End of Season Review. We briefly review the last game of the season against Exeter Chiefs before announcing our coveted, no-expense-spared, highly prized LTW Fancast End of Season Awards. We then debate on…

In this fast-paced world, managing our emotions and understanding those of others is more crucial than ever. Emotional intelligence (EQ) is about recognizing and managing your emotions effectively to reduce stress, communicate, empathize, overcome challenges, and defuse conflict. With high EQ, you can improve relationships, excel at work, and achie…

In this thought-provoking episode, the public discourse on gender and transgender issues takes center stage. What defines masculinity and femininity? Is this a contemporary debate or one that has historical roots? Jonathan Youssef sits down with Claire and Rob Smith from Sydney, Australia, for an insightful conversation on these topics. Rob Smith, …

In this inspiring episode of Candid, Jonathan Youssef hosts Tyler Van Halteren, a devoted advocate for enhancing the lives of children and youth through Christian faith and storytelling. Tyler, who holds a Master’s in Divinity from the Master's Seminary, has passionately shared Christ’s teachings and the Bible’s wisdom throughout his life. Tyler’s …

Have you ever considered the miraculous power of the Gospel message as it transcends borders, languages, and opposition? In this episode, we talk about the profound influence of Christian media in the Arab-speaking world through the compelling experiences of Farid Garas, the Senior Director of THE KINGDOM SAT satellite television and internet chann…

Jacob is once again joined by the wonderful Alex Bugg to process a sad 24 hours for the club, in which the team yet again failed to turn up at home followed by the news on Sunday morning that Vicky MacQueen will be departing the club at the end of the season. After giving a cathartic review of the game, and paying tribute to Vicky as well as recent…

Is there something more than this life? This world is full of crises, conflicts, difficulties, and troubles, but this world will not last. No matter your age, your earthly life is slowly slipping away. This is why Jesus encourages us not to store up treasures on this earth but to invest in heaven. In this 250th episode of Candid Conversations, Dr. …

With Jess dialling in with voice notes from New Zealand reacting to a sensational win by Canada over the Black Ferns and positives from Tigers' defeat to the Bears, Jacob is pulled out of his deadline slumber by being joined by the wonderful Alex Bugg to co-host. We go over some of the positives from the Bristol game, especially getting that try-sc…

With Jess ready to jet off to New Zealand and Jacob on the brink of final year uni deadlines, we still manage to cobble together a podcast episode that gives the illusion of preparation. We go over the Quins game and talk about negatives but also the big positive of Celia Quansah’s long awaited debut for the club. In the news, we welcome the news a…

In this profound episode, Jonathan is joined by esteemed theologian and author Michael Horton to discuss his latest book, "Recovering Our Sanity: How the Fear of God Conquers the Fears that Divide Us." In a world teetering on the brink of chaos—from unsettling politics to the lingering effects of the global pandemic—Horton's book offers not a typic…

France v England Review and Quins (a) Preview After a two week break that seems like forever, Jess and Jacob are back to herald the return of the PWR which is back after the Six Nations break. We announce the winner of the Fantasy League, chat about Pac4 and our North American Tigers contingent, and also pause to reflect on negative experiences and…

You’re sitting across from your teenager at the kitchen table. Now that you finally have their undivided attention, you want to talk about an important issue they are facing. Unfortunately, things get tense quickly. Their eyes roll, you get frustrated, and soon they are looking for an escape from this conversation. You sit dumbfounded thinking, "Ho…

Struggling with change? Are daily temptations and ingrained habits leaving you feeling powerless? What does true sanctification look like? Can people change? In this thoughtful reflection, Jonathan Youssef explores the transformative power of sanctification and celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as a cornerstone of hope and change. To conn…

The release of Taylor’s new album is feeling very apt right now, as despite the performances of our Six Nations gals and Leicester City having a superb weekend, we struggle to find the positives in a tough weekend for Leicester Tigers. However, positives we will find! So listen in for the usual mix of catharsis, hope and a rant at our season being …