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The Thread, from Alpha

Alpha International

The Thread is a space for fresh perspectives on Christian leadership, global culture, and evangelism in our changing world. Brought to you by Alpha, The Thread shares timely talks, relevant insights, and hosts open free-flowing conversations with diverse leaders from around the globe. All hosted by Stephen Foster.

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  • 33 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 44 min
  • English

Episodes 33

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  • June 16 · 23 min

    LC26 Bonus Episode: An interview with Evika Siliņa

    "Fear is the worst advisor." In a captivating interview with Nicky Gumbel, Latvia's former Prime Minister Evika Siliņa shares her wisdom on leadership. She discusses everything from running Alphas and encountering the Holy Spirit, to being called into politics and her friendship with President Zelenskyy.

  • June 9 · 45 min

    LC26 Bonus Episode: Nicky Gumbel, The Unshakeable Kingdom

    In his LC26 address, Nicky Gumbel reminds us that in a world marked by instability, anxiety, and uncertainty, the Kingdom of God remains unshakable. Drawing on Hebrews 12:28 and the biblical image of Jesus as the Rock, he shares a message of resilience and hope – encouraging the church to unite around Jesus, the unshakable rock, and challenging us to play our part in the evangelisation of the nations, the revitalisation of the church, and the transformation of society.

  • March 18 · 1 hr 8 min

    The Open Generation, Going Viral, and Returning to First Love with Xenia James & Jesse Fellingham

    Stephen Foster is joined by Xenia James and Jesse Fellingham, two hosts of the Alpha Youth Series and The Way UK. They share their personal journeys to faith, the story behind their street interviews with thousands of young people, and what they’re discovering about Gen Z’s openness to spirituality and Christianity. They also reflect on the pressures of online momentum, the importance of slowing down to prioritise time with God and tend to one’s own internal world, and the role of church community while working to reach a new generation.

  • March 4 · 40 min

    Faith Across Borders with Miles Toulmin, Shaila Visser & Patricia Lau: Stories of Growth, Renewal, & the Next Generation

    Stephen Foster speaks with Miles Toulmin, CEO of Alpha International; Shaila Visser, Global Vice President and National Director of Alpha Canada; and Patricia Lau, Executive Director of Alpha Hong Kong about Alpha’s impact around the world. From church planting in Malaysia to student-led Alpha in schools, they explore a global surge in faith, innovative outreach, and how even children as young as 10 are actively sharing their faith.

  • February 18 · 57 min

    The Science of Happiness with Arthur Brooks: Leadership, Meaning, and the Cost of Success

    Join Stephen Foster and Arthur Brooks, Professor at Harvard University and New York Times bestselling author, live from Leadership Conference 2025 as they discuss the science of happiness for leaders and the importance of reckoning with idols. Arthur shares fascinating findings on neurochemistry, covering the concepts of enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning; the emotional cost of leadership; and insights on impulse control, dopamine, addiction, and truth-telling.

  • February 4 · 56 min

    Against the Current with Louise Perry: Sex, Truth, and the Return to Faith

    Author and journalist, Louise Perry, joins Stephen Foster to examine why the sexual revolution has failed many women and families. Drawing on data, lived experience, and her own journey from atheism to faith, she reflects on marriage, dating, power, and why ancient wisdom may speak more clearly to modern confusion than today’s promises of liberation.

  • January 21 · 47 min

    Extraordinary Days with Archie Coates, Al Gordon & Pete Hughes: Spiritual Hunger, Openness, and the Call to Be Ready

    Stephen Foster is joined by church leaders Archie Coates, Al Gordon, and Pete Hughes. Together they reflect on a growing spiritual openness across society and a renewed hunger for God within the church. They discuss the surge of people exploring faith, stories of healing and encounter, and what this moment calls for in terms of prayer, invitation, and relational leadership – especially in raising up the next generation.

  • Dec 10, 2025 · 32 min

    Faith in a Shaking World with Nicky Gumbel

    In this episode, Stephen Foster talks with Nicky Gumbel about faith and leadership in a world marked by conflict and uncertainty. Nicky reflects on a growing spiritual hunger and openness he’s seeing, including in his own Alpha group. They discuss leading like Jesus, the challenges of leadership today, and the importance of unity and learning from the global church.

  • Sep 9, 2025 · 25 min

    LC25 Bonus Series: A Conversation with Bear Grylls

    In this Bonus episode of The Thread from Leadership Conference 2025, we hear from multiple Emmy and BAFTA Award winner Bear Grylls. Bear joins Nicky Gumbel live from the Royal Albert Hall and shares about his new book "The Greatest Story Ever Told", the process of writing it, and how deeply it has impacted his life.

  • Aug 27, 2025 · 51 min

    Going to God for Creativity with Steve Chao

    In this episode of The Thread, Stephen sits down with Director of the Chinese Alpha Film Series, the Alpha Youth Series and the upcoming new Alpha Series, and the CEO of SignalFlare Productions, Steve Chao. Steve shares incredible insights into leading with faith in creative spaces and how his background in journalism at the heart of war zones across the globe shaped his passion for storytelling. Content Warning: This episode contains several mentions of topics associated with warfare.

  • Aug 13, 2025 · 43 min

    Spiritual Inheritance with Jacintha Tagal

    Jacintha Tagal leads HTBB Church in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with her husband, Abel Cheah. In this episode, she shares with Stephen how her father’s headhunting Lun Bawang tribe in East Malaysia received the gospel and experienced the miraculous. She and Stephen discuss revival, spiritual inheritance, ministry, grief, and doing succession well.

Showing 21–33 of 33 episodes