The Toughest Christmas

In this Easter episode of Things Unseen, Amir Suleman speaks with Sister Liz Dodd about rethinking Lent and Easter through her book Easter in Disguise. Reflecting on the rare overlap of Lent and Ramadan, they explore shared themes of fasting, justice, and compassion, and consider how faith traditions can inspire meaningful action and hope in today’s world.

Mina Shannon is a reality TV personality and broadcaster with a growing presence across radio and television. Raised between Uganda, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Liverpool, her diverse upbringing shaped her confidence and adaptability. In conversation with Liz Adekunle, Mina reflects on her journey into broadcasting, her experience on The Traitors UK 2025, and her non-traditional Christian faith.

Sacha Jones is a reality TV personality, businesswoman and broadcaster who rose to fame on Married at First Sight UK in 2024. A former Miss Birmingham and beautician, she once explored New Age practices before a dramatic encounter led her to embrace Christianity. In conversation with Liz Adekunle, she reflects on her upbringing, pageantry, and how faith transformed her life.

In this episode of Things Unseen, Mark Dowd and his guests explore the enduring relevance of St Dismas, the penitent thief in the story of Christ’s passion. Biblical novelist Rob Seabrook, ex-convict Michael Emmett and former prison chaplain Sue Culver share their perspectives on how the thief's story of repentance can inspire those in search of hope and transformation.

In 2012 Manga, a young Christian from northern Nigeria, was attacked and almost beheaded by armed men from the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram. The attackers forced Manga and his younger brother to witness their father’s brutal murder before turning their attention to them. Manga, now 33 years old, relates how that horrific ordeal has changed his outlook on life and strengthened his Christian faith.

Taj Uddin Ahmed and Nazia Khatun are both fitness coaches. As observant Muslims, they want to help people have a more fulfilling and healthier life, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset. So what’s the best way of keeping up an exercise regime and eating healthily during Ramadan, while also trying to focus on your spiritual life? Taj and Nazia join Amir Suleman at the Muscleworks Gym in Whitechapel, London, to share their best tips.

Have you lost a beloved dog, cat or rabbit – and after their death, have you ever had a sense that they were still around? In this podcast, we hear from people who are convinced that their pets are living on after their earthly death. Discussing these cases are dog owner Mark Dowd, Christian theologian and environmental campaigner Canon Dr Ruth Valerio, and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, who believes his dog taught him how to be a better human.

Composer and conductor Leo Geyer tells the story of how he came across unfinished manuscripts in the archive at the Auschwitz death camp, and his determination to share them with the world. With Jewish soprano Caroline Kennedy and Hungarian Roma violinist Antal Zalai. © Sky UK/ Windfall Films

O Holy Night has long been one of the UK's most popular Christmas carols. But what is its magic? In this montage of voices from singers and musicians, a priest, a Paralympic athlete and a historian, we discover how the tune and lyrics work together perfectly to create a song that is moving, uplifting and liberating in equal measure.

Christian author, magician and comedian Steve Legg died of cancer in September 2024, leaving wife Bekah and a blended family of children and grandchildren behind. Few things could be as tough as the first Christmas after losing a close loved one. In conversation with Mark Dowd, Bekah – who herself has a strong Christian faith - reflects on how, despite her grief, she is able to look ahead to Christmas with hope.