Evoking reflections on character development, scriptural interpretations, and personal faith insights, this episode explores Jesus' narrative within its historical and spiritual context. Ben and Laura discuss the show's imaginative takes on biblical characters and events, particularly focusing on the potent depiction of Jesus overturning tables in the temple. The series illuminates Jesus' righteous anger and controlled intensity, enriching viewers' understanding of his mission. They commend "The...
Apr 24, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Ben and Laura share their first impressions and honest critiques, as they set the stage for an engaging discourse on expectations and storytelling in this widely popular series. The episode explores key elements from its cinematic release approach to how it channels the duality of joy and sorrow experienced by Jesus. Highlighting the show's ambitious promotional strategies, the hosts discuss the balance between artistic execution and thematic fidelity. The candid dissection of what works and wha...
Apr 17, 2025•16 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Want more of Money: Faith & Finance? Click here Welcome to Money: Faith & Finance where we explore the profound and practical of everyday finances. In every episode, we explore the real-life impact of everything from superannuation to stewardship, the World Bank to your wallet – and what does God have to say about money? Join hosts Ben McEachen and Pete Burrows as they sit with Hope1032's brekky announcer Danniebelle Whippy on the Money: Faith & Finance podcast. Discover how Danniebe...
Nov 06, 2024•28 min
Join Ben McEachen and Laura Bennett as they discuss differing views on the Season Four finale of The Chosen . Ben praises its convergence of storylines and Laura critiques its ending. They delve into significant scenes, including Mary’s profound gesture with expensive perfume and the ongoing debate around Jesus' teachings. The episode highlights contemporary faith dilemmas and the complexities of unity within the disciples and broader community. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Aus...
Jul 18, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Join Ben McEachen and Laura Bennett as they dive into episode seven of The Chosen’s season four. Our predictions that the raising of Lazarus would be the season finale were shattered! Instead, we see Jesus's sadness with new eyes by witnessing the pain and grief experienced by his dear friends and their loved ones. Ben finally gets his wish for "more Thomas" but, hang on, is there too much? This episode also examines how the disciples wrestle with the existence of death and what it means for bel...
Jul 11, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Join Ben McEachen and Laura Bennett as they dive into episodes five and six of The Chosen’s season four. Explore the nuanced portrayal of Mary and Martha, Jesus' teachings on service, the tension with Roman soldiers, and the evolving dynamics among the disciples. The discussion includes the deepening backstory of Judas and Thomas, and reflections on the purpose of parables and grief's role in faith. This episode intricately examines how The Chosen captures and conveys profound biblical themes wh...
Jul 05, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this riveting episode of "Following the Chosen," Ben and Laura dive into the complexities and emotional depths of Season 4, Episode 4 of "The Chosen." The episode, described by Ben as one laden with internal conflict, especially raises poignant questions about faith, healing, and the seemingly contradictory actions of Jesus in different situations. The discussion navigates the aftermath of Rhema's death, the healing of Gaius' son, and the disciples' continued struggles with their faith and le...
Jun 20, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 6
With already quite a lot of discussion and controversy around this Episode, Ben and Laura have plenty to chat about. After the long-awaited return to Season 4, the episode contains a bombshell that will be sure to cause ripples for the rest of the series. Healing of the blind man and the actions of Quintus just pack this episode to bursting, leaving us all desperate for more. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV and movies for ...
Jun 14, 2024•14 min•Season 2Ep. 5
What has happened to the rest of The Chosen Season 4? Where are the episodes? A few days ago, Dallas Jenkins' gave us an update about "legal issues" which have held back the streaming release. Laura and Ben share what can be gleaned from Dallas' behind-the-scenes revelations and how it sparks admiration for – and further speculation about – this crowdsourced, free TV series of faith. Fancy commenting? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation and drop us a comment on Spotify , on You...
Mar 14, 2024•7 min•Season 2Ep. 4
While waiting for Episode 3 of The Chosen Season 4 to hit Australia, we loved checking out your comments on what's been happening so far. Laura and Ben discuss them here, covering everything from Simon Peter being called The Rock, to the death of John the Baptist and more! Fancy commenting? We would love to hear from you. Join the conversation and drop us a comment on Spotify , on Youtube or at hopepodcasts.com.au ! Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podca...
Feb 15, 2024•9 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Blown away by The Best Opening Shot Ever in The Chosen , Ben and Laura enjoyed all of Season 4 Episode 2's threads converging into a poignant depiction of the power and cost of forgiveness. Matthew and Simon Peter demonstrating that "forgiveness is the gift the other person gives to you" will get your tears going. Oh, jeepers. This episode ALSO contains "Who do people say I am?" and the Messiah's announcement of building his church upon the rock. So, you know, there's a bit for Laura and Ben to ...
Feb 08, 2024•16 min•Season 2Ep. 2
#FollowingTheChosen is your podcast about every Chosen episode in Season 4. By fans, for fans, we explore the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV and movies for Hope 1032 for more than a decade. Ben McEachen hosts Hope Mornings in Sydney, Australia, and co-hosts Money: Faith and Finance . Ben has reviewed TV and movies for Empire , News Ltd and Hope 1032. Listen to more fro...
Feb 05, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 1
The Chosen Season 4 is about to hit the big screen 1st February! Whilst you wait, Check out Laura's exclusive interview with Dallas Jenkins (creator and director of The Chosen series) as they chat about what's coming up in Season 4! #FollowingTheChosen is your podcast about every Chosen episode in Season 4. By fans, for fans, we explore the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Experience this podcast in video form on YouTube! Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Austra...
Jan 25, 2024•7 min
Out Now! The Psalm 23 Podcast. Get into the delight and detail of The World’s Most Famous Psalm, as Ben McEachen (Hope Mornings) joins theologian and author David Hohne (Moore Theological College, Sydney, Australia) for three helpful conversations. Explore Psalm 23 and discover what this ancient poem meant when it was first written, how it still relates to our everyday lives and who the Good Shepherd truly is. David Hohne is a lecturer in Christian Thought at Moore Theological College in Sydney,...
Sep 04, 2023•2 min
This is the end, my friends, of The Chosen's third season. Ben and Laura had mixed reactions to the final display of tested faith but, you know, in a good way. Then there's the old/new significance of a psalm performed. And how about that epic re-enactment of the feeding of the multitude! #FollowingTheChosen is your podcast about every Chosen episode in Season 3. By fans, for fans, we explore the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney,...
May 03, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Wild speculation abounds about The Chosen off-screen as Laura and Ben get into this round of the disciples' trying to deal. The divisive reaction to Jesus' open invitation fuels an episode of strong set-up to Season 3's finale. #FollowingTheChosen is your podcast about every Chosen episode in Season 3. By fans, for fans, we explore the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV an...
Apr 26, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 7
What does classic Australian comedy The Castle (1997) have to do with The Chosen ? This episode, as Laura explained. PLUS: Jesus gets proper angry, and Simon and Eden FINALLY talk. Oh, so do Tamar and Mary. That conversation got Ben reflecting on his own guilt and forgiveness. It's about to get even more close and personal in this edition of #FollowingTheChosen , the podcast about every Chosen episode in Season 3. By fans, for fans, we explore the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" ...
Apr 19, 2023•24 min•Season 1Ep. 6
The one that made Laura AND Ben cry. What we see Jesus do for a shunned woman and dead daughter caused Laura and Ben to tear up. They also loved what is broadcast about Jesus' care and his command. #FollowingTheChosen gets up close and personal with every Chosen episode in Season 3, exploring the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV and movies for Hope 1032 for more than a d...
Apr 12, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 5
The one where the tables turn. Laura is not sold on everything going on in Clean: Part 1 while, in sharp contrast to the previous episode, Ben gets to be "good cop". #FollowingTheChosen gets up close and personal with every Chosen episode in Season 3, exploring the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV and movies for Hope 1032 for more than a decade. Ben McEachen hosts Hope M...
Apr 05, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 4
The best and worst of The Chosen – in one episode. TV/film reviewers and Chosen fans Laura Bennett and Ben McEachen disagree about the first half of Season 3's Episode 3, Physician Heal Yourself. Ben was distracted and eye-rolling about some creative choices, such as Jesus playing sports – badly – and sheep called Cain and Abel. But Laura pointed out that such everyday elements helped the "I am the Messiah" impact of the memorable second half. #FollowingTheChosen gets up close and personal with ...
Mar 29, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Imagine Jesus himself told you to go and do... as he does... including heal the sick, cast out demons and proclaim a way of life that every single person DOES NOT live up to. "Two by Two" hinges on an amazing sequence where Jesus sends out his disciples. How we see them respond – and our own response – is what TV/film reviewers and Chosen fans Laura Bennett and Ben McEachen get into, during this lively, impactful conversation. #FollowingTheChosen gets up close and personal with every Chosen epis...
Mar 23, 2023•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2
The Sermon on the Mount! Judas joins! What's going on with Matthew and his parents? And there's the women following Jesus and... Welcome to the first episode of The Chosen 's third season: Homecoming . Join TV/film reviewers and Chosen fans Laura Bennett and Ben McEachen as they get into every episode, exploring the Bible bits, added bits and "what's that about?" bits. Laura Bennett hosts Hope Afternoons in Sydney, Australia, and UNDISTRACTED podcast. Laura has reviewed TV and movies for Hope 10...
Mar 16, 2023•24 min
