Graciously Confident Podcast

Graciously Confident: Episode 1: The State of the Debate:

Guests: Prof Max Watson and Rev Daniel Kane

This is the first episode in a four part series in which Will Leitch will discuss the issue of assisted suicide and euthanasia with different guests. In this episode, Will sits down with Prof Max Watson, a leading palliative care specialist, and Rev Daniel Kane, Minister of West Presbyterian Church in Ballymena and Convenor of the Council for Public Affairs, to explore one of the most sensitive and significant ethical issues of our time — assisted suicide and euthanasia. 

Together, they unpack what assisted suicide means in practice, examine the proposed legislative changes in the UK, and discuss why Christians should care deeply and engage thoughtfully with the debate. Whether you approach this topic from a faith perspective, a medical background, or simple human concern, you should be part of this conversation.

Episode 2: Palliative Care: A Better Way

Guests: Prof Max Watson and Dr Matthew Dore

What if there’s a better way to approach the end of life than assisted suicide or euthanasia? In this episode, Will Leitch is joined by Professor Max Watson and Dr Matthew Dore to talk about the real power of palliative care - what it is, what it isn’t, and why it offers hope even in life’s hardest moments. They unpack the funding challenges facing palliative services, debunk common myths about this kind of care, and explore how it helps people live - and die - well without speeding up the process of death.

Episode 3: Graciously Confident: Stories that speak

Guests: Rev Ian Harbinson and Dr Olwyn Mark

In one of our most personal episodes yet, Will Leitch sits down with Rev Ian Harbinson and Dr Olwyn Mark to explore assisted suicide and euthanasia through the lens of lived experience. Ian shares honestly about life with cancer - the fears, the hopes, and the surprising moments of grace along the way, including his ministry with those also living with cancer. Olwyn reflects on walking with her father through his final days and how palliative care supported not just him but their whole family.

Together, they offer a deeply human look at what real care can look like at the end of life, and why these stories matter in today’s debate.

Episode 4: Be the difference

Guests: Rev Linda Keys and Dr Bex Stevenson

After exploring the ethics, experiences, and realities around assisted suicide and euthanasia, the big question remains: what can we do now? 

In this episode of the Graciously Confident Podcast, Will Leitch is joined by Rev Linda Keys, a volunteer with Hospice NI, and Dr Bex Stevenson, PCI Public Affairs Officer, to talk about practical next steps. They reflect on what it looks like to live out your faith by showing love in practical ways - whether that’s advocating with compassion, having honest conversations, or supporting hospice care through simple acts like meeting your MLA, writing to your MP, or hosting a coffee morning. This episode is about turning conviction into action and making a real difference where you are.

Episode 5: Let's Talk JR87 - Facts, Faith & The Supreme Court

Guests: Dr Andy Brown (Stranmillis University College) and Ian Bingham (CARE NI) 

In this episode of the Graciously Confident Podcast, Will Leitch sits down with Dr Andy Brown (Stranmillis University College) and Ian Bingham (CARE NI) to chat about the Supreme Court’s judgement in JR87.

The aim of the conversation is simple: to help people understand what’s actually been said and decided - without misinformation, fear or panic. Together, they unpack the key points, clear up confusion, and encourage listeners to have informed, gracious conversations about what it all means moving forward.

If you’ve been hearing a lot about JR87 and want a calm, clear discussion grounded in facts, this episode is for you.

Episode 6: Violence against women and girls

Guests: Dr Bex Stevenson & Andy Lamberton

Violence against women and girls remains a serious issue across Ireland, both North and South. In this episode, Will Leitch is joined by Andy Lamberton from Exodus Legacy and Dr Bex Stevenson, PCI Public Affairs Officer, to explore the scale of the problem and the role the Church can play in responding. Together they discuss how faith communities can help shape a generation that respects and values women, and contribute to building a safer, healthier culture for all. This conversation looks at how faith, leadership, and everyday discipleship can contribute to changing the culture and building safer communities for everyone.