Shows
7amRick Morton and the spreadsheet of secretsRick Morton was writing about the restructures happening at several universities earlier this year when documents from the University of Technology Sydney caught his eye. UTS had hired KPMG to help it save $100 million through a restructure. That restructure has now led to the announcement of 400 job losses, with the entire School of Education gone. Rick noticed that UTS had asked KPMG to provide a spreadsheet ranking researchers by how much money they were bringing in, which raised the questions – were they using this to inform their restructure? And if they were, what does that sa...
2025-10-0115 min
Thriving Adoptees - Let's ThriveLifelong Learning With Dr Rick MortonHow does lifelong learning help us show up better with our families, friends and the rest of the world. Dr Rick's passion is palpable. Listen in as we dive into his learnings from raising 3 kids adopted internationally and a huge Italian Mastif. Humility, self awareness and God play their part in a great episode. We both hope you love it.As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and...
2025-07-2555 min
Startup Canada PodcastDancing for Good: Music, Community and Charity with Victoria MortonVictoria Morton is the co-founder of TSwift Dance Party Canada. In this episode, Victoria shares her journey of creating a unique event business centered around Taylor Swift’s music. Victoria emphasizes the joy and safety of their events, the significance of maintaining authenticity in a competitive market, and the operational strategies that have contributed to their success.
Get your tickets for the Startup Canada Tour in Calgary on April 29th. For 50% off your ticket, use code Maddie50 at checkout.The post Dancing for Good: Music, Community and Charity with Victoria Morton first appeared on S...
2025-04-0738 min
The Defender PodcastAdoption & Advocacy with Kirti PickardIn this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Kirti Pickard—adoptee, advocate, and podcast host—who shares her powerful adoption journey and how it fuels her passion for serving vulnerable children. Adopted from India at the age of four, Kirti has a deep, firsthand understanding of the lifelong impact of adoption. She discusses the challenges adoptees face, how faith shapes her work, and the importance of churches and communities walking alongside adoptive families. Through her podcast, When I Grow Up, and her leadership of Mission 143, she is dedicated to sharing stories of God’s faithfulness and raising support for ch...
2025-02-1942 min
The Defender PodcastFaith, Family, and Foster Care with Jamie Finn🎙️In this episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Jamie Finn—author, nonprofit leader, and advocate for vulnerable children. As a foster and adoptive mom, she shares her journey, the biggest challenges foster families face, and how the Church can offer meaningful support. Jamie and her husband, Alan, have been foster parents for over 11 years, welcoming more than 30 children into their home while parenting seven children through birth, adoption, and foster care. She discusses how faith sustains her, the heart behind her work, and how she equips and encourages families through writing, speaking, and ministry.🎧 Tune in to hear:
2025-02-0744 min
It's Where I Am with Zandra PolardRetirement Planning: Staying Active, Social, and Financially Secure with Rick MortonZandra Polard and Rick Morton discuss retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of socializing, having a plan, and staying active. Rick highlights the benefits of being married and volunteering, mentioning his work with the Nevada Homeless Alliance and schools. He advocates for financial planning, including consulting a financial advisor and understanding military benefits. Rick also shares his passion for pickleball and cooking, suggesting activities like ethnic food nights. He advises against retiring too early, noting that working an extra year can significantly extend lifespan. Rick plans to continue writing and teaching post-retirement, stressing the importance of having a buffer zone...
2025-02-0128 min
The Defender PodcastSarah Gable Seifert on Faith, Entrepreneurship, and EveryLifeIn today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Rick Morton welcomes Sarah Gable Seifert, co-founder of EveryLife—the first pro-life diaper and wipe company in America. Sarah shares her journey from life-changing experiences at JH Ranch to pivotal roles at Public Square and a pregnancy resource center in San Clemente. She reveals how her faith and passion for the pro-life movement led to the creation of EveryLife, meeting a crucial need for families and advocating for the value of every child. Sarah’s story is a testament to listening to God’s calling, stepping into bold ventures, and making a differ...
2025-01-1534 min
The Defender PodcastThe Waiting Season: Lessons from Advent and AdoptionIn this special Christmas episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the profound lessons of Advent and their parallels to adoption and foster care. Together, they discuss the challenges and joys of waiting—whether for the fulfillment of God's promises, the arrival of a new family member, or the hope of ultimate restoration through Christ. HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.CO-HOSTDr. Rick Morton is the Vice Presi...
2024-12-1837 min
7amRead This: Thank God for Rick MortonThe Robodobt scheme is considered by many to be one of the Australian government’s worst scandals. Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper and Walkley Award-winning journalist Rick Morton followed the case closely and he documents the crisis and its devastating effects in his new book. On this episode of Read This, we bring you Michael and Rick’s conversation about Mean Streak from Canberra Writers’ Festival.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-11-3029 min
The Defender PodcastA Heart of Thanksgiving: Reflecting on God’s Goodness Through All SeasonsAs 2024 draws to a close, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of cultivating gratitude, even amidst life’s challenges. Drawing from Scripture, they explore themes of God’s enduring goodness, the joy of community, and the peace that comes from Christ. Join this heartfelt conversation as they discuss how thankfulness can transform our perspective, bolster our faith, and remind us of the profound impact of God’s provision through Lifeline’s ministry.HOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms.
2024-11-2736 min
Read ThisThank God for Rick MortonThe Robodebt scheme is considered by many to be one of the Australian government’s worst scandals. Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper and Walkley Award-winning journalist Rick Morton followed the case closely and he documents the crisis and its devastating effects in his latest book. This week, we bring you Michael’s conversation from Canberra Writers’ Festival with Rick as they discuss Mean Streak.Reading list:Mean Streak, Rick Morton, 2024One Hundred Years of Dirt, Rick Morton, 2023My Year Of Living Vulnerably, Rick Morton, 2022Words to Sing the World Alive, Jasmin McGaughey, 2024You can find these books...
2024-11-2032 min
Outspoken MalenyRick Morton in conversationI'm going out on a limb here. I think Rick Morton’s Mean Streak is an important book. Its description of the creation, implementation and eventual dismantling of Robodebt reveals a long slow-motion train wreck – one mendacious cruel scheming carriage after another inevitably, inexorably, piling into the one before it. But it’s also necessary.
If we want to live in a society which works (and after the events of this week who doesn’t?) we need to have strong, transparent institutions at its centre.
Rick Morton has done something essential for all of us: drilled down into how something as indiv...
2024-11-1230 min
The Defender PodcastAnchored in Faith with David E. PrinceIn this episode of The Defender Podcast, co-host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with David E. Prince at this year’s 2024 Southern Baptist Convention to discuss the importance of staying grounded in faith by reflecting God's love through action. Together, they explore the call to care for vulnerable children, underscoring how living out the gospel means embodying values like adoption and compassion that mirror God’s character and mission. Amid cultural pressures challenging foundational beliefs on family and marriage, they highlight the church's role in supporting and serving others. Through acts of love and grace, Christians can stay rooted in t...
2024-10-3036 min
Spin CycleRobodebt historian Rick MortonRick Morton joins Jess, Rachel and Charlie to discuss his new book Mean Streak, a "corporate thriller" that uncovers the horror of Robodebt. Rick gets into how it happened, where it all went so wrong and why we need to learn from this. The team also delve into Senator Lidia Thorpe’s protest during King Charles’ visit to Parliament House and the media storm that surrounded it, including the comments of Azealia Banks… and they cover Al Jazeera’s reports against the ‘unfounded’ claims of the IDF as well as Australian media’s recent coverage of Palestine.
2024-10-2448 min
The Defender PodcastEngaging the Vulnerable: A Conversation with Josh Benton of Send ReliefIn this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Josh Benton, National Vice President of Send Relief, recorded live at the Southern Baptist Convention in June. Josh shares his insights on the work of Send Relief, a collaborative platform that provides support to vulnerable people worldwide, focusing on disaster relief, crisis ministry, adoption, and foster care. He also highlights the growth in church engagement and volunteer mobilization within the Southern Baptist community, emphasizing the importance of partnership and cooperation.GUEST Josh Benton is the National Vice President of Send...
2024-10-2327 min
The Defender PodcastFrom Frustration to Hope: Helping Kids Thrive in LearningOn today's episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, to discuss how families can move from frustration to hope when it comes to their children's learning challenges. Ann Maura shares insights from her years of experience in education and cognitive development therapy, providing practical steps for parents who may feel stuck in the complexities of navigating their children's academic and emotional growth. Together, they explore the impact of trauma on learning and how Bridge Educational Services is supporting kids to reach their full potential. Tune in to discover...
2024-10-1646 min
Savor The Full Audiobook Everyone Is Talking About — So Breakthrough!Mean Streak: A moral vacuum, a dodgy debt generator and a multi-billion-dollar government shake down - the powerful story of robodebt from the award winning author of One Hundred Years of Dirt by Rick MortonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/770423to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Mean Streak: A moral vacuum, a dodgy debt generator and a multi-billion-dollar government shake down - the powerful story of robodebt from the award winning author of One Hundred Years of Dirt
Author: Rick Morton
Narrator: Tamblyn Lord, Rick Morton
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 15 hours 32 minutes
Release date: October 16, 2024
Genres: Current Affairs, Law, & Politics
Publisher's Summary:
From award-winning journalist and writer Rick Morton comes Mean Streak, a gripping and horrifying account of how, over the course of four and a half years, Australia's government turned on its most vulnerable...
2024-10-163h 32
Embrace The Most Immersive Full Audiobook Today!Mean Streak by Rick MortonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/27145to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Mean Streak
Author: Rick Morton
Narrator: Rick Morton, Tamblyn Lord
Format: mp3
Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 10-16-24
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
Publisher's Summary:
Robodebt was a new debt-creation system that was used to illegally pursue close to half a million Australian welfare recipients for fake debts generated by the thousands. It was described by the Royal Commission's report as a 'massive failure of public administration' caused by 'venality, incompetence and cowardice'. Essentially, Australians were gaslit by their own government, which doggedly...
2024-10-163h 32Step Back Into Audiobooks — A Fresh Bundle For Every Day.Mean Streak (Written by Rick Morton)Please visit https://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/27145 to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Mean Streak
Author: Rick Morton
Narrator: Rick Morton, Tamblyn Lord
Format: mp3
Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 10-16-24
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
Publisher's Summary:
Robodebt was a new debt-creation system that was used to illegally pursue close to half a million Australian welfare recipients for fake debts generated by the thousands. It was described by the Royal Commission's report as a 'massive failure of public administration' caused by 'venality, incompetence and cowardice...
2024-10-163h 32Begin This Spellbinding Full Audiobook — Perfect Before Bedtime.Mean Streak by Rick MortonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/2/audible/27145to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Mean Streak
Author: Rick Morton
Narrator: Rick Morton, Tamblyn Lord
Format: mp3
Length: 15 hrs and 32 mins
Release date: 10-16-24
Ratings: Not rated yet
Genres: Australia, New Zealand & Oceania
Publisher's Summary:
Robodebt was a new debt-creation system that was used to illegally pursue close to half a million Australian welfare recipients for fake debts generated by the thousands. It was described by the Royal Commission's report as a 'massive failure of public administration' caused by 'venality, incompetence and cowardice'. Essentially, Australians were gaslit by their own government, which doggedly...
2024-10-163h 32Unlock Top Full Audiobooks in Non-Fiction, Current Affairs, Law, & PoliticsMean Streak: A moral vacuum, a dodgy debt generator and a multi-billion-dollar government shake down - the powerful story of robodebt from the award winning author of One Hundred Years of Dirt by Rick MortonPlease visithttps://thebookvoice.com/podcasts/1/audiobook/770423to listen full audiobooks.
Title: Mean Streak: A moral vacuum, a dodgy debt generator and a multi-billion-dollar government shake down - the powerful story of robodebt from the award winning author of One Hundred Years of Dirt
Author: Rick Morton
Narrator: Tamblyn Lord, Rick Morton
Format: Unabridged Audiobook
Length: 15 hours 32 minutes
Release date: October 16, 2024
Genres: Current Affairs, Law, & Politics
Publisher's Summary:
From award-winning journalist and writer Rick Morton comes Mean Streak, a gripping and horrifying account of how, over the course of four and a half years, Australia's government turned on its most vulnerable...
2024-10-163h 32
The Defender PodcastOrphan Sunday: A Call to Action for the Church with Pastor Chris JohnsonIn this special episode of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton are joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline’s Senior Director of Church Partnerships and External Advocacy. Pastor Chris shares the inspiring story behind Orphan Sunday, a movement that started in Zambia and has become a global call for the church to care for orphans and vulnerable children. Discover how your church can engage in this important cause, using resources and tools from Lifeline Children’s Services, and learn why caring for the vulnerable is not just a one-day event but an essential part of our...
2024-10-0933 min
The Defender PodcastUnderstanding Bullying: Equipping Families for Tough ConversationsIn this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Angela Mains, Lifeline's Director of Clinical Services, dive into the complex issue of bullying. With the school year underway, families are facing challenges as their children navigate difficult social interactions. Angela and Rick clarify what truly constitutes bullying, distinguishing it from normal peer conflict. They explore how bullying has evolved with social media, the subtle power imbalances, and its lasting impact, especially on vulnerable children. Parents will gain insight into addressing bullying, fostering resilience, and building healthy relationships for their children.GUEST
2024-10-0346 min
The Defender PodcastAdoption, Faith, and God's Perfect TimingIn this heartfelt episode of The Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton sits down with his longtime friend, Dr. Casey Williams, pastor of North Trenholm Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina. Together, they recount Casey’s incredible adoption journey, from initial financial concerns to stepping out in faith for international adoption. Casey shares how a challenge from a friend pushed him to trust God for a bigger plan — one that led his family to Ukraine. Through twists and turns, moments of doubt, and the unexpected joys of parenthood, Casey’s story highlights the refining power of trials, the importance of com...
2024-09-2533 min
The Defender Bible StudyUnderstanding John the Baptist's Testimony: John 1:19-34In this episode of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton continues our journey through the Gospel of John, focusing on John 1:19-28 and the testimony of John the Baptist. As we explore John’s identity and his role in proclaiming the coming Messiah, Rick delves into the expectations the people of Israel had for a king and the significance of Jesus' fulfillment of God's promises. Join us as we discuss the confidence John had in his mission and how we, too, can be assured in our calling to share the gospel and live as God's chosen people.
2024-09-0918 min
The Defender Bible StudyLabor as Worship: A Biblical Perspective on WorkIn this special Labor Day edition of the Defender Bible Study, Rick Morton steps outside the usual format to explore the biblical view of work and its significance in the life of a believer. As we celebrate Labor Day, Rick reminds us that work is not just a means to an end, but a divine calling ordained by God. Join us as we delve into how we can work heartily for the Lord, embracing the true purpose of our labor.LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICES The mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of...
2024-09-0208 min
The Defender PodcastLifeline's R(un) for One and The Ōnin GroupJoin us on this episode of The Defender Podcast as we dive into Lifeline Children Services' annual event, the R(un) for One. Host Rick Morton is joined by special guests Heather Olivett and Donte' Hardy from The Ōnin Group, a longtime partner in this impactful event. They share the story behind Onin’s involvement and commitment to raising awareness and support for global orphan care. Whether you're running in Birmingham or joining virtually from anywhere in the world, the R(un) for One is an opportunity to unite and make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. Lea...
2024-08-2825 min
The Defender PodcastFaith in Action: How First Baptist Woodstock is Caring for Vulnerable FamiliesIn this episode of the Defender Podcast, Rick Morton sits down with Rick Young, Family Pastor, and Matt Lawson, Executive Pastor, from First Baptist Church Woodstock, at the Lifeline booth during SBC 2024. They discuss the church's deep commitment to orphan care and ministry to vulnerable families, rooted in a theological conviction centered on the gospel. Rick and Matt share insights into their church's journey over the past 15 years, highlighting how their work, including involvement with Families Count and ministries for birth parents, is a practical expression of the gospel's call to care for the vulnerable. They emphasize the importance...
2024-08-2132 minThe Defender Podcast2024 Mid-Year Ministry Update: Celebrating Lifeline’s ImpactIn this episode of The Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton provide a mid-year update on Lifeline Children's Services' ministry efforts in 2024, celebrating the impact and stories behind the statistics. They discuss nearly 100 children finding forever families through adoption and the ongoing need for more missional families, especially in the face of stricter abortion laws leading to increased foster care needs. The conversation highlights Lifeline's unique mission to uphold the gospel while caring for vulnerable children, the evolving landscape of adoption and foster care, and the church's crucial role in advocating for these children and supporting...
2024-08-1441 minThe Defender PodcastBack-to-School: Nurturing Minds and Souls with Christian EducationIn this episode of the Defender Podcast, host Dr. Rick Morton discuss back-to-school challenges and the importance of education with guests Ann Maura Hinton, Director of Bridge Educational Services, and her husband, Robbie Hinton, from Cary Christian School in North Carolina. They emphasize the significance of a holistic approach to education that nurtures both the mind and soul, aligning with a biblical worldview. Robbie highlights the role of Christian education in shaping children's character and spiritual growth, urging parents to prepare their hearts and their children's hearts for the school year. The conversation touches on the importance of community...
2024-08-0741 minThe Defender PodcastIntegrating Faith and Education: A Conversation with Dr. David DockeryIn this episode, Dr. Rick Morton interviews Dr. David Dockery at the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Dockery, a member of Lifeline’s pastoral advisory board, shares his appreciation for Lifeline Children’s Services and their mission to support vulnerable children and families. Dr. Dockery highlights his involvement with the International Alliance for Christian Education (IACE), which aims to unify and strengthen Christian education from pre-K to PhD levels. The conversation touches on the need to integrate a biblical worldview into all aspects of education, countering the fragmentation and compartmentalization seen in higher education. Dr. Morton and Dr. Dockery discuss the...
2024-07-3133 min
The One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick BlangiardiRoger Morton on Skyline, the recent DTS online outage, and roadway safetyThis week, Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Roger Morton joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about Skyline, as the rail system celebrates its first year of operations (3:53). Then, Director Morton answer questions on last month’s TheBus and HandiVan online outage and what is being done to ensure it does not happen again. (11:32). Finally, Roger Morton discusses transit safety and what can be done to make O‘ahu a safer place for all users of our roadways (19:10).
2024-07-1838 minThe One Oʻahu Podcast with Mayor Rick BlangiardiRoger Morton on Skyline, the recent DTS online outage, and roadway safetyThis week, Department of Transportation Services (DTS) Director Roger Morton joins host Brandi Higa on the One O‘ahu Podcast to talk about Skyline, as the rail system celebrates its first year of operations (3:53). Then, Director Morton answer questions on last month’s TheBus and HandiVan online outage and what is being done to ensure it does not happen again. (11:32). Finally, Roger Morton discusses transit safety and what can be done to make O‘ahu a safer place for all users of our roadways (19:10).
2024-07-1838 minThe Defender PodcastPastor Greg Matte on Adoption and Community ImpactIn this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Herbie Newell engage in a heartfelt discussion with Pastor Greg Matte of Houston’s First Baptist Church about the church’s adoption and foster care ministry. Pastor Matte shares his journey from being vocal about anti-abortion stances to actively supporting adoption as a proactive measure. He recounts the pivotal moment when his church raised substantial funds to support adoptive families, which led to the creation of a holistic ministry known as Legacy 68:5. This ministry offers comprehensive support, including counseling, therapy, and legal aid, all under one roof. Pastor Matt...
2024-07-1730 minThe Defender PodcastBiblical Faithfulness and Caring for Vulnerable Children: A Conversation with Jonathan LeemanIn this episode of the Defender podcast, Herbie Newell and Rick Morton are joined by Jonathan Leeman from 9 Marks to discuss the importance of biblical faithfulness and caring for vulnerable children in the church. Leeman shares his insights on what it means to be a New Testament church, emphasizing the role of Christians in demonstrating justice and righteousness. The conversation covers various topics, including the need for the church to recover a commitment to good works, the significance of pastoral leadership in fostering a caring church culture, and the theological implications of caring for orphans and the needy. Leeman...
2024-06-2630 min