Behind the Scenes of Reflections

PUBLISHED - 26th June 2026

Each week Reflections reaches listeners across the UK and beyond with a simple aim: to explore faith and disability in a way that is thoughtful, accessible, and real. Broadcast on RNIB Connect Radio, Radio Maria England, and partner stations in New Zealand, the programme has become a quiet companion for many – including those who may never set foot in a church, but who are open to hearing about hope.

Linn Davies, Torch’s Content Creator, shares a look at how our popular radio show gets made…

At its heart, Reflections is about making space for people to be heard – and reminding listeners that they are not alone.

But what does it take to create a programme like Reflections?

The process often begins with people. When planning each episode, I look for voices that will resonate with our audience. Sometimes that comes through personal connections or recommendations from colleagues; other times it’s shaped by what’s happening in the wider media or within Torch itself. Guests might be authors, ministers, campaigners, or simply individuals with a story to tell. What matters most is that their experiences resonate with our listeners, whether that is through the experience itself, disability, or faith.

Once an interview is arranged, preparation can vary. I always offer to share questions in advance, as I want contributors to feel comfortable, but my background in journalism also means I often take a more conversational approach. Some of the most powerful moments happen when people are given space to reflect naturally, rather than following a strict script.

Not every programme centres on an interview. At times, Reflections follows the rhythm of the Christian calendar. For example, for St John the Baptist’s Day, I created a programme based on Scripture readings alongside imaginative reflections written from the perspective of John and his mother, Elizabeth. Other programmes might include sermons or reflections written by ordained colleagues or external contributors, particularly around key moments such as Ascension or Pentecost. This variety helps keep the programme fresh while remaining rooted in faith.

Once the content is gathered, the editing process begins. Interviews are carefully shaped to fit the programme, while still preserving the integrity of each person’s story. Additional reflections are recorded or edited as needed, depending on how they have been submitted. From there, the different elements begin to come together – music is selected, scriptures are woven in, and the overall structure is carefully timed to fit the broadcast slot.

The next stage is scriptwriting. I prepare the presenter’s script and send it to Marilyn Baker, whose warm and familiar voice is central to the programme. Wherever possible, I also share the audio and music with her in advance so she can listen and respond naturally as she records. This helps the programme feel connected and cohesive, rather than pieced together.

Finally, everything is assembled. Using audio editing software, I bring together the voice links, interviews, music, and reflections into a seamless whole. This involves careful attention to detail – trimming pauses, balancing sound levels, and ensuring the programme runs exactly to time. The finished episode is then exported and prepared for broadcast and podcast distribution.

While there are many technical steps involved, at its heart Reflections is about connection. Each programme is shaped not only by those who contribute their stories, but also by those who listen. Many of our audience members are living with sight loss and may feel isolated from church or community. For some, Reflections is a weekly reminder that they are not alone – that their experiences matter, and that faith can still speak meaningfully into their lives.

Your support makes this possible. From the production of each episode to its distribution across multiple platforms, Reflections continues to reach people who might otherwise feel unseen or unheard. It is a small programme with a wide impact – offering encouragement, companionship, and hope, one story at a time.