Harmony Grillo is a survivor of exploitation turned UCLA honor student. Her goal is to help women and girls entrenched in sexual exploitation find freedom. In 2003, she founded Treasures to support other women in their recovery from the commercial sex industry and trafficking. Harmony’s memoir, Scars and Stilettos, details her harrowing account of …

John Prendergast is a human rights and anti-corruption activist as well as a New York Times best-selling author. He is the Co-Founder with George Clooney of The Sentry, an investigative and policy team that follows the dirty money connected to war criminals and transnational war profiteers. Today, John shares his incredible journey of fighting the …

Dr. William Cooke is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine, specializing in family medicine, addiction medicine, and HIV medicine. In his recent book, Canary in the Coal Mine, Dr. Cooke tells the story of uncovering an unprecedented health care disaster in his rural Indiana town - an opioid epidemic turned HIV outbreak. Today we talk …

Dr. Reyes is a second generation Indian American author, speaker, and activist. In addition, she is the Vice President of the Asian American Christian Collaborative and co-planted a church with her husband Aaron called Hope Community Church. This church is a minority-led multicultural church in East Austin. Dr. Reyes discusses with host Eddie Kaufh…

Sho Baraka is a globally recognized recording artist, performer, culture curator, activist, and writer. His work combines his artistic platform with his academic history to contribute a unique perspective, elevating the contemporary conversation on faith, art, and culture. His new book, He Saw That It Was Good, examines important historic movements…

Stefan Van Voorst is the Founder and Executive Director of one2one. At one2one, they "...believe intentional relationships create, change, and build communities." They work in the Minneapolis and St. Paul cities of Minnesota. Today, Stefan shares with host Eddie Kaufholz about the power of relationships and how his organization is engaging in criti…

Adama Sanneh is the co-founder and CEO of The Moleskine Foundation. This foundation embraces the experience of the founders of the Moleskine Brand who are committed to applying the very values that led to the brand’s success to generate social impact. Today, Adama shares with host Eddie Kaufholz about some of the work that the foundation is doing, …

Rev. Jim Wallis is a globally respected writer, teacher, preacher, justice advocate, and regular international commentator on ethics and public life. He is a New York Times bestselling author of twelve books, including Christ in Crisis, America's Original Sin, God's Politics, and The Great Awakening. In addition, he is the founder of Sojourners, an…

Julie Won is running for City Council in New York, in the influential District 26. If elected, Julie will be the first Korean-American Councilmember and one of the few Councilmembers who are naturalized citizens. Richard Lee is a speaker, preacher, leader, trainer and consultant. In addition, he is the host of "The Pursuit with Richard Lee," a podc…

Laura Thompson Osuri is the founder of Homes Not Borders whose mission is to provide the refugee and asylum-seeking population of the D.C. area with all they need to succeed and feel at home in the United States. Today, Laura and Eddie talk very practically about the needs that refugee and asylum-seeking individuals face, and how we can better love…

Cynthia Moreland is the Executive Director of dc127, an organization dedicated to protecting children and empowering and preserving families. They provide wraparound services to parents and grandparents who are isolated, overwhelmed, and under- resourced. In addition, they walk with foster families through every stage of the fostering process--from…

Noobtsaa Philip Vang is the founder of Foodhini, an amazing business in the D.C. area that delivers authentic multicultural meals crafted by emerging immigrant and refugee chefs. Today, Noobtsaa and Eddie talk about the origins of Foodhini and the importance of sharing a home-cooked meal. Links from the Interview - For more on Foodhini: https://foo…

Nikki Toyama‑Szeto is the Executive Director at Christians for Social Action (CSA). CSA seeks to combine biblical scholarship with astute policy analysis to further economic justice, support interdependence, promote racial and ecological justice, and generally try to make the world a better place. Today, Nikki and Eddie have a fascinating conversat…

Cole Arthur Riley is a writer, liturgist, and speaker who is seeking a deeply contemplative life. She is the founder and writer of Black Liturgies, a project seeking to integrate concepts of dignity, lament, rage, justice, rest, and liberation with the practice of written prayer. We will talk about all of that, and why prayer - during our conversat…

Rev. Eugene Cho is the President & CEO of Bread for the World and Bread Institute, a non-partisan Christian advocacy organization urging both national and global decision makers to help end hunger – both in the United States and around the world. Additionally, he is the founder and visionary of One Day’s Wages – a grassroots movement of people, sto…

Propaganda hails from L.A. and is a poet, political activist, husband, father, academic, emcee, and co-host of The Red Couch Podcast with Dr. Alma Zaragoza-Petty. And, as the name of the show implies, they sit on a red couch and wake us all up with their unique brand of humor, insight, and "hood politics." Today, Propaganda returns to the show to g…

Trigger warning: In this episode there are descriptions of physical abuse. Anu George Canjanathoppil is the Executive Director of IJM Canada and joined IJM in 2011 as the Director of Legal in the Chennai office. In 2012, she led IJM’s Google-funded project to equip NGOs across India to rescue and rehabilitate bonded labor victims using IJM’s casewo…

Dr. Sandra Morgan is the Director of the Global Center for Women and Justice, an organization that equips students to address the global status of women and vulnerable populations through collaborative and restorative justice principles. In addition, Dr. Morgan is an educator and nurse and is recognized globally for her expertise in combating human…

Timotheus Pope is the director of Citikidz, a Christian sports camp in Rector, Pennsylvania near Pittsburgh. His staff is dedicated to teaching, training, and transforming urban America through culturally relevant Christian sports camps. Mr. Pope's conversation with Eddie is so important because he’s very much a boots-on-the-ground activist. Every …

Dr. Jennings is an Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale Divinity School. He is an author of multiple works, including the 2010 book, “The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race.” In this, Dr. Jennings poses the question: Why has Christianity, a religion premised upon neighborly love, failed in its…

Dr. Lucretia Berry is an anti-racism curriculum specialist, a writer, the author of What LIES Between Us Journal & Guide: Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing, and the co-founder of Brownicity. Brownicity provides space to live in the tension of restoring one human family to that which has been fractured by the lies and injustice of racism. …

Bethaney Wilkinson has spent more than a decade exploring the intersections of community, racial justice, and social change as a writer, leader, and social entrepreneur. In addition, she founded The Diversity Gap, a groundbreaking initiative that studies equity-centered institutional change. Today, Bethaney shares with Eddie some of her story, how …

Today, we continue our ongoing conversation about racism in America by examining the church and its role in perpetuating this tragedy. To guide us in this conversation is the incredible, wise, Jemar Tisby. Jemar is president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also a co-ho…

What happens in sports is so often a reflection of what’s happening in America and around the world. To that end, we are honored to have NFL player Sam Acho on the show to discuss how the sports world is responding to COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Besides being an elite athlete, Sam is a writer, public speaker, and humanitarian. He …

Jo Saxton is an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. She has dedicated her career to growing leadership teams around the world and empowering women to find their purpose in their personal lives and in leadership. Today, Jo and Eddie talk about serious issues women face, Jo’s heritage, how she’s processing the Black Lives Matter move…

Kay Coles James is the President of The Heritage Foundation, America’s largest conservative think tank. In addition, Mrs. James is also the founder and Chairman of the Board for The Gloucester Institute, an organization which trains and nurtures college-aged leaders in the African American community. The Gloucester Institute is committed to providi…

Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile and his church recently organized a march that led hundreds of people to The U.S. Capitol and The White House. This was the march that, surprisingly, Mitt Romney showed up at, causing a national news moment. Today, Pastor T shares how faith drives his activism, how he interprets the rise of the Black Lives Matters movement,…

Latasha Morrison returns to the show to give us needed and challenging perspective on the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. As the Founder and President of Be the Bridge, an organization that encourages racial reconciliation, Latasha has made it her work to provide resources and education. Today, she will…

The Archibald Project produces stories that increase the number of people caring for orphaned and vulnerable children. There are millions of orphaned and vulnerable children in this world, and caring for any of those children is a complex issue. That's why Whitney and Nick's work is so important. Their resources provide people with the encouragemen…

The Asian American Christian Collaborative (AACC) is committed to amplifying the voices, issues, and histories of Asian Americans, both within the church and society at large. Specifically, in this season, they have created a statement titled the “Statement on Anti-Asian Racism in the Time of COVID-19”. It says, in part: “We, the undersigned, join …

Branden Harvey joins us for a special episode dedicated to finding good in the midst of a the COVID-19 pandemic. Branden is the Founder & CEO of Good Good Good, a media company who creates stories and tools designed to leave us feeling less overwhelmed and more capable of being a part of the good in the world. Links from the Interview - IJM Stories…

Sarah and Beth are the duo behind the popular podcast Pantsuit Politics, “A podcast for real conversations that help us understand politics, democracy, and the news — while still treating each other like thoughtful human beings.” Today we’re going to look at how we can be political activists with strong feelings and beliefs — yet somehow coexist wi…

As a young pastor, Rev. Michael Mather was sent to a church whose glory days were behind it. Yet in the midst of a community in transition, Rev. Mather began to see the congregation not as a group in decline – but a vibrant collection of people who weren’t being asked the right questions. This week, Rev. Mather shares his inspiring journey of findi…

Shannon Service is bringing us deep into the waters of the Thai fishing industry. As the Director and Producer of the documentary Ghost Fleet, Shannon is uncovering the humanity of enslaved fisherman, the criminal conspiracy at the heart of the fishing industry, and the stories of those who heroically risk their lives in the name of justice. - Watc…

Cheryl Bear’s introduction must begin with the land. She writes in her bio, “I am Nadleh Whut’en from the Dakelh Nation and Dumdenyoo Clan (Bear clan). My community is in Central BC, on the shores of Fraser Lake.” Today, Cheryl explains the deep importance of that biography, as well as what she’s learned while sharing stories and songs with over 60…

Latasha Morrison guides us in an important conversation about being a bridge to racial unity. Her unique style of engaging hard conversations head-on is revolutionizing congregations around the U.S. and creating healthy dialogues about race. Original air date: November 30, 2017. -Connect with Latasha & buy her new book -Learn more about IJM and the…

In this final episode of our special series, we’ll journey through Esther’s* incredible bravery and tenacity. From finding her sister, to excelling in aftercare, to dreaming about the future - Esther will define what it means to be a survivor. Join the story: ijm.org/rescue-children Social: Twitter - @NewActivistIs Facebook - @NewActivistIs Website…

In this fourth part of our special series, we journey through the dramatic series of events that will ultimately change Esther’s* life. But even as we hear how her circumstances change, we’re left to answer questions about what it means to be free, and where God is during immense suffering. Join the story: ijm.org/rescue-children Social: Twitter - …

In this third part of our special series, we are going to spend the entire episode talking about the saga of a boy named Geoffrey*. Because to really understand the journey of Esther* and how her story unfolds, we have to understand Geoffrey and his heroic, incredible, and honorable actions. Join the story: ijm.org/rescue-children Social: Twitter -…

In this second part of our special series, we visit the island where Esther* was enslaved. For nearly a decade, this secluded labor camp was all she knew and what she feared would be her home forever. This week we’ll hear Esther’s plight, try to understand the mindset of her captors, and explore the dark historical connection between Ghana and Amer…

Esther* was only a child when she was taken and enslaved on the lake. Day after day, for nearly a decade, she was abused and forced to do exceedingly dangerous work with no hope of returning to her family. This week we begin a special five-part series, traveling deep into the heart of the illegal fishing industry on Lake Volta, in Ghana. With unpre…

It is important to hear the voice of Michelle Higgins. As a trained theologian, leader of the church, co-host of the incredible Truth’s Table Podcast, and an advocate for justice – Michelle lives her life in a way that compels us to take a deep look at who we are and what we are. This week, Michelle and Eddie talk about pursuing the biblical call t…

When Elena Hung gave birth to her second child, Xiomara, she knew her life had changed. However, what she didn’t know was that a new mission was beginning. As a child with complex medical needs, Xiomara inspired Elena to be a voice in Washington D.C. for families all around the country who need the healthcare system to work for them. Today, Eddie a…

To understand the immigration debate, it's not enough to simply understand the policies and opinions - we must make it personal. Today, Liz Dong will help us do just that. Beneath her political, social, and theological knowledge, sits the story of a young girl who immigrated from China and is working tirelessly to expand people's understanding of w…

What makes a world changing activist? Today, Lisa Sharon Harper gives us her answer. Yet what she shares is not simply a beat by beat recounting of her life, but rather a global, systemic, and theological treatise on the nature of injustice and the possibility of change. Today’s conversation between Ms. Harper and Eddie Kaufholz will challenge you …

In these days of political upheaval, Michael Wear is charting a new course. Armed with the wisdom of being the youngest White House staffer in history, Michael combines his experience and faith to inject perspective into these confusing times. Today, on the last show of the season, Michael and Eileen Campbell explore the current political landscape…

A lot has happened in the two years since we last spoke with David Gungor. His band, The Brilliance, has reexamined who they are and why they make music. The immigration debate has intensified to historic measures. And David himself has been deeply moved by experiences that took him from the U.S. border to the recording studio. Today, David walks u…

Sarah Corbett is leading a gentle but mighty movement. As the founder of Craftivist Collective, and author of How to be a Craftivist: The art of gentle protest, she is showing all of us how to engage in slow, creative and effective activism. Show Notes: More info on Sarah and Craftivist Collective can be found here. The New Activist is presented by…

Dave Linton would not accept that kids in the foster care system had to transport their belongings in a trash bag. So in 2015 he solved the problem with Madlug. Madlug is a luggage and accessory business that allows us to buy stylish bags and, in return, give a very practical and dignity preserving bag to a child in foster care. Show Notes: Buy a M…

From his boyhood in Indiana to stardom as The Bachelor, Ben Higgins has learned a lot about himself and what really matters in the world. In this personal, reverent, and inspiring interview, Ben shares with us his journey from reality TV to cultivating a movement of generosity. Show Notes: Keep up with Ben, the Generous movement, and buy some great…