Welcome to Hard Beautiful Journey, where vulnerability is our strength and courage is our compass. Hosted by Tiff Carson, who has walked a difficult path of her own, this podcast is a beacon of healing and hope. Join us as we dive deep into the raw, real stories of life—exploring topics like healing, trauma, addiction, mental health, and divorce. Through intimate conversations and personal insights, Tiff Carson and her guests, ranging from experts to everyday heroes, share their journeys of ...
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The podcast and community for globally minded disciples seeking God's justice, mercy and shalom throughout the world.
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Some couples grow together. Some grow apart. The Tracey Coates Show helps you take the next steps. We tackle all things relationships - not just what to do when divorce is on the horizon but the practical tips, advice, and information you'll need to possibly save your marriage, rekindle that spark and put your relationship back on track. Get the emotional, financial, and legal information you'll need to begin your journey - no matter the destination. We'll help limit the overwhelm, frustrati ...
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Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst - Integral Mission and Decolonizing Theology
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There is no escaping the reality that much of what we're familiar with in global missions and development has some roots in colonialism. There is no better person to help us disentangle God's work from worldly power structures than Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst. Dr. Padilla DeBorst is the Richard C. Oudersluys Associate Professor of World Christianity a…
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Food Poverty, Breastmilk and Blood Metals
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Today on the show we are weaving in and out of various topics, largely surrounding Africa and that touch areas of malnutrition (continent-wide) and trafficking (Congo) and even some really beautiful solutions for helping babies (Uganda). We have Dr. Lauren Pinkston of Kindred Exchange on the show with us to make sense of the news and provide critic…
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Tiffany Bluhm - Contemplative Formation for the Life of Justice
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In episode 257, Brandon welcomes author and nonprofit director Tiffany Bluhm back to the show. Tiffany is the Executive Director at Made for Pax, a Christian foundation which provides mentorship and vocational development for BIPOC leaders following Christ. The work is specifically employing contemplative formation for those that are engaging in pe…
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EP91 REPOSTEP56 - Change your Dialogue So Your Story Changes - with Jenny Ogilvie
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While I am on a podcast break I will be reposting an episode or two of my old episodes! Here is one I really enjoyed with Jennie Ogilvie - EP56. Have you ever met someone and you walk away from the conversation you've had a bit stunned, and a whole lot relieved? Those are the emotions I had after having a recent reading with my next guest. Jennie O…
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Yasmine Vaughan - Collaborating Together for Global Health
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In episode 256, Brandon and Phil get a crash course in global health from Yasmine Vaughan. Yasmine has her Master's in Public Health and serves as the Technical Advisor for Global Health and Missions with Helping Children Worldwide. Beyond sharing words and conditions that we can't even pronounce, Yasmine shares about the context in West Africa in …
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Dave LeVan and Jon Allen - When Global Ministries Merge
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Joining the podcast for episode 255 are nonprofit leaders Dave LeVan and Jon Allen with Water For Good. Dave and Jon speak with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about the status of worldwide access to water and what it looks like to implement Water, Sanitation and Hygiene projects in the Global South. We talk through the tremendous needs as well as ac…
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Refugees, Maternal Health and Child Marriage
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In this month's 3+1 episode, we're diving into conversation around the current refugee crisis being fueled by conflict and displacement worldwide, jump back into recent conversation on Haiti and the challenges that pregnant mothers are facing in the midst of tumult and also look at the controversy surrounding mass weddings in northern Nigeria that …
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Matt Rhodes - A Manifesto for Modern Missions
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On the show today, we're joined by missionary Matt Rhodes who is the author of No Shortcut to Success: A Manifesto for Modern Missions. He talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about trends within missions that emphasize speed and big numbers, but often lack the depth of discipleship that characterized Jesus' ministry. Matt shares about the miss…
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Gaston Warner - This is Child Empowerment
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We are joined today by global nonprofit leader Gaston Warner who is the Global North CEO of Zoe Empowers. Gaston talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about their work among vulnerable families, especially child and youth headed households. Over the years, our show has talked a lot about the need for kids to be raised in families and communities…
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Alternate Economies and Climate Change (April 3+1)
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In this 3+1 episode, we're getting into recent news about ways that Russia is getting around economic sanctions to buoy their economy during their war of aggression as well a couple Asian countries where pollution and contamination is having widespread effects on people's health and wellbeing. We've got Amanda Erne joining us for the conversation. …
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Dr. Karen Fancher - Blessed Are The Peacemakers
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"We stand together at the foot of the cross and we will work for peace." Dr. Karen Fancher from Multnomah University joins the show today to walk us through the profoundly Christian field of peacebuilding. In her conversation with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke, Dr. Fancher walks us through what it means to promote peace within the humanitarian spac…
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Eugene Cho - Advocating for the Hungry
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We are privileged to be joined today by a Christian leader that really embodies the ethic that we are all striving for as we pursue justice, mercy and shalom in the nations. We're grateful to have Eugene Cho join Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke on the show today talking with us about the work of Bread for the World and what it looks like to advocate …
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EP90 - Finding Beauty in Hardship: Sheila's Journey Through COVID-19 and Beyond, with Sheila Sousa
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In this episode, my friend Sheila recounts her harrowing experience with COVID-19, starting with her diagnosis and subsequent hospitalization, to her miraculous recovery and the profound personal transformation that followed. Through insights into her dreams while intubated, her battle with long COVID, and her decisive shift towards a healthier and…
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Malaria, Haiti, Slavery and "Aid State" (March 3+1)
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In this 3+1 episode, we're talking the good (malaria vaccines), the bad (slavery) and a whole lot of Haiti. We've got Mac Archer back on the show to share with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke what she's seeing on the ground in Haiti and what's getting missed in larger media outlets. We talk through the utility of violence by those running the country…
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Preston Sprinkle and Brandon Stiver - Rethinking Orphan Care
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Today, we're releasing our podcast collaboration with our friends at Theology in the Raw. Brandon had a chance to sit down with Preston Sprinkle and dive into all things global orphan care and discuss the realities of that children in orphanages face worldwide. Our conversation weaves between a theology of calling and mission and how American Chris…
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EP89 - Dancing In The Rain, Chapters 1 to 3, with Tiff Carson
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I did it!! I finished recording the audiobook format for my book "Dancing in the Rain"! Because I have been completely consumed with finishing this last part of my book journey, I haven't had time to produce a podcast episode. Sooooo, I thought I would share the first 3 chapters of my book, in audio format! I'd love to hear your thoughts on them. I…
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EP88 - Empowering Women To Reclaim Their Time And Rediscover Wellness, with Catherine Roscoe Barr
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What do we need more of when we are going through some of life's challenges? Our health...physical, mental, spiritual...all of it! Today on the podcast, my beautiful friend Catherine Roscoe Barr is here to talk about all things wellness, including her 'Magic Formula', a game-changer in self-care. The Magic Formula is a proven self-coaching model to…
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Peter Greer and Ryan Skoog - Leading From Your Knees
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Global nonprofits are notorious doers, always thinking, planning and taking action. In all of our intentionality for programs and justice endeavors, are we being equally intentional to pray? Peter Greer is back on the show, along with new friend Ryan Skoog, to share about the new book that they wrote (along with Cameron Doolittle) called Lead with …
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Chrina Henson - Pioneering Family Care in the Philippines
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In honor of the World Without Orphans Global Forum and in honor of awesome work being done in the Philippines, we've got Chrina Cuna Henson joining the show. Chrina runs the Manila-based organization Generations-Home and talks with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke about what it's like to promote foster care and adoption in the Philippines. We discuss …
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EP87 - A Joyful Life: Align Your Heart, Speak Your Truth, Embrace Your Freedom, with Sal Holden
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In this powerful episode, we delve into the profound journey of self-love and self-expression with Sal Holden a kinesiologist, life coach, and author of 'A Joyful Life: Align Your Heart, Speak Your Truth, Embrace Your Freedom'. Throughout our conversation, we explore impactful themes such as induced shame, trauma, personal growth, body appreciation…
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El Salvador, Localization, UNRWA and Bono (February 3+1)
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In this 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed and have a recommendation of the pop variety. We're continuing last month's conversation on elections by looking at El Salvador, talking through localization efforts in global development, the scandal surrounding UNRWA-Hamas and then get Brandon's take on Bono'…
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EP86 - Healing from Trauma and Valuing Yourself...to Build An Abundant Life, with Matt Gerlach
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In this episode, Matt, an entrepreneur and high achiever, shares his personal journey from experiencing anxiety attacks to finding healing and success in both his personal and professional life. He talks about the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and acknowledging childhood trauma. Matt also discusses how yoga and journaling played a si…
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EP85 - Kimspirations: A Story of Resilience and Joy with Kim Livingstone
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On this episode I sat down with the BEAUTIFUL soul, my friend Kim Livingstone of Sand and Stone Jewelry. Kim shares her journey of entrepreneurship, personal struggles such as getting divorced, and how she finds joy in every day. We discuss how Kim weathers life's storms, her love for her children, and the inspiration behind her business. Kim also …
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Justin Narducci - Heal the Sick, Proclaim the Kingdom
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What does it look like to meet the needs of very vulnerable people in the face of glaring global disparity? What does it look like to bring God's Kingdom through improving access to healthcare in the Global South? These are the questions we're looking at today as we dive into conversation with CEO of CURE International, Justin Narducci. Justin and …
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EP84 - My Personal Perspective on Anticipatory Grief and Sibling Grief
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In this episode, I discuss my experience through anticipatory grief and the profound loss of my sibling. I also highlight the under recognition of sibling grief in society but also emphasize the importance of acknowledging all types of grief and offer support to those who are grieving. To share your own Hard Beautiful Journey, go to tiffcarson.com …
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Dr. Forrest Inslee - Caring for Creation
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You cannot have a conversation around global issues without considering the state of the earth itself. We are talking today with educator, author and climate advocate Dr. Forrest Inslee to learn, "what on earth is happening with the earth?" Dr. Inslee brings a distinctly Christian viewpoint to the conversation as we consider the damage being done t…
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Sudan, Elections, USAID and MEAL [January 3+1]
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In our first ever 3+1 episode, we're catching up on some global stories that you might have missed. We're talking about the war going on in Sudan, elections throughout the world, USAID waste and then learn of a great recommendation from our guest on developing monitoring and evaluation. Conversation Notes 2:10 - Introduction to the 3+1 format and t…
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EP83 - Healing Heartbreak: A Mother's Journey Through Addiction and Loss, with Judy Carson
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In this special episode of Hard Beautiful Journey, I invited my beautiful Mom to join me for an intimate and candid conversation about my book "Dancing in the Rain" and the loss of her beloved son and my brother, Cory. We talk about special memories with Cory, and also some hard moments we experienced while he was here with us. There is a lot of vu…
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Author and development educator, Dr. Michael Pucci joins the show to talk with us about the spiritual and relational dynamics of poverty and helps us understand the biblical view of the global family of God. We also dive into a fascinating conversation on the multi-billion dollar aid industry (which is nuanced by the amount of remittances sent to t…
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EP82 - Awakening Wisdom: Navigating Transformation with Pamela O'Brien, Intuitive Card Reader and Author
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In this episode, my guest Pamela O'Brien, an intuitive card reader and author, shares her transformative journey, discussing her spiritual awakening, navigating through major life changes, and her path to becoming a tarot reader. She also shares her insights on self-care, mental health, and the power of validation in emotional healing. Lastly, Pame…
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EP81 - Why I Wrote the Book ”Dancing in the Rain” with Tiff Carson
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Episode 81 is a solo episode where I share what's on my heart regarding my newly released book "Dancing in the Rain". I open up about the excitement of having my words out in the world and the anxiety that comes with being so vulnerable. I share the challenges I faced in deciding to reveal deeply personal family traumas, especially those involving …
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This podcast is something like day one, while at the same time seven years strong. In this trailer episode for Think Global, Brandon Stiver speaks to the heart of the podcast and the season that God is calling our community into. You’ll hear about some of the updates to the podcast as well as more ways to connect with us. Brandon also introduces Ca…
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EP80 - Publishing & Launching ”Dancing in the Rain” with Dave Thompson and Davina Davidson of Inspirational Book Writers
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Join me for a fascinating conversation with Dave Thompson and Davina Davidson from Inspirational Book Writers, the publishers from Australia that I worked with to get my book "Dancing in the Rain" out into the world. We share insights into the journey of writing a book, the importance of preserving the author's voice, fears and blocks an author fac…
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EP79 - How My Writing Journey Included Deep Friendship, Psychic Medium Insights, and Spiritual Growth with Marliana Alisemon
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In this podcast episode, I'm delighted to have my wonderful friend Marliana Alisemon join me. We reminisce about how our friendship blossomed during the organization of the Divinity Expo event and then dive into Marliana's extraordinary abilities as a psychic medium, empath, healer, and energy worker. Reflecting on my first reading with Marliana, I…
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Phil and Brandon share how God has been working through the podcast throughout 2023 as well as throughout the history since Phil started the show nearly seven years ago. As we close out the year, we share the direction that God is leading us to take the podcast in 2024 and beyond. This is a heartfelt, earnest community conversation on the podcast t…
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EP78 - The Story Behind the Song ”Dance in the Rain” with Kristina Nichol
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Welcome to the latest episode of Hard Beautiful Journey! In this emotional and inspiring episode, join me as I dive deep into the incredible story behind the song 'Dance in the Rain' with the talented singer-songwriter, Kristina Nichol. Get ready to be moved as we explore the inspiration, the process, and the impact of this powerful song. Kristina …
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EP77 - Writing and Healing: A Journey of Transformation with my Writing Coach Emily Tamayo Maher
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In this podcast episode, I discuss my experience as an author, going through the process of writing my book 'Dancing in the Rain'. Guided by my book-writing coach, Emily Tamayo Maher, we delve into how we transformed personal pain into a powerful memoir tackling the issues of generational trauma and sibling grief. Emily provides valuable insights o…
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On The Ground in Ethiopia - The Anatomy of an Orphan Care Organization
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In episode 237, we have a special on the ground episode to share how one organization's journey and commitment to family based care plays out through all the people in their organization. We're featuring voices through Selamta Family Project in Addis Ababa and invite you to join us in this conversation to celebrate the family care movement taking p…
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EP76 - Tiff’s Return (as a Carson), Life Updates, and Book Launch
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After a hiatus of 500 days, Tiff returns to her podcast Hard Beautiful Journey, with a new/old last name, excited to be back behind the mic. She opens up about her separation from her husband James, and their ensuing challenges regarding living arrangements and their children's well-being. Tiff then discusses her move to a condo that seemed perfect…
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Dr. Lauren Pinkston - Trafficking, Entrepreneurship and Orphan Care Podcasting
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This week we have dedicated academic and researcher Dr. Lauren Pinkson. Lauren is the host of the Upwardly Dependent podcast and comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise in human trafficking prevention and community development through social enterprise. She has a passion for exploring creative solutions to bridging cultures and investing in …
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Mackynzie Archer - The Emotional Labor of Care-Affected Children
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Mackynzie 'Mac' Archer comes with a deep love for the Haitian people and vulnerable populations. She is an anthropologist, researcher, consultant, and advocate. In this episode we dive into some of her findings in short-term missions, the orphanage system in Haiti, and her most recent doctoral research on the emotional labor of care-affected childr…
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The Nonprofit Leadership Conversation
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In this Conversation episode, we're joined by nonprofit leaders Leslie Beasley (Miracle Foundation), Dave LeVan (Lifewater International), and Paige Shope (Yoked Partners). We'll delve into how non-profit organizations are increasingly adopting for-profit strategies, blurring the lines between the two sectors. Our discussion will venture into valua…
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Mobilizing the Church for Care Reform
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In this conversation episode, we bring together leaders within different denominations to talk about care reform and the role the American church can play. Joining ust today are from Kristen Lowry from Shelter Yetu and Send Relief (Southern Baptist Convention), Laura Horvath from Helping Children Worldwide and the United Methodist Church, and Pasto…
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The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation
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1:19:31
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In this Conversation episode, we're joined by global child welfare professionals Dr. Greg Burch, Kelly Strong, and Dan Hope. We'll look at cases where westerners were given access to vulnerable children in the Global South and then abused those children. We'll explore the significance of cultivating cultures of awareness around child protection. We…
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Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder - When Collaboration Helps Families
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In this episode, Brian Fikkert and Gabriel Walder join the show to tackle critical topics such as helping the church rediscover its identity, divisions within the American church regarding poverty, and the intricate relationship between economic empowerment and family well-being. Additionally, they delve into cross-cultural missions, the significan…
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Peter Greer - Leading Beyond Disillusionment
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In this thought-provoking podcast episode, we delve into the intriguing concept of "The Gift of Disillusionment" as explored in a recent book co-authored by our guest, Peter Greer. Peter is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered micro-enterprise development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and …
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The Orphanage Transformation Conversation
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In this Conversation episode, we are bringing together leaders to talk about care reform and transition support services. We have Elli Oswald from Faith to Action, Jonathan Dowell from Weza Care Solutions, and Hannah Won from ACCI. These leaders come with many years experience from providing direct services in an orphanage to leading organizations …
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Dr. Hunter Farrell - Decolonizing Christian Mission
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This week we have the co-author of Freeing Congregational Mission, Dr. Hunter Farrell. He served as a long-term missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru and now works as the Director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Farrell brings a wealth of first hand and research knowledge about Christian Mis…
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The Global Foster Care Conversation
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In this Conversation episode, we're joined by four child welfare leaders to dive into the nuances, challenges and triumphs of pioneering foster care throughout the world. On the show is Ian Forber-Pratt from Children's Emergency Relief International, Tara Garcia from Identity Mission, Sebilu Bodja from Bethany Christian Services, and Martus Greyven…
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In our second Conversations episode, we're joined by Anna Jackson from Montaña de Luz in Honduras, Brent Phillips from Cherish Uganda, and Dan Stoehr from Reach Ministries in the US, to discuss HIV/AIDS today. What is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the world today? What are the challenges care providers face? Find out how these leaders are working t…
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