102. Shaken not Stirred

Trumanitarian

#Science #Non-Profit #Business #Social Sciences #Trumanitarian #Society

39:50

The truth is out West! We’re hopping on the ET Highway and venturing to the most notorious alien hot spots, including Roswell’s infamous crash site, Area 51’s eerie perimeter, and a mysterious desert watchtower. Join us as journalist Laura Krantz, host of the podcast Wild Thing , beams up to share stories from the front lines of UFO reporting—from strange sightings and quirky festivals to a mailbox where people leave letters to extraterrestrials. Maybe you’ll even decide for yourself: Is Earth a tourist stop for spaceships? UFO hot spots you’ll encounter in this episode: - UFO Watchtower (near Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado) - Roswell, New Mexico - Area 51, Nevada - Extraterrestrial Highway (aka State Route 375), Nevada - Little A’Le’Inn, ET Highway, Nevada - E.T. Fresh Jerky, ET Highway, Nevada - Alien Research Center, ET Highway, Nevada - The Black Mailbox, ET Highway, Nevada Via Podcast is a production of AAA Mountain West Group .…

about a year ago 1:08:43

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, Tamam Aloudat and Richard Blewett join Lars Peter Nissen to ask the hard questions: What’s worth saving? What needs to go? Who gets to decide?

...And are we the right guys to discuss this?

Tammam argues that tinkering with the system isn’t enough - we need a “non-reformist reform,” a radical reimagining of what humanitarianism even is. Richard reflects on decades of failing attempts to change from the inside and whether this crisis is the moment to go back to the basics of principled humanitarian action, led by local actors, cutting the expensive middlemen.

They wrap up by tackling the question: What is each of us going to do differently in the next few months?

As the sector scrambles, priorities are being set. The decisions being made right now will define the future of humanitarianism. So what comes next? Who will (and should) take the lead?

Listen in. The system is shaking. Let's make sure it doesn’t just settle back into place.

122 episodes

102. Shaken not Stirred

Trumanitarian

22 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, Tamam Aloudat and Richard Blewett join Lars Peter Nissen to ask the hard questions: What’s worth saving? What needs to go? Who gets to decide?

...And are we the right guys to discuss this?

They wrap up by tackling the question: What is each of us going to do differently in the next few months?

As the sector scrambles, priorities are being set. The decisions being made right now will define the future of humanitarianism. So what comes next? Who will (and should) take the lead?

Listen in. The system is shaking. Let's make sure it doesn’t just settle back into place.

122 episodes

#Science #Non-Profit #Business #Social Sciences #Trumanitarian #Society

Alla avsnitt

1
111. Cash Gods 48:42

6 days ago48:42

48:42

What is the role of cash distributions in the humanitarian reset? That is the question that Cate Turton , the Director of the Cash Learning Partnership (CALP) Network) , Yolande Wright, the VP for Partnerships at GiveDirectly and Alessandro Bini the Director of the Somali Cash Consortium discuss with Lars Peter Nissen in this weeks episode. The conversation focuses on the current state and future potential of cash-based humanitarian assistance. The participants discusses the barriers and opportunities for further leveraging cash distributions in the humanitarian sector, particularly in light of the current resource constraints. Key topics included the evidence base for cash, the need to shift power and decision-making to affected populations, the challenges of integrating cash within the existing humanitarian coordination structures, and the role of localization in cash programming.Explore key insights from a high-level conversation on the future of humanitarian cash assistance. Learn about systemic barriers, localization, UN roles, and innovative cash delivery methods like lump-sum transfers.…

1
110. Philanthropy 2.0 40:29

13 days ago40:29

40:29

What happens when a philanthropist shows up differently? In this episode, Maya Ghosh Bichara joins host Lars Peter Nissen to reflect on what it means to fund, partner, and build trust with integrity. Maya isn’t running a billion-dollar foundation - she gives small but catalytic grants, drawing on her experience from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative to reimagine what money can do. They explore trust-based philanthropy, the need for humility, and how to move beyond extractive funding models. What would it take to let go of control, trust leaders on the ground, and how could we try to decolonize funding flows? Mayas biggest advice for change is to start implementing it yourself. This episode is a must for anyone curious about what a new generation of philanthropy might look like.…

1
109. Decolini…what? 50:42

27 days ago50:42

50:42

In this special crossover episode, Lars Peter Nissen ( Trumanitarian ) and Carla Vitantonio ( Living Decoloniality ) sit down in Doha to explore the deep fault lines in humanitarian work — and why they’ve both turned to podcasting as a space for honest conversation. Carla unpacks the concept of decoloniality — the lingering structures, mindsets, and behaviors that survive long after formal colonialism ends. Together, they explore how power, bureaucracy, and hero narratives shape the humanitarian sector — and why we’re so often stuck tweaking language while avoiding the hard work of dismantling systems. They discuss the limits of reform, the danger of dressing failure as progress, and the need for new actors, voices, and institutional diversity. And they ask the question: If the big institutions can’t change, who can? These discussions extends too to podcasting and humanitarian events; how different formats, structure and diversity of people could create different reflections and outcomes. This is an episode about inquiry over certainty, and humility and small acts over heroism. Notes and Links: •⁠ ⁠The theory referred to in Carlas podcast: the theory of the colonial matrix of power by Aníbal Quijano •⁠ ⁠ Living Decoloniality (Carlas podcast). The highlighted episodes: Episode with Michelle Lokot ; Episode with Karishma Shafi ; Episode with Themrise Khan •⁠ ⁠ Trumanitarian episodes highlighted in the convo: Episode with Dr. Rola Hallam ; Ukraine episode with Care SG ); Episode with Themrise Khan…

1
108. Elephant in the room 43:13

6 weeks ago43:13

43:13

In this episode of Trumanitarian , recorded on the sidelines of the Center for Humanitarian Leadership Conference in Doha, host Lars Peter Nissen sits down with two sector heavyweights: Sofía Sprechmann, former Secretary General of CARE International, and Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International. Together, they confront some of the humanitarian sector’s most uncomfortable truths. The aid sector is full of elephants—entrenched power dynamics, outdated models of partnership, performative reform, and organizations that may simply be too big to change. This conversation takes those challenges head by examining the Pledge for Change, a joint commitment by major INGOs to decolonize aid through equitable partnerships, ethical storytelling, and systemic transformation. But the discussion also goes deeper—into the contradictions of leading large organizations while trying to dismantle the very systems that sustain them.…

1
107. 319 42:25

7 weeks ago42:25

42:25

On December 8, Syria saw a major turning point: the fall of the Assad regime and the emergence of a new government. For the White Helmets , this moment opened the door to expand operations from 800 to over 4,600 communities—nationwide. In this episode, the White Helmet’s Chief of Programs, Ahmed Ekzayez , shares how the group has evolved from frontline rescue to tackling climate change, protecting human rights, and strengthening civil society, all while fending off disinformation and facing the USAID funding cuts. For Ahmed, success isn’t measured by project metrics—but by lives changed: “This isn’t a 9-to-5 job. This is our country.”…

1
106. Get out of the way 45:52

9 weeks ago45:52

45:52

The Emergency Response Rooms in Sudan have, over the past couple of years, become the backbone of humanitarian action in Sudan. As community-based informal organizations, the ERRs provide mutual aid to more than 2 million people in Sudan. In this week's episode Hajooj Kuka and Justin Corbett discuss the work of the ERRs with co-hosts Mabala Nyalugwe and Lars Peter Nissen .…

1
105. Pivot 35:53

10 weeks ago35:53

35:53

We are at a pivotal moment for the humanitarian sector. The freeze of US foreign aid, the dismantling of USAID and aid cuts from a number of the major donors has sent shockwaves through the system. But how do we move forward and strike the balance between ensuring continuity of lifesaving humanitarian assistance while addressing serious and well-known issues with the existing humanitarian system – do we opt for reform or disruption? Dominik Stillhart is the the Head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit and the Deputy Director of Swiss Development Cooperation and in this conversation with Lars Peter Nissen he speak directly to the need for changing the way we do business and finding a new way to work. The conversation was recorded on the last day of the 2025 Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week (HNPW) in Geneva and the sprawling ecosystem of actors at the conference serves as the point of departure for the conversation. You can support Trumanitarian financially through a one-off or a monthly contribution on our website .…

1
104. Tough Enough? 44:00

13 weeks ago44:00

44:00

Happy international women’s day ! When women connect across generations and experiences, heart to heart, incredible things happen. In this special episode, Maeva Fages joins Rigmor Tholstrup for a heartfelt conversation about humanitarianism, yoga and resilience. Maeva, a humanitarian health specialist, yoga teacher, and Senior Country Manager for Afghanistan and Syria, shares experiences on leading with softness and finding strength in vulnerability. They discuss the pressures to “toughen up” in professional settings, the unspoken impacts of such expectations, and how our bodies often hold truths our minds resist. Maeva reveals how yoga became her path to reclaiming an authentic way of leading and being in the world. As two privileged women, they want to acknowledge the privilege of even being able to have such a conversation. On this day, all women worldwide should be honored: those who have protested, spoken out, and fought for collective rights; those achieving remarkable things and making a difference; those simply existing amidst challenges; and those enduring oppression under oppressive systems and capitalism. This episode is about unlearning, reconnecting with what seems real, and celebrating the women - before us, beside us, and after us - who make it all possible. When women connect, things change.…

1
103. Techplomacy 33:23

14 weeks ago33:23

33:23

The ethos of 'move fast and break things' doesn't work for humanitarians. If we break things, we break people. But technology is changing the nature of conflict. International Humanitarian Law cannot evolve to meet these challenges without input from the private tech actors shaping the battlefield. This week's guest, Philippe Stoll, Senior Techplomacy Delegate at the ICRC, works to connect humanitarians to tech entrepreneurs and other relevant minds over the dilemmas presented by new technologies in conflict. From biometric systems to the ethical risks of data misuse, Philippe shares how the ICRC is developing cautious, problem-driven tech policies aimed at protecting vulnerable populations. He also discusses his obsession with giving concrete meaning to abstract ideas and how immersive “Digital Dilemmas” installations can help tech developers and humanitarians understand each other's worlds. Questions about how to handle tech in conflict zones aren't going anywhere. For anyone interested in the future of humanitarianism, this conversation is essential.…

1
102. Shaken not Stirred 1:08:43

14 weeks ago1:08:43

1:08:43

In this episode, Tamam Aloudat and Richard Blewett join Lars Peter Nissen to ask the hard questions: What’s worth saving? What needs to go? Who gets to decide? ...And are we the right guys to discuss this? Tammam argues that tinkering with the system isn’t enough - we need a “non-reformist reform,” a radical reimagining of what humanitarianism even is. Richard reflects on decades of failing attempts to change from the inside and whether this crisis is the moment to go back to the basics of principled humanitarian action, led by local actors, cutting the expensive middlemen. They wrap up by tackling the question: What is each of us going to do differently in the next few months? As the sector scrambles, priorities are being set. The decisions being made right now will define the future of humanitarianism. So what comes next? Who will (and should) take the lead? Listen in. The system is shaking. Let's make sure it doesn’t just settle back into place.…

1
101. Secret Sauce 50:01

16 weeks ago50:01

50:01

Humanitarian tech initiatives fail when they start with a "shiny object" rather than a defined problem. Solutions are imposed rather than developed based on actual needs. A ‘graveyard of bad tech’ is expanding. Should humanitarians just admit they’re bad with technology? During the International Red Cross Movement Conference in Geneva in October 2024, Host Lars Peter Nissen found a quiet corner to discuss pitfalls and opportunities in humanitarian tech with Heather Leson (Digital Innovation Lead at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies) and Omar Abou Samra (Director of the Global Disaster Preparedness Center at the American Red Cross). Heather and Omar believe in technology’s usefulness to the industry, but stress that it must be integrated into humanitarian work with the same rigor applied to non-digital interventions. This conversation is a call for better co-design between humanitarians and technologists to ensure impact measurement goes beyond vanity metrics like downloads. Heather and Omar pitch an approach similar to venture capital, where ineffective projects are shut down rather than endlessly sustained, and where human-centered design and cross-disciplinary collaboration are embraced. They discuss the secret sauce for better humanitarian tech, and that maybe it's time humanitarians to rethink their role—not as central actors, but as collaborators in a larger system.…

1
100. The Big Chill 1:04:10

17 weeks ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Over the past week, the 90-day freeze of US foreign assistance has sent a shockwave through the humanitarian and development communities. If you ask this weeks guests on Trumanitarian the crisis will not be over in three months - Harpinder Collacott , Michael Barnett , and Meg Sattler come to the conclusion that the consequences of the aid freeze will last for years. The real question is: as the old system fractures, what new models of humanitarian action will emerge? Meanwhile, communities are not idly waiting for external interventions. Can aid evolve to truly support them in building stronger institutions that can withstand the shocks to come? No grand narratives. No easy solutions. Listen in for a clear-eyed, smart and honest perspective on the disruption of the humanitarian sector.…

1
99. Wiser 46:02

25 weeks ago46:02

46:02

Dr. Rola Hallam - a doctor, humanitarian, and Syrian advocate - joins host Lars Peter Nissen for a personal conversation on the resilience of humanity amidst chaos. Against the backdrop of Syria’s profound suffering and the fall of the Assad regime, Dr. Rola shares her journey of healing, hope, and service. She dismantles the idea of the untouchable hero humanitarian, laying bare the fragility and vulnerability of frontline workers. She recounts her burnout and her path to rebuilding through healing, spirituality, and psychedelics - moving from clever to wise. Dr. Rola envisions a healing-centred approach for Syria (and beyond), one that empowers its people to dream and rebuild. And she calls for all of us to help make such futures realities. It's about embodying the change we want to see. Listen in – its deeply vulnerable and we hope you will love it as much as we do.…

1
98. Twelve-stepping Chaos 36:05

27 weeks ago36:05

36:05

What happens when you mix cyber warfare, climate collapse, and humanitarian action with a dash of whiskey? You get Emerson Tan - a man who started as a hacker, turned humanitarian, and now designs fintech for the apocalypse. Dive into chaos: how disasters, misinformation, and the climate crisis are forcing us to rethink everything from technology to social systems. Emerson explains why the difference between a war zone and a flood is six feet of water and how mutual aid and grassroots are bubbling up as antidotes to our crumbling centralised structures. Along the way, we explore the dark and occasionally hopeful lessons learned from decades of edge-case disasters. What can the humanitarian sector learn from Bellingcat or AA meetings? Lots, Emerson thinks. Grab a whiskey and join us for a convo that’s terrifying, fascinating, and oddly uplifting. Listen now. Share widely. Embrace the chaos. Brace yourself for our dear friend, Emerson, just don’t expect him to sugarcoat the challenges ahead.…

1
97. Humanitarianism 2.0 58:37

31 weeks ago58:37

58:37

In an early episode this year, Dr. Hugo Slim warned that he would challenge the most fundamental humanitarian principle: humanity. This week, he does just that. As a Senior Research Fellow at Oxford and a policy advisor specializing in the ethics of war and humanitarian aid, Hugo brings a unique philosophical lens to the conversation, drawing on his doctorate in theology. In this conversation, host Lars Peter challenges Hugo to assess the practicality and effectiveness of his landscape-based approach. Could it disrupt the established Western liberal framework of human rights—and might that disruption be exactly what we need to confront impending climate-related humanitarian crises? Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at trumanitarianpod@gmail.com…

Trumanitarian

1
96. Bureaucracy Engagement 45:28

32 weeks ago45:28

45:28

This episode discusses 'community engagement': recent wins, as well as the continued struggle to move beyond tokenism to achieve meaningful change – and whether 'bureaucracy engagement' might better reflect the complexities of the engagement. In this episode, Kristin Vestrheim (Moderator), Eminenur Çınar (Board Member), and Yakzan Shishakly (Board Member) discuss their network – the Interagency Community of Practice on Community Engagement in Displacement Response. They explore the consequences of treating community engagement as a narrow, technical problem –rather than a political one — and suggest more radical and integrative solutions to help shift power back to the people. The forum is part of the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) cluster and you can check it out here .…

Trumanitarian

1
95. A Night on Earth 49:44

33 weeks ago49:44

49:44

In his 2021 book, Night on Earth, Davide Rodongo, professor of international history and politics at the Geneva Graduate Institute, writes about humanitarian action during the 20th century interwar period. “What they aimed to do was delusional”, he told Lars Peter. “The reality is they did a few little good things in a few places…And they aimed to civilize the entire Near East.” According to Davide, historians often argue that the past teaches us nothing. And yet, his recounting of the humanitarian sector’s inter-war period rhymes with the major themes we talk about on this podcast: localization, professionalism, paternalism and technology. Together, he and Lars Peter talk about what (and who) has changed, cracks in the humanitarian narrative, and how to tell the story right. Davide’s book: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/night-on-earth/2BB5FC4E3AAE925C0AD6875F519BFD4B Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at trumanitarianpod@gmail.com…

Trumanitarian

1
94. Members Only 47:05

34 weeks ago47:05

47:05

The Humanitarian Club - members only! Is the humanitarian sector run by an elite network that controls the vast majority of resources and power within the sector, a closed circle that excludes outsiders? This week Trumanitarian welcomes Michael N. Barnett, Professor of international affairs and a leading scholar on humanitarianism. In one of his pieces ‘The Humanitarian Club’ (we love it), Barnett uses sociological and economic theory to describe humanitarianism as a club where the few hold the economic, symbolic, social, and cultural capital. It leaves outsiders in the cold and permits members to control pooled funds, influence, and decision-making. If you're ready to confront the harsh realities of the humanitarian sector, tune in and let Michael Barnett guide you through the systemic barriers that define the sector. It’s time to ask ourselves who really benefits, and who’s left outside the gates of the Humanitarian Club. Don't forget to explore Michael’s chapter in the 2021 book “Global Governance in a World of Change” here - chapter 5.…

Trumanitarian

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93. Reenchantment 48:01

35 weeks ago48:01

48:01

Simon Western, founder of the Eco-Leadership Institute, joins host Lars Peter Nissen, to explore how to bring some soul into the humanitarian space as they know it. And how the “helpless helping” tendency currently plagues it. Simon draws on his experience from psychiatric nursing to corporate leadership, and explains how his eco-leadership model - rooted in ecosystemic thinking and mutualism - could re-enchant individuals and organisations, helping to break free from outdated, bureaucratic structures. Simon argues that real transformation won’t come from top-down reforms but from the fringes - through leadership that disrupts and dismantles the bloated machinery from the edge. You’ll leave questioning the systems you work within and inspired by the potential of a more connected and dynamic energy. He inspires us to get to work, all of us, to push, alone but collectively, from the edges of our individual realities. Tune in for more insights and check out Simon’s podcast Edgy Ideas , as well as his blog on Helpless Helping .…

Trumanitarian

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92. The Alchemist 45:26

36 weeks ago45:26

45:26

Neil Smyth, the founder of tech startup, Alkemio, challenges the dominance of major digital platforms. Alkemio seeks to create safe spaces for collaboration, offering an open-source platform that serves societal interests, rather than shareholders. It is based on a steward ownership model which puts purpose before profit and ensures that control remains with the mission of the platform rather than external investors. Neil explains the significant challenges of scaling a platform that aims to fundamentally change how society works together and compete against well-established tech giants. This conversation unpacks the potential to address some of the most pressing problems in the digital age, where Neil’s answers might just inspire you to rethink the digital tools you use every day. For example, Neil challenges how society has allowed major platforms to control the very infrastructure of our space today, comparing it to building a house where someone else controls the plumbing, layout (and who is ultimately allowed as tenants)? Check out Alkemio here . Also, if you're interested, Pierrick Devidal from ICRC brings additional perspective to the discussion in episode 76. The Technophobe…

Trumanitarian

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91. Spaced Out 59:35

37 weeks ago59:35

59:35

What does NASA have to do with humanitarianism? Strap in as host Lars Peter Nissen takes off with Rhiannan Price and Laura Guzman from NASA Lifelines to explore the groundbreaking intersection of satellite technology and humanitarian action. Can the very data that orbits our planet revolutionize how we respond to crises and save lives? This episode explores how Lifelines dismantles the barriers between scientists and humanitarians, creating a community dedicated to leveraging satellite data for real-world impact. Learn about the innovative programs available to practitioners like you, from the Earth Science Review Board that offers free expert consulting to humanitarian organizations, to chatty supper clubs, to an immersive humanitarian simulation designed to showcase the power of satellite imagery in crisis scenarios. Unpack the challenges of building trust between these two worlds and why Lifelines believes it’s more than worth the effort. Be a part of the collaboration today via these links: Have your program reviewed for free by the Earth Science Review Board Get in touch to host your own Supper Club Check here for Humanitarian Simulation updates…

Trumanitarian

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90. Edge Case Wisdom 39:30

38 weeks ago39:30

39:30

David Galbraith and Trumanitarian's host Lars Peter Nissen's parenting skills declined the moment they met and tuned their attention from their kids' soccer practice to geeky tech conversations. David is the founder of a number of startups and claims he knows nothing about the humanitarian sector. He is, however, well-versed in how technology has transformed the world and this makes for a truly interesting conversation about the link between technology and crises and how technology can both create and alleviate crises, from environmental degradation to societal issues. David has a deep dislike for bureaucracy as illustrated in this fight with Lockheed Martin, where cute animal pictures play a central roles. Interestingly he sees AI as a counter measure to the increasing burden of bureaucracy. Its a wide-ranging, complex conversation about a future that may or may not be scary in the long run, but which for sure is going to be a bumpy ride in the coming decades.…

Trumanitarian

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89. Gandalf 31:40

39 weeks ago31:40

31:40

In the third and final episode on ACAPS ' participation in the AI for Changemakers Bootcamp Ali, Yevhen and Lars Peter are joined by Konrad Pabianczyk who ran the Bootcamp for Tech to the Rescue (TTTR). The Bootcamp is over and ACAPS has been matched with a tech company in order to develop an AI that can strengthen forecasting of crises.…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: Rock the Boat 56:58

40 weeks ago56:58

56:58

Welcome to a candid convo from March 2024 exploring the complexities of being independent. Lars Peter Nissen hosts Meg Sattler, Ed Schenkenberg, and Adelina Kamal in the studio. When can you truly claim to be independent and what does it really mean when you’re submerged into a world full of political shenanigans and blurred ethical lines? Listen in as the guests struggle to find the right balance between standing firm in their resolve for change and getting entangled in the day to day business of humanitarian action. When does collaboration become complicity, and how do you avoid barking yourself out of the conversation altogether? This episode is more than a call to listen – it’s a call to ACTION, to expose the nonsense, to challenge the norms, and dare to envision a humanitarian practice where independence isn’t just a strategic ideal; it’s a vital, lived experience.…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: Humaniwoke 40:25

41 weeks ago40:25

40:25

In this 2020 episode, Mabala Nyaluwge, a Research Designer at the British Red Cross, joins her father, host Lars Peter Nissen, for a heart to heart conversation on racism and colonialism in aid. Following global outcry at George Floyd's murder, Mabala and Lars Peter explore whether the humanitarian space is free from colonial legacy. Mabala speaks about how the aid sector, while well-intentioned, often perpetuates colonial dynamics and racism. She discuss cultural communication styles and workplace hierarchies between local staff and expatriates, saying it's almost like experts are viewed as more delicate. Is your presence in crisis affected areas truly meaningful if you simply go there, hang out with expat friends in expat bars, but neglect to learn from and mentor your local colleagues? As they navigate these complex issues, they ask: are Western humanitarianism truly prepared to hand over power and break colonial cycles of dependency?…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: Mercy Triumphs 36:05

42 weeks ago36:05

36:05

In this episode from Summer 2023, Stephen “Steve” Webster, a veteran of UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination and IFRC’s Field Assessment and Coordination Team, discusses the essential qualities of effective disaster managers. He emphasizes the power of mutual aid and love-driven leadership and reveals what he says is the single most important quality for elevating the human condition. Reflecting on his experiences, Steve tells host Lars Peter why he values individuals over institutions and how innovation requires psychological safety within teams. He also shares insights on the evolution of disaster management practices, the challenges of decolonizing the field, and why ‘synergy’ isn’t such an embarrassing word after all.…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: A Grander Bargain 52:12

43 weeks ago52:12

52:12

Meg Sattler sits down with Beth Eagleston and Kate Sutton, the co-founders of the Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG), a Melbourne based social enterprise that seeks to use research to challenge the status quo of humanitarian aid. It’s a discussion steeped in reflection; Who owns the knowledge? What does it mean to listen, trust and truly aim to make difference? The privilege of knowledge meets the urgency of lived experience. For Beth and Kate, it's not just about the research they produce, but about the change it has to inspire, it's about impact, placing knowledge back into the hands of those who need it most, and staying conscious to avoid harmful habits in humanitarian dynamics. This episode was first published in 2021. You can read more about HAGs work on their website: https://humanitarianadvisorygroup.org/…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: Can of Worms 43:48

44 weeks ago43:48

43:48

Hugo Slim is one of the best known and most interesting thinkers in the humanitarian space. He works at Univeristy of Oxford on the ethics and practice of humanitarian action and currently focus on answering the question “What is Climate Humanitarianism?” In this conversation with Lars Peter Nissen , Hugo discusses how we should define and prioritise humanitarian needs. The two papers that form the basis of the conversation can be found here: How should we define and prioritise humanitarian need? Painful Choices: How Humanitarians Can Prioritize in a World of Rising Need - A Conversation Starter for the Climate Emergency…

Trumanitarian

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88. Data Deification 57:51

45 weeks ago57:51

57:51

Clionadh Raleigh is not only an accomplished academic, she is also founder of ACLED - delivering the most comprehensive and timely datasets on armed conflict, registering over 300,000 events annually. Tune in and hear why Clionadh couldn’t care much about AI and why it triggers Lars Peter - who spent the past five weeks in Bob-the-AI-Builder mode (check episodes 84 and 87). You will also hear why Clionadh is considering sending her husband to an ISIS controlled area to study climate adaptation! On a more serious note, the conversation debunks the humanitarian business myths on climate change and conflict. And explores how thinking about yourself as “the good guys” is harmful. Check out ACLEDs great work here and enjoy the conversation !!!…

Trumanitarian

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87. No IDEO 29:11

46 weeks ago29:11

29:11

In the second episode on ACAPS ' participation in the Tech to the Rescue AI Bootcamp for Changemakers (aka from ACAPS to AICAPS) Chiara, Ali and Lars Peter discuss the progress made over the past couple of weeks. Since the first episode focus has been on using design methods to come up with a clearer approach to AI. This part of the bootcamp has been facilitated by the legendary design company IDEO . Ali, Chiara and Lars Peter agree that they have learned and that their thinking has shifted significantly over the course of the bootcamp, but they don't agree on what they want to do or whether ACAPS is in good shape or not when it comes to AI.…

Trumanitarian

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86. Channeling Cassandra 34:40

47 weeks ago34:40

34:40

Cassandra was the Trojan priestess described in Homer's Iliad condemned to have prophecies that are never believed. Dennis King, a veteran analyst with over 30 years of experience in the Humanitarian Information Unit of the US State Department, USAID, and OCHA, is in a sense a modern day Cassandra. Together with host Lars Peter Nissen, they unravel the transformation of information management in the humanitarian sector. They discuss the gains and losses brought by technological advances, what can be learned from the cultural contrasts between humanitarian and intelligence communities, and the new chaos paradigm. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Cassandra’s predictions for the future of humanitarian analysis.…

Trumanitarian

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85. Youth Innovation Lab 28:58

48 weeks ago28:58

28:58

Goma Karki is on a mission to bridge the gap between science and public policy. At the Youth Innovation Lab in Nepal, she mobilises passionate youth to work in municipalities, tackling climate change by closing technical and knowledge gaps and promoting data-driven decision-making. Learn about the challenges and successes of integrating young leaders into local systems and the importance of local context in climate action.…

Trumanitarian

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84. The Pimply Teenager 25:25

49 weeks ago25:25

25:25

In this first episode of the mini-series on ACAPS' journey in the Tech to the Rescue AI bootcamp, Chiara Rizza, Ali Arbia and Lars Peter Nissen discuss what to do with AI. It is early days in the bootcamp and Ali and Lars Peter are quite confused, but Chiara seems to know what she is doing so everything will be OK.…

Trumanitarian

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83. Academic Cowboy 48:53

50 weeks ago48:53

48:53

The hero humanitarian is dead. And Joël Glasman is glad. In his new book “Humanitarian Humanities”, Glasman advocates for a more reflective and empirically informed approach to humanitarian action, emphasizing the importance of social sciences, local ties and contextual knowledge in the field. Listen in to Joël discussing his findings, callling for a shift from the heroic era of humanitarianism to a more scrutinized and regulated approach. The book: “Petit Manuel d’Autodéfense à l'Usage des Volontaires”…

Trumanitarian

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82 Cognitive Dissonance 44:13

51 weeks ago44:13

44:13

Kuldeep Bandhu Ayral, co-lead of BRAC's Social Innovation Lab wants humanitarian innovators to hurry, slowly, to reap the benefits of co-designing interventions with end users. He and host Lars Peter Nissen discuss the journey and impact of the BRAC, one of the world's largest NGOs originating from the Global South, and the design-based thinking of its Social Innovation Lab. They examine the limits of most localization practices and the challenges of integrating innovation in humanitarian aid. Kuldeep also shares insights from BRAC's 'failure reports', why humanitarian interventions must aspire beyond meeting basic needs, and why the phrase "lessons learned" needs to be ejected from the sector.…

Trumanitarian

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81. The Struggle 42:54

52 weeks ago42:54

42:54

Meet Sean Lowrie and Christina Bennett – the dynamic former and current CEOs of the START Network, which unites over 90 different-sized NGOs globally for local-led humanitarian action. With host Lars Peter Nissen, they explore how Sean and Christina's leadership styles influence growth and the transition from a startup to a larger organisation. They debate whether creation of a change organisation is done best by allying with system incumbents or by working stealthily, and whether a vision of system change can be pitched transparently to system incumbents. Check out START here…

Trumanitarian

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80. Civilians! 1:03:27

1 year ago1:03:27

1:03:27

Nick Parker and Paul Taylor from REACT has shown up in their civilian outfits to discuss how they’ve repurposed from military careers to humanitarian action. REACT leverages discipline, structure, and skills of volunteering veterans and civilians to respond rapidly to crises. In the second part of the conversation, Nick, Paul and host Lars Peter Nissen discuss their experience from Afghanistan and try to figure out how humanitarians and the military interact when they are present in the same theater.…

Trumanitarian

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79. Three Socks 41:10

1 year ago41:10

41:10

Colin Rogers is the CEO of MapAction. MapAction is a lean, mean, mapping machine that turns complex data into clear, actionable maps to support frontline workers and decision-makers during crises. With about 100 volunteers, some of whom have been with the organisation for two decades, MapAction shows a unique, geeky charm. They work closely with partners like the UNDAC to alleviate the pressure on those calling the shots in crisis situations. Tune in to hear how MapAction translates complex humanitarian data into the language of action, supplementing the gut feelings of decision makers.…

Trumanitarian

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Best of: Clear the Forest 52:54

1 year ago52:54

52:54

The challenges of the humanitarian sector have been identified over and over again but some problems seem to be unsolvable. In this first episode Marc DuBois and Lars Peter Nissen discuss whether there is a need to disrupt the sector and how to "clear the forest" so new solutions can be grown. This episode was first published in September 2020.…

Trumanitarian

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78. Broccoli Brownies 33:00

1 year ago33:00

33:00

EqualReach connects displaced individuals on the move to tech gigs. In this conversation with host Lars Peter Nissen, the founder Giselle Gonzales uncovers the invisible barriers for that prevent skilled individuals on the move from working and accessing freelance opportunities. And how Equal Reach is breaking them down one project at a time. Just like hiding your kid’s broccoli in a brownie, Giselle kickstarted Equal Reach by using her corporate wisdom to align her social impact project with the KPIs of a Fortune 500 company. Tune in for a blend of reluctant entrepreneurship and impact.…

Trumanitarian

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77. Rock the Boat 54:55

1 year ago54:55

54:55

Welcome to a candid convo exploring the complexities of being independent . Lars Peter Nissen hosts Meg Sattler , Ed Schenkenberg , and Adelina Kamal in the studio. When can you truly claim to be independent and what does it really mean when you’re submerged into a world full of political shenanigans and blurred ethical lines? Listen in as the guests struggle to find the right balance between standing firm in their resolve for change and getting entangled in the day to day business of humanitarian action. When does collaboration become complicity, and how do you avoid barking yourself out of the conversation altogether? This episode is more than a call to listen – it’s a call to ACTION, to expose the nonsense, to challenge the norms, and dare to envision a humanitarian practice where independence isn’t just a strategic ideal; it’s a vital, lived experience.…

Trumanitarian

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76. The Technophobe 1:03:14

1 year ago1:03:14

1:03:14

This conversation between host, Lars Peter Nissen and Pierrick Devidal, Senior Policy Adviser at the Law, Policy and Humanitarian Diplomacy Division at ICRC debates on whether the sector’s excitement about AI is a progressive step or a dangerous diversion. We discuss ethical considerations and the potential for tech to overshadow fundamental humanitarian principles. How do we distinguish meaningful innovation from harmful overreliance? What are the pitfalls of datafication and AI fixation in humanitarian efforts, and when should we not take part in the race? Join this conversation that seeks to navigate strategies for evaluating AI technologies for real added value in humanitarian efforts.…

Trumanitarian

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75. FOMO 44:21

1 year ago44:21

44:21

In this thought-provoking episode, host Lars Peter Nissen and guest Sarah Spencer, Consultant specialized in AI explore the complex relationship between AI and humanitarian aid. They discuss the critical issues of transparency in AI-driven decision-making, the management of digital identities of aid recipients, and the ethical aspects of using AI to find ‘legitimate’ targets in conflict zones. The conversation wraps up with Spencer’s brighter and grimmer envisioned scenarios of how the digital integration in humanitarian work could look two years from now, emphasizing the need for technology to serve humanity in ethical and empowering ways. Listen in and check the pulse of the evolving role of technology in humanitarian efforts. Also check out the last episode with Sarah and Lars Peter from 2021. Listen here: https://trumanitarian.org/episodes/arms-race-for-data/…

Trumanitarian

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74. Africa is a Country 36:48

1 year ago36:48

36:48

William Shoki is the Chief Editor of Africa is a Country . In this conversation with Lars Peter Nissen he discusses the western media's narratives of Africa and the political impact of such. A key point of the discussion is South Africa's groundbreaking case filed against Israel to the ICC. William reflects how it relates to South African history and stance of doing the right thing over economic interest.…

Trumanitarian

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73. Poetic Unity 17:57

1 year ago17:57