The Paths To Understanding Podcast

Challenge 2.0 Let's Go Together - Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org 

 

In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we met a small group of western Washington residents convinced that the courage to connect remains in what seems to be the Disunited States of America. They introduced us to the program they developed called Let’s Go Together that they believe can bring a sense of connection where there’s disconnection, replacing intolerance with acceptance, and prejudice with understanding. This week, we meet some of the early participants in this program; people with very different life experiences and outlooks who unexpectedly found common ground.

Challenge 2.0 Let's Go Together Part One

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org

America in the twenty first century seems to be defined by disconnection. That it’s become atoxic blend of distrust, discrimination and defiance; rejectingthe legal and social norms of cooperation built over decades. But aprogram called Let’s Go Together is proving that the courageto connect remainsin this countryand can be nourished; that it can bring together Americans of different life experiences, beliefs and affiliations. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we meet three western Washington residents who have developed this program, and are proving that healing connections can develop not only in the Pacific Northwest, but throughout the United States.

The Gift Interfaith Offers a Pluralistic Democracy in Crisis

1. Allison Ralph is a thought leader in religious pluralism and social cohesion, Allison Ralph brings 20 years’ experience in strategy, research, and nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. She previously worked at The Aspen Institute, where she served as Associate Director of the Religion & Society Program and Director of its Religion and Philanthropy Initiative. Allison has a PhD in church history from The Catholic University of America, and an MPhil from Cambridge University. Her graduate research focused on how societies manage or fail to manage their internal diversity, and how they create and maintain social boundaries.

Challenge 2.0 American Health: Prognosis Poor

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org New mothers and their infants are more likely to die in the United States than in any European country. The life expectancy of the average American is closer to that of middle eastern or south American countries than counterparts in western or central Europe, and it’s been decreasing. Physicians are concerned those trends will continue with federal cuts to healthcare and health research programs. Our guest in this episode of Challenge 2.0 will address those concerns- Seattle-area cardiologist Dr. Mark Vossler, who leads the group Physicians for Social Responsibility.

Challenge 2.0 Voting Values with Investments

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org

Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org

The Seattle-based Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment was founded thirty one years ago with the recognition that every purchase is a vote; one that reflects personal values and ethics. Those purchases include investments in corporate stocks and bonds. The efforts of faith based organizations to influence corporate policies and practices have recently encountered stiffer opposition. We discuss the importance, successes and frustrations of investor activism with board member Sister Susan Francoise

Challenge 2.0 Caught in the Crosshairs of War and Uncertain Allies Part Two

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we met two members of the Seattle area Ukrainian-American community. As the Russian invasion of their country enters its fourth year, they outlined the economic, physical and psychological impact on the members of their community and their families still living in Ukraine. We continue that conversation with Tanya Zayka and Father Andriy Matlak in this episode of Challenge 2.0

Challenge 2.0 Caught in the Crosshairs of War and Uncertain Allies

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org

Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org

 

More Ukrainian refugees come to Washington than any other state. The Ukrainian-American community here continues to extend monetary, physical and emotional support as the war with Russia enters its fourth year. But those efforts are becoming increasingly difficult with a change in national support for Ukraine and possible deportation of refugees living here. In this edition of Challenge, we talk with members of the local Ukrainian-American community, including Tanya Zayka

Challenge 2.0 What Happens In Gaza Doesn't Stay In Gaza

The Seattle area health and technology industries have strong connections with the Middle East-particularly with Israel and Gaza. Those connections have led to equally strong emotions within those communities. The resulting disconnect has escalated in light of recent proposals to evict Palestinians from Gaza and transform it into a high end resort. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we speak with two Seattle residents familiar the region-Mercy Corps founder Dan O’Neill who once lived on an Israeli kibbutz, and surgical nurse Christie Jucht who has regularly volunteered in hospitals located in Gaza.

Challenge 2.0 The Healing Power of Connection Through Faith

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org
Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org

Dr. Harold Koenig is an internationally recognized psychiatrist who serves as the director of Duke University’s Center for the Study of Religion, Spirituality and Health. His research has produced documented evidence of the positive impacts of faith on both physical and mental disorders, findings that are leading to changes in the way doctors, nurses and therapists relate to their patients. In this week’s edition of Challenge 2.0, we explore the healing power of connection through faith.

Challenge 2.0 Finding Joy in Unlikely Places and Ways

Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org
Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org

Joy would seem to be an unlikely emotion in a world increasingly filled with uncertainty, and the fear, anger and anxiety it creates. The noted figures of the Dalai Lama and the late South African Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu emphasized we can access and experience joy even in the face of great suffering. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we connect with faith leaders from Buddhism, Christianity and Islam who offer guidance of finding joy, even when it seems least likely.