The Paths To Understanding Podcast

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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Challenge 2.0 Wading Into the Turbulent Waters of 2025

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Last month’s elections left many Americans deeply troubled. Whatever our individual opinions might be, what approaches and thoughts will best help us navigate the uncertainty of the coming months? In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we turn to three leaders from the major faiths of Christianity, Judaism and Islam to offer their perspectives and guidance

Challenge 2.0 Healing Shattered Spirits The Great Search Part Two

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In our last episode of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with John Philip Newell, the author of a new book called “The Great Search”. It explored why an increasing number of people believe organized religious institutions are failing to help them cope with the challenges of contemporary life. We continue that conversation in Part 2 of Healing Shattered Spirits, examining possible solutions, and new perspectives on questions such as “if there is a God, how could such a God allow bad things happen”.

Challenge 2.0 Healing Shattered Spirits The Great Search Part One

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Churches are closing, faith communities are declaring bankruptcy, the ‘faithful’ are increasingly expressing a sense that their religious communities have broken faith with them. I recently read two sentences that provided a useful summary-“Religion as we have known it has failed to adequately address the most urgent challenges of humanity, including the threatened plight of Earth. These challenges are not just ecological, and political and economic. They are also spiritual.” Those words are in the new book, “The Great Search”...and it’s the focus of this episode of Challenge 2.0.