Global Trellis: The Podcast

In this episode, Amy and Bernie welcome back Anna Danforth, exploring the latest research on fostering resilience in Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Anna shares practical strategies, and hope-filled insights for parents, caregivers, and team members, revealing how eight positive childhood experiences can transform TCK resilience. Whether you’re raising kids overseas or supporting global families, this...

In this episode, hosts Amy Young and Bernie Anderson welcome special guest Lizabet Nix from Thrive Today to explore the "feel, share, quiet" practice—a simple, science-backed approach to handling emotions and building relational skills. Lizabet shares practical insights and real-life stories, offering listeners accessible tools to tend their souls and foster meaningful connections, especially for...

In this episode we are joined by Anna Danforth to discuss the challenges of navigating and communicating change with supporters as cross-cultural workers. Anna shares personal experiences and practical advice on handling ambiguity, maintaining threads of continuity, and extending grace to ourselves and others during times of transition. This episode offers encouragement and actionable insights for...

This episode explores the challenges international cross-cultural workers face when caring for aging parents from across the world. Four participants from the Global Trellis Aging Parents Cohort share their personal experiences, highlighting the emotional complexity, practical difficulties, and unique support found in a community of like-minded workers dealing with an inevitable life issue. Sign u...

In this episode of Global Trellis: The Podcast, Tim Austin, the Global Trellis transition specialist, discusses the critical aspects of managing transitions for cross-cultural workers. The crucial aspects of transitions are (1) focusing on the importance of naming one's experiences, (2) normalizing the challenges, and (3) embracing the fears and resistance that come with change. The conversation e...

In this episode of Global Trellis, Virgil Tanner discusses his book "Soul Tending" and shares insights on helping cross-cultural workers build resilience and agency in challenging environments. The conversation explores strategies for thriving, working effectively, and developing personal and professional skills, emphasizing the importance of holistic soul care and strategic leadership in cross-cu...

This is truly an eye-opening episode! Rachel Pieh Jones, Amy Young, and Bernie Anderson dive deep into the often-overlooked experience of "gendered culture shock" - exploring how men and women physically and emotionally navigate cultural differences across borders. This is a nuanced and compelling conversation about how cultural adaptation goes far beyond language and customs. Rachel on Instagram:...

  In this episode, Heather Fallis discusses her new book about creating liturgies as a powerful spiritual practice for international workers. Through personal stories and practical guidance, Heather shows how writing liturgies can help cross-cultural workers process their emotions, connect with God, and find meaningful ways to pray, even when words are difficult to find. Blog interview with H...

Description : This episode explores the importance of design and visual branding in creating effective newsletters and communications for cross-cultural workers. Guest expert, Karen Huber, joins Amy and Bernie to share practical advice on leveraging design elements to engage supporters and convey the heart of your ministry . Karen created a PDF that covers three helpful areas when it comes to news...

This episode of the Global Trellis podcast explores the art of writing effective newsletters for cross-cultural workers. Hosts Amy Young and Bernie Anderson provide practical tips and mindset shifts to help listeners improve their newsletter communication and build stronger relationships with their supporters. Next week we continue the conversation with Karen Huber and the visual aspects of newsle...

There’s no such thing as an “ordinary day” for most cross-cultural workers. In this week’s episode, Amy and Bernie share practical tips for navigating the complexities of unpredictable schedules and demanding routines.  Show Notes :  Global Trellis Article on Productivity (Leave your comments here!) Get your free copy of the Eisenhower Matrix Global Trellis Insiders Global Trellis: The P...

“Grief is the ministry nobody wants.” In this week’s episode, Amy and Bernie talk with Ruth Potinu, author of Permission to Mourn, about the importance of grieving well. They explore the unique challenges of grief in cross-cultural work and share practical ways to navigate loss while serving abroad.   Show Notes :  Purchase Ruth’s Book “Permission to Mourn” Ruth’s Website: Permission to...

In this episode of Global Trellis, Russell Semon discusses the Cerney Smith Stress Assessment, a tool designed to help people on the field understand and manage their stress levels across five key domains. The conversation explores the unique challenges faced by cross-cultural workers, the importance of resilience, rest, and establishing supportive communities. Bonus : Cross-cultural workers who l...

We all know that home assignments and furloughs require planning and debriefing—but is that really necessary for a quick trip back to your passport country this summer? In this episode, Amy and Bernie discuss a valuable Global Trellis resource designed specifically for those short trips off the field. Show Notes : Short Term Trip Debrief Packet Global Trellis Website Global Trellis: The Podcast Jo...

Today we have a special episode, as Amy and Bernie sit down with Doug McKelvey, author of the “Every Moment Holy” series of everyday liturgies. Doug shares his personal journey of creating prayers for everything from changing diapers to navigating profound grief, offering a powerful reminder that God is present in every aspect of our lives on and off the field. You won’t want to miss this conversa...

Today, Janeen joins Amy and Bernie for another powerful conversation, unpacking results from the Global Trellis Survey on the things cross-cultural workers feel they can’t talk about in some new and different ways. Would your “this” fall into struggles, sins, or stances? Janeen offers unique insight and practical frameworks to help listeners navigate this important and evergreen topic. Show Notes:...

Jenilee Goodwin joins Amy and Bernie to introduce the Global Online Conference with the Global Trellis team. This conference addresses critical issues like mental health, faith, relationships, and preventing burnout through three days of keynotes and workshops designed to support workers at all life stages. 3 days. 3 keynotes. 3 workshops each day. And 1 bonus Live Q & A. Be sure to listen all...

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It sounds technical, but it’s one of the most well-researched and effective therapies for trauma, anxiety, and distress. In this episode, counselor and Global Trellis team member Katie Brown joins Amy Young and Bernie Anderson to demystify EMDR and explain how it aligns with the way God has designed our bodies to heal.  Show Notes : ...

Are you a pre-griever or a post-griever? In this episode, Amy Young and Bernie Anderson explore how recognizing and respecting pre- and post-grief styles can strengthen relationships and help cross-cultural workers navigate life's complex transitions with greater empathy and self-awareness. Whether you're preparing to move abroad, returning home, or facing significant life changes, this podcast is...

In this episode of the Global Trellis; The Podcast, Amy and Bernie explore the often misunderstood world of Christian mediation with guests Brian Shimer and Andrew Arthur . This conversation delves into how mediation can help cross-cultural teams and organizations overcome communication challenges, break through difficult interpersonal dynamics, and create lasting positive change through effective...

In this episode of Global Trellis, mediators Brian Shimer and Andrew Arthur  share insights on navigating hard conversations, offering a practical five-step conversational pathway that includes awareness, listening, clarifying, validation, and thoughtful response. They explore why people avoid difficult discussions, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, meaningful listening, and under...

In this episode of Global Trellis, Bernie and Amy tackle the challenging topic of toxic leadership in cross-cultural work. They explore what makes leadership toxic, sharing personal experiences and offering insights to help listeners recognize unhealthy workplace dynamics. The conversation provides a compassionate and practical look at leadership challenges in ministry and mission settings. Show N...

"It depends" is not a very satisfactory answer to whether someone with neurodiversity should be on the field. Amy Young and Jenilee Goodwin came up with a helpful model that easy to implement! Jenilee unpacks the "Red, Yellow, Green" method. This episode provides a practical, compassionate framework for evaluating individual capabilities, team dynamics, and organizational support in cross-cultural...

Today we discuss the power of celebrating and introduce you to the "High Five of Celebration” by Amy Young. It turns out valuing celebration isn’t enough, you need a plan. Amy and Bernie talk through this practical approach to recognizing the success that’s all around you. We don’t want you to miss out on the joy in everyday cross-cultural work. In addition, you’ll leave with a refreshing perspect...

In this episode of the Global Trellis, The Podcast, hosts Amy Young and Bernie Anderson discuss the concept of a "Rule of Life" with guest Elizabeth Forshee. They explore how this ancient monastic practice can be adapted to help cross-cultural workers find balance, deepen their relationship with God, and intentionally shape their lives and communities. Shownotes :  The Rule of Life resource d...