Impact!

In a sobering reflection some 80 years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we hear harrowing survivor testimonies and explore the long-lasting effects on human life that resulted that continue to resonate today. Join us as we remember the devastation, honour the strength and resilience of the Hibakusha, and reflect on the implications of nuclear warfare for today's world....

This week, we give thanks for the remarkably limited life-threatening harm that appears to have resulted from the massive earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka coast earlier this week. Recorded at a magnitude of 8.8, this ranks among the most powerful quakes in history, sending tsunami alerts right around the Pacific. Despite its strength, the earthquake resulted in minimal human casualtie...

Mary Magdalene Feast Day is celebrated each year on 22 July. To mark this event, Ellen talks to Mary Magdalene expert Kathleen McGowan to understand why Mary’s example and role is so important in Christianity, if hers is a story of profound understanding, courage and perseverance that’s been completely misrepresented and suppressed for much of the Common Era. Along with a suppression of Mary’s int...

This week, we reflect on where our intentions and prayers are needed sometime after a major disaster, and especially when it begins to fade from the news headlines. We explore the continuing tragedy that is unfolding in Kerr County, Texas, and its surrounds, as search and rescue efforts continue, and the profound nature and scale of impacts on many hundreds of people and communities become clear,...

This week we reflect upon the history and legacy of the Srebrenica massacre, which its 30th anniversary on 11 July. We recall the tragic events that unfolded in July 1995, highlighting the significance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in history. We discuss the many lasting consequences of the massacre, the failures of the international community, and the many profound impact on...

As we enter a new quarter of the year, Global Healing Response turns its attention to the theme of honesty. In this episode, we explore the often subtle connections between honesty and authenticity, and see how these may play out in political and organisational leadership, as well as within our own lives. We see that even those of us who believe we live honestly may be deceiving ourselves, as we r...

In this episode, we delve into the all-too-frequent exploitation by some leaders and regimes of religious narratives to justify their ideologies, control populations and bolster their power. Taking an editorial approach in which we don't hold back from expressing our opinions, we examine historical and contemporary examples to understand the nature of how state power becomes mixed with religious d...

This week, we take a look at the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over unresolved territorial disputes, including the contentious area near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. As tensions reach their tensest point in many years, we explore the historical roots of the disagreement, recent developments, and the geopolitical dynamics, especially involving the power play between the US a...

In this emergency episode, we turn attention to where our prayers and intentions are needed following the crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. We consider what's known about the incident and invite  listeners to unite in collective intention, prayers, and meditation for the individuals and communities affected.  If you wish, you can go straight to this guided time...

In this episode, we delve into how to respond to narcissistic abuse of victims. Building upon last week’s discussion, we explore practical ways to identify, resist, and recover from the detrimental effects of narcissism in various aspects of life, including at work and in personal relationships. We draw on expert advice, including such things as recognizing narcissistic behaviors, setting assertiv...

In what we hope is a thought-provoking episode, this week we delve into the world of the narcissism, especially in politics and organizations. We explore how narcissistic traits often permeate leadership roles, with the potential to impact organizations, societies, and global politics, not to mention having detrimental effects on individuals' wellbeing. Far from being a straightforward topic, we a...

In this episode, we explore the pressing issues of  the social authenticity crisis affecting many societies globally, which is being driven among other reasons by AI-generated content, political polarization, and eroded trust in institutions. We discuss how this crisis impacts our daily lives, the difficulty in distinguishing genuine information, and the role of misinformation in deepening divides...

In this episode, we explore the current political turbulence in Serbia. The country is experiencing significant unrest marked by mass protests, democratic backsliding, and challenges to human rights. As international observers express concern over the erosion of democratic norms, we delve into the nature of Serbia's political scene, and the country's precarious stance between the EU and Russia. As...

This week, in a special episode, Ellen talks to Clive about his experience of being trans and his reactions to a changing in attitudes toward trans people in both the US and UK. He talks about his lived experience of hiding a secret and rarely feeling able to let Anja, his female self, come out and be seen by the world. We talk about how this relates to authenticity and activism, and the beautiful...

In this emergency episode, we bring urgent attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With severe food shortages affecting nearly the entire population, and close to half a million people thought to already be suffering the most severe stage of famine, we hone in on the consequence of nearly two months of a near complete blockage of aid flows into the territory that now endangers an...

In this urgent episode, we focus on the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With over 1.65 billion lives potentially affected, this episode explores the background and implications of India's recent military strikes against its neighbour, accusations of Pakistani support for the attack on civilians in Kashmir two weeks ago, and the deep-rooted conflict that threatens a possible escalation...

This week, as a landmark legal ruling in the UK and sweeping executive orders in the US come into effect,  we take a deep dive into the controversial social issue that has sparked fierce debate in our own countries: the rights and recognition of people identifying as trans. We delve into the nature of the division in this divide, understand the challenge of finding a way forward that may be accept...

World Labyrinth Day on 3 May encourages people around the world to walk a labyrinth, willing peace and harmony, and activating a wave of goodwill from the earliest walks in New Zealand and in the east through to the places where the sun will last set on this day in the west. With hundreds of events already planned, this offers a rare and important opportunity to meditate and send collective intent...

In this episode, hosts Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson explore the powerful impact of the Netflix series Adolescence and its timely themes of teenage violence, online misogyny, and radicalization. As the series sparks global discussions, Ellen and Clive dive into the portrayal of the challenges faced by teenage boys in today's digital age. It's not necessary to have watched the series in order to tu...

As Global Healing Response turns its attention to a new aspect of this year's theme of authenticity, in this episode, we explore the topic of GRIT and its importance for staying true to ourselves in today's chaotic world. We consider understanding grit not just as determination, but a blend of passion, perseverance, and the courage to stay true to our core values despite the various challenges we...

Clive continues his conversation with spiritual teacher and director Andō, whose remarkable ministry focuses on the true nature and power of silence. In this episode, we explore the notion of nothingness, and also turn attention to understanding the role and value of spiritual direction. Andō draws on her deep experience of surrender, trust and dwelling in silence, following her many years of livi...

Join hosts Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson as they attempt to build a picture of the aftermath of the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that recently struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction and despair. With over 2,700 confirmed dead and thousands more injured, this episode sheds light on the immense challenges facing rescue teams amidst ongoing civil conflict and infrastructural collapse....

Many of us who are regular intercessors, meditators and intention holders instinctively know the importance of silence for this work. However, probably few of us may really appreciate just how critical silence is, nor have a sense of its power and true nature, even if we know that to rest in the space of silence goes far beyond simply stilling ourselves and detaching from the busyness of what goes...

This week, Ellen speaks to Tammy Minuti, who regularly guides folks in the lesser-known practice of forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku, highlighting its potential for enhancing well-being and for connecting with the silent voice of Nature. Tammy shares insights from her journey as a certified guide, providing guidance on how to immerse yourself in nature's therapeutic embrace. Discover how a slow, me...

This week, we take a deep dive into one of the most disturbing and critical issues facing our world today: the mass rape of women and girls. We highlight horrific cases, including the trial of 51 men for the abuse of Gisèle Pelicot in France last year, and the appalling systemic use of sexual violence in war, which continues today in conflict zones like Sudan. We explore the challenges faced by su...