The Better Samaritan Podcast

What if giving could be joyful instead of guilt-driven? In this episode, Jamie Goodwin, professor at Wheaton College, shares how her background in global churches, journalism, and teaching led her to a deeper view of generosity. We talk about practical ways to give—like giving circles and hybrid nonprofit models—that engage communities and reflect diverse cultures. From Cuban "bean crossing" tradi...

What's on the horizon for foreign aid and humanitarian response strategies, especially in light of ongoing funding cuts to foreign aid around the world? In this episode, Dr. Eric James, founder of Field Ready , shares how localization can make humanitarian aid faster, cheaper, and more effective. We talk about reducing dependency on outside supply chains and how putting tools directly into the han...

Veteran humanitarian leader Roger Sandberg joins us to discuss how NGOs can lead effectively in the midst of funding cuts and uncertainty. As political shifts tighten budgets, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Roger shares practical strategies for assessing risk, strengthening communication within teams, and re-imagining sources of funding. We dive into crisi...

What happens when humanitarian work collides with political upheaval and shifting policies? In this episode, Rebekah Teuscher and Michaela Dowen, graduates of the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, share what it's like to navigate being young humanitarian professionals in this time of uncertainty. They offer honest insight into the challenges and realities humanitarian workers face, and...

How do federal and foreign aid cuts impact anti-trafficking work, both directly and indirectly? In this episode, we talk with Rev. Dr. Sandra Morgan from Vanguard University about how global aid and domestic budget cuts are affecting efforts to fight human trafficking around the world, both individually and systemically. Dr. Morgan shares how collaboration, trust, and elevating smaller organizatio...

What happens when churches, governments, and communities work together across differences in opinion for the common good? In this episode, Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals , joins us to talk about how different parts of the evangelical church are responding to shifts in humanitarian aid and funding, and why these varied responses matter. We dig into the Biblica...

How do advocacy and policy help combat child hunger and malnutrition, both in the U.S. and around the world? In this episode, Rev. Eugene Cho, president and CEO of Bread for the World, joins us to talk about what's needed to tackle food insecurity around the world, what's working, what's not, and why surface-level solutions won't cut it. We talk about how recent federal and foreign aid cuts are co...

What happens when humanitarian aid gets pulled, but the needs don't stop? In this episode, we talk with Dr. Beth Stuebing, a missionary surgeon in Malawi with the Christian Health Service Corps. She shares what it's like on the front lines of healthcare when funding disappears—and why faith-based organizations working on the ground can't do it alone. You'll hear stories of courage and sacrifice, i...

What happens when college students decide to take action on global issues? In this episode, we sit down with three undergraduate students from Wheaton College - Alexis, Jonathan, and Milan - who have each been involved in a larger student-led movement advocating for Christ-like compassion and global justice. Over 150 students from Wheaton's campus have gotten involved, driven by their faith and a...

This episode, we talk with Jenny Dyer, founder of the 2030 Collaborative, about her involvement raising awareness for HIV/AIDS - from working with Bono and the ONE Campaign to championing global health in Washington and beyond. Jenny breaks down how U.S. programs like PEPFAR have saved millions of lives—and why hardly anyone talks about it anymore. We dig into what's at risk as funding dries up an...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Cerna from the Accord Network and Elli Oswald from the Faith to Action Initiative to talk about what happens when faith-based nonprofits face major funding cuts. Spoiler: it's tough. From staff layoffs to shifting American opinions on international engagement, Michael and Elli share the hard realities—and the hope. We get real about working with the govern...

In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast , we're joined by Allison Ruark, global public health professor and HIV/AIDS researcher, to talk about how global health, gender inequality, and foreign aid cuts all collide in real life. We dig into what's really going on behind the data, how U.S. policy changes are closing clinics across Africa, and why spiritual resilience matters just as much as...

What happens when the very systems meant to help refugees end up hurting them instead? And what can the Church do to help? In today's episode, Kent Annan and Dr. Jamie Aten talk with Matthew Soerens from World Relief about the real impact of U.S. refugee policies—especially the dramatic changes under the Trump administration. Matt pulls back the curtain on what's happening behind the scenes: famil...

What if grief could actually help us do better humanitarian work? In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast , Dr. Jamie Aten and Kent Annan explore the idea of lament —or as Jamie calls it, " faithful grief "—and how it can reshape how we approach global challenges and humanitarian aid. Drawing from Kent's book Slow Kingdom Coming , personal stories, and research with Biola and the Universit...

Tune in to the latest episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast as Neil Hart shares his inspiring story. Hear how he pivoted from a life in farming to becoming the Executive Head of the Mergon Foundation. We dive into his faith-driven path, showcasing the power of long-term relationships and innovative philanthropy. We also explore the global impact of the FiftyFour Collective , a collaborative plat...

In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast , Kent and Jamie chat with Michael Cerna, CEO of the Accord Network, about the balance between innovation and relationships in the Christian relief sector. Michael shares his journey from Hope International to leading over 100 organizations, offering insights on how to drive progress without losing trust and collaboration. Michael discusses the chall...

* Since the time of the recording, Jon has left SIL and begun his search for his next innovation role. Please feel free to connect with Jon here: Connect with Jon Hirst In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast , we sit down with Jon Hirst, SIL International's Chief Innovation Officer, to dive into the fascinating world of language preservation and innovation. Jon shares how SIL is tackling...

Have you ever thought that entrepreneurship could be more than just starting businesses? Our special guest, Denise Daniels, the Hudson T. Harrison Professor of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College, does. In this episode, she talks about how innovation and design thinking can change the game in business and why an entrepreneurial mindset thrives on curiosity and practice. Christians in the marketpla...

Looking to harmonize your career aspirations with a soul-fulfilling mission? If so, you'll want to listen to this latest episode featuring Neal Joseph of Mission: Leadership. As part of our ongoing "Vocation" series, Neal joins us to talk about the art of faith-based executive recruiting, where aligning spiritual values with the heart of an organization isn't just ideal—it's imperative. Neal, who...

About the episode: As part of our Innovation series, Ryan Russell, Vice President of Innovation and New Products at Compassion International, joins us in unraveling the intricacies of service-oriented innovation. Together, we discuss how innovation doesn't have to be huge to make an impact. Each step forward is rich with opportunities to learn. Ryan talks about the passion and humility we need tow...

For this episode, Carol Bremer-Bennett, the executive director of World Renew, shares her story of navigating the confluence of vocation, heritage, and service. From the greenhouses of her youth to the global stage of community development, Carol's path offers a unique perspective on embracing life's vocational shifts. With a spirit deeply rooted in her Navajo heritage and a heart committed to pra...

On this episode of The Better Samaritan , Leah Kral, Senior Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Mercatus Center, joins us to discuss her transition from the profit-driven marketplace to a life enriched by service and social progress. Our conversation with Leah explores effective leadership and the role of innovation within the nonprofit realm. Leah shares six principles from her book that—w...

( Note: this episode is part of both our Innovation and Vocation series .) Unlock the transformative power of weaving faith and creativity with business as we feature a fellow member of the Wheaton family, Tommy Lee. Tommy combines a heart of service with a love for equipping leaders and fostering collaboration. The episode is filled with actionable insights and practical wisdom for anyone wanting...

About the episode: (Note: this episode is the second in our "Vocation" series.) Have you ever wondered how your job could not just pay the bills but also feed your soul? Today's conversation is for anyone who longs to make a tangible difference in the lives of others but wonders how to get started–or continue. Kent once again welcomes Peter Greer of Hope International, and they discuss the joys an...

In this episode, the first in our "Vocation" series, we unlock valuable insights on navigating a fulfilling career in the humanitarian and justice sectors with friends and special guests, Jonathan Dahlager and Joy Lee. Jonathan and Joy share from their personal experiences about the pivotal role of internships, mentorship, and the right team support in shaping vocations that make a difference glob...