Walk Talk Listen Podcast

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice speaks with Vanda Lengkong, a grounded and visionary leader whose work spans from the heart of rural Indonesia to the global arena. Raised in a small village in North Sulawesi, Vanda reflects on how her early experiences continue to shape her values and leadership today.   Now based in Jakarta, Vanda serves as a senior leader with Plan International Asi...

Desmond Lim is a regional leader at World Vision based in Singapore, whose journey has taken him across continents—from Southeast Asia to the U.S. and U.K. and through multiple layers of professional and personal transformation. He shares how his upbringing, faith, and cultural context influence leadership in today’s complex humanitarian and development space.   Desmond reflects on building partne...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, we are joined by Catherine Russ, an expert in collaborative systems, adult education, and partnership brokering. With over 15 years of experience across INGOs, UN agencies, governments, corporates, and the World Economic Forum, Catherine brings a unique lens to what it takes to build meaningful partnerships. Her work spans both structural transformation—helping...

In this milestone 200th episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem is joined by Lieselotte (Lisa) Heederik, co-founder and CEO of Nazava Water Filters, an award-winning social enterprise working to provide safe, affordable drinking water to low-income households across the Global South. Lisa shares her personal journey—from a childhood across Bolivia, Kenya, and Yemen to leading one of the only WH...

“Google the name of the disease my daughter has.” With that sentence, Gideon Lopes Cardozo shared about a deeply personal part of his life—his daughter’s diagnosis with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a lesser-known yet relatively common chromosomal condition. In this honest and wide-ranging conversation, Gideon shares how his path led from Earth sciences to executive coaching, team dynamics, and syste...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem is joined by Dr. William “Chip” Gruen, Professor of Religion Studies and Director of the Institute for Religious and Cultural Understanding at Muhlenberg College. With a PhD in Religious Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and a scholarly background in early Christianity, Chip’s passion has evolved toward enhancing religious literacy and f...

In Episode 197 of Walk Talk Listen, we sit down with pianist, vocalist, composer, and producer Alexis Lombre. Raised on Chicago’s Southside, Alexis brings an unapologetically soulful sound rooted in jazz but unconfined by labels. She shares her musical journey—from her debut Southside Sounds to her latest anthem “Boundaries,” a bold call to honor one's space and voice. Alexis reflects on purpose,...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice sits down with Rev. Dr. Vicki Garlock—founder of World Religions for Kids, award-winning author, and editor of the Religion Matters blog. Vicki shares her journey from a background in neuroscience and cognitive development to creating engaging, multifaith educational materials for children ages 3–10. Drawing from her upbringing in Lutheran and Catholic...

Rev. Dr. Kara Markell is a spiritually grounded educator and theologian who thrives at the intersection of tradition and transformation. In this episode, Kara speaks with Maurice about her journey through music, feminist and liberation theology, adaptive leadership, and eco-spirituality—while reflecting on the evolving landscape of religious communities. With degrees in music, education, and theol...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Sofia Sayabalian opens a thoughtful conversation on the intersections of creativity, communication, and connection. With warmth and insight, she walks us through her Armenian roots, her journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, and her evolving relationship with spirituality, identity, and purpose. Maurice and Sofia explore how storytelling—especially in the digital...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, saxophonist, composer, and community builder Chelsea Baratz takes us on a deeply personal journey through music, mentorship, and meaning. Raised in the soulful, hard-bop heart of Pittsburgh and sharpened in the creative fire of New York City, Chelsea reflects on formative moments—from her first jam session at the Crawford Grill to the life-changing mentorship o...

In this engaging conversation, Katie Starobin reflects on her journey from Los Angeles to Seattle, sharing how soccer, family, and a rigorous humanities education shaped her values of teamwork, commitment, and community. We explore how her college experiences—ranging from leading the Jewish Student Union to studying abroad in Italy—helped her understand the deeper meaning of belonging and connecti...

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Jeanine Jansen invites us into her ongoing journey of finding her voice—both literally through singing and metaphorically as a leader, facilitator, and human being. We explore what it means to be asked to “show more of yourself” and how navigating visibility, vulnerability, and identity shapes one’s presence in the world.   Jeanine shares stories from her work...

Nate Wong, partner at Bridgespan and a visionary leader is dedicated to reimagining systems through equity, innovation, and human transformation. Nate shares his journey from management consulting to becoming a trusted voice in shifting power to communities, exploring how ownership models, trust-based philanthropy, and inclusive collaboration can fuel social change. His reflections are grounded no...

Wietse A. Tol, a leading figure in global mental health, holds academic appointments at the University of Copenhagen, VU University Amsterdam, Innlandet University (Norway), and Johns Hopkins University. His work focuses on multi-sectoral, integrated interventions that address both mental health and its social determinants — from poverty to climate stress — with a sharp eye on how research can inf...

In this powerful episode of Walk Talk Listen, Rudelmar Bueno de Faria, General Secretary of ACT Alliance, a global coalition of over 137 faith-based organizations working across more than 125 countries is our guest. From Rudelmar his early days in southern Brazil to his influential roles at the World Council of Churches and now ACT Alliance, he shares his journey of faith, peacebuilding, and advoc...

This special episode of Walk Talk Listen explores the vital intersection of faith, gender justice, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Maurice is joined by three inspiring guests behind the new report 30 Years On: Faith in the ICPD Programme of Action: Rev. Dr. Elaine Neuenfeldt , Global Gender Justice Programme Manager at ACT Alliance and a theologian with deep expertise in femi...

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of sitting down with incredible musicians—artists who use their craft not just for entertainment, but for healing, storytelling, activism, and connection. In this compilation episode, you’ll hear highlights from conversations with past musical guests such as Maya Azucena, Lakecia Benjamin, Endea Owens, Noah Jackson, Andromeda Turre, Amina Scott, Shirazette Ti...

We are joined by Dr. Julie Clague, a Senior Lecturer in Theology at the University of Glasgow. Julie shares how her journey from a devout Catholic upbringing in post-industrial northern England to the cloisters of academia has been shaped by moments of kindness, deep reflection, and a powerful sense of calling. From studying chemistry to teaching theology, she opens up about the unexpected turns i...

In this episode, Dr. Peter Mandaville, a leading scholar in global Islamic studies and international affairs, shares insights from his extensive career in academia, government, and policy advising. A professor at George Mason University, he has held senior advisory roles at USAID and the U.S. Institute of Peace, focusing on faith engagement and inclusive societies. With experience at the U.S. Stat...

In this last episode of the special #CSW69 series of the podcast Walk Talk Listen , Maurice Bloem speaks with Kagwiria, a human rights lawyer and gender technical advisor, about the ongoing fight—though she prefers to call it a journey—for gender equality and justice. With CSW 69 marking 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, Kagwiria reflects on the progress made and the alarming pushback agains...

Reflecting on the progress made since 1995, Michael Trice (the Spehar-Halligan Professor and Executive Director at the Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at Seattle University) also confronts the harsh reality that resistance to gender justice is growing, driven by nationalism, authoritarianism, and religious fundamentalism. He shares how his center is working to counteract this b...

Eileen DeGuire, the Legislative Director for the Franciscan Action Network came from Washington DC to discuss the 30-year legacy of the Beijing Declaration on gender equality, the significant role of faith-based organizations in advancing and defending women's rights, and the increasing global challenges faced by women's rights. Eileen shares insights on how faith organizations, including the mult...

Nicole Hosein from Episcopal Relief and Development talks about the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69), the progress and challenges faced in gender equality, and the significance of the Beijing Declaration's 30th anniversary. Nicole, with over a decades of experience in gender initiatives, emphasizes the vital role of civil society and faith-based organizations. She sha...

Ruairidh Waddell, Chief Program and Impact Officer of World Renew connected from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Rory discusses the importance of faith-based organizations in mobilizing grassroots movements and fostering respect and equality, especially amidst growing resistance to gender equality. He shares personal motivations and experiences that shaped his commitment to gender equality, the role of fait...