Counter Culture Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jonathan Sanborn
Counter Culture – We want to meet and engage the innovators, the doers, and the rebels who are stepping into the breeches of our day. Who are those who are making our world a more loving and compassionate place? Who are the those who are building peace and connections in a horribly divided land? And who are those who are lifting up culture with Kingdom values to promote human flourishing? Let’s have some fun and challenging conversations to help us to think, grow and walk courageously down the narrow road.
Our Journey
From Vision to Global Impact
Amplify Peace gives people the tools, language, and courage to live differently. It’s about changing how we listen, how we engage, and how we love.
https://amplifypeace.com/
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Our Journey
From Vision to Global Impact
Amplify Peace gives people the tools, language, and courage to live differently. It’s about changing how we listen, how we engage, and how we love.
https://amplifypeace.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
True peacemaking begins when we get close.
In Part 2, Nikki Toyama-Szeto unpacks why proximity - not neutrality - is the starting point for justice and healing. Through powerful stories and practical wisdom, Nikki challenges us to move beyond comfort and step toward the margins where transformation happens. If you’ve ever wondered where to begin in a world divided by fear and injustice — this episode is for you.
Listen now and take your next step toward peace in action.
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What would you do if you were offered $1 million?
Nikki Toyama-Szeto was - and said no.
In this powerful conversation, Nikki shares the radical choices, personal sacrifices, and deep convictions that led her into a life of justice-fueled peacemaking. From global leadership to the recent Chicago Declaration, Nikki invites us to reimagine what courage looks like when we follow Jesus into hard and beautiful places.
Listen now and discover why the path of peace always begins with small, courageous yeses.
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Today, I’m honored to welcome someone who has been a mentor, a friend, and a bridge-builder in the truest sense of the word—Joe Tosini. Joe is a pastor, global speaker, and the Founder and Visionary of the J17 Movement—a movement rooted in the prayer of Jesus in John 17: “that they may all be one.”
Joe has spent decades building authentic relationships across deep divides—Protestant and Roman Catholic, evangelical and liturgical, global north and global south. His life is a beautiful example of what happens when we choose presence over platform, and love over fear.
His long-standing friendship with Pope Francis, and the spaces he’s helped create for unity and reconciliation, have not only opened doors around the world—they’ve opened hearts. Today, we’re diving into what that journey has looked like, why unity matters now more than ever, and how we can all become bridge-builders in a divided world.
His life reflects the rare kind of leadership that flows not from platform, but from proximity. He doesn’t just talk about unity—he lives it. And his unlikely friendship with Pope Francis has become a living witness to what is possible when Jesus is at the center.
Joe shares how a simple but powerful prompting from God ignited a global call for relational unity—one that crosses denominations, cultures, and borders.
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Meet Joe Tosini—pastor, leader and bridge-builder. Joe is the Founder and Visionary of the J17 Movement, a global call to relational unity inspired by the heart of Jesus' prayer in John 17, “that they may all be one.”He is also one of the most networked and relational people you’ll meet.
Joe and I dive into a story few can tell — his rare and remarkable friendship with Pope Francis. Through nearly fifteen personal encounters, Joe experienced firsthand the humility, humor, and humanity of a man often seen only from a distance.
We talk about what it’s like to sit across from Pope Francis — not as Protestants and Roman Catholics — but as brothers and sisters in Christ, sharing conversations rooted in Jesus, unity, and compassion.
Joe shares powerful, personal moments that reveal the heart of a leader who believed deeply that we cannot flourish without the voices of the marginalized and those who the world overlooks.
It’s a conversation about friendship, transformation, and the kind of unity the world is aching for right now.
It’s personal. It’s inspiring. It’s hope-filled.
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How would you define a good death? Most of us don’t wake up thinking about death. It feels distant, something to deal with 'someday.' But what if understanding the end of life could actually help us live more fully today? What if embracing the reality of our mortality could bring more purpose, more love, and more peace into our daily lives?
"Anticipating Heaven" a new book by Dr. Pamela Pyle is a guide that combines practical advice with spiritual comfort to help individuals and their loved ones navigate serious illnesses and the final stages of life. Drawing from her extensive experience as a Board-Certified Internal Medicine physician, Dr. Pyle shares from these experiences and her expertise. Amazing, inspiring stories shared that you won’t soon forget!
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In this episode, Joizeth Waldmann discusses how labels and assumptions hinder genuine connection for all of us. Through personal stories of cultural change, you are invited to rethink how you treat others and build bridges of understanding.
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Joizeth Waldmann shares her immigrant story as she had to flee her home country. She takes up deeper into her struggles with language, cultural labels, and finding her voice. This episode challenges us to look past stereotypes and truly listen to one another's stories.
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Where does the US rank out of 163 countries on the Global Peace Index? On this special MLK Holiday episode of Amplify Peace Radio, Lisa and Larry Horton dive into the answer while reflecting on their favorite quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Together, they explore the profound connections between peace, service, and personal responsibility. Larry shares insights from his work as a Rotary Peace Activator and discusses how individuals, no matter their role, can create a ripple effect of positive change. Tune in to hear inspiring stories, practical takeaways, and a powerful reminder of the role each of us plays in building peace in our communities and beyond.
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What’s the difference between keeping peace and building peace? In this episode of Amplify Peace Radio, Lisa sits down with Larry Horton, Past District Governor with Rotary and a passionate Peace Activator, to explore this transformative question. As a former police officer, Larry shares his journey from enforcing laws as a peacekeeper to addressing root causes of conflict as a peacebuilder. Together, they unpack the profound impact of shifting from temporary solutions to creating lasting change, diving into the concepts of positive peace versus negative peace. With powerful stories, practical insights, and a call to action, this conversation will inspire you to see peacebuilding in a whole new light.
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What if the path to unity begins by inviting the unexpected to our tables? In this powerful follow-up episode, authors Mark Nelson and Heather Gorman dive deep into the transformative power of shared tables, from communion to community, where everyone belongs—even those we once kept at a distance.
Mark and Heather challenge us to break down barriers, inspired by Jesus' vision for radical unity in John 17. They explore what it means to step out of echo chambers and embrace the unknown, with moving stories of real-life tables that bridge pain and joy, difference and connection.
If you’re ready to push tables together in a divided world and find hope in unexpected places, listen in and ask yourself: Who will you invite next to your table?
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Remember those lunchroom tables from school? Were they welcoming spaces, or did they feel exclusive? In this episode, authors Mark Nelson and Heather Gorman invite us to rethink our tables—whether in our homes, boardrooms, or churches—as places for genuine connection and unity.
Drawing from their new book Lunchroom Theology: Pushing Tables Together in a Fractured World, Mark and Heather challenge the habit of inviting “only people like us” and explore Jesus’ call to unity in John 17. They discuss how breaking down these divides isn’t just a choice; it’s the way forward in a world that longs for connection and belonging.
Who are you inviting to your table?
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Step back in time and reconnect with a familiar voice and a favorite friend! Jonathan Sanborn, the former host of Counter Culture Radio with Amplify Peace, is back—bringing his signature blend of stories and insights. Have you recently moved, started a new job, or stepped into a completely new environment? Jonathan knows exactly how that feels. It can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes a little chaotic. We talk more about all of this and how we can move forward intentionally.
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03-01-24 AMPLIFY PEACE - Gil Odendaal
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02-23-24 AMPLIFY PEACE - Lilian Ngatunyi
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02-09-24 AMPLIFY PEACE - Carolyn-Woo
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Welcome to part 2 of our podcast series, where we delve deeper into disrupting the status quo of peacekeeping to embrace the role of peacemakers. In this episode, our focus remains on the transformative power of peacemaking over peacekeeping, emphasizing the need to venture beyond comfort zones to understand diverse narratives, cultures, and faith backgrounds.
As we continue the conversation, Salem Al-Marayatti shares the Mustard Seed Project—an initiative uniting American Muslims and Evangelical Christians. Salem sheds light on how this project facilitates meaningful conversations, breaking down barriers by bringing individuals to the same table. The objective is to foster genuine connections through shared meals and the willingness to engage in uncomfortable discussions.
Recognizing the existence of stereotypes and misrepresentations on both sides, we address the pressing question: How can we step in as peacemakers? Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals committed to making peace.
The Mustard Seed Project will be hosting an event at a local mosque in Phoenix, AZ on Feb 3. You are invited to attend to listen and learn.
ICNEV-SCOTTSDALE MASJID
12125 E Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ 85259
2pm Saturday on Feb 3
Salam Al-Marayatti is the Founder and President of MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) www.MPAC.org
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What can happen when we cross the lines and are in proximity with each other?
In this podcast interview, Salam, a Muslim, shares his insights on faith, aiming to dispel misconceptions about Islam and Muslims. The conversation centers on fostering peace and understanding by crossing cultural boundaries, discovering commonalities, and challenging stereotypes. Emphasizing the beauty of making the 'strange' familiar, the discussion encourages listeners to connect through shared humanity while acknowledging differences. The focus is on unity, not uniformity, as the interview delves into one of our Peace-Making Principles at Amplify Peace: Listening to Understand.
The goal is to see and love each other as fellow human beings, fostering compassion and better understanding. Salam's story, purpose, and faith offer a unique perspective that challenges listeners to view people with a fresh lens, potentially opening up a new world of compassion and understanding.
Salam Al-Marayatti is the Founder and President of MPAC (Muslim Public Affairs Council) www.MPAC.org
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Is your neighbor limited to someone who looks, thinks, believes, and acts just like you? How we see people is how we tend to treat them. In this podcast, Pastor David Wade, Pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, the oldest predominantly Black Church in Mesa, AZ (est. 1918) shares profound insights and his own personal experiences from the black community and the black faith community.
Pastor David challenges us to rethink our perceptions and invites us into a transformative journey of seeing beyond the surface. How do you view that neighbor who doesn't share your values or beliefs, perhaps comes from a different ethnicity or faith?
During this candid conversation, Pastor David offers a unique perspective on the importance of understanding, empathy, and love. He shares inspiration from the teachings and life of Martin Luther King Jr., shedding light on how these principles have influenced his life, ministry, and purpose.
Beyond words, Pastor David exemplifies the essence of using one's voice for others. As a recognized leader of his community, he advocates passionately for the marginalized and children, embodying the profound truth expressed by MLK: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
Let’s pause and reflect: What matters to you? How are you using your voice in the world? Do you truly "see" your neighbor, especially those who differ from you? This podcast is not just an interview; it's an invitation to explore how we can love better, speak up for what matters, and truly embrace the beautiful diversity that surrounds us.
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We continue Part 2 of our interview with Sami DiPasquale, Founder and Director of Abara Ministries in El Paso, Texas. Is the border with Mexico the problem? Is the border the solution? What if the answer is neither? Take a deeper dive into this disruptive topic of border, immigration, immigrants, and asylum seekers and be better informed as to ways we can help and not hurt and truly see every human being as worthy.
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Have you ever found yourself saying, “I didn’t know!”. That happens all the time in our work living and leading as peacemakers. There is so much from history, to present day realities that we just don’t know, haven’t been taught, or haven’t been curious enough to hear. This is one of those conversations where you might find yourself saying, “I didn’t know!”
Explore the profound connection between history, the present, and the future in the latest podcast episode, "What is the Significance of Place and Time?" Join Sami DiPasquale, Founder and Director of Abara Ministries in El Paso, Texas, as he unfolds a 500-year journey encompassing diverse ethnicities, power dynamics, conquests, and oppression—all in one impactful location.
Discover the hidden realities of the border and immigration, gaining insights that might make you exclaim, "I didn't know!" Be prepared to leave the podcast with a deeper understanding of the term "border" and how it shapes individuals, nations, and our collective future. Tune in to be better informed and contribute to creating a more empathetic and clear-sighted future. Don't miss part one of this enlightening two-part interview with Sami.
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Today, we're joined by Maria Fuentes, a visionary with a deep understanding of the unique impact the Faith community and the Church can have in our local communities and the world.
Inspired by thought-provoking questions posed by Anne Snyder in a recent Comment Magazine article, our conversation centers on two pivotal questions: "Church, where are you?" and "Church, where am I in you?" These questions serve as catalysts, prompting us to explore the profound role the Church plays in people's lives and communities.
A seasoned public servant, Maria, has over two decades of experience, and has dedicated her career to creating positive change for the most vulnerable communities throughout the country; from the halls of the White House to the office of the Governor of Arizona. Most recently she served as Director of Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. She understands the unique impact the Faith community and the Church can have.
Together, we'll unravel the layers of these questions, exploring how they inspire a deeper connection and engagement personally and collectively with the transformative mission of the Church.
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Welcome to Part Two of our podcast series with Mercy Aiken. Have you ever experienced the gentle yet persistent call of God, leading you towards an unfamiliar path, out of your comfort zone? Did you choose the scenic route only to find yourself standing exactly where you were meant to be, unlocking gateways to uncharted lands and unprecedented opportunities? This is Mercy’s story and experience. In this episode, we continue our journey with Mercy, the author who penned the remarkable biography of Bishara Awad, a Palestinian Christian.
Mercy peels back the curtains on a region and a family often marred by misunderstanding and unfair labeling. What occurs when we open our hearts and minds to fresh perspectives, uncharted territories, and novel insights? Transformation happens, and it paves the way for a divine mission of healing and hope.
We've all heard the age-old adage, "the light shines brightest in the dark." In the face of hatred, turmoil, and violence, Mercy’s story reveals a radiant light of love, compassion, and peace. It offers a compelling testament to the enduring beauty of humanity and the boundless potential for unity in a world yearning for harmony. Dive into this book and go on your own personal journey of discovery.
https://a.co/d/hsTEXFH
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Over the course of history, narratives have been woven about diverse people and communities, some uplifting and others divisive. It is often far too simple to categorize individuals without delving into their multifaceted identities, their rich histories, their vibrant cultures, and their deep connections to the land they call home.
Discover the extraordinary story of Bishara Awad and his family, a Palestinian Christian rooted in the heart of Bethlehem. Through their resilience, they've not only created Bethlehem Bible College but also nurtured pastors, educators, and peacemakers in a land fraught with conflict. Theirs is a story that transcends borders and boundaries, a narrative that underscores the unwavering strength of unity and the beauty of a culture that thrives amid adversity.
In "Yet In The Dark Streets Shining," we're invited to see the world differently. It challenges us to recognize the divinity within every human being, urging us to embrace our shared humanity. This story is a testament to the power of compassion and understanding in a time when peace is needed more than ever. It's a call to appreciate the beauty of diverse cultures and the potential for harmony in our collective human experience.
This is part one of two in this podcast series.
https://a.co/d/hsTEXFH
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Dale is an award-winning writer, editor, business owner, and foundation president who has served on the boards of several international development organizations, including World Vision, Opportunity International, International Justice Mission, and MAP International.
She recently published, Strong Girls, Strong World
A Practical Guide to Helping Them Soar—and Creating a Better Future for Us All
In a world interconnected by our shared humanity, our collective responsibility extends to every girl living in circumstances that hinder her growth and flourishing. When we invest in a girl's life, we ignite a ripple effect of global change. It's easy to view the world through the lens of our own experiences and overlook the immense injustices and suffering girls endure globally. The harsh reality is that many face barriers such as lack of education, limited access to clean water, disease, and malnutrition, all of which severely impact their lives and future.
But here's the empowering truth: these daunting statistics are not set in stone; they can be transformed for the better. Within the pages of Dale's new book, "Strong Girls, Strong World," you'll discover a treasure trove of inspiring stories filled with hope and healing. These stories will not only captivate your heart but also equip you with practical strategies to be an integral part of the solution, to create an environment where girls can thrive.
This isn't about feeling stuck or overwhelmed, resigned to doing nothing. Instead, by the time you close this book, you'll be inspired and equipped with a toolbox of actionable ways to make a genuine difference. It's a call to action that transcends borders and cultures, a global community that sees, cares, and takes action. So, join us on this transformative journey, because when we uplift one girl, we uplift the entire world. It's time to be part of the change we wish to see.
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October is observed nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The statistics around this are staggering with nearly 20 people per minute being physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States.
Today, we invite you on a profound journey that will touch your heart.
Meet Vanessa Martinez, a living example to the remarkable capacity of the human soul to endure and emerge stronger, guided by the power of God. Vanessa's story is one of hope, demonstrating the boundless resilience of the human spirit in the face of horrific violence (she was given a 5% chance to survive). Through her narrative, you'll witness the transformative power of divine forgiveness and the profound healing it can bring, along with the unwavering love of a mother and the incredible journey from victim to victor.
As you listen, you'll also gain crucial insights into identifying the signs of abuse, helping those in need, and perhaps even recognizing elements of your own journey. Join us in this inspiring episode as Vanessa's story unfolds—a testament to life and living beyond violence and pain. It's a powerful reminder that, in a world filled with challenges, the capacity to change, grow, and heal is a gift available to each of us, offering hope, inspiration, and the promise of a brighter future. Now, Vanessa is using her voice and her life to help other victims of domestic abuse.
If you are someone you know is experiencing abuse at the hands of a partner or spouse, there is help! You can call: Domestic Violence Program Information – 602/542/4446, AZ Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence – 602/279/2900, 800/782/6400, 602/279/7270 and the 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 800/799/7233.
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Welcome to part two of our inspiring conversation with Dr. Wangechi. In our hectic lives, we often find ourselves dedicated to the care of others – family, friends, colleagues – while unintentionally neglecting our own well-being, leaving us emotionally and physically drained. The prevailing myth that self-love is synonymous with selfishness can be especially challenging for women.
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Wangechi challenges this misconception and encourages us to redefine our perspective on self-care. She empowers us to grant ourselves the precious gift of self-compassion and kindness. Remember, it's a gift not only for yourself but also for those around you, as your well-being ripples out and benefits all.
Dr. Wangechi's profound insights will resonate with anyone seeking a more holistic approach to self-care, especially women. It's time to embrace the idea that taking care of yourself is not only okay but absolutely necessary. Tune in and discover how transforming your relationship with yourself can lead to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. You matter, and it's time to prioritize yourself.
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Have you ever found yourself trapped by your circumstances, allowing your environment to dictate your path? In this captivating interview, Dr. Wangechi, hailing from a small village near Nairobi, Kenya, shares her incredible journey of self-discovery and transformation. She broke free from the limitations imposed by her background, embracing the belief that she was destined for more, even though she couldn't define what 'more' meant at the time.
Dr. Wangechi's relentless pursuit of 'more' not only reshaped her life but also transformed her surroundings. Today, she's deeply committed to uplifting and empowering individuals on their own journeys toward wholeness. With a wealth of wisdom drawn from her extensive experience in the realm of mental health, Dr. Wangechi is a highly sought-after speaker, advisor, and trainer, traveling the world to inspire others.
Prepare to be inspired and motivated by this conversation. Dr. Wangechi's story will challenge you to strive for "more" in your own life and embrace the limitless potential that lies within you.
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Discover the transformative power of resilience in the face of trauma and pain in our latest podcast episode. Join us as we delve into a profound conversation with Jessica Nicely, the Founder and President of Winged Hope. Jessica and her remarkable organization are on a mission to combat family violence and offer hope and healing to those who have been affected by it.
In this episode, you'll learn how Winged Hope serves the community through three powerful avenues: direct victim services, the transformation of Family Advocacy Centers, and statewide training initiatives. What makes this episode truly compelling is the empowering message it carries: pain doesn't have to define our identity or determine our destiny.
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that not only sheds light on the realities of trauma and pain but also instills a profound sense of hope. This episode will leave you with the belief that we possess the inner strength to rise above our past and shape a brighter future.
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How would you describe beauty? This conversation continues with a deeper dive into the question of, “what is beautiful”. The Gen Z generation is asking this spiritual question as they seek to find beauty in our world, within the walls of our churches, and in our communities. Based on robust research, Trisha weaves together data, insights and her own personal journey to unlock the essence of beauty. Imagine a world where each one of us becomes a creator of beautiful experiences, places, and environments.
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In this episode, join Rachel Brown, an internationally recognized peace advocate, and host Lisa Jernigan as they unravel the significance of peace in every aspect of our lives. With Rachel's extensive experience in countering dangerous rhetoric and preventing identity-based violence, she shares powerful insights that will transform your perspective. With Rachel's extensive background as the Founder and Executive Director of Over Zero, an organization dedicated to preventing identity-based violence, her expertise shines through. Drawing from her years of experience in building resilience and countering dangerous rhetoric, Rachel shares invaluable insights and practical strategies for creating a world free from conflict and division.
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Nine years ago, God led Jose to create a new space, a Prayer Breakfast for Law Enforcement and Firefighters. Today, the breakfast fills the gym at Grand Canyon University and brings together, Marketplace, Government and Faith leaders, united in prayer for our first responders. As a pastor for over 33 years, Jose, shares his journey of listening to God and moving forward when it is God’s idea and his leading, not just his own. Is there something God is placing on your heart that He is leading you towards? Join us! www.josegonzalezq.aol.com
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John Paul Reiger from Phoenix Seminary joins Counter Culture. We talk about what is happening with this important institution here in Arizona and why it is so critical that we learn how the Bible can not only teach us about God and Jesus but shape how we live, work and think about the world.
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Most people want to be more kind and loving. But do we have what it takes? Jonathan and Lisa explore the most important prerequisite to being used to bring about peace on earth. Part 2 gets into practical steps we can do to examine ourselves.
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Most people want to be more kind and loving. But do we have what it takes? Jonathan and Lisa explore the most important prerequisite to being used to bring about peace on earth. Plus, Jonathan tries to spice up the Counter Culture brand and Lisa isn't very impressed.
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As lifelong pastor and leader, Doug Lake knows all too well the unique burdens put on leaders. Much of leadership development focuses on helping to achieve the goals and objectives of organizations. Doug helps leaders grow in character and vulnerability to help leaders be more emotionally and spiritually healthy first. Great discussion.
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Joel Trout, Program Director for the House of Refugee at Sunnyslope shares his decades of experience and wisdom walking alongside those who find themselves homeless. He shares an approach which comes from a full understanding of God's love and human nature that can help put people back on their feet with dignity and purpose.
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Peacemaking is an appealing idea to most of us. But often times we fail to foster peace because we are sitting on the wrong mountain. Jonathan and Lisa discuss Masada and Golgotha and how we posture ourselves towards the world.
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What could happen if you had a pastor and a skeptic read through the bible together? Our show this week with Jeremy Jernigan takes us inside their conversation for some interesting insights and revelations. When was the last time you had a conversation with someone who has a totally different belief system than your own? Are you open to listening to their perspective without the pressure of agreeing? Could the dialogue itself be a gift for your own personal journey and growth? www.jeremyjernigan.com
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Lisa and Jonathan take time to reflect on the highlights of 2022 and what they are looking forward to going into 2023.
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Lisa cuts through Jonathan's trash talking to get him to focus. And with Christmas coming, how can we focus on what really matters? Christians want to keep the focus on Jesus but how best to do that? And what does Jesus want from us if we are to celebrate Him?
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Behind every "issue" is a person. Diana is a talented student studying law at Grand Canyon University. But her situation is in constant jeopardy because when she was four years old, her parents came to America without documentation. Great to sit down and hear her powerful story of living as a "Dreamer".
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Olivier Fleury is back! The former director of Youth With A Mission in Switzerland is compelled by an extraordinary vision to mobilize Christians and ignite a celebration of the 2,000 years of the resurrection of Jesus in 2033. What will you be bringing to the party?
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It's common to avoid difficult people. But Nicole Salusky was the opposite. She wanted to know what made that person tick and what could be done to help. That drive has helped shaped a career serving at-risk children. Nicole serves with Christian Family Care in Arizona and shares her journey to serve and need we have with the many children in our foster care system.
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Jennifer Evans was traveling around the world doing humanitarian work. As noble as the work appeared, she carried with her an addiction that was quietly destroying her life from the inside. Jennifer has since overcome addiction, burnout, and mental health challenges to serve as the Executive Director of Grace Sober Living, a non-profit organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.
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Tori Hope Petersen is a former foster youth letting her Abba Father be known through her stories. Tori is a wife, biological mom and adoptive mom. She is a national speaker, writer, and advocate. She founded Beloved Initiative, a nonprofit where in community people learn how to become professional lovers of people. A leading voice in child welfare, Tori is a social entrepreneur who has advocated to congressmen and women and White House policy staffers to reform the foster care system. Her memoir “Fostered” is now available on Amazon.
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Every day we are bombarded by media from many sources. You can’t escape it! How do we decipher what is accurate and truthful? Right now we find ourselves immersed in an election season and as this one ends another one is just around the corner – 2024! No matter the outcomes, no matter the winners and losers, the results can be disturbing and disrupting.
This week our guest on Counter Culture is Don Henninger, who along with Ron Barber Co-Chair the Arizona Democracy Resilience Network. Their aim is to protect Arizona elections by fighting falsehoods and encouraging common values.
We all have a voice. Are we perpetuating falsehoods or standing and spreading truth?
To listen to Don’s Podcast, Today and Tomorrow in Scottsdale: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/today-and-tomorrow-in-scottsdale/id1560402620
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Craig Carter had been working at Intel for 25 years. But his work with the Intel Cross-Faith Leaders Alliance the past few years has exploded and led to ministry to thousands of employees around the world. Exciting story of what is possible when we love people where God has placed us.
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There are many ways people get hurt in this fallen world. We often think of dark forces and bad people out there that hurt others. But tragically, the church has also hurt people and many people are left wounded by the very people and institution the God designed to bring hope and healing. Marc Lucas, host of the Form Show and long time minister shares his heart to love and serve these beloved people. Plus, I talk about my awesome new socks.
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Our culture is hard wired for division. It's us vs them. Good vs evil. Jonathan and Lisa have a lively discussion on the intrinsic danger of seeing everything in binary terms and mindsets. Plus, can Lisa figure out by the name if a building is a church or a weed shop?
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Did you know that over one million foreign-born students are enrolled at US colleges and universities? Locally, the campus of ASU is the number one public university chosen by international students with more than 13,000 from more that 136 countries enrolled. What does that mean for us? The people of so many nations are among us, and we have incredible opportunities to bless and serve these young adults and families with love and hospitality. Many of these students go back home and become leaders and influencers on many different levels, including government. We can make a difference because of Jesus.
BIO
Charles Boyle
International Students Club Campus Minister
Charles Boyle is a former advertising executive who has spent the past 30 years helping the local church fulfill their God given directive to make disciples of all nations. He and his wife, Tracey, are currently full-time missionaries with International Students Inc. Their purpose is to share Christ’s love with international students and to equip them for effective service in cooperation with the local church and others. Thousands of international students live within a few miles of their home, and they thrive in being able to bless the students.
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Too often, people in prison are the people we want to disappear. And after they have served their time, they often enter a world that does not want them. Thankfully, there are people who work to change this. Jay Cory is the CEO of Alongside Ministries, which goes into prisons and shares Jesus while walking with them even after they leave. Wonderful stories about God's redemption in people's lives.
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Have you ever felt inadequate, fumbling for the right words to encourage, inspire or comfort someone in a tough situation? Our conversation this week on Counter Culture takes us behind the scenes with Scott Martin and some of the challenging conversations he has mediating conflict in places all over the world. He just returned from Europe, training people through the traumas of conflict and war, specifically with those suffering the effects in Ukraine right now. He guides us through those delicate conversations and how we can show up and meet people where they are at. So many good practical tips.
Scott Martin is a Mediator & Conflict Coach with Mediators Beyond Borders International, a landscape architect-turned-peacebuilder, a former chapter president of MBBI-LA and former co-leader of MBBI’s Rwanda project. Martin has been engaged with MBBI for about a decade as a founding member. In 2017, Martin became a Rotary Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand.
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So many times we know about an organization only from a present day perspective and are blinded to its rich history. On our show this week, you will learn a fascinating back story to one such organization that has impacted our lives today (and we don’t even realize it). Today, it is still affecting our world and our communities through their various humanitarian projects, locally and globally. Hear from a peacemaker who is committed to making our world a better place. Curious? Be inspired as we were during this interview!
Joining us this week on Counter Culture is Larry Horton. Larry retired in 2016 from the Phoenix Police Department and is the current Rotary District Governor here in Arizona. He has a heart for kids in the Foster Care system and engages deeply to serve the community in various capacities.
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We like the idea of peace but we all know how hard it can be. Perhaps one of the hardest spheres to be peaceable these days is in politics. Glad to have our friend and superfan Chuck Fitzgerald back on our show. Chuck is a lifelong peace advocate and serves as the Sargent at Arms for the Arizona House of Representatives. Great stories and wisdom from a man in the trenches.
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Have you ever been to the Holy Land or perhaps it is on your bucket list? Many have visited that amazing land, rich in history, culture and diversity. But few really see “all” the people. Did you know there are Palestinian Christians living in Bethlehem, Gaza, and the West Bank? Many times these are invisible people who are labeled with all Palestinians, sometimes as terrorist. But have you met a Palestinian? Have you listened to their story?
Listen and learn the amazing story of the Awad family whose family history in the land goes back generations – even to Pentecost as Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus. Hear what it is like to live in the land today, the struggles, heartache and beauty in the land they call home.
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We all could probably come up with some places that we wish Jesus or someone at least would go and flip some tables. But is that an approach for counter culture Christians? Join Lisa and Jonathan for an important discussion about how we work to change things when so much of the world needs massive change.
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More than ever, after the landmark Supreme Court decision, we need peacemakers and positive solutions. Josiah Friedman, Director of Voice for the Voiceless shares his powerful personal story and provides some much needed clarity and possible ways forward.
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For nearly 20 years, Lori Navrodztke has walked alongside women and men who are struggling with a pregnancy loss experience including miscarriage, stillbirth, abortion, and early infant loss. She shares her powerful personal story that formed her mission that brings healing to so many.
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Large churches and well-resourced churches are often considered the most influential in our state. Obed Escobar shares about the incredible importance of the Hispanic churches in Arizona and his heart to train future leaders.
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Jon has been serving in ministry for over thirty years in several capacities in Southern California, Texas, and is currently the Gilbert Campus Pastor with Central Christian Church in Arizona. Jon loves to see the Church at her best through peacemaking, inclusion, redemption, and reconciliation.
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What happens when you receive a vision so big you know it can only be accomplished by the movement and direction of God? Olivier, former director of Youth With A Mission in Switzerland, is compelled by an extraordinary vision to mobilize Christians and ignite a celebration of the 2,000 years of the resurrection of Jesus. You are going to be learning and hearing more about the “Jesus Celebration 2033” in the next year.
Join Jonathan, Lisa and Olivier as they go behind the scenes in a conversation about taking an extraordinary vision and idea, casting the vision and then mobilizing others on a large scale to bring to reality. What if the global church in all its diversity came together for such a celebration with the focus solely on Jesus? Let’s imagine and let’s get involved.
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What happens when you receive a vision so big you know it can only be accomplished by the movement and direction of God? Olivier, former director of Youth With A Mission in Switzerland, is compelled by an extraordinary vision to mobilize Christians and ignite a celebration of the 2,000 years of the resurrection of Jesus. You are going to be learning and hearing more about the “Jesus Celebration 2033” in the next year.
Join Jonathan, Lisa and Olivier as they go behind the scenes in a conversation about taking an extraordinary vision and idea, casting the vision and then mobilizing others on a large scale to bring to reality. What if the global church in all its diversity came together for such a celebration with the focus solely on Jesus? Let’s imagine and let’s get involved.
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We are living in a world layered in trauma. It is seen in our own lives and in the lives of so many others. Sommer Knight, currently Co-Director of Foster360, a nonprofit under Mesa United Way, helps young adults who have aged out of Foster Care through a holistic approach towards trauma-informed care and empowerment. She shares practical ways we can recognize trauma and move toward healing. Sommer's passion and experience will encourage you to see your community and yourself with a new lens.
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We want to do good in the world. We try to help those in need. But often we don't know what to do, or if we do something, will it make any difference. Trace Thurlby is the President of the Global Orphan Project and helped develop CarePortal, a platform that connects the needs of children in crisis to the nearest church. He shares the story of how this simple concept has become part of a huge story of God to help the church care for children.
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The idea of peace is very appealing. But it is hard work especially when working across cultural divides and in war zones. What does bringing people together look like when you've seen friends and family killed? Colonel Lorenzo Valenzuela served for 30 years in the US Army including overseeing peace initiatives in Iraq, Afghanistan and shares some amazing stories and wisdom in how we can be ambassadors for peace.
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When the bombs are falling in your neighborhood and your country is being invaded, what would you do? What if you had a family? Sasha Musiyenko is a teacher at Kiev Christian Academy and shares his amazing testimony of hearing from God in the middle of the night and how his family has been able to respond to the horrible suffering around them.
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In the 90s, I spent several years living in Russia. I lived with a Russian family, spoke Russian and made many dear friends. I also taught churches and at conferences across the former Soviet Union including several trips to Ukraine. My heart has been broken over the invasion of Ukraine. Lisa and I try to process my experience through the eyes of pursuing peace.
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I am thrilled to have a co-host! Lisa Jernigan is the President of Amplify Peace and was a guest on my show when we realized how like-minded we are. We both enjoy a good conversation and hearing people's stories to grow towards more peaceful understanding. And my humor hasn't scared her off yet. In this premier episode of Season 2, we talk about our backgrounds and why more than ever we need to be counter cultural.
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Cecil Stokes was a successful television producer. He always knew deep inside that he wanted to be a father. Being unmarried and over 40, the dream seemed impossible until God opened up an amazing introduction to Boone. Hear their story and bring tissues.
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Ed Delph, President of NationStrategy has been ministering to churches and leaders around the world for 40 years. His life of ministry has given him a passion to see everyday people in the church see how important their ministry is not just in church buildings but right where they work.
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Andrew Holmes had the hard job of removing children from dangerous situation. Hear his incredible story of when he knocked down the door of a storage unit and how that changed his life. He now helps churches care for children in the foster care system in South Florida.
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As the pandemic recedes and much of life normalizes, the aftermath of years of hardship to families has left many more children in our foster care system and far fewer families and resources to help. Katie O'Dell, Executive Director of Arizona127 shares her heart and ways we can help make a real difference in the lives of local children.
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On today's show I am joined by one of Arizona's heroes in caring for children through our foster care system, Berisha Black. Berisha shares her own powerful story of how God brought her through horrible circumstances to become an advocate for children.
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In my first show without a guest, I share about a very important conversation I had in an apartment in Siberia. God has been teaching me a lot lately about the Kingdom of God and why it is so critical to living counter culturally.
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Having you ever prayed to be a kinder person? I have. The answer to that prayer rarely just happens in us. It involves suffering to build the necessary compassion. Janelle Shelton, Regional Director for CarePortal in the Midwest, shares her own journey being visually impaired and seeing God lead her down a rough road to make changes in her life to care for children in crisis. Great conversation with a dear friend.
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We almost all have faced periods of our life when we are waiting painfully for things to change. Author Mike Brown shares his fresh perspective on how important that liminal and in-between space is to God and to us.
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Great conversation with Craig Detweiler, Dean of the School of the Arts at Grand Canyon University. He encourages more Christians to come off the sidelines and be active in helping to shape and transform our culture.
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Special Christmas episode where we ask the important question "Do we smell like beef and cheese?" Nate Rogers and a very special guest joins me to discuss our approaches to helping others.
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If someone was being chased and in danger and then knocked on your door, what would you do? Mary Keach Director of Phoenix Refugee Connections joins me as we consider the implications of our faith and the plight of refugees. With Phoenix set to receive many Afghans fleeing their country, it is a timely question.
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There are powerful and unique pressures facing our youth and teens today. Many of these are well-noted, but what is being done to address them? Tracey Martin has been a transformational life coach working with teens for more than 25 years and shares her experience that parents today will find very inspiring and helpful.
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Every school has a mission statement, but Phoenix Christian Preparatory Academy has chosen to be "on mission" as well by "educating the minds, forming the hearts, and equipping the hands of students in a Christ-centered atmosphere" in the heart of Phoenix. Great conversation Superintendent Jeff Blake about not just a school but what it means to be "on mission".
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If you wanted to start a church or even start a ministry overseas on a mission, how important would having artistic ability be to you or your team? Fascinating conversation with Dr. Byron Spradlin, founder and CEO of Artists in Christian Testimony about how creativity and the arts are not just essential to us as people but also critical to the mission God wants to accomplish in the world.
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"What are you thankful for?" This is a common question on Thanksgiving but is it a life defining question? Pastor Joshua Dubois returns to share the big picture of gratitude that encompasses our selves, our brains, our relationship with others, our relationship with God and even societies.
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By day, Jodi Whitehead is caring for abortion minded women to give them all the love and support she can. By night, she is Jo Whitey, comedienne, bringing laughs. I had to have her on my show.
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As part of our series "The Church in Low Places": Pastor Anthony Cox has taken the road less traveled by obeying the call to leave North Carolina to come to Phoenix to revitalize a church downtown. Walking and ministering among a needy part of town has taught him and his team some valuable lessons on what it means to serve the poor.
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With the COVID pandemic taking center stage for so long, many other important things have not received the attention they deserve. Adam Comer, pastor and leader of a recovery program in Tennessee, talks about the "Forgotten Pandemic" of opioid addiction in America and his recently released documentary about this critical issue.
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What do you think of when you hear "peace"? Lack of conflict? Weakness? Kimberley Deckel, an Anglican Priest, makes the case that the pursuit of peace is anything but passive. Her heart is especially to see women more deeply embrace an active role in peace-making.
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What would you do to bring the word of God to someone if they asked you? What if it involved moving across the world with your family, living in a hut in the jungle, learning a new language, turning that language into writing for the first time and then translating the Bible into that language? As part of our series "The Church in Low Places" we talk with Zach Cann and his faith-driven life to share hope with forgotten people.
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Caleb Berkey is a entrepreneur and innovator who runs 8 Dutch Brothers Coffee locations in the Valley. But he credits the change of his entire direction of his life to when he was faced the honest truth that he was a Christian in name only and was miserable. Join us for a heart-felt conversation on what really changes people.
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Whenever I meet someone who has dedicated their life to a big cause, I wonder what event or series of events impacted them to make a profound change. For Kim Vehon, CEO of Foster Arizona, she was on staff at a church and saw a child who was languishing in the foster care system and she couldn't do nothing. She decided to use her talents to helping children. Great and passionate conversation.
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The situation in Afghanistan is dire and difficult to comprehend. Jake joins us to help us put on God glasses and try to see the situation the way God does. Without America or even many freedoms, Jesus is still at work in Afghanistan and calling people to himself. Very enlightening and inspiring conversation.
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With the incredible events that have unfolded in Afghanistan over the past few weeks, many have felt understandably angry and discouraged. Part of the fallout has meant a huge exodus of refugees, many of whom will end up in America and specifically in Arizona. Liz Kinsfather from the Welcome to America Project joins us to share how we can welcome those dear people who are fleeing for a new and better life.
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This story is one of the best examples of why I do what I do. Pastor Luke Hennings and Mj Cornelius from St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Mesa, Arizona join me in studio to share about the incredible story of how their church responded to a terrible situation and were able to bring light and love to two beautiful children.
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Kevin Malone had a long and successful career in baseball including serving as General Manager for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He shares the incredible story of how God miraculously saved the life of his son. He has since dedicated his life in the fight against human trafficking. Inspiring conversation.
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Most everyone likes the idea of unity, but few brave the hard road necessary to come together as one. Pastors Bruce and Amy Willmann and Pastor Jason Channels join us for this special two-part episode of the unlikely story of Champion City Church in Springfield, Ohio. This is from our series "The Church in Low Places" and very inspiring for anyone interested in seeing more racial unity in the Church.
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Most everyone likes the idea of unity, but few brave the hard road necessary to come together as one. Pastors Bruce and Amy Willmann and Pastor Jason Channels join us for this special two-part episode of the unlikely story of Champion City Church in Springfield, Ohio. This is from our series "The Church in Low Places" and very inspiring for anyone interested in seeing more racial unity in the Church.
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Chuck Fitzgerald, Sergeant-At-Arms for the Arizona House of Representatives and long-time advocate for peace making, joins me for a special two-part series as we have an honest discussion about what are the practical things we can do to be a part of the solution of building peace in our divided world.
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Chuck Fitzgerald, Sergeant-At-Arms for the Arizona House of Representatives and long-time advocate for peace making, joins me for a special two-part series as we have an honest discussion about what are the practical things we can do to be a part of the solution of building peace in our divided world.
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If we want to be people of compassion and peace, we are going to have to grow in our understanding of culture. Renee Bhatti-Klug, founder and chief trainer at Culturally Intelligent Training & Consulting, helps us move past the buzzwords and into being more thoughtful and intentional as we look at ourselves and others. Great conversation.
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Looking over her idyllic family scene with her three beautiful kids playing happily in their nice home, Christie Irwin had her heart broken. Her heart was broken for the many kids who had no family. This journey led Christie to foster more than 40 children, adopt several more and start Project Zero, to help her state of Arkansas have zero children waiting to be adopted.
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When we talk about changing culture or even starting a new venture, we are often encouraged to consider to start with the "why". Jonathan Cottrell, CEO of Journeyage, says that although important, we should first ask an even more important question. Great conversation for anyone who wants to start something. And I'm starting to get my fake news detector mojo back.
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We get a call from Nogales, a flash point in the current immigration debate on our country's borders. Joanna Williams, Executive Director of the Kino Border Initiative shares how they seek to wade into the mess to care for people in a very difficult situation. Simplistic answers don't solve complex problems, but we are still called to love our neighbor.
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Many churches have a ministry to the homeless. Pastor Terry Glenn had a garage and started to invite the homeless to help start a church in the inner city of Kansas City. 20 years later, World Harvest Ministries has an amazing legacy of walking alongside and loving the outcasts and broken in the city. Join us for out second episode of our new series "The Church in Low Places"
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During the pandemic, we all became aware that things like hugs and handshakes can be really important. We spent more time than ever with our families. But what about singles? Author of "Sexless in the City" Anna Broadway talks about singleness, church culture and the need we all have for platonic touch. Great conversation.
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Big problems often paralyze us. We can't change everything but we can help to change the life of one person. Mary McGuire is the Executive Director of Mentoring Tucson's Kids and talks about the impact a mentor had on her life and how mentoring youth coming from at risk backgrounds can have such a dramatic effect on the trajectory of one life. And we discuss why anyone would chose to live in Tucson. Sheesh.
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There are usually parts of town we all tend to avoid. For me, one of the roughest parts that I avoided was South Los Angeles. But thankfully, God loves the hard places. He raises up servants to go and be light where light is needed most. I want to find those stories and front line churches who go where most avoid. Pastor Peter Watts of The Rock Church joins me for a special episode launching a new series called "The Church in Low Places". I had such a huge response to my post awhile back that I want to do this every month and find the leaders of churches in the "low places" and hear their story.
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We talk quite a bit about wounds on this show. But what about when the wounds don't go away? Brian Bell is the Regional Director for Joni and Friends, a global ministry dedicated to serving those with disabilities. Joni's story came out of her own physical disability that left her paralyzed. Brian's story came from his long service in the military and soldiers with PTSD. We discuss the parallels and more on this fascinating discussion.
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Big ideas usually start as small seeds. We often need to do something with that seed first before we know what the big idea will be. Dan Shufelt is the CEO of Arizona Helping Hands, supplying important needs to children in the foster care system across Arizona.
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Jason Corley's world was turned upside down when he was given the opportunity to go to where his agency was shipping medical equipment which included Afghanistan. Now Jason is the Director of Operations helping churches around the world bring transformation to their communities by obeying the words of Jesus.
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The statistics are staggering and point to nothing less than a crisis facing our nation's boys. Pastor and Author Tim Wright shares some incredible insight into how our culture and even our churches have failed boys but more importantly, what we can do to change. Great discussion.
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In our current world where everything becomes political, and politics uses religion to appeal to voters, it is harder but more important than ever to return to the words and heart of Jesus and how we love our neighbor. Adam Estle from the National Immigration Forum joins me in studio along with Leisa McDonald and Andy Myers for a lively conversation about a charged topic. And your host proves he is no better than a coin toss to figure out fake news.
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In a world that shouts for our attention, Linda Morris has quietly been a leader in building bridges of cooperation with her wisdom and life lived by faith. In my opinion, she is one of the most important leaders in our city. Linda serves with Harvest Foundation in helping local churches serve the most vulnerable. Great conversation with a dear friend.
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We often think of the political arena as a place of great division. But the government is much more than politics. We sit down and talk with the dynamic Maria Fuentes, Director of the Arizona Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family and learn how they are bringing together agencies, businesses, non-profits and the faith community to solve big problems together.
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Let's not sugarcoat this. When Doug and Leslie Reprogle started Agape Adoption Agency, they knew of the great need for more foster and adoptive families. But they are also very honest that the journey to do something so significant can also been incredibly difficult. Great conversation with another one of Arizona's "power couples" and once again I am humbled by my inability to discern fake news.
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Does what you buy matter? Does how the clothes are made matter? Is the cheapest shirt being the best steward? Great conversation with Jen Parlin from GOEX clothing. She brings great insight into the Fair Trade ethic and why we should consider the consequences of what we buy. And your host is once again humbled by his lousy success rate with Fake News.
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With the kids moved out and finished with a successful corporate career, God flipped the lives of Steve and Teri Vogel to open their hearts for children here in Phoenix falling through the cracks. This dynamic couple founder Thrive Arizona to help bring much needed help to failing families and now are making a huge difference in the lives of children. And find out which spouse has been called a Category 5 hurricane.
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When we say "Here I am Lord, send me," if we are honest we are hoping to be sent to Hawaii. We often think of postcard Hawaii but Brad and Esther McDaniel share the real Hawaii that also has deep human suffering and children in need of help. Brad and Esther lead Harvest Family Life Hawaii and have been ambassadors of caring for orphans and helping families stay together.
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Great conversation with my friend Wendi Park from the frozen North. By frozen I mean hot coffee disappears in midair. And by North I don't mean Flagstaff, I mean Canada! Wendi is the Founder/Director of Forever Families of Canada. Her heart was broken for the children churning through the child welfare system in her country and she is now doing some amazing things helping churches to open their hearts and homes to care.
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God interrupts our plans. Darcy Olsen is a high capacity leader who has championed big causes at the highest levels in our country. But the reality of children with no parents in her own city opened her heart and life to becoming a foster and adoptive mom. She is the founder and CEO of GenJustice which advocates for reforming the foster care system.
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Tracey Beal is the innovative leader of School Connect. Over the last 10 years she has helped hundreds of schools across Arizona connect to churches and their surrounding community. With so much bad news this year, they have brought together businesses, churches and government in new ways to practical serve our children.
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Professor Elaine Howard Ecklund is a Sociologist from Rice University and has studied what scientists and faith practitioners think about each other extensively. Her research has led to her to not only say that science and faith need to be talking but that they need each other. Join in for a thoughtful conversation on an important topic.
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What is your first thought when you think of the inner city? Is it a positive or negative one? Oye Waddell thinks there is fundamental good in our poor communities and has dedicated his life to helping that good to flourish. Oye is the CEO of of Hustle Phoenix which helps break cycles of poverty by empowering local entrepreneurs from the inner city.
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Tom Lewis spent a career as one of Arizona's leading home-builders. He shares his life story but also the foundational principles that helped him become a successful person, not just in business, but in his life.
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We often hear about rewarding it is to give to others in need. But when it comes to our daily lives, we aren't what we aspire to be and continue to hold on to money and possessions. Brad Formsma, CEO of I Like Giving has spent 20 years thinking this through and inspiring people to live generous lives. Very practical and helpful conversation.
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Brian Mavis is Co-Founder and President of America's Kids Belong. This former pastor has dedicated his life starting with his own family to find care and homes for the 400,000 children in our country in the foster care system. Rather than being a statistic, each child is made in God's image and has a story that invites us to respond. Very challenging and lively discussion.
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We are in the midst of two pandemics. One is about a virus and the other is the mental health crisis in our nation. Senior Pastor Aubrey Barnwell has led his church First New Life in Phoenix to be equipped to better serve not only the physical and spiritual needs of their community but also the enormous mental health challenges facing us. Very honest and helpful conversation.
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Longtime neonatal nurse Tara Sundem saw firsthand the struggle to keep babies alive at the start of their lives. This became a life challenge when she saw the unique struggles of babies born exposed to opioids. She has gone on to found and lead the recently opened Hushabye Nursery. Very heart-wrenching and heart-warming conversation.
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Health costs are often the biggest financial burdens people face in their lives. How does our Christian call to share and bear the sufferings of our brothers and sisters in Christ face this reality? Evelio Silvera with Christian Care Ministry shares about their Medi-Share program and how this is part of their huge God-sized vision to increase sharing and generosity in our world. Great and lively conversation and worth a listen.
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The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has one mission, to provide foster children with social, athletic and educational activities that they never would otherwise get a chance to have. Executive Director Kris Jacober joins us in studio to share about this amazing work happening across our state.
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Should you give money to that homeless guy at the intersection? Why don't they get jobs? These all too common questions need to be discussed and what to do with the guilt we often feel around the homeless. My friend Pamela Morrison from Phoenix Rescue Mission joins me and we hear her heart and learn better ways to care for the homeless from this amazing non-profit in our city.
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Cary Summers has had a very successful career as a CEO with major corporations. But he has truly left his mark by bringing Christians together to get big things accomplished including the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C., getting a portion of the Bible translated for every person on earth, and getting clean water to the world's poor. Very inspiring and helpful conversation.
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Michael Shapiro is CEO of the Swappow Plus Foundation. He has done some pretty radical things in his life. But the biggest adventure started when he was a teacher and kept seeing the downward trajectory of the kids in his class who came out of broken homes. His non-profit has a dynamic approach of connecting with kids through skateboarding to build confidence and connections.
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In a world that shouts for our attention, Linda Morris has quietly been a leader in building bridges of cooperation with her wisdom and life lived by faith. In my opinion, she is one of the most important leaders in our city. Linda serves with Harvest Foundation in helping local churches serve the most vulnerable. Great conversation with a dear friend.
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Following God's leading to create a cartoon about vegan zombies? Seriously? Guest host Lisa Jernigan takes over the mic and turns the table to ask Jonathan how his mission of peace-making fits with his creative project, a family-friendly animated series called "Meet the Walkerz".
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Billy Thrall is CEO and Founder of City Serve Arizona and host of City Talk on Faithtalk1360. But if you know Billy, you know he is all about connecting people to help those in need. He has for decades been one of the primary voices in Arizona encouraging unity and cooperation to help those in need. We also have some epic banter so be warned.
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I'm thrilled to have Darren Chapman, CEO of Tiger Mountain Foundation join me in studio as he shares his amazing journey from gang life in Los Angeles to now helping South Phoenix build community and resiliency through shared gardens and mentoring. I hope our conversation is inspiring to you as it was to me.
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I like to hear from people who have done cool stuff. Jackie Parks and her husband moved their family to North Africa and raised their small children there. She now works with Mission1 and promotes peacemaking and working with the global church. We need to be listening and learning from our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world more than ever.
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Nate Rogers is the Regional Manager for CarePortal in Maricopa County and sees everyday the needs of children and families in crisis right in our neighborhoods. We discuss what makes some people and churches leave their comfort zones to help others and why others stay isolated from those in real need.
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Lisa Jernigan's traditional Christian conservative view of the world was shaken on a visit to Iraq. Sitting across from an educated Iraqi woman now in a refugee tend and hearing her story, she realized she had a lot to learn. This led her to found Amplify Peace and share stories and opportunities to bring people together in understanding.
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Nuclear Physics Professor Barry Ritchie from Arizona State University joins Counter Culture this week. He shares how he bears witness of his faith on campus and is able to communicate across the divide that many people create on religion, morality and science.
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Author and National Speaker Rhonda Sciortino joins Counter Culture to share her journey through a horrific childhood to become a successful business woman and advocate for vulnerable children. Great conversation about the transforming power of kindness.
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There is no path to peace without listening and learning. Azra Hussain is the President and co-Founder of the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Arizona. Great conversation with this amazing bridge builder and peacemaker.
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Robert Vera is the author of "A Warrior's Faith" and Director of Grand Canyon University's School of Innovation. Fascinating insight into the faith of a Navy Seal. We also talk about why Christians need to be innovating more than ever.
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Bishop Aaron Blake, longtime Pastor and Ambassador on behalf of orphans has poured out his life through his family, church and ministry to help us open our hearts and lives. Great conversation with someone who walks the walk.
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Jamie Procknow shares her journey to open her heart and home to six additional children. The heart of God is for the orphan and to be counter culture we are going to be radical in how we think about family.
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Josiah and Andrea Friedman from Voices from the Voiceless join Counter Culture to share how they are changing the conversation on abortion from a battleground to finding a common ground that cares for women and children.
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The news amplifies fear, but Jesus is the Prince of Peace. James Rayment, Director of The Al-Ma’idah Initiative shares how dining together and robust conversations are happening between Christians and Muslims. He shares practical ways we can live together, listen to each other and love our Muslim neighbors.
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Dennae Pierre, Executive Director of the Surge Network joins us in studio to share encouraging stories of what is going on on the ground with pastors and church leaders in Arizona to help put Jesus on display in a country divided around race.
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Doesn't it seem like everything turns political these days? It's a battleground that many of us try to avoid but should we? How can we learn to be more peaceable in our conversations about politics? Dave Drum, pastor, ministry leader and author of "Peace Talks - The Good News in a Donkey Elephant War" shares his wisdom and gives us some practical help.
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Doesn't it seem like everything turns political these days? It's a battleground that many of us try to avoid but should we? How can we learn to be more peaceable in our conversations about politics? Dave Drum, pastor, ministry leader and author of "Peace Talks - The Good News in a Donkey Elephant War" shares his wisdom and gives us some practical help.
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Chris and Bethany Priebe are on mission. They started Cultivate Coffee to build community in an impoverished area of town. They also give employment opportunities to people needing a hand up. And yes, they successfully bribed me with a delicious horchata latte.
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Karen Covell, television and movie producer, is also the founder and leader of the Hollywood Prayer Network which has for almost 20 years faithfully prayed and built bridges of understanding with the entertainment industry. The Church and Hollywood have often been at odds but Karen shares how we can love, learn and pray with this important part of our culture.
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Adrien Lewis, Chief Innovation Officer at CarePortal, shares his journey and how God transformed his life to serve the "least of these". His passion is to see the local church care for child in crisis is inspiring.
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We are joined by Pastor Joshua DuBois for an honest conversation about being a black pastor in a white church. Very practical examples and helpful thinking so we can move out of our segregated lives and mindsets.
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Today my first episode airs of Counter Culture at 5:30pm PST on Faithtalk1360. In a divided world, making peace is a rebellious act. I want to find and talk with those who are crossing the divides and bringing us together. My first guest is Tammy Abernethy, Executive Director of Hope Women's Center and my longtime friend. She talks about Pro-Grace, a new approach in the culture war battleground surrounding abortion.
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