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 WHO-certified water filter companies in developing countries. Her own experience of dehydration as an ...
Jul 09, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 200
“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 systems thinking. Over two decades, Gideon worked internationally as a geoscientist in academia and the e...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 199
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 fostering deeper public discourse on religion. He shares how his academic roots influence his current...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 198
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, the power of authenticity, and what it means to be a “satellite for whatever God wants to say.” Join...
Jun 18, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 197
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 settings, her years as a professor, and her work at Jubilee! Community, Vicki reflects on how early ...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 196
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 theology, Kara has served for over two decades in ministry and continues to mentor future leaders, develo...
Jun 04, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 195
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 age—can still uphold human intimacy, even when mediated by emerging technologies like AI. Sofia sha...
May 28, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 194
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 of Sean Jones and Roy Hargrove. We explore how her upbringing, identity, and powerful experiences sha...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 193
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 connection. Katie speaks candidly about navigating generational divides, the importance of redefining succes...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 192
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 across organizations, the shifts in her understanding of leadership, and the courage it takes to step ...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 191
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 not only in systems thinking but also in deep personal insight, reminding us that lasting change requi...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 190
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 inform practice and vice versa. During this episode, we explore Wietse’s personal and professional jour...
Apr 23, 2025•56 min•Season 1Ep. 189
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 advocacy. He opens up about navigating political polarization, religious instrumentalization, and the dee...
Apr 16, 2025•59 min•Season 1Ep. 188
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 feminist theology, faith-based advocacy, and inclusive organizational change. Dr. Paul Z. Mmbando , Medi...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 187
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 Tinnin, Desirée, Patrick Drabe and Maurice Rugebregt. They share how music shaped their paths, inspire...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min
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 in her life, the transformative impact of gratuitous generosity, and how teaching in a secular, diver...
Mar 26, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 186
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. State Department under multiple administrations and affiliations with institutions like Brookings and CS...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 7Ep. 185
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 against women’s rights globally. She shares how her upbringing in a family of justice warriors shaped her ...
Mar 15, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 12
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 backlash by equipping faith-based institutions with the tools to challenge patriarchal interpretation...
Mar 15, 2025•27 min•Season 7Ep. 11
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 multi-denominational Franciscan Action Network, are partnering with other groups to counteract setbacks,...
Mar 15, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 10
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 shares her insights on the need for tangible resources to support gender equality commitments, and high...
Mar 14, 2025•30 min•Season 7Ep. 9
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 faith-based organizations in defending women's rights, and the significance of collaborations like the A...
Mar 14, 2025•31 min•Season 7Ep. 8
Francesca Traglia, Co-President of the Society for Gender Professionals and former coordinator for the global gender justice program at Act Alliance delves into current challenges facing women's rights, the significance of faith-based organizations in gender equality, and strategic responses against anti-gender movements. Francesca shares her experiences, motivations, and strategies to advance gender justice, highlighting the importance of coordinated, intersectional, and persistent efforts in t...
Mar 13, 2025•21 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Nora Khalaf-Elledge, who is part of the JLI community, is a gender advisor attending the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 69) in New York to represent a working group for Sexual Violence Research Initiative (on communication with policymakers around faith and GBV). Nora is presenting about a toolkit for faith actors and policymakers on how to communicate about faith and GBV more easily. She also talked about the connection between gender equality and religion, the resis...
Mar 13, 2025•28 min•Season 7Ep. 6
Nina Wu and Eunice Tham from the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation dropped by to discuss about their experiences during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York. The discussion covers their motivations for attending CSW, the importance of youth and women’s voices in faith-based organizations, and the role such organizations play in advancing gender equality. The guests also delve into challenges they face, strategies to utilize their platforms effectively, and their ...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min•Season 7Ep. 5
Helen Catton discusses the importance of meaningful action over mere policy-making for advancing gender equality. The episode is part of a special series recorded live from New York during the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Helen shares her extensive experience working with marginalized communities in Southeast Asia through faith-based organizations, particularly World Renew. She shares about the challenges and strategies in promoting women's rights and economic emp...
Mar 12, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 4
Joy Kimani is a gender advocate and worker for the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). Broadcasting live from the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York, we discussed the ongoing fight for gender equality 30 years after the Beijing Declaration. Topics include the role of faith-based organizations, addressing violence against women and girls, and strategies to counter growing pushback against women's rights globally. Joy shares insights on interfaith dialogues, coll...
Mar 11, 2025•22 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this 2nd episode of a special series of Walk Talk Listen, recorded live from New York during the 69th session on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), Irene Anena from ACT Alliance shares insights on the 30-year journey since the Beijing Declaration, emphasizing the role of faith leaders in advancing gender equality amidst growing global challenges. She discusses her contributions in Uganda and DRC, highlighting efforts to engage faith leaders in policy advocacy, education, and clima...
Mar 11, 2025•23 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this special episode of Walk Talk Listen, recorded live from New York during the 69th session on the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), Andrea Kaufmann, Faith and External Engagement Director for World Vision International is our guest. She discusses the growing resistance to gender equality, the importance of global solidarity, and the role of faith-based organizations. Andrea shares insights on how to strategize effectively in the current political climate and stresses the necessity...
Mar 11, 2025•24 min•Season 7Ep. 1
In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem sits down with Nikhil Bumb to discuss his journey from engineering to corporate social impact. Nikhil shares his upbringing as a South Asian American born in Wyoming and raised in South Carolina, describing how his family's immigrant experience and Jain faith shaped his worldview. He reflects on the challenges of growing up as part of a minority community, navigating cultural and religious differences, and finding his own identity. Nikhil also d...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 184
