Beyond Stagnation: Chris Houston

In this episode, Kirsten Gelsdorf speaks with Gretchen Ki Steidle the founder of Global Grassroots, a mindfulness-based social venture incubator for women in East Africa. She shares evidence and examples of how applying the concepts and practices of conscious social change can help us more effectively and compassionately engage in crisis contexts.  She also leaves us with a mindfulness practice we can all use.

In this episode, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Chris Hoffman, Managing Director of Humanity Link, a corporate to humanitarian brokerage firm that links innovative companies with humanitarian agencies. Chris discusses how to inspire healing amidst the inundation of information and stress that can impact the mental health of on-the-ground humanitarian actors.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Kirsten Gelsdorf speaks with Jahson Bull, lead guitarist of Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars. Jahson recounts how he learned to play music, the importance of song in crisis, and the privilege of bringing joy to those experiencing hardship. Following their conversation, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Rana who explains the challenges facing people with disabilities in Bangladesh and the way sports and athletic engagement can transform an individual’s sense of purpose and belonging.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Kirsten Gelsdorf speaks with Waad and Dr. Hamza al-Kateab, filmmakers and frontline humanitarian responders to the siege on Aleppo in Syria. Waad and Dr. Hamza share their journey to becoming international advocates and how their community gives them purpose.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Branden Harvey, founder of GoodGoodGood about the challenge of highlighting good news stories and the complexity of maintaining a sense of purpose while engaging with hardship.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Kirsten Gelsdorf speaks with Jessica Alexander, an editor at the New Humanitarian. Jessica shares what she has learned from reporting on the changes in humanitarian policy over the past two decades, why the sector needs to continue to improve, and if she is still optimistic about humanitarian aid.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Aarathi Krishnan from the United Nations Development Program to understand the ethical implications of innovations in the humanitarian sector, and the way in which foresight and future planning can inspire an optimistic worldview.

In this episode, Kirsten Gelsdorf speaks with Chris Houston, the former Director of Humanitarian Innovation for Grand Challenges Canada. Chris goes beyond the buzzword of innovation and shares inspiring examples of local and global responses to crises. He also talks about the power of combining global solidarity with local action and why we need to consider expanding the resources given to humanitarian response.

In this episode, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Radhya al-Mutawakel, who shares her experience founding a human rights organization in Yemen, and how her ambitions were overtaken by Yemen’s civil war. Radhya shares her views on why maintaining hope in crisis conflicts is not naïve, but essential to generate positive change.

In this episode of Beyond Aid, Jake Kurtzer speaks with Peter Maurer, President of the ICRC. They talk about Peter’s decision to join the ICRC, his unique experiences when traveling and engaging with affected populations, and why optimism is essential to leading a humanitarian enterprise.