Peace Talks Radio

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we hear from people who chose to physically stand in the way of war. Volunteering to serve as a “human shield” is an intense act of self-sacrifice. But those who have done it say it‘s saved many lives.

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we explore the connection between peace and play, and its impact on treating trauma. The importance of play was recognized globally when the UN General Assembly declared June 11th as the International Day of Play. Correspondent Nadeen Shaker speaks to experts from various organizations about why play is important as a tool for peace.

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we explore the issue of overtourism. Destinations around the globe are facing the impact of tourism on local residents, cultures, economies, and the environment. How can we ensure this impact is a positive one, and minimize the conflict and harm that our travel can cause? Correspondent Michelle Aslam speaks with tourism experts on how our travel can be a source of conflict, and a tool for peace. Journalist and author Paige McClanahan speaks about her book The New Tourist: Waking Up to the Power and Perils of Travel. Dr. Kiona, founder of Reroot Travel, speaks about how her company endeavors to take a regenerative approach to tourism, as opposed to an exploitative one. Dr. Freya Higgings-Desbiolles, an academic who studies tourism’s potential to foster a more peaceful world, addresses systemic solutions to addressing the conflict caused by overtourism.

It's a compendium of highlights from just one season in the long-running, award-winning PEACE TALKS RADIO series. You'll hear clips from our series about "Bridging Political Division", as well as from our programs on"Solutions to Gun Violence", "Intergenerational Connection", "Healing through Psychedelics", "AI: Risks and Benefits for Peace", "When Digital Addiction Threatens Family Peace", and more.

On this episode of Peace Talks Radio, we hear the story about a couple who made the difficult decision to leave a place that was not safe, what it took to make it, and how they are settling into their new life. Alaina and her wife Jeannie lived in Tennessee for many years. But as the political climate has shifted, it became untenable for Alaina to exist as a trans woman there. In 2023, the couple made the difficult decision to uproot from their community and relocate to southern Vermont. They're an example of a national trend where liberals move to blue states and conservatives move to red ones, as the country grows increasingly polarized. But for someone like Alaina, whose healthcare and physical safety were on the line, it's not just a decision about politics; she feels like a refugee.

On this episode of Peace Talks Radio, correspondent Julia Joubert, looks at how digital addiction is affecting communication between parents and teens, and together with her guests, discusses ways to help families strengthen their relationships in a world where constant connectivity is the norm. Over the past decade, smartphone use among teens has skyrocketed, with 95% of teens now owning one. As they spend over 44 hours per week on screens, many struggle with concentration, social isolation, and rising levels of anxiety and depression. This trend has left parents deeply concerned, feeling that excessive screen time is taking away from their children’s real-world experiences and future opportunities. While many parents try to set limits, like creating device-free zones or monitoring screen time, teens often feel punished by these rules, which can widen the communication gap within families. Today, our guests will share insights and ideas to help bridge this divide. Joining us are mother-daughter duo Jessic

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we’re exploring the world of therapeutic psychedelic drugs. After a golden age of research in the 1950s and 1960s, research on therapeutic uses of psychedelics was grounded for much of the 20th century after they were classified as schedule 1 drugs. This classification means they have no medical use and a high potential for abuse. In recent years, scientists have challenged those assumptions and this line of research has started to gain new momentum, with particular focus on how these substances may relieve suffering for people struggling with trauma and PTSD. Scientists are still trying to understand exactly how they work therapeutically, but believe substances like MDMA, psilocybin and LSD help the brain rewire in a way that allows new perspectives on psychiatric problems. While these drugs may be better known for their recreational uses, researchers say they have huge potential to help people struggling with mental health conditions that are sometimes resistant to oth

Artificial intelligence is no longer merely a far-fetched feature of sci-fi, but a daily fixture in most American’s lives — whether we’re aware of it or not. Corporations and authorities are increasingly using A.I. in everything from employment and hiring, to economic decisions to surveillance and war. Police departments in some of the largest cities in the U.S. use predictive policing to forecast criminal activity, militaries use AI systems to help determine targets. Yet humanitarian institutions and peace advocates are growing more interested in using AI to promote social good and peace. Proponents of AI for peace say that it could be harnessed for early warning of violence, combating hate speech, human rights investigations, and analyzing the effects of climate change on conflict. How do we build a world where A.I. is no longer a weapon of warfare, but a powerful tool for peace? Correspondent Mary Steffenhagen speaks with Yeshi Milner, founder and CEO of Data for Black Lives, and Branka Panic, founding d

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we explore solutions to gun violence in the U.S. from three perspectives - academic, policy and on the streets. Since 2020 firearms have been the leading cause of death in the US for youth. One of the most promising models to address gun violence is Community Violence Intervention (CVI). CVI programs use a localized approach, identify those who are at the highest risk and work to reduce violence through targeted interventions and peer outreach. Emily Cohen speaks with Chico Tillmon, PhD, of the University of Chicago’s Crime Lab and a leader in the CVI field, as well as Nick Wilson, a senior director for Gun Violence Prevention at American Progress, where he leads the organization’s efforts to reduce gun violence and shrink the footprint of the criminal justice system while improving public health and safety. Also featured are outreach workers Billy Deal, Rodney Phillips, James Mitchell and Nyedra Turner of the Metropolitan Peace Initiatives on their new podcast Streets,

In this edition of Peace Talks Radio, correspondent Julia Joubert explores intergenerationl connection. Studies have shown that at least six distinct generations currently live side by side in the United States, and there are almost equal numbers of people of every age alive today. To put that into perspective, we have the same number of people who are seven years old as 70. Yet, while we might be the most age diverse we have ever been, age segregation is also at an all time high. Rapid changes in technology, polarizing political views and isolating societal structures have resulted in a clear and growing generational gap. These divides are often fuelled by a lack of understanding as generations exist alongside each other but don’t have ways to connect meaningfully. But, the opportunity is there!

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio we explore peace and equality in body image. For centuries we have placed significant importance on beauty and body image. Society, media and pop culture often shape these views and set the standards by which we compare ourselves. But these standards are often exclusionary and unrealistic. A 2021 review by Psychologica Belgica suggests that rejecting beauty ideals, placing less value on appearance, and appreciating one’s body can contribute to a positive body image, but how do we do that in a society telling us our bodies aren’t beautiful?

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we explore political division. Research shows that polarization isn’t just something we see in politics or with elected officials, but that it is affecting our relationships with family members, neighbors, and coworkers.  This program features voices from people working to mend this division and gives listeners tips to how ask “curious questions” to help find common ground. Emily Cohen speaks with Monica Guzman from Braver Angels, Alyson Spery from StoryCorps’ One Small Step program and Ron Gunzberger, former political director for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we’ll take a look at hostage negotiations. From criminal kidnappings to political pawns, hostage taking is a tragic business that captivates news readers and fills the plots of thrillers, and - as we've seen recently - it's often a core element between nations at war. But far from the dramatic scenes played out in movies and series, what is actually happening behind the scenes? How do hostage negotiators build rapport and trust and come to agreements with kidnappers? And how are these same tactics useful in lower stakes negotiations? Recent research supports the common sense hypothesis that some people have personality traits that make them better negotiators than others. Individual differences matter. But these traits are possible to change or develop through practice. We’ll hear about this research and how we can use it to improve how we perform in and feel about negotiating. We’ll also hear how a hostage negotiator and former hostage used these tactics in real life. Da

It's a compendium of highlights from just one season in the long-running award-winning PEACE TALKS RADIO series. You'll hear clips from our series about "Reconciling Estrangement", "Homelessness Through a Peacemaking Lens", "Flipping Extremists to Bolster Peace", "Peacemaking in Relationships Amidst Health Challenges", "Truth and Reconciliation Commissions", and more.

On today's episode, correspondent Priyanka Shankar talks to songwriter, speaker and author David LaMotte, who wrote WORLD-CHANGING 101: CHALLENGING THE MYTH OF POWERLESSNESS and John Lawrence Graham, the author of the book CHARLOTTE'S WAR to understand each writer's views on peace, war, creative nonviolence and community peace-building in today’s world. Complete coverage on this and 250 other episodes in our series online at https://peacetalksradio.com

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we explore the incredibly common yet largely undiscussed topic of estrangement. In a national survey, almost 30 percent of American adults reported cutting off contact with a family member. And 1 in 10 reported they’d cut off contact with either a parent or a child. Yet, despite how common it is, people who are estranged from friends or family often experience profound feelings of grief, loneliness and uncertainty. Estrangement can be both voluntary and involuntary, with some making the decision to end a relationship and protect themselves, and others feeling blindsided but someone else's choice. There are many roads to estrangement and just as many to reconciliation, yet neither are ever guaranteed, and that’s okay. Individuals who find themselves on a journey of estrangement should first pause to accept their true feelings, ground themselves in their core values and desires, and then begin to seek out empathic and open communication first with self and then with the peo

On this edition of Peace Talks Radio, we’ll take a look at transitional justice through Truth and Reconciliation Commissions. We’ve looked at the topic of transitional justice in a 2021 episode, but now look at different examples of Commissions around the globe. From the most famous historical example of the Commission established to investigate abuses under the Apartheid era in South Africa, we’ll look at the evolution of the tool in countries like the Gambia and Colombia following conflict and transitions of power. A new trend is emerging of western democratic states establishing Truth and Reconciliation Commissions to look at historical abuses against indigenous and minority populations. Australia, Canada and Greenland have all concluded such Commissions in recent years. But we’ll take a deep dive into the Commission process in Norway, which is completing in 2023. From the mid-1800s to late in the 20th century, Norway forced assimilation of the indigenous Sámi population through an official “Norwegianizati

On this edition of PEACE TALKS RADIO, we explore what the sudden onset or revelation of an illness or disorder means for a relationship, be it familial, friendship or romantic. This change can be incredibly frightening, bringing with it emotions like fear, anger, guilt and deep sorrow. These are all valid emotions. Individuals in such situations may have to make a choice either to stay through the sudden change, or to leave a relationship that is no longer serving them or the other. But it is how we communicate these thoughts and feelings that is crucial in ensuring moving forward in a non-violent, respectful way. This applies both to communication with oneself, and with others. If you do not know what you want, why you want it, or even really understand how you feel - how will you know how to choose or explain a choice to those around you? Correspondent Julia Joubert talks with Adrian and Claudine de Villiers, a couple who have been navigating the introduction of addiction and Bipolar into their 17-year marr

On this edition of PEACE TALKS RADIO, we’ll explore the challenges surrounding conflicts around cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation involves adopting elements from a culture or identity that’s not your own in a way that may be harmful, stereotypical, or exploitative. The lines are harder to draw between cultural appropriation and appreciation. The world is a global village and cultures are constantly interacting, borrowing, remixing, and evolving. However, in case of appropriation, there usually is a one-way transfer, in terms of pleasure, or income and opportunity— sometimes irking the other side. So how do we learn about and enjoy other cultures without appropriating them? When are we truly simply showing appreciation of something tied deeply to another culture? Correspondent Yamini Ranjan explores multiple examples of cultural appropriation with three guests who offer insights on how we can find peace & joy when we are interacting with traditions that don’t come from our own lived experience

In many urban settings, there is a significant unhoused population on the streets. According to the some recent data, more than half a million people in the United States are unhoused. Many of us want to help but may feel conflicted about how. On this Peace Talks Radio episode, correspondent Emily Cohen explores the dynamics of homelessness with three guests working to assist people living on the street, including Miranda Twitchell who is a leader in the unsheltered community in which she has lived on and off for the past several years in Salt Lake City. Also, we’ll speak with Eva Thibaudeau-Graczyk, a social worker and the executive director of the Temenos Community Development Corporation. Temenos is a nonprofit in Houston that provides long-term housing and support services for people facing chronic homelessness, following a model known as Housing First.. And we talk with Wren Fialka, the founder of the nonprofit Spread the Love that distributes personal care, clothing and hygiene supplies to unhoused