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Peace is Power
Peace Is Power is a podcast for people who believe peace is not weakness or passivity — but one of the most powerful forces alive. Hosted by Janessa Gans Wilder — former CIA officer, peacebuilder, and founder of Euphrates Institute — the show features conversations with diplomats, artists, activists, veterans, spiritual leaders, and grassroots organizers working to build peace in a divided world.
Each episode asks a simple but urgent question: what does it look like to become a peacebuilder right where you are? Peace Is Power is an initiative of Euphrates Institute, which has trained peace leaders from more than 60 countries.
If war affects us all, peace must be built by all of us.
Can Inner Peace Lead to World Peace? - with Stephanie Nash (Part 2)
How can we overcome self-doubt, let go of judgment, and find our unique role in building peace?
In Part 2 of her conversation with host Janessa Gans Wilder, mindfulness teacher, actress, and acting coach Stephanie Nash explores how mindfulness can help us navigate difficult emotions, embrace vulnerability, and connect more compassionately with others.
Drawing on her experience in Hollywood and meditation, Stephanie shares practical techniques for overcoming comparison, quieting negative self-talk, and finding calm in stressful situations.
From grounding ourselves through physical sensations to discovering peace through nature, creativity, and human connection, she reminds us that mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated.
The conversation also explores the transformative power of empathy and nonviolent communication in bridging divides. Stephanie explains why making someone feel understood can be more effective than trying to change their mind. The episode concludes with a guided loving-kindness meditation, inviting listeners to extend gratitude, compassion, and peace beyond themselves and into the world.
Key Takeaways:
Let go of comparison and self-judgment
Everyone brings something unique to peacebuilding. Releasing the need to measure ourselves against others allows us to contribute with greater confidence and authenticity.
Ground yourself in the present moment
Simple techniques, such as feeling your feet on the ground or observing physical sensations, can help interrupt negative thought patterns and ease anxiety.
Find peace in everyday experiences
Mindfulness doesn't have to involve formal meditation. Nature, creativity, hugs, and moments of human connection can offer opportunities for calm and presence.
Practice empathy without needing to agree
Acknowledging someone's feelings and helping them feel heard can reduce defensiveness and create space for constructive dialogue, even across deep disagreements.
Extend inner peace into the world
Through compassion, gratitude, and loving-kindness, we can cultivate the emotional foundations for more peaceful relationships and communities.
Timestamps:
(00:00) Making mindfulness enjoyable and accessible through human connection
(04:08) How acting and meditation complement each other
(07:34) Overcoming comparison and self-doubt in peacebuilding
(09:02) The role of judgment in suffering and recognizing your unique contribution
(14:40) Understanding the fear of judgment and overcoming self-sabotage
(16:17) Releasing limiting stories and approaching life with love
(17:15) Observing physical sensations to process difficult emotions
(20:20) – The power of grounding: why you should “feel your feet”
(25:01) – Finding peace through connection, self-soothing, and everyday moments
(27:44) – Discovering mindfulness in nature, creativity, and movement
(30:38) – Empathy, polarization, and the power of nonviolent communication
(35:28) – Guided loving-kindness meditation: sending compassion into the world
Guest Bio:
Stephanie Nash is a Hollywood actress, meditation teacher, and mindfulness coach whose work brings together performance, emotional awareness, and personal transformation. Drawing on decades of experience in the entertainment industry and her own meditation practice, she helps people work with stress, self-judgment, difficult emotions, and the challenges of everyday life.
Her approach emphasizes making mindfulness practical, accessible, and playful. Through breathing techniques, sensory awareness, and personalized meditation practices, Stephanie encourages people to cultivate greater presence, emotional resilience, and well-being without needing to withdraw from the demands of the world.
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