Hollywood actress and meditation teacher Stephanie Nash joins Janessa Gans Wilder to explore how inner peace can transform our relationship with emotions, conflict, and the world around us. Reflecting on her connection to the ocean, Stephanie shares how mindfulness helped her embrace vulnerability and find peace beyond external circumstances.

Together, they explore practical ways to process difficult emotions, interrupt stress through breathing and laughter, and approach life's challenges with greater presence. They also discuss why peace is not passivity, the importance of women's leadership in peacebuilding, and how simple, accessible meditation practices can create meaningful change in our lives and relationships.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

In this episode of Peace is Power, Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with Rev. Dr. Fuhbang Emmanuel Tanifum, a pastor, theologian, interfaith leader, and grassroots peacebuilder working in Bamenda, Cameroon, amid the country’s ongoing Anglophone conflict.

Emmanuel shares the childhood experience that first shaped his commitment to nonviolence: as a teenager, he was seriously wounded after responding to a family conflict with violence. The experience led him to question what violence could actually accomplish and convinced him that “violence will only beget violence.”

His organization combines peacebuilding and leadership education with vocational and self-employment training, helping young people develop both the skills and economic independence to reject recruitment by violent actors.

The conversation explores why sustainable peace requires grassroots participation, why peacebuilding must be supported as a long-term investment, and how individuals can find courage, hope, and purpose even in difficult circumstances. Emmanuel ultimately argues that peace is not simply the absence of violence but a form of transformative power, and that creating a peaceful world requires each of us to practice peace in our own lives and communities.

Key Takeaways:

Nonviolence is a conscious choice

Emmanuel’s own experience taught him that responding to violence with violence only creates more violence. He describes peace as an intentional path that anyone can choose.

Peacebuilding must address economic realities

Peace skills alone may not be enough when young people have few ways to support themselves. Emmanuel’s programs combine peace leadership with vocational and self-employment training, giving youth alternatives to violence.

Young people need a meaningful role in peace

Emmanuel focuses on bringing together people from different religious, linguistic, and social backgrounds. The goal is not only to teach peace skills but to help young people become peace leaders within their communities.

Sustainable peace has to reach the grassroots

Top-down approaches cannot create durable peace on their own. Reconciliation, healing, and community participation must happen at the grassroots level, with young people and women included in peace processes.

Peace requires long-term commitment

Peacebuilding is not an overnight solution. Emmanuel emphasizes the need for sustained resources, partnerships, and investment to grow the movement of young people committed to addressing political, social, and economic injustice without violence.

Timestamps:

(05:56) The childhood experience that shaped a peacebuilder- Emmanuel recalls the violent family conflict that nearly cost him his life and explains how it changed his understanding of violence.

(12:24) Why violence cannot create peace- Emmanuel reflects on the conscious decision he made as a young man to reject violence and pursue peace.

(13:44) Life in Bamenda during the conflict- Emmanuel describes the continuing deadlock between the government and separatists and the need for grassroots healing and reconciliation.

(16:01) Understanding Cameroon’s Anglophone conflict- Emmanuel explains the conflict's historical and political roots and how tensions escalated after protests by teachers and lawyers in 2016.

(18:17) The human cost of the conflict- He discusses deaths, displacement, sexual violence, destroyed villages, kidnappings, school closures, and the broader suffering experienced by communities.

(19:58) When violence becomes a livelihood- Emmanuel explains why unemployment and a lack of economic opportunities can make young people vulnerable to recruitment and manipulation by violent groups.

(22:25) Turning peace skills into economic opportunity- After seeing that peace pledges alone were not enough, Emmanuel’s organization began incorporating livelihood and self-employment training into its peacebuilding curriculum.

(26:20) Vocational training as peacebuilding- Emmanuel discusses organic farming, renewable energy, conservation, and community nursing as ways for young people to build livelihoods while contributing to their communities.

(29:54) A nine-month path toward sustainable peace- He walks through the residential program, from psychosocial assessment and counseling to peace skills, vocational training, community engagement, and business planning.

(35:28) Kelly’s story of healing and transformation- Emmanuel shares how a traumatized young woman recovered through psychosocial support and training in organic farming, eventually becoming a mentor to other young women.

(40:33) The challenge of sustaining peacebuilding- Emmanuel discusses the lack of resources needed to sustain and scale effective grassroots peacebuilding programs.

(42:58) Why peace requires a grassroots approach- He argues that history demonstrates the limitations of violence and top-down approaches and emphasizes the importance of including communities, youth, and women.

(45:52) The risks of being a grassroots peacebuilder- He describes the security threats and suspicion peacebuilders can face when they work between opposing sides of an active conflict.

(51:16) Finding community and support- Emmanuel talks about the organizations and people who have supported his work and helped him continue despite the challenges.

(57:04) When peace becomes power- Emmanuel explains why he believes peace is the true power that can transform lives and create sustainable development.

(66:17) Where are you needed?- Janessa closes the episode by inviting listeners to practice “presence” by considering where they are needed and choosing to show up.

Guest Bio:

Rev. Dr. Fuhbang Emmanuel Tanifum is the Cameroon Chapter President of the Euphrates Institute, founder and director of Ndabuchiseh—a grassroots youth peacebuilding NGO—and cofounder of the Martin Luther King University Institute in Bamenda, Cameroon.

As a teenager, Emmanuel narrowly survived an act of violence—an experience that triggered his hatred for violence. With training in theology, intercultural studies, and law, he has dedicated his career to empowering young people as youth peacebuilders across communities affected by armed violence in Cameroon.

Follow Rev. Dr. Fuhbang Emmanuel Tanifum:

Ndabuchiseh
Martin Luther King University Institute (MALUKU)
Rohi Foundation Cameroon
Facebook
Ndabuchiseh's Facebook
Martin Luther King University Institute
Emmanuel Tanifum Fuhbang Esq | LinkedIn
Ndabuchiseh: Posts | LinkedIn
Martin Luther King University Institute (MALUKU): Overview | LinkedIn

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

Drawing on his experiences during the First and Second Intifadas, imprisonment, a hunger strike, and the death of his brother, Ali describes how his understanding of conflict transformed from resistance and revenge toward nonviolence as an identity and way of life. He argues that Palestinians and Israelis must confront their own fears, anger, stereotypes, and assumptions before they can build a shared future.

Ali calls on people around the world, particularly Americans, to become “pro-solution,” support constructive grassroots efforts, and engage their political representatives. Above all, he emphasizes steadfastness, shared humanity, and the need to build a future based on dignity, freedom, and mutual responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

Non-violence is More Than a Strategy

Non-violence is an identity and a way of life rather than simply a political tactic. For Ali, it means refusing to harm people while actively challenging systems of injustice.

Freedom Requires Recognizing Shared Humanity

Palestinian freedom should not come at the expense of Jewish lives. Ali's goal is to challenge injustice in a way that allows both sides to recognize each other's humanity.

Non-violence begins with self-reflection

Palestinians must examine their own leadership, strategies, and assumptions while developing a clear plan for achieving freedom.

Peace Requires More Than Political Agreements

A sustainable solution must address identity, belonging, dignity, freedom, and people's daily realities.

The International Community Has a Responsibility

Ali calls on people outside the region, especially Americans, to engage constructively by supporting grassroots organizations, becoming “pro-solution” rather than simply taking sides.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Nonviolence and the power of humanity.

Refusing to harm others can become a powerful form of resistance.

(04:33) Twenty years after Encounter Point.

Janessa reflects on first encountering Ali through the documentary and asks how attitudes toward nonviolence have changed.

(05:28) Despair as an opportunity for change.

(06:49) Identity, belonging, and shared destiny.

The importance of recognizing both Palestinian and Jewish identities and building a shared future. (18:37) Building a grassroots movement.

(26:53) Finding a realistic political solution.

The conditions necessary for a political solution and why Palestinians need freedom in order to contribute to Israel's security.

(32:21) The responsibility of the international community.

Ali calls for international engagement that recognizes the rights and dignity of both peoples. (34:09) The First Intifada.

Ali explains why he does not consider the First Intifada a fully nonviolent movement and why he believes movements must make a clear commitment to nonviolence.

(39:33) The hunger strike and sacrifice.

Ali recounts the hunger strike he undertook to see his mother and how the experience deepened his commitment to nonviolence.

(46:20) Becoming a visitor to your pain.

Ali describes the people and experiences that give him hope and explains his philosophy of visiting his pain without allowing it to become his permanent home.

(48:43) How people can support the Huia Project.

Ali encourages people to support constructive organizations and activists working on the ground.

(51:13) Grassroots action can create political change.

Janessa and Ali discuss the importance of grassroots activism and its potential to influence political decisions.

Guest Bio:

Ali Abu Awwad is a prominent Palestinian activist for peace and the mutual recognition of Palestinian and Israeli identities and belonging to the land.

The 2023 winner of the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and Luxembourg Peace Prize, Ali is a former prisoner of Israel who now works for nonviolence as the only path forward to freedom for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Ali believes that identity is at the core of this conflict and central to its solution. His initiative, Huia, is a peace initiative activating a new framework of nonviolent ideology and mutual recognition of identities to empower grassroots Palestinian leaders and transform Palestinian, Israeli, and global engagement in this crisis to be pro-solution.

Follow Ali Abu Awwad’s Work:

Huia Project- https://www.huiaidentity.org/

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

Reflecting on the origins of Moms Demand Action after the Sandy Hook school shooting, Shannon shares how a single Facebook post evolved into one of the largest volunteer-led movements in the United States, driven by women who refused to accept gun violence as inevitable.

The conversation examines the nature of power, contrasting domination and force with collective action, resilience, and shared purpose. Shannon discusses the importance of "losing forward," the role Buddhism has played in shaping her leadership, and why letting go of an organization can be an act of strength rather than control. Together, Janessa and Shannon also explore the challenges of building broad social movements, the importance of language in shaping public perception, and the need for more women in positions of leadership.

Throughout the episode, Shannon returns to a simple but powerful idea: hope is not something we wait to feel. It is a daily discipline that calls us to keep showing up, even when change feels slow.

Key Takeaways

Grassroots movements create lasting change

Real political and cultural change often begins locally. Ordinary people organizing in their own communities can build momentum that eventually reshapes national conversations.

Leadership requires letting go

Strong leadership is not about holding onto power. Shannon reflects on stepping away from Moms Demand Action at the right moment, allowing the movement to continue growing beyond its founder.

Hope is an active practice

Rather than viewing hope as an emotion, Shannon describes it as a discipline that requires choosing action over cynicism, especially during difficult times.

Women's leadership is essential

Increasing women's representation in leadership and public office is critical for creating more equitable policies and stronger communities.

Community transforms both movements and people

Activism changes more than public policy. It also helps individuals discover their own voices, build lasting relationships, and recognize their capacity to make a difference.

Timestamps:

(00:47) Rethinking what power really means

(05:27) Choosing to double down- The threats Shannon faced after founding Moms Demand Action and the moment she decided to continue instead of backing away.

(07:20) Discovering the power of local action- After a federal gun safety bill failed, volunteers proved that meaningful change could begin in states, cities, and local communities. 

(11:52) Buddhism, resilience, and losing forward

(15:42) Founder syndrome and letting go- Organizations must eventually outgrow their founders

(18:00) Listening, learning, and expanding the movement

(20:41) The power of language and messaging- Janessa and Shannon examine how words shape public opinion and why redefining ideas like "peace" and "gun safety" matters.

(23:18) Collaboration over competition- The discussion turns to coalition-building, funding challenges, and the balance between organizational identity and collective impact.

(31:00) Building the new while confronting the old- Shannon reflects on adapting strategies as political movements evolve and explains why creating new systems is as important as dismantling harmful ones.

(38:37) Hope is a discipline- Shannon shares the philosophy that sustained activism depends on choosing hope every day rather than waiting to feel optimistic.

(40:53) What makes volunteers stay- The conversation concludes with lessons from organizing millions of volunteers and why celebrating wins and building community are key to lasting movements.

Guest Bio:

Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, the largest grassroots movement in the United States dedicated to ending gun violence. She launched the organization following the Sandy Hook school shooting, growing it from a single Facebook post into a nationwide network of millions of volunteers.

Shannon is also the author of Fight Like a Mother and Fired Up, where she encourages women to embrace their power in civic life, leadership, and personal growth.

Today, she focuses on empowering women through writing, coaching, and community-building initiatives.

Follow Shannon Watts:

Website: https://shannonwatts.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannonrwatts

X (Twitter): https://x.com/shannonrwatts

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

Today on Peace is Power , Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with renowned Iraqi cellist, composer, and conductor Karim Wasfi about the role of music, culture, and human connection in the midst of violence and division. 

Drawing from his experiences performing in Baghdad after car bombings and working in communities affected by war, Maestro Karim Wasfi describes music as a force that can reclaim humanity, restore dignity, and reconnect people to themselves and one another.

Throughout the conversation, Wasfi reflects on the deeper meaning of peace, arguing that it is not passive or weak, but one of the most strategically powerful forces available to humanity. 

The discussion explores harmony as both a musical and social principle, the importance of arts education, and the urgent need to move beyond fear, polarization, and ideological conflict.

Key Takeaways:

Reclaiming Humanity Through Music

Karim Wasfi explains why he brought his cello to the site of a Baghdad car bombing, describing it as an act of reclaiming space for humanity and resisting fear through beauty and connection.

Peace Is a Powerful Force

Rather than viewing peace as passive, Wasfi argues that peace creates endurance, legitimacy, trust, and long-term resilience in individuals and societies.

Art and Culture Are Essential, Not Peripheral

The conversation emphasizes that music, education, and culture are not luxuries but necessary foundations for healing, identity, and human dignity.

Harmony Begins Within

Wasfi describes harmony as both a musical principle and a way of living, encouraging people to cultivate inner coherence and deep listening as a path toward collective peace.

A Vision for Global Connection

Wasfi proposes the idea of a worldwide “Day of Harmony,” where people across cultures and time zones connect through music, silence, and shared listening as an act of collective peacebuilding.

Timestamps:

(00:13) Music, Iraq, and the search for harmony- Janessa introduces the episode and reflects on how music shaped her understanding of connection and healing during her time in Iraq.

(04:07) Playing cello at the site of a bombing- Karim explains why he performed in the aftermath of violence to reclaim space for humanity and resist fear.

(06:44) The healing power of sound- A discussion on harmony, frequency, and how music creates connection within ourselves and with others.

(11:33) Conducting harmony in divided societies- Karim shares how leading an orchestra in Iraq becomes a practice in trust, collaboration, and coexistence.

(17:31) Courage in the face of threats and extremism- Karim reflects on continuing his work despite danger and why peacebuilding must become a way of life rather than a project.

(24:53) Performing near the front lines in Mosul- Karim recounts a powerful encounter with a young girl fleeing ISIS-controlled areas who recognized humanity in music.

(31:47) Why artists belong at the center of diplomacy- The conversation explores the role of culture and storytelling in peacebuilding and international relations.

(34:00) Reclaiming the arts in modern society- Janessa and Karim discuss arts education, AI, and why creativity is essential for humanity’s future.

(38:00) Creating spaces for harmony and deep listening- Karim describes community gatherings in Iraq centered on shared sound, silence, and expression.

(46:38) A global day of harmony- Karim shares his vision for a worldwide movement where people connect through music, listening, and collective peace practices.

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

In this episode of Peace is Power, Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with Dr. Scilla Elworthy about what it really takes to build peace in a world that continues to invest heavily in war.

A three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of both Oxford Research Group and Peace Direct, Dr. Elworthy reflects on decades of work alongside peacebuilders, military leaders, and women confronting violence on the front lines. Their conversation explores why war remains so heavily funded while peacebuilding is chronically under-resourced, and why Dr. Elworthy believes women’s leadership, communication, and courageous listening are essential to changing that. 

Throughout the episode, Dr. Elworthy returns to one central idea: the heart is not separate from effective action, but a source of wisdom, courage, and clarity. 

Together, she and Janessa consider how people can stay open in the face of grief, resist despair, and cultivate the inner fire needed to act for peace in this moment.

Key Takeaways:

Peace is underfunded, not ineffective

Dr. Elworthy argues that peacebuilding is often dismissed not because it fails, but because it is poorly funded, poorly publicized, and overshadowed by the political and economic incentives of war.

Women have repeatedly helped stop violent conflict

The episode highlights how women, often working with minimal resources, have led some of the most effective peace efforts in conflict zones, including the women’s movement that helped end Liberia’s civil war.

Communication and listening are forms of power

For Dr. Elworthy, peacebuilding is rooted in communication: deep listening, moral courage, persistence, and the ability to engage even those in positions of military or political power.

The heart is a practical guide, not a sentimental idea

Dr. Elworthy describes the heart as a reliable source of truth and discernment, especially in difficult moments when strategy alone is not enough.

Peacebuilding can be taught and practiced

Dr. Scilla Elworthy makes the case for a more accessible, story-driven approach to peace education, one that helps people begin where they are, build courage, and learn to act in their own communities.

Timestamps:

(05:00) Heartbreak, hope, and learning from peacebuilders- Dr. Elworthy reflects on a lifetime of witnessing war and explains why she is not despairing now despite the state of the world.

(06:01) Why is war funded while peace is neglected? If people say they want peace, why do governments and institutions keep investing in war?

(10:54) The communications problem of peace- Dr. Elworthy argues that peacebuilding successes are not visible enough, and that the world needs a far stronger public narrative around what peacebuilders actually accomplish.

(12:30) Liberia and the power of organized women- Dr. Elworthy recounts how Liberian women used collective nonviolent action, public pressure, and persistence to help end a 14-year civil war.

(17:12) The overlooked skills of peacebuilding- The qualities peacebuilders need most, including listening, resilience, courage, self-belief, and the ability to work across differences.

(19:14) Why conversations with military leaders matter- Dr. Elworthy and Janessa discuss the importance of engaging military figures directly, and why those conversations can open unexpected space for change.

(24:18) Training people to speak for peace- Dr. Elworthy outlines the need for a larger cohort of people trained in advocacy, resilience, persuasion, and courageous communication.

(26:18) Listening to the heart as a peace practice- Dr. Elworthy shares her contemplative practice of moving attention from the mind to the heart and listening for guidance.

(30:50) Can anyone become a peacebuilder?- Describing peacebuilding as something available to anyone willing to nurture the “quiet fire” within them.

(37:04) Where to begin in peacebuilding- Practical encouragement for newcomers: read widely, get inspired by stories of peace, connect with others, and take one step at a time.

Guest bio:

Dr. Scilla Elworthy is a three times Nobel Peace Prize nominee for her work with Oxford Research Group to develop effective dialogue between nuclear weapons policy-makers worldwide and their critics. She now leads The Business Plan for Peace to help prevent violent conflict and build sustainable peace throughout the world, because it is possible; based on her latest books The Business Plan for Peace: Building a World Without War (2017), The Mighty Heart: How to Transform Conflict (2020), and The Mighty Heart in Action (2022).

Dr. Elworthy founded Peace Direct in 2002 to fund, promote and learn from local peace-builders in conflict areas, was awarded the Niwano Peace Prize in 2003 and the Goi Peace Award in 2023. She advised Peter Gabriel, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Sir Richard Branson in setting up ‘The Elders’.

Her TED talk on nonviolence has been viewed by over 1,500,000 people.

Follow Dr. Elworthy:

The Business Plan for Peace by Scilla Elworthy

Website

Instagram

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

In this episode of Peace is Power, host Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with Sami Awad, a Palestinian nonviolence practitioner, founder of Holy Land Trust, and co-director of Nonviolence International, about resistance, consciousness, and the spiritual foundations of peacebuilding. 

Sami describes the daily realities Palestinians face under occupation, including checkpoints, settler violence, and growing hopelessness. He reflects on the profound influence of his grandmother, who chose forgiveness and peacemaking after losing her husband and home during the Nakba.

Together, Janessa and Sami explore how systems of fear, domination, and separation shape human behavior and sustain violence across generations. The conversation ultimately becomes a call toward what Sami describes as “sacred awakening into sacred activism,” where awareness leads not to withdrawal, but to courageous engagement in the work of healing and transformation.

Key Takeaways:

Nonviolence as Empowerment

Sami describes nonviolence not as passivity, but as a deeply empowering form of resistance that dissolves fear and restores human dignity.

Awareness Changes Everything

The conversation explores how consciousness shapes systems of oppression, and how awareness interrupts automatic patterns of fear, separation, and domination.

Inner Work and Outer Action Are Connected

True peacebuilding requires both personal transformation and active resistance to unjust systems and structures.

Fear Sustains Systems of Power

From military occupation to modern consumer culture, systems of control depend on fear, conformity, and silence to survive.

Community Is Essential for Transformation

Neither activism nor spiritual growth can happen in isolation. Healing, resistance, and courage are strengthened through collective support and shared purpose.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Awakening and the loss of fear- Sami reflects on how awareness removes the ability to remain silent in the face of injustice.

(05:29) Returning to Bethlehem amid escalating violence- Sami describes daily life under occupation, including checkpoints, settler attacks, and growing despair among Palestinians.

(10:09) His grandmother’s response to the Nakba- After losing her husband and becoming a refugee, Sami’s grandmother chose forgiveness, peacemaking, and nonviolent resistance.

(17:11) The olive tree moment that changed his life- At age 12, Sami experienced the power of nonviolent resistance while planting olive trees on threatened land.

(20:27) Losing fear through nonviolence- Sami and Janessa discuss how nonviolent action can create an inner sense of calm, courage, and moral power.

(23:22) His uncle’s deportation for nonviolent activism- Sami recalls watching his uncle deported by Israeli authorities and realizing how threatening nonviolence can be to systems of power.

(28:01) Consciousness, systems, and separation- The conversation shifts toward how fear-based systems shape identity, conflict, and collective behavior.

(35:40) Jesus as a model of sacred resistance- Sami examines how Jesus combined spiritual transformation with direct resistance to oppressive systems.

(41:30) Inner transformation and dismantling systems- The discussion explores why personal healing and structural change must happen simultaneously.

(45:50) Where fertile ground for change exists today- Sami reflects on why resistance movements in privileged societies may be essential to global transformation.

(50:19) The discipline missing from modern peace movements- Sami argues that peace movements often lack the organization and commitment seen in militarized systems.

(55:59) Building global solidarity across struggles- Janessa and Sami discuss how movements for justice can strengthen one another across borders and identities.

(63:26) The first step toward awakening- Sami explains why honest self-awareness and confronting inner fear are foundational to transformation.

(66:58) Sacred awakening into sacred activism- The episode concludes with a call to pair spiritual awakening with courageous action in the world.

Guest bio:

Sami Awad is the Co-Director of Nonviolence International and a prominent voice for peace based in Bethlehem, Palestine. A lifelong advocate for nonviolent resistance, Sami has dedicated his life to envisioning a future where Palestinians and Israelis coexist in equality and respect for human rights. 

In 1995, he founded the Holy Land Trust to promote Palestinian justice through nonviolent means. In his current role at Nonviolence International, Sami oversees educational programming with a specialized focus on leadership development and trauma resilience, while also directing the organization’s communications and development initiatives. 

A graduate of American University’s School of International Service, Sami is a renowned author and speaker who continues to inspire audiences globally toward collective transformation.

In his new book, The Sacred Awakening: Reclaiming God Consciousness , Sami draws from his experience as a Palestinian nonviolence practitioner, peacebuilder, and spiritual teacher to explore what he describes as a "revolution of consciousness" rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Rather than presenting Christianity as a religion to be followed, the book invites readers to embody what he calls "Christ Consciousness"—a way of living grounded in radical love, nonviolence, healing, and transformative action. Blending personal narrative, history, scripture, and contemporary reflection, The Sacred Awakening offers a compelling framework for connecting inner awakening with social change and what Sami refers to as "sacred activism." 

This episode is sponsored by Euphrates Institute, a global community equipping everyday people to become peacebuilders through trainings, workshops, resources, and monthly calls. Join us at www.euphrates.org.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

Today, on Peace is Power, Janessa Gans Wilder sits down with John D. Negroponte, a veteran diplomat whose career spans more than four decades in the U.S. Foreign Service. Drawing on his experience as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq and to the United Nations, Negroponte shares his perspective on how global power, conflict, and diplomacy have evolved over time.

Their conversation looks at the contrast between traditional ideas of power—often tied to military strength—and the more subtle, lasting influence of relationships, institutions, and civil society.

Together, they explore the role of international organizations, the limits of military intervention, and how citizen engagement can help shape a more peaceful world.

This episode encourages you to rethink what power really means and how peace can serve as a guiding force in both public policy and everyday life.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

In this episode of Peace is Power , Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with Ari Honarvar, an Iranian-American writer, artist, and founder of Rumi With a View. Ari reflects on growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War, where women’s freedoms were stripped away, and fear became part of daily life. 

After witnessing repression and violence firsthand, her parents made the heartbreaking decision to send her alone to the United States at age 14 for her safety.

The conversation explores exile, identity, trauma, and the emotional dislocation of leaving one’s homeland and family behind. Ari shares how poetry, music, art, and community became sources of sanctuary and resistance during war.

Together, Janessa and Ari discuss rehumanization, nonviolence, feminine leadership, and the challenge of keeping the heart open in times of destruction and division.

Key Takeaways:

Rehumanization Is an Act of Resistance

Ari explains how her work uses storytelling, art, and joy to reconnect people to the humanity behind war, displacement, and political violence.

Exile Leaves Both Emotional and Physical Wounds

Being separated from family, language, and culture created a profound sense of dislocation that shaped Ari’s understanding of trauma and resilience.

Beauty Can Sustain Us During Crisis

Ari describes how people found moments of sanctuary and dignity even during war and oppression.

Peace Requires Justice

The conversation challenges simplistic ideas of peace, emphasizing that peace without dignity, accountability, and collective liberation is incomplete.

Keeping the Heart Open Takes Strength

Ari speaks about developing the capacity to hold grief, anger, and compassion without losing one’s humanity.

Timestamps:

(00:12) Peace as connection, not domination. Janessa introduces the podcast's central theme and explores the idea that true power comes from connection rather than force.

(01:32) Growing up during revolution and war. Ari reflects on her childhood in Iran during the Islamic Revolution and the Iran-Iraq War.

(06:06) Leaving Iran alone at age 14. Ari shares the heartbreaking circumstances that led her parents to send her to the United States for safety.

(10:27) Rebelling against oppression. From dressing as a boy to writing anti-regime graffiti, Ari describes her early acts of resistance against gender restrictions.

(13:15) The trauma of exile and dislocation. The conversation explores the emotional toll of being separated from family, language, and homeland.

(17:16) Witnessing suffering from afar. Ari discusses the grief and helplessness of watching violence unfold in Iran while living abroad.

(24:37) Rehumanizing the victims of war. Ari explains her project highlighting the people, schools, and communities affected by bombings and political violence.

(31:07) Keeping the heart open during difficult times. Janessa and Ari reflect on the strength required to remain compassionate in the face of pain and destruction.

(36:29) What Iranian women are teaching the world. Ari discusses collective liberation, feminine leadership, and the broader meaning behind women-led resistance movements.

(37:05) Rooftops, missiles, and Rumi. Ari shares a childhood memory of neighbors reciting poetry during air raids, finding sanctuary in beauty and art.

(43:40) Violence, self-defense, and nonviolence. A nuanced conversation about whether violence can ever be justified in situations of oppression and survival.

(51:38) Joy and embodiment as resilience practices. Ari describes how breath, art, gratitude, and community help sustain people through trauma and overwhelm.

(52:24) The mirror poem and self-reflection. Ari shares a poem by Nizami Ganjavi about confronting ourselves instead of projecting blame outward.

(55:05) Why peace without justice is incomplete. The episode closes with a reflection on the relationship between peace, justice, and collective wholeness.

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

In this episode of Peace is Power, Janessa Gans Wilder speaks with Satish Kumar, a lifelong peace activist, former Jain monk, and environmental thinker.

Satish shares powerful personal stories from his 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage, including his decision to travel without money as an act of radical trust. Drawing on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and Vinoba Bhave, he reflects on the idea that true power lies not in force or weapons, but in love, nonviolence, and human connection.

The conversation moves fluidly between global issues and personal responsibility, touching on political division, conflict, and environmental challenges. Satish highlights that while peace begins within, it must be carried outward through action, communication, and collective effort.

Key Takeaways:

Peace Is a Form of Power, Not Weakness

Nonviolence and love can mobilize entire populations and create lasting change, as seen in movements led by Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr.

Trust Creates Connection

Satish’s journey without money demonstrated that trust often generates kindness in return. Human beings are more connected than divided.

Inner and Outer Peace Must Work Together

Personal transformation and societal change are interdependent. You cannot build a peaceful world without cultivating peace within.

Building a Peace Movement Requires Action

Satish outlines four steps: be the change, communicate effectively, organize collectively, and remain patient with results.

Peace Includes Our Relationship with Nature

True peace extends beyond human relationships. A sustainable future depends on recognizing that humans and nature are not separate.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Trust as the foundation of peace. Satish introduces the idea that peace comes from trust and shared humanity.

(02:00) Gandhi and the power of nonviolence. Historical examples of peaceful resistance that have shaped nations.

(06:30) Addressing modern political division. How opposing sides can move toward peace in polarized societies.

(11:00) Walking the world without money. A radical experiment in trust and human kindness.

(16:40) How to begin practicing trust and courage. Building inner strength through daily habits.

(23:40) Building and organizing peace movements. Practical steps for creating large-scale change.

(33:00) The “peace tea” story. A small act of kindness with a global ripple effect.

(35:00) Peace and environmental responsibility. Why peace must include harmony with nature.

(41:00) Inner vs outer transformation. Why are they necessary and inseparable?

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org

Through intimate conversations with diplomats, artists, activists, veterans, and spiritual leaders, Peace Is Power explores how peace can transform our inner lives, our relationships, and the world we share.

https://peaceispower.org 

https://euphrates.org 

Peace is not passivity. It is a moral, creative, and spiritual force. And the world needs you to find it; in your relationships, your community, and whatever corner of the world you call home.

This is your invitation. This is your moment.

Learn more at https://peaceispower.org