Think Global, Do Justice

Latest Episodes:

Effective Altruism for Christians with JD Bauman May 05, 2026

Show notes

Are all global justice issues created equal or are certain causes worth more of our attention and funding? Is it possible to get more bang for our buck by prioritizing certain geographic areas when it comes to missions and economic development? Joining the show today is JD Bauman of Christians for Impact. He is the co-author of the new book "All the Lives You Can Change" which explores how Christian principles intersect with the modern movement of effective altruism and global impact. In this episode, JD shares insights on prioritizing charitable efforts, the importance of data-driven giving, and pursuing a life of maximum global impact.

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Resources and Links from the Show

All the Lives You Can Change by Bauman, Roser and Zhang (Amazon)

Christians for Impact Online

GiveWell

The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer

80,000 Hours ITN Framework

Jump into more conversations around child protection, global health, and ethical mission on the Optimistic Voices Podcast – Link

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

(01:22) – JD's background and the role of faith in his work
(02:38) – Effective altruism and evidence-based good deeds
(03:23) – JD's missions family and background
(04:36) – Connecting faith, service, and career impact
(08:11) – Insights into Christian impact and career advising
(11:51) – Funding effective global health interventions
(18:03) – Examples of cost-effectiveness in charitable work
(23:52) – Reframing local giving and global giving
(28:43) – Using the ITN framework for impactful careers
(48:07) – Top global causes to prioritize through effective altruism
(50:45) – The connection between creation care, a plant-based diet and animal welfare
(52:21) – AI risks and opportunities for advocacy
(56:29) – The radical opportunity when Christians donate 10%

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The Growing (and Diminishing) Support for Orphanages with Julie Walton & Elli Oswald Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

There is a bit of dissonance when it comes to the trajectory of Christian support of global orphan care. More Christians are accurately understanding that kids in orphanages have families AND they are increasing the amount of financial support towards that residential care. In this episode Brandon Stiver is joined by Elli Oswald of the Faith to Action Initiative and Julie Walton of the Martin James Foundation. Together, they explores the recent Barna study on U.S. Christians' perceptions and support of orphanages and family-based care, highlighting shifts in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over the last five years. If you have a heart to see kids in families and Christian orphan care progress beyond putting kids in orphanages, you've gotta listen in on this important conversation.

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Podcast Sponsor

Are you ready to take your impact to the next level? Then join this year's OneAccord conference October 13th-15th in Washington, DC! Use Code "Global" for Discount

Resources and Links from the show

Faith to Action Online

Martin James Foundation Online

Barna Report on Residential Care: U.S. Christian Giving and Missions (2026)

Jump into more conversations around child protection, global health, and ethical mission on the Optimistic Voices Podcast - Link

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

03:19 Understanding the Barna Study and Its Goals
05:24 The Importance of Family-Based Care
09:17 Knowledge Gaps and Misconceptions
14:22 Support and Funding Trends in the U.S.
21:14 Behavior Change and Emotional Connections
26:09 Next Steps for Care Reform and Donor Engagement
34:07 The Role of Faith and Cultural Mindsets
41:44 Impact of Global and Political Changes
51:49 Practical Strategies for Application and Collaboration
01:01:07 Personal Stories and Case Examples
01:05:16 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

What Peace Negotiations in Iran Could Look Like with Dr. Joshua Weiss Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

The podcast is back from a break over Lent and we're diving straight in to the most relevant event happening globally right now. The war between the US/Israel and Iran is over five weeks old now and has had a profound impact regionally and around the world. Is peace possible at this point? What would it look like to negotiate and build towards a sustainable future in the Middle East? Dr. Josh Weiss joins the show to explore the complexities of international negotiation, back channel diplomacy, and the shifting landscape of global diplomacy, especially in relation to this current conflict. Dr. Weiss is a Senior Fellow at the Harvard Negotiation Project, co-founder of the Global Negotiation Initiative at Harvard University and also directs the MS in Leadership and Negotiation program at Bay Path University.

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Resources and Links from the show

Joshua Weiss Website

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

05:50 Dr. Josh Weiss' Background in Negotiation
07:49 The Role of Back Channeling in Negotiations
08:54 Fundamental Elements of International Negotiation
12:50 Shifts in International Law and Diplomacy
17:20 The Consequences of Power Dynamics in Diplomacy
18:51 Long-term Effects of Military Actions
21:30 The Importance of Negotiation in Conflict Resolution
24:22 The JCPOA: Pros and Cons
28:33 The Dynamics of Compromise in Negotiation
31:10 Challenges in U.S.-Iran Negotiations
33:11 Challenges of Ceasefires and Regional Dynamics
35:21 The Role of Gulf States and Regional Players
38:00 Israel's Military Calculations and U.S. Support
40:42 Negotiation Challenges Amidst Rhetoric
44:50 Economic Pressures and Their Impact on Negotiations
50:27 Broader Solutions for a Sustainable Peace

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The Westerner Abuse and Child Protection Conversation (Lenten Recast) Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

In this season of Lent, we're on a break from new episodes and are re-running a conversation from 2023 that we had with global child welfare professionals Dr. Greg Burch, Kelly Strong, and Dan Hope. We'll look at cases where westerners were given access to vulnerable children in the Global South and then abused those children. We'll explore the significance of cultivating cultures of awareness around child protection. We'll get into the importance of establishing robust policies and systems designed to mitigate the risks associated with child abuse and exploitation. By fostering environments that prioritize vigilance and the well-being of children, we can better identify and prevent abuses, ultimately ensuring their safety and welfare.

Note that all podcasts before 2024 were under our old podcast name, Think Orphan.

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Conversation Notes

Recurring cases of exploitation in overseas volunteerism (voluntourism) (14:00)
The risk in naivety (17:00)
Harming, not helping (21:30)
The power dynamics that add to vulnerability (24:00)
White saviors, colonialism, paternalism (27:00)
Establishing policies and systems that mitigate risk (31:00)
Creating cultures of awareness and protection (41:00)
Developing national safeguarding processes (47:00)
Risk involved with child sponsorship (57:00)
How do we create reporting mechanisms for children (1:05:00)

Resources and Links from the show

SFAC Safeguarding Course

SFAC Homepage

Safe International Online

Jessup University Masters in Global Development and Justice

The Roys Report : Romanian Lawsuits Multiply Against Harvest Christian Fellowship and Pastor Greg Laurie

Research Paper : Child Sexual Exploitation in East African Orphanages

Decolonizing Christian Mission with Dr. Hunter Farrell (Lent Recast) Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In this season of Lent, we're on a break from new episodes and are re-running a conversation from 2023 that we had the co-author of Freeing Congregational Mission, Dr. Hunter Farrell. He served as a long-term missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Peru and now works as the Director of the World Mission Initiative at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Dr. Farrell brings a wealth of first hand and research knowledge about Christian Mission. After 35 years in intercultural missions, he is calling for a reframing of missions. What would it look like to approach missions with a learning posture? How can we create spaces of connection for shared learning across cultures?

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Conversation Notes

Hunter brought back to faith in Congo (4:50)
Defining missions (10:00)
The three stones framework (15:00)
Cultural humility and learning posture (20:00)
Problematic attitude of giving without receiving (24:00)
Creating spaces of connection and horizontal learning (40:00)
Unintended consequences of child sponsorship (42:00)
Redeeming short-term missions (51:00)
Key differences in cultures (57:00)

Resources and Links from the show

Freeing Congregational Mission

Village Reach

Quiet

The Power of Introverts

A Lenten Reflection for the Justice Oriented Christian Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

As we head into the Lent this week, Brandon offers a reflection on the justice work that God calls us into and the opportunity to slow down, reflect and pray as we begin the approach to Easter. If you feel weary, burnt out or frustrated and are looking for a reminder of who God is and how we can connect into the everlasting grace that sustains, please join for a listen.

Resources and Links from the Show

Brandon's Top Worship Song for Lent : Where Would I Go? by Micah Dalton

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Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Building a Coalition to Welcome Children Home with Tony Lewry Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

A multitude of orphanages in the Global South continue to be supported by well-meaning Christians throughout the world. Research and scripture both indicate that God's design for children is to grow up in a family, but what do we do when it's the church that needs to be convinced of this? Brandon Stiver is joined today by Tony Lewry who shares his experience in orphan care and cross-cultural ministry over the years as we dive into what it looks like to change mindsets and practices in these global chains of care. Tony leads The Homecoming Project and coordinates across a coalition of organizations tackling the issue of children outside of parental care. In our conversation, Tony and Brandon discuss the evolution of family-based care, the challenges and successes of implementing foster care, and the vital role of the church in advocating for vulnerable children.

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Resources and Links from the Show

The Homecoming Project Online

The Homecoming Project Instagram

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

03:00 Introduction to Tony Lewry and His Journey 05:56 The Evolution of Family-Based Care in Brazil 09:13 Challenges and Successes in Implementing Foster Care 11:57 The Role of the Church in Foster Care Advocacy 14:54 Reintegration and Community Support for Children 17:54 Navigating Reentry to the UK 20:52 The Homecoming Project: History and Vision 23:47 Collaborative Efforts in Care Reform 27:03 Addressing the Funding Dilemma in Child Care 30:05 Engaging with Orphanage Supporters 32:59 The Coalition Approach and Its Impact 36:11 Next Steps for the Homecoming Project 39:08 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

The US Intervention in Venezuela with Ambassador Alejandro Martinez Ubieda and Dr. Greg Burch Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

This US capture of Nicolás Maduro presents a range of considerations and reflections across international law, humanitarian needs and diplomacy in the Western Hemisphere. This episode delves into the complex political landscape of Venezuela, focusing on the historical context leading to the rise of Nicolás Maduro and the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Brandon Stiver is joined by a former Venezuelan Ambassador, Alejandro Martinez Ubieda and Global Studies educator Dr. Greg Burch to discuss the implications of Maduro's capture, the corruption and human rights violations under his regime, and the potential for a democratic transition in Venezuela. They also explore the role of international relations and U.S. involvement in shaping the future of the country, emphasizing the need for diplomacy and humanitarian support for Venezuelans both at home and abroad.

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Resources and Links from the show

Human Rights Watch : Venezuela

UN Human Rights Council : Venezuela

NBC Portland : Former Venezuelan ambassador living in Oregon calls Maduro arrest a long-awaited step toward democracy

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

05:00 The Context of Venezuela's Political Landscape
08:05 Chávez's Rise and the Shift to Authoritarianism
10:42 Maduro's Ascendancy and Human Rights Violations
13:48 The Humanitarian Crisis and International Reactions
16:44 Celebration and Concerns Over Maduro's Capture
29:34 The Venezuelan Migration Crisis
35:22 The Future of Venezuela Post-Maduro
40:25 Ethics of U.S. Intervention in Venezuela
47:12 Hope for Democratic Elections in Venezuela
51:19 Final Thoughts on Venezuelan Resilience

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Conflict Transformation in Sri Lanka and Beyond with Prashan De Visser Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

We live in a world that is in desperate need of peace and wholeness. Communities across the globe are ravaged by violence and instability, but what does it look like to be practitioners that seek to transform conflict into thriving communities. In this conversation, Brandon Stiver is joined by Prashan De Visser, the Founder and CEO of Global Unites. Prashan shares his insights on the impact of colonialism, civil war and poor governance in Sri Lanka and the role of the church can play in conflict transformation. He shares about the work of Global Unites in promoting peace and reconciliation in over 20 countries emphasizing the importance of nonviolence, grassroots movements, and youth leadership in conflict transformation. This conversation dives into the complexities and the unique hope that comes with youth movements for peace.

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Podcast Sponsors

Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25'

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Resources and Links from the show

Global Unites Online

Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

The importance of creating an inclusive Sri Lankan identity and governance structure.
The legacy of colonialism continues to affect Sri Lanka's social fabric.
Nonviolence is a crucial principle for sustainable change in conflict situations.
Grassroots movements are essential for effective peace building.
Youth leadership is vital for the future of conflict transformation.
Reconciliation involves healing, repairing, and transforming societal structures.
Inherited prejudices can be dismantled through personal connections and experiences.
The church has a significant role to play in promoting peace and reconciliation.
Copy-paste solutions in conflict resolution often lead to more harm than good.
Local expertise is invaluable in creating effective interventions for peace.

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

Starting Subversive Discipleship Movements with Craig Greenfield Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

As we start 2026, we should be asking how to join the things that God is already doing. Where is he moving and how do we join such movements? Our old friend Craig Greenfield returns to the show to discuss the growth and impact of Alongsiders International, a movement focused on discipleship and mentorship for vulnerable children. He emphasizes the importance of contextualizing ministry in diverse cultures and how the challenges of consumerism in Western churches can inhibit true discipleship. Craig discusses the unique role that young people are playing throughout the world including with Gen Z protests that are toppling unjust countries or subverting contexts that are hostile to the Christianity. No better way to start off the new year than to have Craig encourage all of us to engage with God's heart for justice and to seek transformative relationships that reflect the teachings of Jesus.

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Podcast Sponsors

Take the free Core Elements Self-Assessment from the CAFO Research Center and tap into online courses with discount code 'TGDJ25'

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Resources and Links from the show

Alongsiders International Online

Craig Greenfield Online

Subversive Jesus by Craig Greenfield

Subversive Mission by Craig Greenfield

Conversation Notes (AI Generated)

The Alongsiders movement has seen remarkable growth since COVID, expanding to 30 countries.
Perspective is crucial for understanding global needs and God's work.
Discipleship should happen in everyday life, not just in church settings.
Contextualization is key to make culturally relevant materials.
Success in mentorship is seen when young people become mentors themselves.
Discipleship can thrive even in hostile environments by going under the radar and sustaining the local church.
Affluence in the West hinders true discipleship and community connection.
Prayer is foundational in building relationships and supporting one another.
Learning from other movements can inspire and inform our own practices.
Gen Z political movements for justice are important to consider.
True movements are transformational and driven by passion, not hype.

Theme music Kirk Osamayo. Free Music Archive, CC BY License

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