Peace is Power

Janessa Gans Wilder - Peacebuilder & Founder - Euphrates Institute

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.

Episodes

  1. 5 days ago

    If Peace Works, Why Isn't Everyone Talking About It? Why Peacebuilders Need To Amp Their Communication Skills with Dr. Scilla Elworthy

    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

  2. 18 Jul

    A Sacred Awakening into Sacred Activism with Sami Awad

    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

  3. 4 Jul

    Insights of War, Peace, and Power with Ambassador John D. Negroponte

    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. Key Takeaways: Power Extends Beyond Military Force While traditional power often relies on weapons and strategy, lasting influence frequently comes from relationships, diplomacy, and shared understanding. History Offers Perspective on Uncertainty Periods of global instability are not new. Looking at past challenges can provide context and cautious optimism for navigating current events. Diplomacy Remains Essential Despite its limitations, diplomacy continues to play a critical role in conflict resolution and maintaining international stability. Civil Society Has a Meaningful Role Change is not driven solely by governments. Individuals and communities contribute significantly to shaping peaceful outcomes. Crisis Can Create Opportunity for Growth Moments of upheaval may open the door for deeper transformation, both globally and individually. Timestamps: (00:13) Introduction to the concept of peace as power. (02:00) Ambassador Negroponte’s background and career overview. (06:30) Defining power in the context of war and diplomacy. (12:45) Are current global challenges unprecedented? (20:10) The role and effectiveness of the United Nations. (28:40) Limits of military intervention in modern conflicts. (36:15) Civil society and citizens' responsibility. (44:50) Lessons from Iraq and diplomatic leadership. (52:30) Hope, uncertainty, and the future of global stability. Guest Bio:  John D. Negroponte has spent his life inside the rooms where power is debated, negotiated, and exercised.  One of America’s most distinguished diplomats, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Iraq, Mexico, Honduras, and the Philippines; as the first U.S. Director of National Intelligence; and as Deputy Secretary of State.  In this conversation, he brings decades of experience at the highest levels of diplomacy and national security to questions at the heart of Peace Is Power. 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

  4. 20 Jun

    What Bomb Can Touch the Human Spirit? Discussing War, Peace, and Nonviolence with Ari Honarvar

    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. Guest bio: Ari Honarvar is an award-winning writer, artist, and speaker whose work bridges the intersections of art, social justice, and collective well-being. As a presenter for the Solutions Journalism Network, her writing has been featured in The Guardian , The New York Times , Newsweek , Teen Vogue , and Yes! Magazine , among other publications. A Girl Called Rumi , Ari’s award-winning debut novel, has garnered widespread acclaim as a BookFest and Nautilus Award winner, a Locus and Foreword INDIES finalist, and one of Kirkus Reviews ’ Best Books of 2022. Her literary contributions extend to several anthologies and celebrated flash fiction. Additionally, she created the Rumi’s Gift Oracle Deck, which pairs her original translations and meditations with the evocative artistry of Carmen Costello. In her capacity as the Iranian Musical Ambassador of Peace, Ari continues her mission to bridge divides across conflict-ridden borders through the power of poetry and music. She frequently dances with refugees and leads Resilience through Joy workshops for displaced individuals and healthcare professionals across Europe and the U.S.-Mexico border. Following the success of these initiatives, she now provides customized versions of these programs to educational institutions, nonprofits, and organizations committed to the work of social justice.  In her commitment to fostering connection through art, Ari established the Drop Poems Not Bombs initiative, which facilitates the exchange of musical love letters from American artists to the Iranian people. Additionally, she spearheads Dance for Freedom, a project dedicated to mobilizing international solidarity and support for protesters in Iran. Follow Ari: Website- https://rumiwithaview.com/ Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/rumiwithaview/ 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

  5. 13 Jun

    Peace is Possible: Lessons From an 8,000 Mile Journey with Satish Kumar

    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? Guest Bio: Satish Kumar is an acclaimed activist, author, and speaker known for his lifelong commitment to peace, nuclear disarmament, and ecological sustainability. He is widely recognized for his extraordinary 8,000-mile peace walk across the world and for his long-standing role as editor emeritus of Resurgence & Ecologist magazine. Over the years, Satish has been a Jain monk, pacifist, and advocate for nuclear disarmament. He is also the founder and Director of Programmes at Schumacher College, the internationally respected center for ecological studies. One of his most remarkable achievements was completing, alongside his companion E. P. Menon, an 8,000-mile peace pilgrimage that began in New Delhi in 1962 and continued over two and a half years through Moscow, Paris, London, and Washington, D.C.—the capitals of the world’s earliest nuclear powers.  Throughout his work, Satish has consistently championed the belief that reverence for nature should be at the center of every political and social conversation. 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

  6. 15 Apr

    Peace is Power - Trailer

    Peace Is Power is a podcast hosted by former CIA officer and peacebuilder Janessa Gans Wilder. After serving 21 months in Iraq during the war, Janessa began asking a different question: What if real power is not force, domination, or control, but connection, courage, and the protection of life? 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

Trailer

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Janessa Gans Wilder - Peacebuilder & Founder - Euphrates Institute
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Janessa Gans Wilder
  • Show Website
    Peace is Power

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