Walk Talk Listen Podcast

Maurice A. Bloem

Walk Talk Listen, an attempt to connect people and make this world a bit better by sharing opinions and experiences based on the belief that everyone’s perspective is true albeit partial. It is also an effort to create awareness and to inspire a growing group of listeners to be engaged with the Global Goals (SDGs) and their attainment. A spin-off of the 100 mile walk. #gotheextra100mile

  1. 1d ago

    Can We Bridge Competing Worldviews? with Jody Fry - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 242)

    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, I speak with Jody Fry about the journey that led him from engineering and organizational leadership to becoming one of the leading voices on spiritual leadership and leadership for sustainability. We explore purpose, belonging, hope, sustainability, and the challenge of bridging competing worldviews in an increasingly polarized world. Along the way, Jody reflects on personal experiences that shaped his thinking and explains why leadership ultimately begins with an inner journey of self-awareness and service to others.   Jody Fry is Regents Professor of Management and Leadership at Texas A&M University-Central Texas and Director of its MS Leadership for Sustainability Program. His work on Spiritual Leadership has been cited more than 20,000 times and has influenced scholars and practitioners around the world. He is the author of Maximizing the Triple Bottom Line Through Spiritual Leadership, founder of the International Institute for Spiritual Leadership, and co-author of the forthcoming book Completing the SDG Promise: Leadership to Bridge Competing Worldviews for a Sustainable Future. His research focuses on helping leaders and organizations create flourishing futures that work for people, planet, and prosperity.   More information:https://www.iispiritualleadership.com/ Texas A&M Central Texas:https://www.tamuct.edu/directory/louis-fry/ International Institute for Spiritual Leadership:https://www.iispiritualleadership.com/   Listener Engagement: Learn more about Jody Fry and his work through his website, see above and his social media handles: YouTube and Facebook. Jody is also on Linkedin. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1 hr
  2. Jun 3

    Can We Really Abolish Poverty? Hope, Democracy, and Faith with David Beckmann - Walk Talk Listen (Episode 241)

    David Beckmann returns to Walk Talk Listen for a third conversation. An economist, Lutheran pastor, World Food Prize laureate, and former President of Bread for the World, David has spent decades working to end hunger and poverty through advocacy, faith, and civic engagement. This time, we discuss his new book, Poverty Abolitionists: Faith, Activism, and Hope for Difficult Times, which argues that poverty is not an inevitable feature of society but a solvable problem if people organize, advocate, vote, and work together for change.   Our conversation explores the book's five key insights and ten strategies, including legislative advocacy, democracy, social justice movements, faith communities, and reaching across divides. We discuss whether policy advocacy is still as effective as it once was, the importance of local agency and community action, the role of spirituality and inner transformation, and why David remains hopeful despite what he sees as a significant setback in the fight against poverty. We also revisit a question from a previous Walk Talk Listen guest: What is the single most important thing civil society should focus on today?   Find his Book via:https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/poverty-abolitionists-9798216275893/. Previous Walk Talk Listen conversations with David: https://walktalklisten.podbean.com/e/virtual-walk-talk-listen-with-david-beckmann/ and https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-5unud-11dbf4b   Listener Engagement: Learn more about David Beckmann and his work through his website and his social media handles: YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and Blue Sky. David is also on Linkedin. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    54 min
  3. May 27

    From Scouts to Global Advocacy with Caterina Tino – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 240)

    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem speaks with Caterina Tino, ACT Alliance’s Representative to the United Nations. Growing up in Rome, Caterina was shaped by a family that lived their faith through service, a Scout movement that emphasized citizenship and responsibility, and an early encounter with the world of international development that sparked a lifelong calling. What followed was a journey marked by determination, unexpected turns, and more than a few setbacks along the way.   The conversation explores how values become action, the lessons learned from working in Kosovo during a period of reconstruction, the realities of building a career in international cooperation, and the role faith communities can play in addressing today’s global challenges. Caterina also reflects on rejection, resilience, family, and why creating change often begins with small acts of service and solidarity.   Caterina is an international development professional with expertise in human rights, advocacy, and partnerships. Prior to joining ACT Alliance, she worked with UNICEF, UNFPA, and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), and contributed to the global civil society campaign that helped secure adoption of the UN Arms Trade Treaty. Caterina holds a Master's degree in Human Rights and Conflict Management from the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.   Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Caterina and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Learn more about Caterina (via her Linkedin)  and her organization ACT Alliance: website. Caterina's Instagram and Facebook. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1h 16m
  4. May 20

    Holding Space for Healing with Krysten Vazquez – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 239)

    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice speaks with Krysten Vazquez, a holistic physician assistant, clinical herbalist and sound healer whose life journey bridges medicine, spirituality and connection to nature. Raised in Miami in a deeply outdoors-oriented Cuban family surrounded by horses and rescued animals, Krysten reflects on the experiences that shaped her understanding of healing, resilience and community.   Their conversation moves through New York, the pandemic, burnout, spirituality, ancestral wisdom and the tension between modern healthcare systems and more holistic approaches to well-being. Along the way, Krysten shares moments that transformed the direction of her life and explains why creating safe and nurturing spaces has become central to her work today. The episode invites listeners into a thoughtful conversation about healing, vulnerability and remembering what reconnects us to ourselves.   Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Krysten and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Learn more about Krysten (via her Linkedin)  and her work through her own website. Krysten's Instagram and Facebook. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    43 min
  5. May 13

    Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World with Ignacio Packer – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 238)

    Ignacio Packer’s journey is not defined by titles or roles, but by a thread connecting people, places, and moments. From early experiences shaped by the Cold War to a pivotal decision to leave a career in finance for humanitarian work, Ignacio reflects on what it means to live with purpose and passion. A simple but powerful moment—his mother telling him to “free yourself”—set him on a path that would take him across the world, working in some of the most challenging contexts and ultimately leading him to a deeper question: how do we rebuild trust in a fragmented world? In this conversation, Ignacio shares how his thinking evolved from focusing on systems and policies to recognizing the essential role of relationships, inner transformation, and personal responsibility. Drawing from decades in humanitarian work and now leading Initiatives of Change, he explores the courage it takes to listen, to speak respectfully across divides, and to reconnect even when trust has been broken. This episode is a powerful reflection on leadership, humanity, and the quiet work required to heal relationships—within ourselves and with others. Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Ignacio and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Learn more about Ignacio (via his Linkedin) and his work through the Caux website and/or check Linkedin. Caux's Instagram and Facebook. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1h 2m
  6. May 6

    From Power to Partnership with Patrick Watt – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 237)

    In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Maurice Bloem speaks with Patrick Watt, CEO of Christian Aid, about what it means to lead in a time where poverty, climate, and inequality are deeply intertwined. Patrick reflects on his journey from a rural upbringing in England to leading one of the world’s most respected faith-based development organizations, sharing how his background in theology and development shaped a lifelong commitment to justice. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes that real motivation comes not from abstract goals, but from encounters with communities, partners, and supporters who dedicate themselves to a purpose beyond their own lives.   The discussion explores the evolving role of faith in development, the shifting landscape of institutional religion, and the growing importance of locally-led approaches. Patrick speaks candidly about the challenge of “letting go” of power as an organization, describing Christian Aid’s role increasingly as a convener, connector, and catalyst. He also reflects on the role of prayer and perspective in sustaining leadership, and the importance of holding difference while working toward shared values of dignity, equality, and justice.   Patrick Watt is the Chief Executive Officer for Christian Aid, leading the organization in its work to tackle poverty and promote dignity, equality, and justice. He works closely with the SLT and the Board of Trustees and engages staff, supporters, partners, and sponsoring churches to realize Christian Aid's vision. Patrick has widespread experience working in development and humanitarian organizations, including Oxfam, ActionAid, and Save the Children International, where he was the Advocacy and Campaigns Director. He holds degrees in Theology from the University of Cambridge and in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.   Listener Engagement: Discover the songs picked by Patrick Watt and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Learn more about Patrick Watt and his work through the Christian Aid website and/or check Linkedin. Christian Aid's Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1h 13m
  7. Apr 29

    From Shattered to Whole with Suzie Greco — Walk Talk Listen (Episode 236)

    In this deeply personal and courageous conversation, Suzie Greco shares a journey that moves from silence and survival to truth-telling and transformation. What begins as a story of trauma and fragmentation unfolds into something much larger: a reflection on how personal experience can illuminate systemic failure. Through the powerful metaphor of the “Stone Sphere,” Suzie describes how the structures we build to survive can sometimes need to break apart in order for something more whole, more authentic, and more deeply connected to emerge.   Suzie Greco is a theologian, author of The Stone Sphere, and doctoral candidate in practical and ethical theology. Her work explores trauma, institutional power, spirituality, and the relationship between personal healing and collective change. Drawing from lived experience, academic research, and a deep connection to nature and the divine, she brings a unique voice to conversations on faith, systems, and transformation.   Listener Engagement: Learn more about Suzie Greco and her work through her website and/or check Facebook. Suzie is also on Linkedin or check all her research articles via this link. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1h 1m
  8. Apr 22

    From Outsider to Calling with Rev. Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe — Walk Talk Listen (Episode 235)

    Rev. Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe takes us on a deeply personal journey from growing up as an outsider in apartheid South Africa to becoming an ordained minister and global advocate for SOGIE inclusion in faith spaces. Raised in an atheist household and navigating identity, belonging, and authenticity from a young age, Toni shares how embracing her truth as a lesbian shaped her path, even when it meant standing apart from dominant narratives.   In this conversation, Toni reflects on a transformative spiritual encounter that expanded her understanding of reality, her search for community, and the critical importance of affirming faith spaces. From resisting rigid religious norms to ultimately answering a call to ministry, she now works at the intersection of faith and justice as Executive Director of the Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions (GIN-SSOGIE). This episode is a powerful exploration of authenticity, faith, and the courage to reshape systems from within.   Listener Engagement: Learn more about Rev. Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe and her work through GIN-SSOGIE (their website and their social media handles: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube. Toni is also on Linkedin. Share your feedback on this episode through our Walk Talk Listen Feedback link – your thoughts matter! Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by following us on Facebook and Instagram. Visit 100mile.org or mauricebloem.com for more episodes and information about our work. Check out the special series "Enough for All" and learn more about the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

    1h 13m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Walk Talk Listen, an attempt to connect people and make this world a bit better by sharing opinions and experiences based on the belief that everyone’s perspective is true albeit partial. It is also an effort to create awareness and to inspire a growing group of listeners to be engaged with the Global Goals (SDGs) and their attainment. A spin-off of the 100 mile walk. #gotheextra100mile