Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation

The Tufenkian Foundation

Welcome to ‘Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation,' where we speak with the people and partners shaping Armenia’s future from the ground up.

Episodes

  1. 12/24/2025

    ep. 10 - What Comes After Crisis: A Conversation with Greg Bedian

    In this episode, host Rupen Janbazian sits down in Yerevan with Greg Bedian, Director of the Foundation, for a candid conversation about commitment, timing, and responsibility. Greg arrived in Armenia just before the 2020 Artsakh War. He witnessed the upheaval, the heartbreak, and the urgent need for action. He decided to stay. Since then, he has helped lead a range of projects, from humanitarian support in crisis zones to long-term development in vulnerable regions like Syunik. His story reflects the complex path many in the diaspora face when deciding how and where to contribute. 🎧 In this conversation, we explore: • What brought Greg to Armenia, and why he chose to stay • What leadership looks like in uncertain times • The evolving role of the diaspora in Armenia's future • Lessons from the field in Syunik and beyond• How hope and realism can coexist in daily work 💡 This episode offers a grounded, reflective look at repatriation, development, and the choices that shape a life between worlds. 🔗 Learn more and support the work: tufenkianfoundation.org

  2. 08/18/2025

    ep. 9 - Faith & Witness: A Conversation with Matias Perttula & David Barton

    In this episode, host Rupen Janbazian sits down in Yerevan with David Barton, bestselling author and founder of WallBuilders, and Matias Perttula, Director of Save Armenia, just one day after their return from southern Armenia's Syunik Province.Fresh from visiting rural communities like Svarants and historic monasteries like Tatev, the guests share their reflections on what they witnessed—resilience, spiritual strength, and pressing concerns. The delegation they joined was organized by Save Armenia, with ground support from the Tufenkian Foundation, and included leading U.S.-based Christian advocates.🎧 In this conversation, we explore:• On-the-ground insights from Syunik's vulnerable villages• What American Christians should know about Armenia's faith and fragility• The vision of Save Armenia and the urgent need for global solidarity• Lessons from Armenia that resonate across faith and freedom movements💡 This episode offers a heartfelt, strategic look at why Armenia matters—not only to Armenians but to Christians and defenders of human rights worldwide.🔗 Learn more and support the work: tufenkianfoundation.org | savearmenia.us📌 Like, subscribe, and share to help amplify this vital conversation—it really helps us reach more people who care about Armenia's future.#SaveArmenia #TufenkianFoundation #ChristianSolidarity #Armenia #Artsakh #FaithAndWitness #ReligiousFreedom #DailyWire #ConversationsWithTufenkian #Syunik #WallBuilders #DavidBarton #MatiasPerttula

  3. 07/14/2025

    ep. 8 - Twenty-Five Years of Impact: A Conversation with Dr. Antranig Kasbarian

    In this episode, host Rupen Janbazian sits down with Dr. Antranig Kasbarian, longtime activist, academic, and Director of Development at the Tufenkian Foundation, to reflect on more than 25 years of impact, evolution, and lessons learned on the ground in Armenia and Artsakh.From rebuilding border villages in post-war Artsakh to launching a major new resettlement initiative in Syunik, the Tufenkian Foundation has remained rooted in one guiding principle: filling the gaps where others cannot or will not go. 🎧 In this conversation, we explore: • The founding vision of James Tufenkian and the early years of the Foundation • Civil society development and bottom-up change in post-Soviet Armenia • Lessons from Artsakh: building villages, confronting war, and sustaining hope • The aftermath of 2020 and 2025 and the new frontier of resettlement in Syunik • Striking a balance between humility, accountability, and impact 💡 This episode offers an unfiltered look at how philanthropy, resilience, and strategic vision can shape a nation’s future, one community at a time. 🔗 Learn more and support the Foundation’s work: tufenkianfoundation.org📌 Follow the Tufenkian Foundation for more stories: @TufenkianFoundation #TufenkianFoundation #Armenia #Artsakh #Syunik #Resettlement #CivilSociety #HumanitarianWork #ConversationsWithTufenkian #SocialImpact #NationBuilding #ArmenianDiaspora #Podcast

  4. 05/21/2025

    ep. 7 - Fifteen Years of Courage: The Story of the Women's Support Center of Armenia

    In this episode, host Rupen Janbazian sits down with Maro Matosian, Ani Jilozian, and Lenna Garibian to reflect on 15 years of impact, advocacy, and resilience at the Women's Support Center (WSC) of Armenia. What began in 2010 as a small pilot initiative—supported by the Tufenkian Foundation, USAID, and AIWA—has become a nationwide movement for change. From providing shelter, legal support, and psychological counselling to shaping Armenia's domestic violence laws, the WSC has been at the forefront of the fight for women’s rights in the country. 🎧 In this conversation, we explore: • The Center's founding years and early challenges • The measurable and human impact of its work • The passage of Armenia's domestic violence laws • The role of the diaspora in driving change • What lies ahead for the WSC and the broader movement 💡 This episode is a powerful reminder that courage, collaboration, and care make systemic change possible. 🔗 Learn more and support the Women's Support Center: womensupportcenter.org 📌 Follow the Tufenkian Foundation for more stories

  5. 05/07/2025

    BONUS: James Tufenkian on Identity, Purpose, and the Birth of a Movement (PART ONE, 2018)

    Long before Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation became a podcast, this in-depth conversation between Antranig Kasbarian and James Tufenkian was recorded in Dec. 2018 to mark the Foundation’s 20th anniversary. In Part One, James reflects on his Armenian roots, the family history that shaped him, and the unexpected path that led him from a legal career in the U.S. to founding a globally recognized carpet company and, ultimately, the Tufenkian Foundation. He discusses the early years of investing in Armenia—reviving the handmade carpet industry during a time of crisis, creating local jobs, and laying the groundwork for what would become a mission-driven life. This candid and personal interview offers rare insight into the values, vision, and turning points that led to the creation of one of Armenia’s most impactful foundations. Host: Antranig Kasbarian

  6. 04/01/2024

    ep. 6 - Mira Antonyan on Supporting Artsakh Families and Building Resilience in Syunik

    In Episode 6 of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, we speak with Mira Antonyan, President of the Armenian Association of Social Workers, about a vital partnership aimed at helping displaced families from Artsakh. Mira shares insights into the joint psycho-social center recently opened in Goris, the urgent needs of the forcibly displaced population following the September 2023 ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, and the ongoing challenges they face as they rebuild their lives in Syunik. A powerful conversation about trauma, resilience, and the work being done on the ground to support Armenia’s most vulnerable. Host: Bedo Demirdjian

  7. 06/29/2023

    ep. 5 - Alexander Chmelev on Global Law, Armenian Roots, and Giving Back

    In Episode 5 of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, we speak with Alexander Chmelev, a seasoned tax lawyer, retired Baker & McKenzie partner, and Trustee of the Tufenkian Foundation. Born in New York and with decades of experience across Russia and the former Soviet Union, Alexander reflects on his legal career, role in shaping tax policy, and deepening connection to his Armenian roots. We also discuss his commitment to the Foundation’s mission and how his international background continues to inform his philanthropic work today. A wide-ranging conversation with a legal mind and global citizen dedicated to meaningful impact. Host: Bedo Demirdjian

  8. 11/21/2022

    ep. 4 - Joe Krikorian on Emergency Aid, Code 3 Angels, and Saving Lives Across Borders

    In Episode 4 of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, we speak with Joe Krikorian, founder and director of Code 3 Angels, a California-based emergency medical organization making a global impact. Joe shares how his team is delivering life-saving training and equipment to vulnerable communities in Armenia, Artsakh, Lebanon, and the U.S. We also dive into the recent partnership between Code 3 Angels and the Tufenkian Foundation, which provided emergency trauma training to over 230 people in Artsakh’s Martuni region. An inspiring conversation with a man dedicated to turning compassion into action. Host: Rupen Janbazian

  9. 07/11/2022

    ep. 3 - Judith Saryan on Zabel Yessayan, Armenian Women’s Voices, and Leaving Wall Street for Literature

    In Episode 3 of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, we speak with Judith Saryan, activist, philanthropist, and longtime supporter of the Foundation. Judith shares her remarkable journey from a successful career in finance to championing Armenian literature and women’s voices. She reflects on her work with the Armenian International Women's Association (AIWA) to introduce Zabel Yessayan’s writings to new audiences, and discusses her broader efforts to preserve and promote Armenian cultural heritage. A compelling conversation about purpose, passion, and the power of storytelling. Host: Rupen Janbazian

  10. 04/19/2022

    ep. 2 - Dr. Carolann Najarian on Answering the Call of Armenia and Artsakh

    In this episode of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, we sit down with Dr. Carolann Najarian, physician, author, humanitarian, and longtime supporter of the Foundation. Dr. Najarian reflects on her early experiences in Armenia and Artsakh following the 1988 Spitak earthquake and during the Artsakh Liberation War. She shares stories from her powerful book, A Call From Home: Armenia and Karabagh, My Journal, and speaks candidly about her decades-long commitment to Armenian causes, including her involvement with the Tufenkian Foundation. This is a moving and insightful conversation you won’t want to miss. Host: Rupen Janbazian

  11. 04/11/2022

    ep. 1 - Antranig Kasbarian on the Evolution of the Tufenkian Foundation

    Welcome to the first episode of Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation, where we speak with the people and partners shaping Armenia’s future from the ground up.For our inaugural episode (first aired on Feb. 11, 2022), we had the pleasure of speaking with our director of development Antranig Kasbarian. Antranig has been active in Armenian affairs for most of his life and has been with the Foundation in various capacities for more than two decades—from being responsible for launching its Artsakh program, to serving as the Foundation’s executive director for a number of years, and now as a board member and director of development in charge of supervising partnerships, fundraising, and special projects. Host: Rupen Janbazian

  • 11 Episodes

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Welcome to ‘Conversations with the Tufenkian Foundation,' where we speak with the people and partners shaping Armenia’s future from the ground up.

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