Finding Joy Against the Odds with Sarah Rehman – Walk Talk Listen (Episode 215)

In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, host Maurice Bloem speaks with Sarah Rehman, Membership and Administrative Specialist for the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. Holding four master’s degrees — in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, Mediterranean Security, Theology, and Women’s and Gender Studies — Sarah combines intellectual depth with the compassion of a peacebuilder who has seen both struggle and hope up close.

 

Sarah reflects on her journey across disciplines, cultures, and faith traditions, speaking about love, resilience, and what sustains her in difficult times. As she puts it:

 

“Resilience. It’s the overcoming incredible odds, but still finding joy.”

 

She also reminds us that “the basis of every religion is love, and what people do with it after that is a reflection on them, not on faith.”

 

Together, Maurice and Sarah explore how this understanding shapes her work in preventing violent extremism, empowering women and youth, and keeping hope alive in the face of adversity.

 

Listener Engagement:

• Discover the song picked by Sarah and other guests on our #walktalklisten here.
• Learn more about Sarah's work via 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).