The Better Samaritan Podcast

The Future of Foreign Aid 

What’s on the horizon for foreign aid and humanitarian response strategies, especially in light of ongoing funding cuts to foreign aid around the world? In this episode, Dr. Eric James, founder of Field Ready, shares how localization can make humanitarian aid faster, cheaper, and more effective. We talk about reducing dependency on outside supply chains and how putting tools directly into the hands of local community members builds long-term resilience. Dr. James also tackles the harsh realities facing the aid sector today, including shrinking budgets and the rise of anti-intellectualism. This episode reflects both on what still needs to change and where to look for opportunities for innovation in instability. Listen in to learn more: 11:08 - Rutger Bregman on tax avoidance and social impact 18:14 - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey   Read More from Dr. Eric James: Managing Humanitarian Relief Articles and other books Eric’s post-show recommendation - Sign up for regular summaries of changes in the humanitarian landscape from the International Humanitarian Studies Association Field Ready   About Dr. Eric James Eric is an international aid worker, social entrepreneur, and educator with over 25 years of experience in humanitarian work. He has worked extensively with various NGOs and the UN in disaster and conflict zones around the world. He currently teaches in various academic contexts, leads his nonprofit Field Ready, and works on innovative ventures focused on humanitarian response, leadership, and strategy. Dr. James is also the author of several books about foreign aid, including the widely used guide, Managing Humanitarian Relief. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NGO Strategy and Leadership: 10 Steps of Crisis Management

Veteran humanitarian leader Roger Sandberg joins us to discuss how NGOs can lead effectively in the midst of funding cuts and uncertainty. As political shifts tighten budgets, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Roger shares practical strategies for assessing risk, strengthening communication within teams, and re-imagining sources of funding. We dive into crisis leadership—why financial clarity, quick decisions, and lessons-learned reviews matter more than ever. Roger also emphasizes the importance of donor diversity and the risks associated with relying too heavily on a single funding source. This episode offers honest insight and practical advice for any leader navigating change in the aid sector. Listen in to learn more :  4:44 - 10 Steps to Stabilize, Adapt, and Lead Through Uncertainty 31:31 - Study on the role in humility within humanitarian leadership   Read More from Roger on this topic:   NGO Leaders: 10 Steps to Stabilize, Adapt, and Lead Through Uncertainty   Crisis Leadership: Strategic Planning in the Age of Aid Disruptions   Opinion: The US aid crisis is an opportunity for outcome-based finance   The Three-Legged Stool of Humanitarian Action…Did it just break?   About Roger Sandberg Roger is a global humanitarian leader, strategist, and consultant with over two decades of experience leading emergency response and organizational transformation in crisis-affected regions. He advises international NGOs, foundations, and philanthropic networks on leadership, localization, and humanitarian response models that center community agency and sustainability. ------------ This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Faith, Resilience, and the Realities of Humanitarian Work

What happens when humanitarian work collides with political upheaval and shifting policies? In this episode, Rebekah Teuscher and Michaela Dowen, graduates of the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, share what it’s like to navigate being young humanitarian professionals in this time of uncertainty. They offer honest insight into the challenges and realities humanitarian workers face, and share what’s kept them going. We talk about the importance of clear communication, collaboration across organizations, and staying grounded when things feel chaotic. Rebekah and Michaela also reflect on finding purpose in unexpected roles and the need for good support systems to sustain their work. Their reflections are honest, practical, and rooted in the real-world complexity of an ever-changing work sector. Listen in to learn more :   (11:24) Overview article of refugee resettlement history in the US: Why does Trump’s executive order about refugees matter? Read More from Rebekah “Lord, but When Did We See You?” Harrisburg area refugees share their stories, perspectives amidst shifting immigration landscape     Bios: Over the past six years, Rebekah Teuscher has worked with refugees in various contexts in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her work for refugees and migrant populations, she is passionate about trauma-informed care and community development. She now lives and serves in Lithuania, working with international university student populations.   Michaela Dowen is a humanitarian professional who has spent the last four years in the field of forced migration. With experience in local, national, and international spaces, she is passionate about advocating for this especially vulnerable demographic through storytelling and public education. —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Funding Cuts Are Impacting Anti-Trafficking Efforts With Rev. Dr. Sandra Morgan

How do federal and foreign aid cuts impact anti-trafficking work, both directly and indirectly? In this episode, we talk with Rev. Dr. Sandra Morgan from Vanguard University about how global aid and domestic budget cuts are affecting efforts to fight human trafficking around the world, both individually and systemically. Dr. Morgan shares how collaboration, trust, and elevating smaller organizations are key to a sustained fight against trafficking, and how to foster these practices. We also discuss how churches can step in to fill critical gaps and why training the next generation of advocates matters. It’s an honest look at the challenges, and where hope and resilience are still showing up. Listen in to learn more :  23:54 - Tool to Evaluate Collaboration: Visible Network Labs 26:09 - To Change the World by James Davison Hunter 27:59 - Anti-Human Trafficking Certificate at  Vanguard   More from Dr. Morgan: Ending Human Trafficking Podcast  Ending Human Trafficking: A Handbook of Strategies for the Church Today Global Center for Women and Justice at Vanderbilt University     BIO: Rev. Dr. Sandra Morgan is Executive Director of Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice (GCWJ). As an educator, a nurse, and an ordained Assemblies of God minister, she is recognized globally for her expertise in combating human trafficking and working to end violence against women and children. She hosts the Ending Human Trafficking podcast and is co-author of IVP’s Ending Human Trafficking: A Handbook of Strategies for the Church Today.    —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Compassion and Complexity: Evangelicals on Government and Humanitarian Aid

What happens when churches, governments, and communities work together across differences in opinion for the common good? In this episode, Dr. Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, joins us to talk about how different parts of the evangelical church are responding to shifts in humanitarian aid and funding, and why these varied responses matter. We dig into the Biblical precedent for and history of public-private partnerships, the importance of government support, and how different Christian views of society and culture impact how churches engage with humanitarian work. Dr. Kim brings biblical insight, historical context, and practical wisdom for how the Church can stay grounded in compassion while navigating complexity. Read more from Walter Kim and the NAE: National Association of Evangelicals Calls for Renewed Commitment to Stewardship, Global Compassion Compassion for a World in Need Podcast: Difficult Conversations Bio: Walter Kim  Walter Kim is President of the National Association of Evangelicals. He earned his PhD at Harvard, was a chaplain at Yale, and has served in diverse pastoral ministries. He is on the board of World Relief, Christianity Today, and The Salvation Army, USA. He is often sought out for his theological and cultural commentary on issues facing the church and society.   —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices