The Better Samaritan Podcast

About the episode:Step into the trenches with us as we unpack the raw truth of providing humanitarian aid in war zones. We are privileged to have as our guests Anne Reitsema, CEO of Medair, and Meghan North, former country director for Medair in Ukraine and Poland. They share insights about the initial response to the crisis in Ukraine and details about the daily reality of living and serving in areas of conflict.During our conversation, Anne and Meghan shared the unique challenges posed by the conflict zone and the strategy adopted by Medair to meet the community's specific needs. We also discuss the indispensable role of values and principles in humanitarian work., reflecting on the power of hope during difficult times and the beauty of mutual assistance. Listen to learn more about the resilience and dedication needed to make a difference for some of the world’s most vulnerable people.Anne's bio: Anne Reitsema became Medair’s Chief Executive Officer in 2023. Medair is a Christian International Humanitarian Organization that responds to major crises triggered by natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or conflict. Its mandate is to save lives and relieve human suffering in some of the world’s most devastated and difficult-to-reach places. Anne joined Medair in 2004 and has since led Medair’s programs in Zimbabwe, Angola, Uganda, Sudan, Somalia, and South Sudan. Before joining Medair, she worked as a social worker. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Counseling.Meghan’s bio: Meghan North is an experienced humanitarian aid worker with 10 years of humanitarian experience. She specializes in complex emergencies and has worked in over eight countries, including Ukraine, Iraq, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mozambique, Sudan, and South Sudan. She has worked with Medair for over eight years, most recently as Country Director overseeing Ukraine and Poland. Meghan holds an M.A. from Wheaton College in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership.  Resources:Find out more about Medair.Previous episode: Our Life-Changing Visit to UkrainePrevious episode: How Do You Sustain Hope and Resist Disillusionment When Doing Good? Previous episode: Seven Crucial Steps for Soul-Care: So You Can Care for OthersCome study with us: HDI’s MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership—--------- This episode was produced by WildfireCreative for the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College.Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @drjamieaten | @kentannanFollow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativecoNote to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do 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

Imagine walking into a room and feeling an inexplicable sense of attachment. Have you wondered why?In this episode, we explore that very question with our guest, Dr. Victor Counted, a renowned researcher and associate professor at Regent University. Our discussion pivots around the psychology of religion and environmental psychology, unearthing how our attachment to places and God shapes our identities and spirituality. Also, Dr. Counted brings an eye-opening perspective on the interplay between our emotional bonds to places and our faith experiences.Join us on this thought-provoking journey as we offer insights into how the interaction of place, faith, and psychology can enhance human flourishing in a spiritual context. Listen to learn about :  The psychology of religion and places and how we form attachments to places. The concept of embodied cognition and how it can be applied to the church context to help people re-establish a connection with the church. Four processes to help people reconnect to the church. Bio:Vic Counted, Ph.D., is an associate professor and director of the Abundant Life Flourishing Program at the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Regent University, VA. He is also a faculty affiliate of the Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University. His work primarily examines various psychosocial and psychospiritual processes that shape, support, and sustain health and well-being across cultures, including how the interactions with the physical and social environments contribute to human flourishing. He has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles and many book chapters. His books include "The Roots of Radicalization" (2021, Lexington Book) and "Place and Post-Pandemic Flourishing" (2021, Springer Nature). RESOURCES: Website - https://vcounted.com/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@vcounted  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VCounted  This episode was produced by WildfireCreative Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannanFollow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do 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

Discover the psychological secrets behind why people are leaving behind their faith and quietly quitting church as we sit down with esteemed guests, Dr. Aaron McLaughlin and Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren. In our eye-opening conversation, we dig into their recent study "Losing My Religion," funded by the John Templeton Foundation, which aimed to understand the characteristics, reasons, and mental health of the religious “dones” (individuals who once held religious beliefs but have since walked away from their faith).We explore the four primary reasons why people leave religion: intellectual issues, religious trauma, personal adversity, and social reasons. We also uncover the intriguing "brunch replacement hypothesis," where people who don't prioritize religion pair up with someone who also doesn't prioritize it, eventually opting for brunch over church.Don't miss our discussion on the practical implications of the "Losing My Religion" study for churches and individuals, delving into the need for genuine care and interest in people's stories and the importance of humbly loving our neighbors through their complex journeys. Tune in now for this enlightening and thought-provoking episode!Bios:Aaron McLaughlin, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral research associate at the Ken Matheny Center for the Study of Stress, Trauma, and Resilience at Georgia State University. His research interests include studying humility and other positive psychology constructs and their relationships with well-being outcomes and cooperation in cross-cultural contexts. Additionally, he is interested in religious and spiritual research for supporting communities' mental health and well-being in intercultural or cross-cultural contexts. Aaron enjoys exploring different ways to brew coffee, going on adventures outside with his family, and being part of their church community. Daryl Van Tongeren, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology at Hope College. A social psychologist, he has over 200 scholarly articles and chapters and three books, including his most recent book, Humble. His research has been covered by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, NPR-affiliate radio stations, Scientific American, and Men’s Health. Darryl’s work has been supported by numerous grants from the John Templeton Foundation, and he has won national and international awards for his research. Currently, he is an Associate Editor for The Journal of Positive Psychology and a Consulting Editor for Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and the Journal of Social Psychology. He enjoys running, biking, and hiking near where he lives with his wife. Resources:Spiritual First Aid certificate course___________This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if anxiety, a feeling we often dread, could actually be an opportunity for spiritual growth? In this fascinating conversation with Curtis Chang— executive director of Redeeming Babel, consulting professor at Duke Divinity School, and senior fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary—we discuss his new book, The Anxiety Opportunity, and explore how to approach anxiety from a Christian perspective.Together, we dive into the relationship between Christianity and coping with loss in times of anxiety. Curtis reveals how anxiety can be viewed as a signal that loss is ahead and how this can open the door to restoration and growth with God's help. He also talks about the wrong ways anxiety is viewed in some Christian circles and how evidence-based therapies and medications can help moderate anxiety's most crippling effects while fostering spiritual development. Finally, we discuss the importance of moving towards others in dealing with anxiety and how bringing the conversation into community can be transformative.Bio:Curtis Chang is a public theologian and consulting faculty member of Duke Divinity School and a Senior Fellow at Fuller Theological Seminary. Curtis recently wrote for the New York Times and Christianity Today and appeared on CNN, CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, and NPR’s All Things Considered. Curtis is also the co-host of Good Faith, a podcast with New York Times columnist David French. His ministry, speaking, and writing is fueled by a passion for helping Christians recognize the surprising authority and relevance of Jesus for parts of life that are often left to the secular world.Resources:Curtis’ book—The Anxiety Opportunity: How Worry is the Doorway to Your Best SelfPrevious episode—:Grounded in Grace: A Christian Technique for Relieving Stress and Strengthening FaithSpiritual First Aid certificate courseThis episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if we could help every child flourish in the face of adversity and trauma? Join us as we speak with two staff members of Christian Heritage, a non-profit agency in Nebraska: Roy Baldwin, the executive director, and Emma Sugita, CH’s training director. Christian Heritage’s mission is to see the gospel redeem the most broken families through their programs and services, including Beyond Prison, Families Together, and Care Portal. Roy and Emma relate stories of hope from the front lines of foster care ministry, touch on how their organization prioritizes the flourishing of their employees, and share practical ways believers and churches can come alongside foster care families. This episode is a must-listen for anyone wanting to learn more about the challenges and opportunities in foster care—or any trauma-informed ministry.Bios:Roy Baldwin currently serves as CEO for Christian Heritage in Lincoln NE. He is the former Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family. Roy has worked for over 25 years working with vulnerable youth and families and often writes about faith and families at SincereReligion.com. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with his wife of 27 years and has 3 kids. Emma Sugita lives in Lincoln, Nebraska with her husband Josh and 2 kids. She currently serves as the Director of Training at Christian Heritage. Emma has worked at CH for 6 years previously as a Foster Care Specialist and Licensing Specialist before her current role. RESOURCES: Christian Heritage’s websiteArticle:: Orienting our Hearts and Mind for Effective Foster CarePrevious episode: Becoming a Trauma-Informed ChurchDownload our FREE trauma-informed church action toolFree e-book: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout (includes 94 pages of helpful tools, research, and encouragement)Spiritual First Aid certificate course___________This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid.—---Episode keywords: foster care, parenting, trauma, church, burnout, self-care, trauma-informed, vulnerable children, youth, mental health, adolescents, ministry, trust-based intervention, healing, healthy churches, flourishing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jamie delves into the crucial topic of helping your congregation become a trauma-informed church. He also notes the perils of non-trauma-informed congregations. With nearly 70% of people experiencing trauma at some point in their lives, it's essential for churches to understand trauma’s prevalence and impact, in order to create a safe and supportive environment for those affected. Join us as we continue to learn how to “do good, better” and create more compassionate, accountable, and supportive faith communities. RESOURCES: Download our FREE trauma-informed church action toolSpiritual First Aid certificate coursePrevious episode: Power and Abuse in the ChurchPrevious episode: Navigating the Unholy Fatigue of Burnout: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious TraumaPrevious episode: A Well-Equipped Church is the Best Place to Start Healing from TraumaFree trauma-informed spiritual and emotional care resources___________This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jamie introduces a Christian grounding technique he and Kent developed for the Spiritual First Aid certificate course, Grounded in Grace: The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique. The technique is designed to help manage stress and anxiety by directing our attention to the present moment through our five senses. Because it incorporates prayer and visualization, this practice can strengthen our faith and deepen our connection to God. As Jamie notes, it’s vital for helpers to take care of themselves because “there’s no Spiritual First Aid without self-aid.” We pray this episode encourages you as you encourage others.RESOURCES: Previous episode: Ten-minute Guided Relaxation ExercisePrevious episode: Navigating the Unholy Trinity of Burnout: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue, and Vicarious TraumaFree e-book: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout (includes 94 pages of helpful tools, research, and encouragement)How close to burnout are you? Take our free 10-question quiz to find out.Soul Care for Wounded Healers: guided journaling exercise (audio resource)Find Calm in the Chaos: 11-minute guided prayer (audio resource)Spiritual First Aid certificate course___________This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Jamie dives into the unholy trinity of burnout: burnout itself, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. This trio is familiar to many in helping professions, ministry positions, or volunteer roles. Understanding their definitions and root causes is essential for preventing—and overcoming—each of them.As Christian helpers, we can't ignore these issues. Instead, we must prioritize our well-being to serve others more effectively and model healthier life rhythms. Together as the Church, we have a unique opportunity to tackle this unholy trinity of burnout head-on and help people find the support they need to lead well and “do good, better” from a place of rest.RESOURCES: Free e-book: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout (includes 94 pages of helpful tools, research, and encouragement)7 Ways Pastors Can Avoid Burning Out with Ray ChangHow close to burnout are you? Take our free 10-question quiz to find out.Soul Care for Wounded Healers: guided journaling exercise (audio resource)Find Calm in the Chaos: 11-minute guided prayer (audio resource)Seven Crucial Steps for Self-Care with Holly OxhandlerSpiritual First Aid certificate course___________This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We believe 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.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid.—--- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the things Jamie and Kent have learned over the years is that “doing good, better” is demanding emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. It's quite common for helpers to feel a high level of stress, and they may eventually succumb to compassion fatigue or even burnout. In a special edition of the podcast, Jamie leads us through a 10-minute progressive muscle relaxation exercise to help relieve stress. We hope it will encourage you as you continue to serve and make a difference in the lives of those around you.RESOURCES:Free e-book: 101 Ways to Overcome Burnout (includes 94 pages of helpful tools, research, and encouragement)7 Ways Pastors Can Avoid Burning Out with Ray ChangHow close to burnout are you? Take our free 10-question quiz to find out.Soul Care for Wounded Healers: guided journaling exercise (audio resource)Find Calm in the Chaos: 11-minute guided prayer (audio resource)Seven Crucial Steps for Self-Care with Holly OxhandlerSpiritual First Aid certificate course___________"On Being a Good Neighbor", a sermon draft by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.This episode was produced by Wildfire Creative.Theme Song “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter: @kentannan | @drjamieaten Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreative(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. We think 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 corrections. Especially in our blind spots.)Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this unique episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with poet and pastor Drew Jackson, author of two volumes of poetry, including God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming. Drew reads several of his poems, leading into discussions about Jesus as an outsider, how justice work is a core gospel ethic, and why remaining vulnerable and compassionate is imperative for Christians who want to “do good, better.”.  Listen as: (0:00:03) - Drew reads his poem “Nazareth,” reflecting on Luke 1:2 (0:09:12), and shares how he uses writing poetry to explore and ask questions.(0:16:27) - Jamie, Kent, and Drew discuss the concept of calling and vocation, with the idea that humans are created in the image of God and that the work of justice is at the core of our being.(0:32:35) - Drew relates how Jesus calls us to approach the world and others with tenderness, compassion, and a willingness to serve. (0:37:43) - Jamie, Kent, and Drew talk about how we can prevent becoming numb as we respond to what’s happening in the world.Drew E. Jackson is a poet and pastor. He is the author of God Speaks Through Wombs: Poems on God’s Unexpected Coming and  Touch the Earth: Poems on The Way, and his work has appeared in Oneing, Made for Pax, The Journal from the Centre for Public Christianity, Fathom Magazine, and other publications. He received his B.A. in Political Science from the Univ. of Chicago and his M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Drew lives in New York City with his wife and daughters.Resources: Drew’s Website - https://drewejackson.com/  Drew’s books - https://drewejackson.com/books  This episode was produced by WildfireCreative Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The BrillianceSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSSFollow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannanFollow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll have Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do 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