Impact!

Welcome to a landmark episode as we celebrate the 100th edition of Impact! Reflecting on our journey, we discuss the evolution of the show from its inception in November 2023 amidst global crises to offer a beacon of hope and change. Join us as we reminisce over memorable episodes, remarkable guests, and significant themes we've covered, often opening our hearts and minds to happenings in our world that we know little about. We tal...

In a sobering reflection some 80 years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we hear harrowing survivor testimonies and explore the long-lasting effects on human life that resulted that continue to resonate today. Join us as we remember the devastation, honour the strength and resilience of the Hibakusha, and reflect on the implications of nuclear warfare for today's world. Through personal stories and histo...

This week, we give thanks for the remarkably limited life-threatening harm that appears to have resulted from the massive earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka coast earlier this week. Recorded at a magnitude of 8.8, this ranks among the most powerful quakes in history, sending tsunami alerts right around the Pacific. Despite its strength, the earthquake resulted in minimal human casualties, a miraculous outcome that prompt...

Mary Magdalene Feast Day is celebrated each year on 22 July. To mark this event, Ellen talks to Mary Magdalene expert Kathleen McGowan to understand why Mary’s example and role is so important in Christianity, if hers is a story of profound understanding, courage and perseverance that’s been completely misrepresented and suppressed for much of the Common Era. Along with a suppression of Mary’s intended role as a successor to Jesus ...

This week, we reflect on where our intentions and prayers are needed sometime after a major disaster, and especially when it begins to fade from the news headlines. We explore the continuing tragedy that is unfolding in Kerr County, Texas, and its surrounds, as search and rescue efforts continue, and the profound nature and scale of impacts on many hundreds of people and communities become clear, following the flooding of the Guada...

This week we reflect upon the history and legacy of the Srebrenica massacre, which its 30th anniversary on 11 July. We recall the tragic events that unfolded in July 1995, highlighting the significance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in history. We discuss the many lasting consequences of the massacre, the failures of the international community, and the many profound impact on survivors and their communities. Jo...

As we enter a new quarter of the year, Global Healing Response turns its attention to the theme of honesty. In this episode, we explore the often subtle connections between honesty and authenticity, and see how these may play out in political and organisational leadership, as well as within our own lives. We see that even those of us who believe we live honestly may be deceiving ourselves, as we reflect upon the subtle ways dishone...

In this episode, we delve into the all-too-frequent exploitation by some leaders and regimes of religious narratives to justify their ideologies, control populations and bolster their power. Taking an editorial approach in which we don't hold back from expressing our opinions, we examine historical and contemporary examples to understand the nature of how state power becomes mixed with religious dogma, revealing the detrimental eff...

This week, we take a look at the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over unresolved territorial disputes, including the contentious area near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. As tensions reach their tensest point in many years, we explore the historical roots of the disagreement, recent developments, and the geopolitical dynamics, especially involving the power play between the US and China. As always, we share heart...

In this emergency episode, we turn attention to where our prayers and intentions are needed following the crash of Air India flight AI171 shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. We consider what's known about the incident and invite  listeners to unite in collective intention, prayers, and meditation for the individuals and communities affected. 

If you wish, you can go straight to this guided time of prayer and intention sending, an...

In this episode, we delve into how to respond to narcissistic abuse of victims. Building upon last week’s discussion, we explore practical ways to identify, resist, and recover from the detrimental effects of narcissism in various aspects of life, including at work and in personal relationships. We draw on expert advice, including such things as recognizing narcissistic behaviors, setting assertive boundaries, and protecting one's ...

In what we hope is a thought-provoking episode, this week we delve into the world of the narcissism, especially in politics and organizations. We explore how narcissistic traits often permeate leadership roles, with the potential to impact organizations, societies, and global politics, not to mention having detrimental effects on individuals' wellbeing. Far from being a straightforward topic, we also see why some people in the publ...

In this episode, we explore the pressing issues of  the social authenticity crisis affecting many societies globally, which is being driven among other reasons by AI-generated content, political polarization, and eroded trust in institutions. We discuss how this crisis impacts our daily lives, the difficulty in distinguishing genuine information, and the role of misinformation in deepening divides. We also explore the implications ...

In this episode, we explore the current political turbulence in Serbia. The country is experiencing significant unrest marked by mass protests, democratic backsliding, and challenges to human rights. As international observers express concern over the erosion of democratic norms, we delve into the nature of Serbia's political scene, and the country's precarious stance between the EU and Russia. As always, we look at where we might ...

This week, in a special episode, Ellen talks to Clive about his experience of being trans and his reactions to a changing in attitudes toward trans people in both the US and UK. He talks about his lived experience of hiding a secret and rarely feeling able to let Anja, his female self, come out and be seen by the world. We talk about how this relates to authenticity and activism, and the beautiful way that Clive has recently found ...

In this emergency episode, we bring urgent attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With severe food shortages affecting nearly the entire population, and close to half a million people thought to already be suffering the most severe stage of famine, we hone in on the consequence of nearly two months of a near complete blockage of aid flows into the territory that now endangers an entire people. Please join us with ...

In this urgent episode, we focus on the rising tensions between India and Pakistan. With over 1.65 billion lives potentially affected, this episode explores the background and implications of India's recent military strikes against its neighbour, accusations of Pakistani support for the attack on civilians in Kashmir two weeks ago, and the deep-rooted conflict that threatens a possible escalation into war. Join us as we look at whe...

This week, as a landmark legal ruling in the UK and sweeping executive orders in the US come into effect,  we take a deep dive into the controversial social issue that has sparked fierce debate in our own countries: the rights and recognition of people identifying as trans. We delve into the nature of the division in this divide, understand the challenge of finding a way forward that may be acceptable both to trans people and those...

World Labyrinth Day on 3 May encourages people around the world to walk a labyrinth, willing peace and harmony, and activating a wave of goodwill from the earliest walks in New Zealand and in the east through to the places where the sun will last set on this day in the west. With hundreds of events already planned, this offers a rare and important opportunity to meditate and send collective intention with thousands of others, en ma...