Join Brandi and James as they interview Dr. Johnstone Ndunde, the global director for SIL. They talk about the concept and principles of localization, and Dr. Ndunde’s perspective on working cross-culturally in a predominately Western organization as a Kenyan. The shift in the global mission movement from “the West to the Rest” doesn’t mean a […]

Join Brandi and James as they highlight some of their favorite episodes from this year and explore the themes that connect them. In the second half, they’re joined by colleagues who share what their cross-cultural Christmases have been like in Northern Asia, North Macedonia, and all the way to Papua New Guinea. Thank you so […]

Join Brandi and James as they sit down with Dr. Tasha Mitchell to discuss her research on missionary burnout, exploring how leadership, emotional intelligence, and resilience play a role in preventing and predicting burnout among missionaries. Dr. Tasha Mitchell currently serves as the Clinical Director at Willow Creek Counseling Center. She received an M.A. in […]

Join Brandi and James as they meet with Ulrika Ernvik to discuss helping people navigate traumatic experiences using Safety Stories. With extensive experience working with children and adults in Sweden and Thailand, Ulrika has dedicated her career to helping people process trauma and rebuild safety. Her curiosity about how ordinary people can support healing led […]

Join Brandi and James as they sit down with Kimberly Drage to explore the complexities of organizational change. Kimberly highlights the crucial distinction between change and transition, noting that every transition inevitably involves some form of loss. She emphasizes that, while organizations often devote substantial energy and resources to managing change, the process of navigating […]

Join Brandi and James as they sit down with Kristen Cagwin to discuss both the external and internal preparations necessary for a smooth transition back to home cultures.

Join Brandi and James as they talk to Alex Galloway about the different types of care that are needed and available for cross-cultural workers. This includes ways sending organizations can be resourced and equipped and how to find outside or external help when needed. This type of help can be cousneling, spiritual direction, coaching and […]

Join Brandi and James as they talk with Bethany Hiser about the socially acceptable addiction to work. There can be an unhealthy attachment or co-dependency on work that shapes our identity and sense of acceptance. Work often becomes the socially acceptable addiction, particularly for those in full-time ministry and cross-cultural work. A significant part of […]

Join Brandi and James as they interview John Fawcett and discuss resilience and stress for cross-cultural workers. John defines resilience as the capacity or ability to manage, cope, and thrive amid change. Change is a constant in life, and the stress it brings can lead to distress. The ability to navigate these changes and distress […]

Join Brandi and James as they talk with Dr. Frauke and Dr. Charlie Shaefer about the theology of suffering. We all have one, as it frames the way we believe about the nature of God and the suffering we encounter. Frauke talks about what often causes spiritual struggle is the discrepancy between prior assumptions and […]

Join Brandi and James as they talk with MaDonna Mauer about the challenges of raising a TCK with disabilities. There may be more limitations, challenges, and minimum care necessary to live cross-culturally with a family member with a disability. However, there are also beautiful opportunities to see God at work in your family and in […]

Join Brandi and James as they have Dr. Keith Webb back on. This time, they discuss the importance of financial planning for cross-cultural workers. So often, this is an afterthought, a point of contention, or even a theological block. Keith talks about financial planning as having Faith in Advance. Keith has developed a training called […]

Brandi and James talk with Anna Danforth about her own TCK experience and what it has been like to parent her two TCKs. Check out TCK training, which offers over 80 workshops driven by research and designed to equip TCKs and their families. This conversation covers a range of TCK experiences, including raising young TCKs, […]

Join Brandi and James as they speak with Lisette Gabre about proactive member care. They discuss the gap between what we know and what we do regarding care. In a holistic view of care, how do we engage the whole self: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually? This involves understanding ourselves well enough to recognize that […]

Join Brandi and James as they talk Pilgrimage with Eve Austin. Eve Austin has an MS in Clinical Psychology and is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She takes a holistic and client-centered approach to counseling, walking alongside clients through the process of tuning into their hearts, souls, minds, and bodies. She incorporates expressive arts, […]

Join Brandi and James as they review the highlights of the podcasts from last year. With 12 episodes, they had many wonderful guests covering a broad range of topics impacting cross-cultural workers. This episode ends with three guest spots sharing stories of their holiday memories living cross-culturally. Meet our Guests below or in the podcast!  […]

Join Brandi and James as they interview Jeff Simons on Sabbaticals. Jeff is a missiologist at the core. He works out this passion as a trained leadership coach and a cross-cultural companion to global leaders in major transition to, within, and from the field. His unique wiring plays out as a Resourcing Developer—of people, tools for […]

Join Brandi and James as they interview Dr. Lee Long, discussing chronic depression and the treatment modality of CBASP. This relatively new and foundational approach to treating chronic depression helps clients navigate fear avoidance and perceptual disconnection. This is primarily accomplished through two goals of CBASP of felt didactic safety and perceived functionality. This approach […]

Join Brandi and James as they share thoughts from Pete Scazzaro’s book Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. They discuss the book’s principles and practices and how they apply to cross-cultural workers. Family Retreat Activities: Here are some activities for families to do together, including a family genogram.  Here is a resource for anyone who would like to do a supervision […]

Editor’s note (The sound quality improves after about 15 minutes) Join Brandi and James as they interview Danielle Wheeler, the founder of Velvet Ashes. They talk about the unique experiences of women serving cross-culturally and the loneliness and isolation that can be a hallmark of the experience.  Danielle Wheeler is a spiritual director and the […]