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Let's Talk: Faith and Aid

Let's Talk: Faith and Aid

Written by: Humanitarian Collaborative at UVA
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About this listen

 Let’s Talk: Faith and Aid is a limited-series podcast presented by the Humanitarian Collaborative at the University of Virginia’s Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy. At a moment of deep uncertainty for the humanitarian sector, this podcast explores the often underexplored role of faith, as a lived force that can motivate empathy, giving, and action. Through conversations with scholars and practitioners across the humanitarian world, this series will examine how faith—in all its forms—may be able to spark public compassion and help revive a more unified humanitarian movement in a world that desperately needs it.Copyright 2026
Episodes
  • S1E4 - Let’s Talk: Faith on the Frontlines

    S1E4 - Let’s Talk: Faith on the Frontlines
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode, Jule Voss, a University of Virginia alumna and former Global Policy Specialist with USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, speaks with Samira Fatma Barucha Hahmoras and Despina Namwembe of the United Religions Initiative. Drawing on their lived experiences across diverse faith traditions, Samira and Despina reflect on how faith—whether expressed through religion, spirituality, or shared humanity—can shape grassroots humanitarian action, strengthen community resilience, and foster solidarity in times of crisis.
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    40 mins
  • S1E3 - Let's Talk: God, Government, and Giving in the US

    S1E3 - Let's Talk: God, Government, and Giving in the US
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode, Kate Katch, a practitioner fellow with the Humanitarian Collaborative, speaks with Bill O’Keefe, the Executive Vice President for Catholic Relief Services, and Kevin Hartigan, who recently retired from CRS after more than three decades of experience, leading programs across the world. In their conversation, they will explore the role of faith in charitable giving across the US and how religious communities can mobilize generosity and advocacy in support of humanitarian action.
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    38 mins
  • S1E2 - Let’s Talk: Humanity

    S1E2 - Let’s Talk: Humanity
    Jan 30 2026
    In this episode, Kirsten Gelsdorf, a professor at the University of Virginia and co-founder of the Humanitarian Collaborative, speaks with Michael Barnett, a professor of international affairs at George Washington University, to explore a question at the heart of humanitarianism: how can we spark global compassion for today’s greatest humanitarian challenges? Together, they examine trends in public empathy, why faith and religion may not offer easy answers, and why there are so few humanitarian policy conversations that involve faith.
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    23 mins
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