Ending Poverty Together

What is this podcast all about? Let's discuss real causes and real solutions, and the beautiful, messy attempts people all over Canada are making to help. Together, we’ll tackle the tough questions and explore how ordinary people like you can engage to create lasting change.

with guest Carissa Youssef, Food for the Hungry Canada.What is poverty, really? Where does it come from? What are ways to effectively tackle such a huge problem? Carissa’s been wrapping her head and heart around it for years. She shares life-lessons on healthy helping, and tells her own personal experience with poverty and why she now is pouring her life into walking alongside others experiencing this vulnerability.Recommended Resources: Helping Without Hurting by Corbett and Fikkert; Why Business Matters to God: (And What Still Needs to Be Fixed) by Jeff Van DuzerEpisode Episode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Jenny Shantz, Inner Hope Youth Ministry.She’s seen it all. Working with teens and young adults in western Canada for most of her adult life, Jenny has seen things unimaginable to most Canadians. A lot of that has to do with fostering teens in her own home — something she’s done more than 50 times.Recommended Resource: To view personal stories of hope, visit Inner Hope Youth Ministries profile page.Episode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Mike Janz, Food for the Hungry Canada.While never having experienced material poverty himself, Mike’s been running into the messiness of poverty his entire life. He’s lived in urban centres across Canada, taken trips to Haiti, ran a coffee shop, pastored a church, fundraised for causes — and is constantly faced with knowing what the best response is to poverty. What do you do when what you tried fails?Recommended Resources: Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry; Everywhere You Look by Scott Soerens; The New Parish by Paul Sparks, Dwight Friesen, & Scott SoerensEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Dr. Brian Fikkert, The Chalmers Institute, author of bestseller When Helping Hurts.In North America, success often means lots of stuff — material wealth. Then, poverty is the lack of material wealth. And so, to help someone in poverty is to make sure they have more stuff! But is that what poverty is really all about?Dr. Brian Fikkert hits us with a healthier way of understanding who is “the poor” (spoiler: it might include YOU, too) and how we should look at poverty. What should our goal be when trying to help, and not hurt?Recommended Resources: Walking with the Poor by Bryant MyersBecoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty isn't the American Dream" by Fikkert and KapicThe Field Guide to Becoming Whole by Fikkert and KapicWhen Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty without Hurting the Poor....and Yourself by Corbett and FikkertEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with Guest Dr. Cheryl Bear, from Nadleh Whut’en First NationIt’s no secret that in Canada, there’s a complicated relationship between the descendents of settlers and the Indigenous people. We see that Indigenous people more often experience material poverty and systemic racism, but many of us don’t know the historical reasons for this inequality. And we don’t know what to do about it. In this episode, Cheryl Bear of the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation shares some of the painful context for where we find ourselves today and offers hope for a way toward reconciliation.Recommended Resources:Introduction to First Nations Ministry by Cheryl BearThe Honor Drum by Cheryl BearThe Inconvenient Indian by Thomas KingOne Church, Man by Richard TwissHosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Donna Harris, Praxis | Builders and BackersAfghanistan’s drug economy is one of the most lucrative in the country. But what happens when a new business provides communities with jobs cultivating tea as an alternative agriculture? That’s when you get something truly helpful: “redemptive entrepreneurship”.In this episode, Donna Harris of Praxis talks about “redemptive entrepreneurship” and how this can be embedded into the bones of a business with a desire to help—it’s not just about making money and giving part of it away; it’s about structuring a business to meet the needs of its community."You can build beautiful things, and you can be a leader that exhibits kindness and concern as well as grows a highly scalable business. It's a different way to think about the gift that entrepreneurship can be in the world".Recommended Readings:Strength to Love by Martin Luther KingMakers and Takers by Rana ForooharDon’t Be Evil by Rana ForooharLincoln’s Melancholy by Joshua Wolf ShenkEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Allison Alley, Compassion CanadaIt’s difficult to keep caring. How can we remain compassionate in light of so much hardship?Allison Alley is the President and CEO of Compassion Canada, a global development organization that exists to permanently end childhood poverty in all its forms. In this episode, Allison shares about the unexpected dimensions of poverty, the vulnerability of children, the devastating effects of COVID-19 on children on the margins, and how we can help. Allison challenges us to shine a light, wherever we’re planted, and wake up to the “poverty of the wealthy” in our own lives.Allison holds a Master of Arts in Global Leadership with an emphasis in International Development and Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and a Master of Business Administration from Ivey Business School. Allison and her husband live in London, Ontario and have two daughters.Recommended Reading:Eyes to See – A journey that helps teens to discover the spiritual nature of poverty, God’s heart for those in need, and the Church’s unique role to address poverty Step Into My Shoes – An immersive digital experience and devotional for families, churches, and groupsWalking with the Poor by Bryant MyersTransforming Society by Melba Padilla MaggayShrewd Samaritan by Bruce WydickEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Alison Williams, Christians Against Poverty (CAP)Getting lost in debt can feel like a shameful thing. Yet many Canadians face the hardships of financial struggle every day. How can we break the cycle of shame to open these discussions and ask for help?As the former Managing Director & Global Head of Strategy and Business Management for BMO Capital Markets, Allison Williams knows a thing or two about money. Now the board chair of Christians Against Poverty, Allison is using her extensive financial experience to help the underserved reclaim their lives by getting out of unmanageable debt. In this episode, Allison breaks down how the budgeting processes that make your eyes glaze over can actually be made simple and life-giving through the power of community, as well as offering practical tips for Canadians heading into tax season. When it comes to debt, a holistic approach can make all the difference.Recommended Reading:Nevertheless By John KirkbyCAP Money CourseEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Luke Wilson, A Rocha CanadaWhen was the last time you stepped outside, took a deep breath of fresh air, and let yourself wonder at the beauty of creation?There are lots of big questions when it comes to caring for our planet, but perhaps our first step in finding the answers is to simply let ourselves rediscover wonder. From there, the next steps to fixing our broken relationship with creation can begin to unfold. In this episode, Luke Wilson, CEO of A Rocha Canada, talks us through the importance of story in the climate change movement, the wonder of tasting a carrot fresh from the earth, and encourages each of us to find our own connection to creation.Recommended Reading:Planted by Leah KostamoEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Daniel Whitehead, Sanctuary Mental Health.In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all felt the lonely press of isolation. We are relational beings, and this lack of togetherness can have devastating consequences. But given the long-standing stigma around mental health, how do we admit that maybe we’re not doing as well as we thought? How do we ask for help?In this episode, Daniel Whitehead of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries takes a moment to ask us how we’re all doing in the face of the ongoing pandemic. He also shares about the importance of togetherness, the lessons we can learn from majority cultures that value interdependence over independence, and leaves us all with another poignant question: What restores your soul and when was the last time you did it?Episode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guests Pastor Ken Nettleton & Andrew McDonald, New Life Church.How often do you wonder whose hands pick the beans that fill your morning cup of coffee? When we recognize the relational side of consumption—that there is someone behind the clothes we wear and the coffee we drink—we must reckon with our purchasing choices and if they really reflect God’s justice.New Life Church in Duncan, BC is doing exactly this. After partnering with FH and the community of Acul, Guatemala, they’ve established an equitable supply chain that sends coffee all the way from Acul to Duncan. In this episode, Pastor Ken Nettleton and Andrew McDonald from New Life Church take a look back on this journey, what it means for the church’s Brew Life Cafe, and how it has transformed lives from farmer to consumer. And as New Life examines how to apply what they’ve learned from Acul in their own community, it begs the question: Does the Church really have to choose between local and international partnership? Or can Kingdom work happen in both and because of both?Recommended Readings:A Field Guide to Becoming Whole by Dr Brian Fikkert and Kelly KapicRich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron SiderEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with special guest Subodh Kumar, Food for the Hungry.Oftentimes, numbers and statistics can be enough to make your eyes glaze over. But what if we viewed data in a different way? What if we recognized the story and the human faces behind each statistic?In this episode, Subodh Kumar, Senior Director of Data for Good with Food for the Hungry, gets into the nitty gritty of monitoring and evaluation—but not in the way you would expect. Walk with him from the beginning of a community’s partnership with FH through to Graduation as he explains how data is really all about relationships. When we recognize that God is in a community long before any outside organizations arrive, then what may have once seemed like empty statistics suddenly become an incredible testimony of God’s work. Recommended Reading:God’s StoryWalking with the Poor by Bryant MyersEffective Data Storytelling by Brent DykesEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with special guest Richard Belcham, Inasmuch Community Society.Many refugee claimants have extraordinary journeys. They are change makers, the people standing up for justice in their countries. Yet, too often the media lumps asylum seekers and refugee claimants in sweeping stereotypes. And too often, we believe it.Richard Belcham from Inasmuch Community Society has spent years walking alongside refugee claimants as they begin new lives in Canada. In this episode, Richard shares powerful stories from asylum seekers and talks us through the systemic obstacles they face while settling in a new country. He also shares what we can all do to welcome refugee claimants in our own communities. Sometimes, it is as simple as offering a cup of cardamom tea.Recommended Resources & Reading:Along The Way PodcastThe Boat People by Sharon BalaThe Kite Runner by Khaled HosseiniEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with special guest Ruth Thorogood of Thorogood.It’s no secret that God is creative. When it comes to charity though, we often think in the same old patterns, especially when considering how best to walk with those in need. What would it mean for non-profits, donors, and the communities they serve, if we leaned into His creative nature?Ruth Thorogood has spent years working with Christian non-profits, encouraging them to think creatively to expand their impact. In this episode, Ruth shares a vision with us, one that breaks apart the old model of charity by looking towards some of the most innovative people, young entrepreneurs. When churches and nonprofits engage their business people, impact can happen on a scale that we never imagined.Recommended Resource:Praxis LabsEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Musu Taylor-Lewis of the Canadian Foodgrains BankIn a world that produces enough to feed everyone, why are 700 million people going hungry?In this episode, Musu Taylor-Lewis from Canadian Foodgrains Bank breaks down the global hunger crisis with us, starting with the effects of climate change, conflict, and COVID-19 on food insecurity. Though 700 million can feel like an overwhelming number, Musu shares what we can each do as individuals to help those facing hunger.Because the truth is, the global hunger crisis isn’t only about food—it’s about justice too.Episode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Kevin Wiebe of Pov.ologyWe all struggle with poverty in one form or another, whether it be material, emotional, environmental, or spiritual. But if we all struggle with poverty, then how can we help one another? In this episode, Kevin Wiebe, creator of Pov.ology, shares what it means to serve the needy when you’re one of them. As followers of Christ, Kevin emphasizes the importance of reflecting God’s character in everyday life, from small deeds, like stretching a meal to welcome another guest at a dinner table, to larger discussions, like reckoning with the importance of talking with people instead of talking about them. Recommended Readings:Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger by Ron SiderIrresistible Revolution by Shane ClaiborneHelping Without Hurting  by Corbett and FikkertToxic Charity by Robert D. LuptonFaithful in Small Things: How to Serve the Needy When You are One of Them by Kevin WiebeEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest David Witt of iTeams.When you hear the words ‘community development’, what comes to mind? International or local? Urban or rural? While many people might default to thinking of a tiny international village, there’s plenty of community development work that needs to happen right here in Canada too. In this episode, Dave Witt from iTeams, offers insight into what it means to work with those on the margins in urban centers in Canada. Dave shares moving anecdotes from real communities banding together and reminds us of the importance of recognizing that everybody has a story that leads them to where they are today, no matter their circumstances. Recommended Resources & Readings:The Twenty-Piece ShuffleGod In The Alley by Greg PaulSlow Kingdom Coming by Kent AnnanEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Nicole Mucci of Union Gospel Mission, Vancouver, BC.Long before the COVID-19 pandemic began, another health emergency raged on in the background across Canada: the opioid crisis. In British Columbia alone, thousands have lost their lives since the crisis was declared in 2016. In this episode, Nicole Mucci of Union Gospel Mission in Vancouver, BC shares about the stigma around addiction, how the overdose crisis is affecting community members, and how poverty and addiction don’t have to be the end of the road. Content warning: This episode features an important and valuable conversation on the opioid crisis. Please be aware that potentially triggering topics like death, overdose, and trauma are discussed. If you or someone you love is living with addiction, please visit heretohelp.bc.caRecommended Resources & Readings:In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr. Gabor Mate Portraits of Loss: One hundred lives, felled by an overdose crisis - Globe & Mail article highlighting the devastating losses felt in 2020 due to the Opioid Epidemic. Union Gospel Mission’s blogVancouver Public Library - resources for overdose awarenessEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.

with guest Danielle Strickland of IMBY (In My Backyard)We’ve made a lonely world for ourselves. The way our society has designed suburbs, with white picket fences and private backyards, has left many feeling isolated and disconnected. In many ways, we’ve set up our lives for individualism and autonomy. Once the pandemic hit, many of us were faced with the disconnected life we had set up for ourselves. What’s the solution? It’s connection.Danielle Strickland, renowned justice advocate and peacemaker, is passionate about fostering connection. In this episode, she offers a new take on how we can share spaces, land, home, and foster a community that alleviates all forms of human poverty through richer human connection. And it could involve something you might not expect—tiny homes.Recommended Resources & Reading:Recovering by Aaron WhiteExclusion and Embrace by Miraslov VolfBetter Together: How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future by Danielle StricklandEpisode hosted by Shelaine and Eric.