IofC UK Insight

In this episode of IoC UK Insight, host Denis Nowlan speaks with Michael Smith, a man whose life has spanned continents, cultures, and communities. A trustee of Initiatives of Change in France and the UK, Michael shares his extraordinary journey from his multi-national European roots to a lifetime of service across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.Michael’s story takes us from rural France to Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Chile, and beyond. Along the way, he and his wife Agnes embraced a life of simplicity, faith, and deep human connection, whether working with young people, supporting interfaith dialogue, or building health centres in some of the poorest communities in the world.He reflects on:Growing up in a multicultural family and becoming a true ‘global citizen.’Meeting his wife in Malaysia and building a shared life of mission and service.Immersing himself in interreligious dialogue and finding shared humanity across faiths.Transformative years in the Philippines, including work in urban slums and health projects.Learning life’s deepest lessons from those living in poverty and marginalisation.His long relationship with Initiatives of Change, and how it bridges personal faith with global action.Michael’s warmth, humility, and stories - often told through vivid personal encounters - offer a compelling reminder of the ‘gold’ in every human being, no matter their circumstances.Listen now for an inspiring conversation about faith, cultural connection, and what it means to live a life of purpose across borders. 

Captions are available on the video version of this episode, which some listeners may find useful.In this deeply moving and globe-spanning conversation, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Yuki Fujita, a Japanese politician, humanitarian, and peacebuilder, whose name fittingly means ‘eternal happiness.’Yuki shares the extraordinary journey that led him from post-war Japan to Oxford, Switzerland, refugee camps in Southeast Asia, and ultimately into the heart of Japanese politics. He reflects on his lifelong commitment to reconciliation, particularly between Japan and its Asian neighbours, and the pivotal role of moral leadership and spiritual purpose in his work.From singing Japanese songs in a multicultural youth theatre to negotiating between rival Cambodian factions, Yuki’s story is one of courage, compassion, and faith. This episode is a masterclass in living a life guided by conscience and service.‘We shall not make the same mistake again.’ - the message of the Hiroshima cross Yuki wears, and a call to all humanity.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and let Yuki’s life of ‘eternal happiness’ light the way.

This week on IofC UK Insight, Denis Nowlan is joined by Martin Young , church leader, visionary, and creative thinker, for a rich and heartfelt conversation about faith, leadership, and the art of worship. Martin shares his journey from a youthful encounter with Jesus in a Lake District chapel to leading church communities across the UK, France, Russia, and India.  With warmth and wisdom, he reflects on what it means to be a “non-anxious presence” in the midst of conflict, the challenges of spiritual leadership, and the beauty of finding God in the ordinary.Together, Martin and Denis explore the evolving nature of church, the power of inclusive language, and the role of creativity in expressing faith. They delve into the tension between doctrine and compassion, the pain of religious failure, and the healing potential of authentic community. This episode is a moving meditation on vulnerability, resilience, and the sacredness of everyday life. Tune in for a conversation that invites you to reimagine worship, leadership, and what it means to live a life of faith today. Listen now and be part of the conversation. 🎧Learn more about Initiatives of Change UK at⁠ our website.⁠Share your thoughts on the episode using #IofCInsights!And don’t forget to like, rate or review us wherever you listen to this podcast!

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about suicide, which may be distressing to some listeners.This week, host Denis Nowlan sits down with Dave Belden to explore his fascinating life journey and reflections on IofC, politics, justice and inner healing. With humility and humour, Dave shares his story of growing up in a communal MRA household — christened by the founder Frank Buchman — and his shift from unquestioning faith to deep curiosity and critical evaluation, culminating in a doctoral thesis on the origins of the movement. He offers fascinating insights into gender roles, community living, and the tension between individual and systemic change, especially in addressing global crises like climate change, hunger, and restorative justice.The conversation delves into breaking the silence around shame and fostering open dialogue, revisiting the question of whether MRA was a cult, and examining the movement’s practice of “guidance”: a pathway to inner freedom or a mechanism of control?The discussion offers an honest, multi-dimensional perspective on a committed life within and beyond MRA and IofC. Join us as we reflect on idealism, faith and what it means to reconcile personal beliefs with larger systemic issues.Listen now and join the conversation about change, resilience, and finding your inner voice.🎧Learn more about Initiatives of Change at our website.Share your thoughts on the episode using #IofCInsights!And don’t forget to like, rate or review us wherever you listen to this podcast!

On 9th April 2025, we mark the 80th anniversary of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's execution for his role in the plot against Hitler. A German pastor, theologian, and anti-Nazi dissident, Bonhoeffer is widely known for his writings on Christian discipleship and his courageous resistance to tyranny. To mark this day, host Denis Nowlan is joined by Andrew Dawson, Visiting Scholar at the University of Divinity in Melbourne and author of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Formation Through The Oxford Group. Andrew shares how Bonhoeffer’s engagement with the Oxford Group movement shaped his spiritual and ethical convictions, offering insights into his theological development and how these influences strengthened his resistance to Nazism. Together, they reflect on Bonhoeffer’s legacy and what his life can teach us about faith, courage, and moral responsibility in today’s world.

“I was just two and a half years old the first time I sat in a KGB interrogation room with my mother.”In celebration of International Women's Day, host Dennis Nowlan is joined by journalist and human rights advocate Sophia Kayes. As she prepared to chair a session at the IofC featuring distinguished Russian guests and experts, Sophia shares her personal story of growing up in a family of Russian dissidents and the ongoing struggle for truth in an era of misinformation.From the impact of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the tragic deaths of Alexei Navalny and Boris Nemtsov, Sophia provides a deeply personal and historical perspective on the cost of speaking out against tyranny. She also reflects on the critical role of independent journalism and the battle to preserve truth in an increasingly manipulated media landscape.Learn more about Initiatives of Change UK: www.iofc.org.uk

In this episode, Denis Nowlan, Executive Director of Initiatives of Change UK, hosts a conversation with Monica Spooner, co-founder of the Balfour Project, and Andrew Whitley, its Chair. This episode offers a unique insight into how a bold individual initiative - Monica Spooner’s journey of discovery about Britain’s legacy in Palestine - sparked the creation of the Balfour Project, an initiative with national and international impact. As we mark the publication of Monica’s book, Why Didn’t I Know? Britain’s Legacy in Palestine, Monica reflects on the revelations that led her to advocate for change in public opinion and policy on Israel and Palestine. Andrew Whitley elaborates on the ongoing work of the Project, emphasising its relevance amid today’s catastrophic conflicts. Sir Vincent Fean also joins the conversation, shedding light on the Balfour Project’s engagement with parliamentarians to drive meaningful change. Join us for this insightful discussion about history, advocacy, and the path toward justice and reconciliation. Purchase Why Didn’t I Know? Britain’s Legacy in Palestine from our Online Shop. Learn more about the Balfour Project: www.balfourproject.org. Stay updated on future episodes and events with Initiatives of Change Insights at IofC’s Website.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains mentions of domestic violence. In this episode, Denis Nowlan sits down with Mike Kane, MP of Wythenshawe and Sale East, to discuss their journeys to Initiatives of Change, the intersections of faith and career, and much more. Join us for an insightful conversation that takes us from the North-South divide in England to five-a-side football matches with notable figures, and even to Mike's passion for bagpipes! Tune in to explore the powerful stories and perspectives of two figures committed to personal growth, faith, and making a difference in the world. Subscribe to hear more inspiring and insightful stories and don't forget to leave a review if you enjoyed this episode! (This recording took place Tuesday, 7th May 2024 before the General Election took place in July 2024.)

Join us for a conversation with Judi Conner, former BBC Television journalist and author of the new book A Very Simple Secret: My Parents, Their Mission to Change the World, and Me. In this episode, Judi shares a unique perspective on the history of Moral Re-Armament (MRA), now Initiatives of Change (IofC), weaving personal stories, historical insights, and reflections on its cultural legacy. We explore her experiences growing up in a family dedicated to MRA’s mission of personal and societal transformation, life at their Swiss Alps headquarters in Caux, and the movement’s values of integrity and purpose. Judi also addresses the controversial question: was MRA a cult? Join us as Judi Conner sheds light on a movement with a long legacy of moral and societal transformation, offering a personal glimpse into growing up in a family dedicated to changing the world. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from Initiatives of Change, and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the show!

Welcome to the very first episode of Initiatives of Change UK Insight, where we explore the rich history and transformative work of Initiatives of Change (IofC). In this episode, Dr Grace France, interviewed by IofC UK Executive Director Denis Nowlan, shares her unique background that led to her interest in the intersection of faith and cultural change. But how did this organisation, formerly known as Moral Re-Armament (MRA), evolve into what it is today? Was it ever a cult, or did it just have ‘a culty five minutes'? Today, IofC has expanded its values to include people of all faiths and none, centring on four core principles: honesty, purity, unselfishness, and love. We’ll explore how these values continue to drive positive change both personally and globally. Tune in to this first episode as we take a deep dive into the past, present, and future of Initiatives of Change.  Subscribe now to stay updated with our latest episodes, and don’t forget to leave a review if you enjoyed the show!

In 2019, Param Singh, who is part of our School for Changemakers alumni, was awarded an MBE for his outstanding business contributions. He tells Emma Brown and Gemma Perkins about this moment and how he believes a major key to his success was growing a network that would go on to become his ‘net worth’…

Growing up, David Buxton always aspired to be a doctor but his head and his heart were pulling him in two different directions. David speaks to Emma Brown...

In this episode Emma and Gemma speak with the inspirational Rumbi Mukoyi.  Rumbi Mukoyi’s experience of not belonging spurred her to create African Youth Arise. Rumbi Mukoyi traces her drive to engage and empower young Britons of African descent to the day her 11-year-old brother was questioned by the police for a crime he did not commit.

Gemma Perkins is the Founder of the Self Leadership Initiative and has been volunteering with Initiatives of Change UK since the age of 21. She shares her deep affiliation with the School for Changemakers and how it has shaped her development path, more than her school years did...