Episode 132: Heidi Kühn, Founder of Roots of Peace and 2023 World Food Prize laureate
Description
In this episode, Francine Barchett interviews Heidi Kühn, founder of Roots of Peace and 2023 World Food Prize laureate. Kühn shares how a background in journalism and a life-changing cancer diagnosis led her to launch a global mission: turning “mines to vines.” She recounts how her organization cleared landmines in places like Vietnam and Afghanistan. Along the way, she offers moving stories about working with farmers in Quang Tri Province and her vision for creating a global “army of peacekeepers” through sustainable agriculture. The episode closes with advice for young changemakers and a reminder that even the smallest seed of hope can grow into global impact.
Lightning round: 3:20
Roots of Peace Summary: 8:32
Advice for researchers and recommendations: 37:14
The music on the podcast is from "14 Strings!", a Filipino-style Rondalla group established at Cornell University. Check them out here.
Produced by Adam Farihin and Cecilia Liu