Relief, development and podcast

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Apr 2025

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About the show

Relief, Development and Podcast, is a podcast from Mennonite Central Committee. This show is about connecting with the realities faced by displaced and people made vulnerable around the world. Episodes feature special guests, stories from the field and updates about people and programs making an impact all around the world. Together we'll hear stories about relief, development and peace, and how your support for MCC helps to meet basic human needs and work for peace and justice.

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60 recent

April 25, 2025Episode 6637 min

Myanmar Earthquake response / Crystal Conklin and Lizar

In this episode, we check in with our partners in Myanmar after the 7.7 magnitude earthquake at the end of March. Join us as we speak with MCC partners on the ground and rep Crystal Conlin. MCC partners share firsthand accounts of the destruction, the immediate relief efforts, and the ongoing challenges faced by the communities. Tune in to hear powerful stories of survival, solidarity, and the unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Donate to MCC earthquake response: https://mcc.org/myanmar Transcript

March 20, 2025Episode 6527 min

Together we can / Ken Ogasawara

Join us on a fascinating journey as we explore the story behind MCC's first-ever stationary meat cannery in Ontario. Hosted by Ken Ogasawara, this episode delves into the history, challenges, and triumphs of the Mennonite Central Committee's meat canning operations. From the early days of the mobile meat canner to the grand opening of the new 10,000 square foot facility, discover how this initiative has brought together thousands of volunteers and provided essential relief to communities around the world. Tune in and be inspired by the power of collective action and the motto, "Together we can." Apply to be a mobile meat canner opperator: https://mcc.org/canner-operator Transcript

February 12, 2025Episode 6416 min

Peace libraries in Rwanda

This episode features a visit to the Gicumbia Children's Peace Library in Rwanda. The library fosters a culture of peace and reading among children, in response to the lingering legacy of the 1994 Rwandan genocide of the Tutsis. Full transcript and show notes here.

January 16, 2025Episode 6337 min

Reflecting on 2024 / Christy and Meghan

It's 2025. And we're looking back on last year. In this episode, hosts Christy Kauffman and Meghan Mast share some favorite moments from the podcast and talk about why these clips impacted them. Meghan also shares an announcement. Full transcript available here.

November 28, 2024Episode 6236 min

Christ (still) under the rubble / Reverend Munther Isaac and Anthony Khair

This episode features a conversation between Reverend Munther Isaac and his former student Anthony Khair. The two Christian Palestinian men talk about how they are navigating grief and the immense loss in Gaza, while cultivating courage and resilience. Their conversation covers challenging truths and talks about the importance of language in this moment. Full transcript and show notes available here.

October 17, 2024Episode 6145 min

Talking climate, practicing peace / Jessica Stoltzfus Buller

With Canadian thanksgiving just past and the United States election around the corner, some people are psyching themselves up for the awkward conversations that can come up. Sometimes this means talking about difficult topics. Bumping elbows with people who have conflicting worldviews. Maybe it involves passing gravy to an uncle that likes to play contrarian. In this episode, we're taking questions from listeners. Jessica Stoltzfus Buller, a facilitator, trainer, mediator and peacebuilder joins us to talk about how to navigate conversations with more curiosity and compassion. Full transcript and show notes available here.

September 26, 2024Episode 6029 min

Group of helping hands Nepal / Surendra Shrestha

Surendra Shrestha, Executive Director of SAHAS, discussed the challenges faced by Nepali farmers, including lack of irrigation, poor seed quality, and climate change impacts. He emphasized the importance of community-based organizations (CBOs) in addressing these issues, highlighting their role in accessing resources, developing leadership, and fostering social capital. Fish farming initiatives, supported by CBOs, provide economic benefits, environmental sustainability, and fresh fish for local communities. Surendra's dedication to improving agricultural practices and community well-being is rooted in his agricultural background and personal experiences. Transcript

August 15, 2024Episode 5942 min

The lost story of Dr. Dismukes - Black history in Appalachia

Rediscovering black history in Appalachian coal town, MCC staff in Kimball West Virginia piece together a story of a Black owned hospital that used to sit on the site of the current Appalachia Build program site. mcc.org/dismukes Dismukes project cordinator Tylah Cline tylahcline@mcc.org Transcript

July 17, 2024Episode 5827 min

Behind the scenes with MCC emergency relief / Bruce Guenther

Bruce Guenther remembers his grandma describing the smell of the bread at the MCC soup kitchen in Ukraine. She received food from MCC over 100 years ago. Today, Bruce helps coordinate MCC's relief response, getting food and other basic needs to those who need it most. View full transcript here.

June 27, 2024Episode 5729 min

A field trip: growing safer vegetables in Bangladesh / Jahangir Alam

When pesticides are used so much it starts to harm the community, MCC partners are looking to find natural ways to grow a safe vegetable. Go into the field with us to Bogura Bangladesh where MCC staff member Jahangir Alam shows us exactly what that looks like and the challenges that come with it. Learn more and see images from this story on MCC's website https://mcc.org/our-stories/farmers-grow-safe-vegetables-protect-health-environment Transcript