Podcasts about crosscultural

Send us Fan MailAmne Suedi is an international business lawyer, investment adviser, entrepreneur, and Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Zanzibar, known for her work at the intersection of law, investment, diplomacy, and economic development in Africa. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Swiss Shikana Investment & Advisory, boutique firms based in Switzerland, Tanzania, and Kenya that advise international investors, corporations, and institutions on investments and strategic business operations across East and Southern Africa.With experience spanning international finance, trade law, and cross-border investments, Amne has advised leading multinational companies, financial institutions, governments, and development organizations. She has also served on several strategic boards and was appointed to the Core Team responsible for drafting Tanzania's National Vision 2050. Through her work, writing, and public speaking, she is recognized as one of the leading voices shaping conversations around investment, geopolitics, and Africa's economic transformation.Swiss Shikana Investment and Advisory | www.swissshikanainvest.com | amnesuedi@shikanagroup.com | +2 55686992163Sign up for one of our negotiation courses at ShikinaNegotiationAcademy.comThanks for listening to Negotiation with Alice! Please subscribe and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram!

What do you do when you're offered an opportunity that will definitely stretch you but also scares you, and your first instinct is to hand it to someone else, because you feel you're not quite qualified? That's the moment we unpack in this interview with Ai Asakura, Alumni Program Manager for the TOMODACHI Initiative at the U.S.-Japan Council, who I met at an expat meetup in Fukuoka this spring — one with that same eclectic, cross-cultural energy as New York City, where you connect peer to peer with people from all walks of life. Ai is bicultural like me, and she's spent her career building bridges — between Japan and the U.S., and between mentees and the mentors who help shape their paths. But it took her some time to recognize being bicultural as her own superpower, and when she did, it empowered her to say yes to an opportunity most people would've handed to someone with a bigger title.Key TakeawaysLeadership is not a job title: You can be a leader as a mentor, a community organizer, a parent, or a volunteer—impact and initiative matter more than status.Networking is people-to-people connection, not transaction: Powerful “networking” often looks like simply being curious about others and building genuine human relationships.Bicultural identity is a superpower: Living between cultures, as Ai does between Japan and the U.S., creates unique insight, empathy, and the ability to act as a bridge.Opportunities often arrive through community: Ai's major career transitions—from hospitality to translation to TOMODACHI—came through relationships and community involvement.Saying yes can be the real “risky conversation”: Accepting the invitation to represent her region as a mentor felt risky to Ai, but turning it down would have meant betraying the message she gives her mentees about stepping up.Operation TOMODACHI to TOMODACHI Initiative: The humanitarian response to the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake evolved into a long-term leadership and exchange program impacting over 10,000 alumni.Exposure to hope changes trajectories: Young people from disaster-affected regions returned from U.S. programs with renewed hope, agency, and a desire to rebuild their communities.Community work can clarify your own identity: Serving Japanese communities in the U.S. helped Ai reconnect to her Japanese roots and recognize her role as a cultural bridge.Curiosity is a core leadership habit: Being genuinely interested in people—their stories, cultures, and experiences—naturally expands your world and your opportunities.There is still hope in the world: Despite global uncertainty, Ai emphasizes that human-to-human connection, especially across cultures, is a powerful source of hope.FeaturedConnect with Ai Asakura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ai-asakura0977/Learn about the US-Japan Council: https://www.usjapancouncil.org/Connect with Jamie Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/Learn about 1:1 executive coaching with Jamie Lee here: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/applyText me your thoughts on this episode!Enjoy the show? Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts. Connect with meBook a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1. Connect with me on LinkedIn Email me at jamie@jamieleecoach.com 

In this episode, We sit down with @CaudilloNuclear — U.S. Nuclear Navy veteran, Dominican powerhouse, amateur pianist, ex-Jehovah's Witness, and one of the most direct voices on X breaking down gender dynamics, dating in the modern world, and the gap between online discourse and real-life interactions.We dive into:Why the internet gives endless ammo for any dating philosophy (but reality hits different)Cross-cultural romance lessons from his experiencesThe self-improvement trap and why he's a "non-guru"How novelty, humor, and actual game still win offlineObservations on women, men, culture clashes, and personal growth without the fluffDirect, humorous, and zero filter — this is red pill talk grounded in real experience, not just theory. Whether you're navigating the dating market, questioning mainstream narratives, or just want unfiltered insight from a guy who's lived it, this episode delivers.

Many enterprise marketing teams struggle with low campaign engagement because they treat cross-cultural outreach as a secondary budget extension rather than a foundational strategy. Jorge Plasencia, CEO of Republica Havas and Global Chief Client Officer of Havas, breaks down how to build comprehensive cross-cultural campaigns that align directly with high-growth consumer demographics.He shares his approach to navigating the shift toward automated "agentic" shopping networks, using large-scale simulated data frameworks to maintain visibility in automated retail loops.Key discussion topics include:Bypassing late-stage campaign additions to integrate cross-cultural insights directly into core strategy.Optimizing brand positioning to remain competitive when autonomous AI assistants handle routine consumer shopping.Deploying automated research systems to track consumer choices across diverse demographic segments.Retraining operational staff from basic administrative tracking into creative and strategic service positions.Positioning regional market hubs as entry points for international business expansion.Guest Profile: Jorge Plasencia is the CEO of Republica Havas and Global Chief Client Officer of the Havas network, managing client alignment across 700 partner agencies in 100 countries.Connect & Scale Your Operations:Follow Jorge Plasencia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeplasencia/Explore Republica Havas: https://republicahavas.com/Optimize Omnichannel Performance Capital with Strike Social: https://strikesocial.com/guaranteed-paid-social-media-ads-outcomes/Connect with Host Dylan Conroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanconroy/

Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.

Listen as Kyle Tumberg shares his journey to becoming a cross-cultural missionary in Central Thailand.                                                               ----------------Today's story is told by Kyle Tumberg, a former AFM career missionary on the Central Thai Project in Thailand and now AFM's Recruitment Director.Subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed listening to today's story!

Serving overseas reshapes family life in unexpected ways. Working with OMF in Japan since 2017, John Timothy shares his experience of fatherhood in cross-cultural ministry – the joys, pressures and the faithfulness of God along the way.

Da Eun Yoon on Names, Voice Work, and Living Between CulturesChristine interviews multilingual actor, voice artist, and audiobook narrator Da Eun Yoon, announcing her as the narrator of the middle grade novel in verse Love Language (out August 4). Da Eun shares the meaning of her Korean name and her  changing English names, describing challenges introducing “Da Eun” at Northwestern and eventually embracing it. She recounts moving to New York after graduating from Northwestern (2023), being encouraged to try voiceover, and discovering audiobook narration as a career. The conversation explores her upbringing in Korea speaking English at home, identity crises and accent work in both languages, the “shadowing” method for learning pronunciation, and feeling different across Korea and the U.S. She discusses passion as acting despite fear, her work as storyteller/translator bridging cultures, uncertainty about where to live, and how narrating Love Language resonated with her.00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro01:07 The Story Behind Her Name01:55 English Names and Identity04:06 Announcing Love Language04:37 Career Path to Audiobooks06:34 Living Between Cultures09:27 Relearning Korean and Shadowing11:32 Northwestern and Family Talk12:24 Finding Passion and Fear14:10 Where to Live Next15:18 Final Thoughts on Love Language16:14 Thanks and Goodbye

In this conversation, Minter Dial welcomes Kerry Halferty Hardy, a seasoned bridge builder across cultures, sectors, and knowledge silos. With a rich background spanning public, private, and nonprofit leadership, Kerry shares her journey as what she calls a “human Swiss army knife,” adept at navigating the intersections of civil society, healthcare, international affairs, and education. In their deep and wide-ranging exchange, Kerry articulates the nuanced reality of living between cultures as a Franco-American, unpacking the complexities and rewards of a multi-national identity. The discussion moves fluidly across the importance of critical thinking, the power of civil society as the connective tissue in resilient, free societies, and the challenges of aligning incentives—whether across governments, businesses, or NGOs. The conversation also delves into education and parenting in a rapidly evolving world, as Kerry shares her perspectives on nurturing curiosity, agency, and adaptability in the next generation. Drawing from her experience on numerous nonprofit boards—including the American Club of Paris and the World Anti Extremism Network—she offers fresh perspectives on defending freedom, combating extremism, and the responsibility that comes with liberty. For anyone grappling with how to operate meaningfully across borders and disciplines, empower young people, or defend the values of an open society, this episode is rich with practical wisdom and lived insight. Listen in as Minter Dial and Kerry Halferty Hardy explore what it takes to build bridges where others see barriers, and why fostering resilience, openness, and responsibility matters now more than ever.

Vor der offiziellen Eröffnungsfeier des neuen Forschungs-Großprojekts der LMU München ist Prof. Dr. Beate Kellner, die Sprecherin von "Cross-Cultural Philology", bei Knut Cordsen zu Gast und beantwortet u.a. die Frage, wie man Wissenschaftsgeschichte neu denken kann.

Actor Vikrant Narain joins SBS Hindi to discuss How to Talk Australians: The Movie, the big-screen adaptation of the popular web series. He shares how the film uses comedy and culture clash to explore identity, language and life in regional Australia through the eyes of a group of Indian students stranded in Dubbo.

John 1:14 NIV Philippians 2:6-8 NIV Luke 19:1-10 NIV Colossians 1:15-17 NIV God himself crosses boundary lines Jesus sees people over positions Jesus embraces discomfort Jesus is prepared Trust in the one who holds all things together

Social Impact Pioneer Hesham Elzeftawi, Founder and CEO of EBRIIZ shares his journey from Egypt to the US and Mexico developing deep understanding and appreciation for cross-cultural learning, practical field experience, and emerging market realities. Hesham's time in Arabic, English, and Spanish-speaking communities gives him a perspective we all need to hear. In this conversation, Hesham explores what businesses can gain from understanding different cultures, why overlooked markets hold untapped opportunities, and how inclusive growth can create wider economic opportunities, not only benefits for the few. Hesham's career spans more than two decades across international development, cross-cultural learning, youth development, education, women's economic empowerment, community engagement, and financial inclusion. He has worked with organisations including CARE, UNDP, GIZ, Soliya, ICA MENA, and the Science and Technology Development Fund, contributing to programmes that have reached hundreds of thousands of people across Egypt and the wider region. From managing a USD 2.4 million education programme reaching more than 40,000 students, to supporting financial and social inclusion work targeting women's access to the formal financial system through savings and loan group methodologies, Hesham has seen first-hand how social impact succeeds when it is grounded in real local needs. He reflects on why strong project design does not always translate into local relevance, and why meaningful development must be shaped by the people, institutions, and markets it aims to serve. This is a conversation about turning misunderstanding into opportunity, seeing diversity as a way through change, and building links that are not only cultural, but practical, human, and economic. Through EBRIIZ, Hesham is now building on these experiences to explore how cultural difference can become a source of trust, collaboration, and business opportunity. His work focuses on turning misunderstanding into connection, and connection into practical economic value. He sees EBRIIZ as an evolving founder journey, shaped by both success and failure, rather than a completed success story. For anyone interested in cross-cultural leadership, youth development, emerging markets, inclusive business, financial inclusion, women's empowerment, or the future of business with impact, this episode offers rich insights into how we can move through change with curiosity, courage, and collaboration. Hesham is part of the Business Fights Poverty Global Expert Network: https://businessfightspoverty.org/global-expert-network/ Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heshamelzeftawi EBRIIZ: https://ebriiz.org/en/welcome-to-ebriiz/ If you like this, try: What Real Sustainability Integration Looks Like in Business, with Fernanda Facchini, Natura: https://businessfightspoverty.org/what-real-sustainability-integration-looks-like-in-business-with-fernanda-facchini-natura/

Sometimes, you're talking with someone and you just seem to click. Other times, you just can't seem to get comfortable: they're standing too close or too far away for comfort, making too much or too little eye contact, touching or not touching you in a way that just doesn't quite feel right. But where do our senses of what feels comfortable in a conversation come from, and how can they be so different from each other? In this episode, your hosts Gretchen McCulloch and Lauren Gawne get enthusiastic about understanding aliens, fantastical creatures, and perhaps the trickiest group of all, other human cultures. We talk about a science fiction book called Hellspark by Janet Kagan (which was recommended by a listener!) which is a murder mystery set on a planet of cross-cultural communication gone wrong, and which sent us on a whole deep dive into the world of proxemics, aka the linguistics of personal space. We also talk about how these early roots of cross-cultural communication studies have shifted in modern-day linguistic anthropology, and compare several newer speculative fiction books about alternative structures for human societies (plus aliens and/or dragons), including What We Are Seeking by Cameron Reed and To Shape A Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose. Click here for a link to this episode in your podcast player of choice: Read the transcript here: https://lingthusiasm.com/post/817301296196501504/transcript-episode-116-cross-cultural Announcements: Check our our updated topics page! It's a great resource if you're not sure what episode to listen to next or what to recommend to someone. We've added some new topics that let you browse, for example, which episodes analyze the linguistic elements of all the science fiction and fantasy that we've been reading! And we've kept the ability to browse episodes by linguistic structural features, which is perfect for when you're looking for an episode to pair with a topic you're teaching or studying. Go to https://lingthusiasm.com/topics In this month's bonus episode we get enthusiastic about idioms! We talk about some of our favourite idioms, the interplay between idioms and metaphors, why linguists are so excited about breaking idioms by changing one word slightly, and in particular why "the shit hit the fan" was responsible for multi-hour-long discussions that Gretchen participated in during grad school. (Swear warning, because there's really not another idiom that uh, hits the fan in the same way.) Join us on Patreon now to get access to this and 110+ other bonus episodes. You'll also get access to the Lingthusiasm Discord server where you can chat with other language nerds: https://www.patreon.com/posts/156961605 For links to things mentioned in this episode: https://lingthusiasm.com/post/817300905885089792/lingthusiasm-episode-116-cross-cultural

What is the deeper significance of the miracles Peter does? How should followers of Jesus engage with those of other cultural backgrounds? In this episode, Bruno Ysla shares briefly about how God led him from Peru toDallas. Then, he and Emma Dotter continue their discussion of Acts 9:32-43, including the significance of Peter staying with Simon the Tanner and how followers of Jesus should engage with brothers and sisters from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds. // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  S4:268 Acts 9-11 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-267-acts-9-11/id1600151923?i=1000735699050  // WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY? Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we're studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week's passage. Then, for the next six days, we'll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we'll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God's Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights. Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:  Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources Previous years' print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma... Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org  

******Support the channel******Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thedissenterPayPal: paypal.me/thedissenterPayPal Subscription 1 Dollar: https://tinyurl.com/yb3acuuyPayPal Subscription 3 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ybn6bg9lPayPal Subscription 5 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/ycmr9gpzPayPal Subscription 10 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y9r3fc9mPayPal Subscription 20 Dollars: https://tinyurl.com/y95uvkao ******Follow me on******Website: https://www.thedissenter.net/The Dissenter Goodreads list: https://shorturl.at/7BMoBFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedissenteryt/Twitter: https://x.com/TheDissenterYT This show is sponsored by Enlites, Learning & Development done differently. Check the website here: http://enlites.com/ Dr. Lynda Boothroyd is a Professor of Psychology at Durham University. Her research focuses on Evolutionary and Cross-Cultural understandings of interpersonal attraction and sexual selection. She has focused on body ideals in rural Nicaragua alongside experimental work both in the laboratory and in the field on the impacts of visual experience on body size preferences. In this episode, we start by talking about where gender differences stem from, and the influence of culture. We discuss gender differences in “gender equal” countries. We then talk about how mate preferences vary, and how they are influenced by culture and the media. We discuss body dissatisfaction in young girls, whether there is a relationship between facial appearance and health outcomes, and men's body image. Finally, we talk about how to approach gender differences and mate preferences in a scientifically rigorous way.--A HUGE THANK YOU TO MY PATRONS/SUPPORTERS: PER HELGE LARSEN, BERNARDO SEIXAS, ADAM KESSEL, MATTHEW WHITINGBIRD, ARNAUD WOLFF, TIM HOLLOSY, HENRIK AHLENIUS, ROBERT WINDHAGER, RUI INACIO, ZOOP, MARCO NEVES, COLIN HOLBROOK, PHIL KAVANAGH, SAMUEL ANDREEFF, FRANCIS FORDE, TIAGO NUNES, FERGAL CUSSEN, HAL HERZOG, NUNO MACHADO, JONATHAN LEIBRANT, JOÃO LINHARES, STANTON T, SAMUEL CORREA, ERIK HAINES, MARK SMITH, JOÃO EIRA, TOM HUMMEL, SARDUS FRANCE, DAVID SLOAN WILSON, YACILA DEZA-ARAUJO, ROMAIN ROCH, YANICK PUNTER, CHARLOTTE BLEASE, NICOLE BARBARO, ADAM HUNT, PAWEL OSTASZEWSKI, NELLEKE BAK, GUY MADISON, GARY G HELLMANN, SAIMA AFZAL, ADRIAN JAEGGI, JOÃO BARBOSA, JULIAN PRICE, HEDIN BRØNNER, FRANCA BORTOLOTTI, GABRIEL PONS CORTÈS, URSULA LITZCKE, SCOTT, ZACHARY FISH, TIM DUFFY, SUNNY SMITH, JON WISMAN, WILLIAM BUCKNER, LUKE GLOWACKI, GEORGIOS THEOPHANOUS, CHRIS WILLIAMSON, PETER WOLOSZYN, DAVID WILLIAMS, DIOGO COSTA, ALEX CHAU, CORALIE CHEVALLIER, BANGALORE ATHEISTS, LARRY D. LEE JR., OLD HERRINGBONE, DAN SPERBER, ROBERT GRESSIS, JEFF MCMAHAN, JAKE ZUEHL, MARK CAMPBELL, TOMAS DAUBNER, LUKE NISSEN, KIMBERLY JOHNSON, JESSICA NOWICKI, LINDA BRANDIN, VALENTIN STEINMANN, ALEXANDER HUBBARD, BR, JONAS HERTNER, URSULA GOODENOUGH, DAVID PINSOF, SEAN NELSON, MIKE LAVIGNE, JOS KNECHT, LUCY, MANVIR SINGH, PETRA WEIMANN, CAROLA FEEST, MAURO JÚNIOR, TONY BARRETT, NIKOLAI VISHNEVSKY, STEVEN GANGESTAD, TED FARRIS, HUGO B., JORDAN MANSFIELD, CHARLOTTE ALLEN, PETER STOYKO, DAVID TONNER, LEE BECK, PATRICK DALTON-HOLMES, NICK KRASNEY, RACHEL ZAK, DENNIS XAVIER, CHINMAYA BHAT, RHYS, AND ALEX MACLEOD!A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PRODUCERS, YZAR WEHBE, JIM FRANK, ŁUKASZ STAFINIAK, TOM VANEGDOM, BERNARD HUGUENEY, CURTIS DIXON, BENEDIKT MUELLER, THOMAS TRUMBLE, KATHRINE AND PATRICK TOBIN, JONCARLO MONTENEGRO, NICK GOLDEN, CHRISTINE GLASS, IGOR NIKIFOROVSKI, AND PER KRAULIS!AND TO MY EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS, MATTHEW LAVENDER,SERGIU CODREANU, AND GREGORY HASTINGS!

Hear about the revolutionary vision and community development of The Center of Black Excellence and Culture. Amanda White's fund development experience and Rick Phelps community development expertise brought a cross-cultural dynamic to the project that reflected and modeled the reality of the community The Center was built in. Cross-cultural fund development is complicated when race and new ideas are in the mix. The trust that was earned and formed between this project team was important to the process, allowing for amazing results and life-long friendships. Also, because there was a commitment to the project being truly Black-led, there was a trust felt by the Black community that brought their investment in The Center. The cross-cultural dynamic brought some new dimensions of this kind and size of a project, so that the broader community could see the relevance of The Center's vision. From focusing on having the investment of the Black community first, prioritizing Black women, and seeing an unprecedented number of supporters at every level. Also, the way people saw the project team  work together brought others on board to contribute to the project. Rick Phelps is the former Dane County Executive and chaired redevelopment of East Washington Ave/Capitol East District in Madison, WI. He is currently serving as an integral part of the advisory council for The Center for Black Excellence and Culture. Amanda White has been working to advance nonprofits and small businesses in Madison for 25 years. She has directly raised millions of dollars to support local nonprofit missions, including coaching over 50 clients, including 25 capital campaigns. Unique from other consultants, Amanda is fortunate to have worked in a variety of capacities within the small business and nonprofit sectors. While fundraising and storytelling is her passion, Amanda also has strong experience in financial forecasting, statewide program development, media relations, and even lobbying. These experiences give Amanda a complete understanding of non-profit management, enabling her to create a fundraising strategy that supports an organization's mission and operations. alexgee.com Support the Show: patreon.com/blacklikeme Join the Black Like Me Listener Community Facebook Group

On this episode, we sit down with the one and only Jesse Appell—Chinese TV stand-up comedian, blogger, lecturer, tea entrepreneur, and passionate bridge-builder for US–China cultural exchange. In his newly published book, Jesse shares the unlikely story of how a Fulbright Fellowship to study the traditional Chinese humor form “crosstalk” (xiangsheng) launched him from student to television star, with his video clips capturing more than half a billion views on the Chinese Internet.

Acts 14:8-22,8 Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. 16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 Even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them.19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.We conclude our worship gathering here each week with the commissioning, reciting Jesus' words to us in Matthew 28:19-20. He tells us to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all I have commanded you…”The authority given to us from Jesus Christ, to “make disciples” from all the nations, applies to all sorts of tasks: it includes local tasks such as raising children, encouraging a brother or sister in Christ, confronting a friend who is drifting, or explaining the gospel to a Lyft driver. But it also goes beyond our local horizon to tasks like learning a new language to communicate in a different country. When we come to “missions” Sunday, we mean something specific. Missions means that someone is sent, with purpose, for a goal. And the specific goal we understand with that term is, “cross-cultural witness” about Jesus. Why is that?The Great Commission does not allow us to be content with our own home or neighborhood. It requires us to look beyond the horizons of our city, and of our nation or people. God has a special and distinct delight in creating disciples from among all nations.That nudge, that delight, that push to emphasize “all nations” is what we call “missions.” Of all that God calls us to do, one part that requires a reminder and special attention, is to pray for, to send, and to go toward peoples who have not yet heard or accepted the gospel.And in Acts 14 we have an example of the first missionary team to the nations, Paul and Barnabas.This story gives us a picture or model of what it looks like to bring the good news about Jesus to a new place. Whatever situation we face today, we can ask how to respond in ways that reflect what we see from the Apostles. My hope is that this text stimulates us to send cross-cultural witnesses (missionaries). And, I pray that it would confirm some people in this room with the desire to join that work.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? Cross-cultural witness glorifies (or makes much of) God—through Light, Life, and Love.Light: It shines light into darkness.Life: It brings new groups of people to Jesus.Love: It helps believers walk in a cross-shaped way.1) Light: Light into Darkness (vv. 9-18)How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It shines light into darkness. This is the main point of the story about Paul and Barnabas's witness in the town of Lystra.The story has three parts: a healing, a misunderstanding, and then light (the explanation).HealingThe Apostles announced the saving power of Jesus through a miracle.Paul says to a lame man, “Stand upright on your feet” (14:10). And the man rises. In fact, the text says that he “sprang up”, and began walking. The people of Lystra were no fools. They must have known this man. They knew he could not walk and had never walked. He was disabled from birth. There was no orthopedic surgery at this time. No Dr. Peter Cole to set those bones, and no physical therapy to train him to walk. And yet, in a moment, the power of Jesus changed everything.We are all familiar with showcased, staged healings. It is difficult for us to contemplate what a real public healing would look like. What would you feel if you were there? Remember, this is someone the townspeople knew. The evidence, for them, was clear as the blue sky. This man couldn't walk, and now he can.And that makes their reaction a bit less surprising.Misunderstanding“And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, ‘The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'” (v. 11) Paul and Barnabas didn't understand what was said. Notice that the people were speaking in Lycaonian. Paul and Barnabas were undoubtedly speaking Greek, and we think most people would have spoken Greek as well. Cities such as Lystra were founded as Greek cities several hundred years earlier.But this verse tells us that there was a deeper culture, an older culture, an older language still at play. When the people were startled by this obvious miracle, they responded in their native language.Verse 12 explains the confusion,“Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker.”It would be a big surprise for you and me to be mistaken as “gods”. I think it was a surprise for Paul and Barnabas as well. The people saw the miracle and concluded this must be a divine visit. They picked the most likely visitors from the Greek pantheon—Zeus, king of the gods, and Hermes, the messenger of the gods. The misunderstanding went even deeper when the priest of Zeus proposed sacrificing an ox to celebrate the visit from these god-like figures. The text says that when Barnabas and Paul “heard of it,” that is, someone had to tell them what was going on…they spoke up and explained the true situation.Think about what Paul and Barnabas were feeling at that moment. “We've been totally misunderstood!” Even after Paul's explanation, Luke records that “even with these words they scarcely restrained the people from offering sacrifice to them” (14:18).So, despite a clear word from Paul, there was misunderstanding.Dear friends, have you ever been misunderstood in your gospel witness? It happens that we try as best we can to make the gospel clear, and yet people around us hear it through their own lens. Perhaps, “Ah, so you are religious and I'm not.” “So you hold a particular political view.” Or, as I experienced with a driver in Vietnam once, “You ask Jesus for good stuff, and I ask Budda for good stuff. We're basically the same.”But I want us to see in this text that misunderstanding has a purpose. It fuels clear gospel witness. Misunderstanding forces us to new and fresh ways of speaking. Misunderstanding is the stuff of cross-cultural witness because it forces us to push through. It forces us to learn a new language, whether a literal language or the vocabulary of a sub-culture we've never experienced—maybe even one in our own city.LightA misunderstood healing gives Paul a chance to speak. And he has a message, a beam of light into darkness. He says in verse 15,“We bring you good news.”What is that good news?What was the great problem regarding god in the ancient world? Because there were so many powers in the universe, so many potential gods, the greatest challenge was to know which god should be worshipped. All the sacrifices in the pagan world were attempts to ask, “Will this help?” “Will that help?” My Vietnamese friend treated Buddha in the same way: He can help me get what I want.That is why Paul says in verse 15, “We bring you good news!” It frees us to learn that there is one God above all. It is freeing to hear that this God has spoken. If I am worried about offending one of the many gods, to hear that there is one God above them all changes things.Remember that the priest of Zeus is waiting there with a sacrificial ox. But Paul doesn't say, “Just like Zeus, the god I proclaim is the king of the gods. He directs the lightning. He shows his power in the sky.”The Living God is not like Zeus. He is not a part of creation, but completely separate from it. As the “living” God, he is life and he gives life. He created all things and so rules over all things.And people need that same word today. Without a belief in the living God, people have no real connection to what is bigger than themselves. A world without a creator has a great emptiness. All our quests to be part of something bigger than ourselves are pointing in that direction. We may settle for building our own little empire, or devoting ourselves to a political cause, or vaguely hoping that “helping people” gets us a bit more meaning, but in quiet moments we know that we are alone in this universe without connection to one who created all things.Dear friends, this is the “light” of the gospel message. The God who made the world, the one whom we cannot avoid, has spoken and acted for us in Jesus.Luke doesn't record the end of Paul's message here, but he does in Acts 17, when Paul visits Athens. There Paul says,“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31).The resurrection of Jesus Christ has announced God's salvation and judgment to the world.Some of you are facing difficult conversations with friends and family about what you believe. You may be uncertain about how to make clear what you mean by faith in Jesus. Paul's witness here reminds us that even in the midst of misunderstanding, the gospel announces real, solid light to every culture and sub-culture, to every sector of society, and to every man and woman. And the work to make that gospel light clear is the glorious work of witness, particularly cross-cultural witness.2) Life: New Followers of JesusCross-cultural witness glorifies God because it results in life: that is, new followers of Jesus.What Does Christian Conversion Look Like? (v. 15)It is to “turn from vain things to a living God” (Acts 14:15). Paul explains this to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:10, “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” Notice the contrast: Vain things, idols, that is, whatever claims to meet our needs. Instead we should turn to the “living God.” “Living God” does not mean simply that “he exists.” Rather, he is life and he gives life. He is not an inert, distant power or force—like gravity. But he is active, alive, and giving life.Psalm 36:9,“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” This reminds us why the message is good news.Turning to God is not just doing what we are told: like getting back to your homework after wasting 30 minutes scrolling. It is not like getting serious after throwing around some jokes with friends, or setting yourself a long list of goals to make yourself better. Instead, the New Testament describes conversion as turning from darkness to light. It is stepping away from emptiness and toward fullness. It is to reorder your desires and values so that you look up to the one who is the most valuable and say, “Yes! I have everything I need in You!” Everything else is “vanity,” insufficient, incomplete, temporary, and ultimately unsatisfying. If we have Jesus, then we lack nothing. Our cup is full. And we are satisfied with all that God is for us in Jesus. He is to us, not only Lord and Savior, but also our treasure.Have you turned from vain things to the Living God? Have you given up on empty pursuits (and you know deep down that they are empty) to look toward the God who gives real life? Paul calls the people of Lystra to the most significant moment of their lives. He tells them not to miss out on what God gives. And if you have not yet put your faith in Jesus, then God announces this to you again today: Come to him.And the miracle is that people in Lystra believed.New Disciples and New ChurchesActs 14:21-22,“When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith....”They “made many disciples” and they returned to “strengthen the souls of the disciples.” In the midst of misunderstanding, people believed. When Paul and Barnabas came back to Lystra, perhaps a month or two later, there were “disciples.”This is the great promise of gospel witness. Real lives are changed. Human lives take a new direction. And those believers make churches, churches that often endure. Do you remember Paul's companion, Timothy? Do you know where he is from? Lystra. This very town (Acts 16:1-3).I know Lystra is not on a tour of Bible lands today. That part of Turkey was conquered by Muslims in the Middle Ages, but the church in Lystra survived for at least four hundred years after this event. There is evidence that the bishop of Lystra attended a church council in 451 AD. So, the cross-cultural witness here produced fruit for hundreds of years to come.How does cross-cultural witness glorify God? It brings life and joy that transform the lives of men and women…and then it bears fruit in churches and communities for decades and centuries. So, Cities Church, if a mature member of this church says, “Yes. I want to give my life for that work in a fresh, cross-cultural environment,” will we get behind them? Are we ready to send a member or members of this church to live and witness cross-culturally for the sake of new spiritual life? Might that perhaps be you? 3) Love: Believers Walk in a Cross-shaped Way (vv. 19-20)Cross-cultural witness brought Light (out of darkness and into light), Life (new life that grows in Christ), and then Love (Believers now walk in a cross-shaped way).Acts 14:19-20,“But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. 20 But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe.”Can you imagine this scene? As Paul, you are hit in the head with a stone that knocks you out. Next thing you know, you wake up in the dust on a road outside the town.Imagine what that felt like for Barnabas. Here we are, a few months into this journey. We've seen some success, we've seen people come to faith. And even in Lystra it looked hopeful after the misunderstanding. But then, it all comes crashing down in a mob action directed at Paul. How do you respond to that? Luke records this very simply: Paul got up, went into the city, and left the next day with Barnabas. These guys knew what they were about, and they were not surprised.We have been studying John 17, and Jesus makes this perfectly clear:“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” (John 17:14)“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” (John 17:18)Paul and Barnabas looked at each other that day and said, “Brother, we are not of this world. But we are sent into the world. The world hates our Savior, and so it hates us as well.”Here is how Paul reflected on that day when he wrote to Timothy several years later, 2 Timothy 3:10-12,“You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…”When Paul thinks through his “persecutions and sufferings”, he goes back to this event. He tells Timothy, you want to know what my life looks like? Remember Lystra. We can call it a cross-shaped life. Just as Jesus told us,“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)Do you believe that, dear friends? The life of love is a life poured out for others in serving them and proclaiming the good news about Jesus Christ. And cross-cultural witness among unreached people makes this abundantly clear. C.T. Studd, one of the missionaries to China in 1885 said about his years there: “For five years we never went outside our doors without a volley of curses from our neighbors.” Those who engage in front-line, pioneering cross-cultural witness often face a negative response from people. And yet there is glory in it. Would it not be a glory to display that cross-shaped life as a witness to a people group among whom there are few believers? Would it not be a grace to spend your life working through the frustration of cross-cultural misunderstanding to see new spiritual life spring up? Would it not be worth it to find yourself spent, tired, and poured out for the sake of people who might not hear the gospel clearly any other way? And for every Christian, it may be that you will face a “volley of curses” when you go outside your door. You might even face such a thing today. And that is why Paul's exhortation to the new believers in Lystra applies also to us, Acts 14:22:“strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.”Your “many tribulations” might look like anything: this includes both opposition and just plain difficulty. Paul says to you that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” This is from God and God is with us in it.The TableAnd how do we know that God is with us in difficulty? One way is through the witness of the Lord's Supper.Believers have a life shaped by the cross. Behind our struggles with misunderstanding and opposition is a confidence in Jesus, who suffered and died for us. And so, if you feel inadequate for a difficult situation. If you feel like your knees would buckle when faced with opposition. If you sense that your body and soul are not sufficient for the risk-taking life that we see in Paul and Barnabas here, then God has a word for you here at this table. Jesus Christ endured all for you, and he gives himself to you to be received in faith, just as we take and eat these elements. And if Christ is in you by the power of the Spirit, then all of heaven works for your good.

In this Missions Sunday sermon, Jon Hoglund expounds upon Acts 14:8-22. Paul and Barnabas embark on a journey to Lystra as the first missionary team to the nations. Their tumultuous story of healing, misunderstanding, and gospel explanation that produces conversions, disciples, and new churches, reveals to us how cross-cultural witness glorifies God.

Sangita Shresthova, PhD is a multilingual scholar specializing in civic participation, popular culture, and the intersections of digital media and intercultural communication. She leads a range of projects examining civic engagement in both digital and physical spaces. Shresthova's expertise in designing and executing complex qualitative research is exemplified by her leadership in a multi-year study of youth activism in the digital age, which culminated in the publication of By Any Media Necessary: The New Youth Activism.Shresthova's published works include Practicing Futures: The Civic Imagination Action Handbook and Popular Culture and the Civic Imagination: Case Studies of Creative Social Change, which explore how imaginative practices and popular culture can foster creative social transformation. She is also a co-creator of the Digital Civics Toolkit, a widely recognized resource designed to support educators and community leaders in guiding youth learning in digital environments. The toolkit was named one of the “Best Edtech of 2018” and continues to be a vital resource for fostering digital literacy and civic engagement.Her two recent books, We Are Civic Media (Northwestern University Press) and Connected Cultures: How to Parent Across Borders (Channel View Publications) further expand her contributions to civic media studies and cross-cultural communication.Links:www.sangitashresthova.comWe are Civic MediaTransformative Media PedagogiesPracticing Futures: A Civic Imagination Action HandbookPopular Culture and the Civic Imagination: Case Studies of Creative Social Changehttps://www.multilingual-matters.com/page/detail/the-cross-cultural-parenting-playbook/?SF1=work_id&ST1=CVIEW-684985269b12f Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Keri, Erin and Jenny talk with Kim Blough about reaching the nations with the gospel here in the United States.

In this podcast, we speak with Ekta Rawat, who runs a Hindi language initiative teaching non-native speakers across different countries. We discuss the growing global interest in learning Hindi, particularly among second-generation children in migrant families and those from cross-cultural households seeking a deeper connection with language and heritage. She shares insights into the challenges of learning the language outside a Hindi-speaking environment and how digital tools and contemporary approaches are reshaping the way the language is taught and learned today.

In this heartwarming episode, Brad and Lucie share their unique love story that began through their involvement with Josiah Venture. Brad, originally from Chicago, and Lucie, from the Czech Republic, recount how their paths crossed in ministry, leading to an unexpected but beautiful marriage. They discuss their first impressions, the challenges of a cross-cultural relationship, and the importance of communication and support in their marriage. Towards the end, they reflect on their current ministry efforts, including training young leaders and participating in mission trips to Ukraine, and provide insights on the impact of their work. Their story is a testament to how God brings people together from different backgrounds to serve a greater purpose. As they approach their 18th wedding anniversary (this Valentine's Day!), they reflect on their journey and offer advice and inspiration to others. This heartfelt story showcases the power of love, faith, and dedication in both marriage and ministry. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Prayer Room App Summer Internships Mission Trips   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!   Sign up for our new Monthly Podcast Newsletter!

What are some simple things that churches and Christians can do to reach out to their increasingly diverse communities with the gospel?In this episode of In:Dependence, Adrian Reynolds (FIEC Associate National Director) is joined by Nick McQuaker (Mission Director, A Passion for Life) to discuss reaching people of other faiths, cutting through the complexities that can get in the way, and how to take some first steps towards cross-cultural mission as churches.Show notes:Ideas, guides and resources to help you share the good news of Jesus (apassionforlife.org.uk)Census maps - Religion (ons.gov.uk)About In:Dependence: In:Dependence is FIEC's official podcast, where you'll hear conversations on topics for church leaders.About FIEC: We are ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠a fellowship of Independent churches⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ with members of the family across England, Scotland and Wales. Our mission is to see those Independent churches working together with a big vision: to reach Britain for Christ.00:00 - Introduction03:13 - Cross-cultural mission forum06:50 - Reaching people of other faiths12:26 - How to cut through the complexities17:30 - First steps towards cross-cultural mission23:40 - Growing a heart for other cultures

What does it really take to build a life across cultures? In this episode, intercultural trainer Kathy Ellis joins Doreen for an honest conversation about the messy, beautiful reality of cross-cultural living. From her small-town Midwest roots to seven countries, multiple languages, and decades helping others navigate global transitions, Kathy brings both personal experience and professional expertise to the table.In this conversation:The Cultural Iceberg: Beyond Tourist-Level Understanding Kathy explains why cultural awareness is just the tip of the iceberg—the real work happens when you dive beneath the surface into ambiguity, unspoken rules, and deep cultural integration. We discuss what it takes to move from observer to participant in a new culture.The Friendship Challenge: Building Real Connections Abroad Making friends as an adult is hard. Making friends as a newcomer in a foreign country? Even harder. We explore the complexities and unexpected joys of building genuine friendships across cultures, the role of shared experiences, and why humor and emotional adaptability matter more than you think.Repatriation: The Hardest Move You Never Saw Coming Coming "home" after years abroad can be more disorienting than any international move. Kathy and Doreen dig into identity shifts, reverse culture shock, and practical strategies for reintegrating into a place that no longer feels quite like home—or maybe never did.Your Survival Toolkit: What Actually Helps You Thrive Forget generic advice. We share real-world strategies that work: leading with humor, staying genuinely curious, finding cultural "bridges" for connection, and maintaining positivity without toxic optimism. Doreen shares examples from her relocation coaching work that bring these concepts to life.The Executive Friendship Gap: Success Doesn't Equal Connection Even high-achieving professionals struggle to build meaningful relationships outside of work when they move internationally. We explore the subtle cultural and generational factors that make this harder than it should be, and what you can do about it.Change vs. Transformation: Understanding the Deeper Shift Living overseas isn't just about managing change—it's about transformation. We reflect on the difference between adapting to new circumstances and fundamentally evolving as a person through cross-cultural experience.About Kathy Ellis: Kathy holds a Master's in Education, various Intercultural Communication and Language certifications, and serves on the board for the International Language Coaching Association (ILCA). Kathy is a Qualified Administrator in Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). In addition to her educational endeavors, Kathy has published three poetry collections, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.Connect with Kathy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathy-ellis-9b79191/https://www.instagram.com/kat.ellis/Connect with Doreen: Nomadic Diaries podcasthttps://www.nomadicdiariespodcast.com/https://www.linkedin.com/feed/https://doreencumberford.substack.com/publish/homeSupport the showHome is Where Your Story Crosses Borders!

The book of Acts is the narrative of the work of the Spirit among the first century believers when the Kingdom of God expanded from one ethnic group to many. This moment in Church History established the pattern for how God equips and empowers His people to be His witnesses in such a way that engages the culture for its redemption and restoration. 

Daniel Tam-Claiborne recently appeared at Mac's Backs Books in Cleveland to discuss his debut novel, Transplants, which surrounds a Chinese college student and a Chinese American teacher who find themselves uprooted in new lives and cultures. Tam-Claiborne sheds light on his inspiration and process, his philosophy on writing outside one's own experience, the craft of a multi-POV novel, incorporating the real-life trajectory of COVID into his fictional world, exploring identity and belonging in his work, and, naturally, why self-delusion is an important part of the writing life.   This conversation was recorded during an in-person author event hosted by Mac's Backs on November 18, 2025. Order Transplants from Mac's Backs here.   Page Count is produced by Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library. For full show notes and an edited transcript of this episode, visit the episode page. To get in touch, email ohiocenterforthebook@cpl.org (put “podcast” in the subject line) or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

In this episode, I sit down with Nathan Clarkson, author of I'm the Worst, for an honest conversation about brokenness, shame, confession, and freedom. Nathan shares what it was like growing up in a well-known Christian family, learning how to perform moral goodness while hiding the parts of himself he didn't know how to face, and how confronting that reality became the beginning of healing rather than the end of the story. We talk about moral superiority, cancel culture, and the ways fear turns both politics and church life into tribes instead of communities. We also dig into the difference between shame and conviction, why confession and forgiveness matter so much for spiritual formation, and how dehumanization always leads to harm. This conversation is for anyone who is tired of polarized Christianity and is looking for a more honest, freeing, and love-shaped way forward.Nathan Clarkson is the author of I'm the Worst, and an award-winning actor, a Netflix-trending filmmaker, and best-selling author of several books, including Different and Uniquely You. He is a podcast philosopher on the award-winning show The Overthinkers. Nathan writes regularly on the intersection of faith and culture for the Patheos column Cross Cultural and has been featured in outlets such as the Today Show, LA Times, Variety, and Relevant Magazine. Find out more at nathanclarkson.me.Nathan's Book:I'm the WorstNathan's Recommendation:The Hidden Habits of GeniusConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@shiftingculturepodcast.comGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, Bluesky or YouTubeConsider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link belowGet Your Sidekick Support the show

On this Friday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid covers several news stories: the Federal appeals court reversing a decision that freed former Columbia University student and anti-Semite Mahmoud Khalil; ongoing nurse strikes and halted contract negotiations in New York City; fundraising efforts for Governor Hochul's reelection campaign; a local rally supporting anti-government protests in Iran; Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado's meeting with President Trump; and discussions about the New York Giants' shiny new head football coach John Harbaugh. Arthur Aidala, Brian Kilmeade, Craig Carton, K.T. McFarland, Vickie Paladino & Victoria Coates join Sid on this Friday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z respond so differently to the same marketing message? In this milestone 250th episode, the Marketing Guides dive deep into the psychology, values, and trust factors that shape how different generations and cultures make buying decisions. What You'll Discover:

Power of Ten is a show about design operating at all levels of zoom, from thoughtful detail to changes in organisation, society and the world, hosted by design leadership coach, Andy Polaine. In this episode Andy speaks with Dr. Chui Chui Tan a specialist in culturalisation strategies tailored for international growth. She leverages cultural insights to craft winning global business strategies, guiding clients to navigate international markets successfully. She is also the author of a new book, "Research for Global Growth: Strategies And Guidance For Cross-Cultural Insights". Links ==== Chui Chui ======== - Website: https://beyo.global - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuichuitan/ - Book: https://beyo.global/books Andy ==== - Website: https://www.polaine.com - Newsletter: https://pln.me/nws - Podcast: https://pln.me/p10 - Design Leadership Coaching: https://polaine.com/coaching - Courses: https://courses.polaine.com - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apolaine/ - Bluesky: https://andypolaine.bsky.social - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apolaine

Dr. Clarence Shuler, President and CEO of Building Lasting Relationships, marriage counselor, speaker, life and relationship coach, diversity consultant, and author of more than 10 books joins Dr. Karen to talk about his new book, “Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships: How You Can Help Heal Racial Divides, One Relationship at a Time.” Dr. Shuler shares some of … The post Dr. Clarence Shuler: How Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships Heal Racial Divides (Episode # 347F) first appeared on TRANSLEADERSHIP, INC®.

A2 THE SHOW #590 Our next guest is Tamer Ruggli, the Swiss-Egyptian filmmaker behind the acclaimed feature Retour en Alexandrie. Known for his emotionally rich, cross-cultural storytelling, Tamer dives into his 10-year journey of turning a personal idea into a cinematic exploration of diaspora, heritage, and family. In this episode, he opens up about capturing authentic Egyptian life, working with a powerful cast, the chaos and beauty of filmmaking in Egypt, and the deep emotional layers behind his work. From childhood influences like Disney to the complexities of family dynamics, creativity, and identity, Tamer brings an honest, warm, and beautifully human perspective to the world of film.

In this episode of the Foster Friendly podcast, hosts Courtney Williams and Travis Vangsnes welcome Greg and Sam Hollback, a couple who have adopted two Native American daughters through the I Belong Project. They discuss their life in Daytona Beach, their community engagement, and their professional backgrounds in youth advocacy and education. The Hollbacks share their adoption journey, including the challenges and joys of finding their daughters, the importance of cultural considerations in adoption, and how they incorporate Lakota heritage into their family life. They reflect on their experiences as a multicultural family and the significance of belonging and identity for their children.Checkout our free webinars on practical and relevant foster care and adoption topicsFosterCon.orgLearn more about Youth Advocate Programs:https://www.yapinc.org/TakeawaysLiving in Daytona Beach offers a unique lifestyle for families.Adoption processes can take time and require patience.Cultural understanding is crucial in the adoption journey.Incorporating a child's heritage can enrich family life.Community engagement is important for personal fulfillment.Children need time and attention to adjust in new environments.Adopting cross-culturally requires sensitivity and awareness.Language learning can strengthen family bonds and cultural identity.The importance of being accepted as a family in diverse communities.Adoption is about love and connection, not perfection.

Fluent Fiction - Danish: From Lattes to Love: A Cross-Cultural Connection in København Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2025-11-17-23-34-02-da Story Transcript:Da: Efteråret havde lagt tæppe af gyldne blade over København, og universitetskollegiets lounge var fyldt med en duft af friskbrygget kaffe.En: Autumn had laid a blanket of golden leaves over København, and the college lounge was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee.Da: Solens stråler spillede ind gennem de store vinduer og oplyste rummet, hvor studerende snakkede levende om alt fra studier til kommende ferier.En: The sun's rays streamed through the large windows, illuminating the room where students chatted animatedly about everything from studies to upcoming vacations.Da: Lars sad lidt for sig selv i den ene ende af sofaen, med en bog liggende på skødet.En: Lars sat a bit by himself at one end of the sofa, with a book resting on his lap.Da: Han var en forholdsvis stille dansk student, der elskede poesi.En: He was a relatively quiet Danish student who loved poetry.Da: Han kiggede op, da Anton, en af hans venner og arrangør af studiegruppen, kom hen og satte sig.En: He looked up when Anton, one of his friends and the organizer of the study group, came over and sat down.Da: "Det her bliver spændende," sagde Anton med et grin og kastede et blik rundt i rummet.En: "This is going to be exciting," said Anton with a grin, glancing around the room.Da: "Jeg har inviteret Emilie fra din forelæsning."En: "I've invited Emilie from your lecture."Da: Lars nikkede, men en snert af nervøsitet bredte sig i hans indre.En: Lars nodded, but a hint of nervousness spread inside him.Da: Han havde set Emilie i klassen.En: He had seen Emilie in class.Da: Hun var amerikansk udvekslingsstudent – altid nysgerrig og engageret.En: She was an American exchange student—always curious and engaged.Da: Men hun havde en tydelig længsel i blikket, som viste, at hun savnede sit hjem.En: But there was a clear longing in her gaze, showing that she missed her home.Da: Lidt senere ankom Emilie med et smil, der lyste op i rummet.En: A little later, Emilie arrived with a smile that lit up the room.Da: Hun satte sig ved siden af Lars, og gruppeopgaven begyndte.En: She sat next to Lars, and the group assignment began.Da: "Jeg elsker litteratur," sagde hun entusiastisk.En: "I love literature," she said enthusiastically.Da: "Det minder mig om kunst; hver sætning er som en penselstrøg."En: "It reminds me of art; every sentence is like a brushstroke."Da: Lars tøvede lidt, men besluttede at tale.En: Lars hesitated a bit but decided to speak.Da: "Poesi er det sprog, hvor man kan sige meget med få ord," svarede han og mødte hendes blik.En: "Poetry is the language where you can say a lot with few words," he replied, meeting her gaze.Da: Som ugen gik, fandt de to sig selv ofte sammen i diskussioner om både kunst og poesi.En: As the week went on, the two found themselves frequently in discussions about both art and poetry.Da: Emilie fortalte om Thanksgiving, en højtid hun var vant til at fejre hjemme i USA.En: Emilie talked about Thanksgiving, a holiday she was used to celebrating back home in the USA.Da: Lars lyttede, fascineret af traditionerne.En: Lars listened, fascinated by the traditions.Da: En aften læste gruppen et digt, der handlede om længsel og hjemve.En: One evening, the group read a poem about longing and homesickness.Da: Lars og Emilie udvekslede et blik, som om de begge forstod noget dybere.En: Lars and Emilie exchanged a glance, as if they both understood something deeper.Da: Det skabte en umiddelbar forbindelse.En: It created an immediate connection.Da: Som dagene blev kortere, begyndte Lars og Emilie at tilbringe mere tid sammen uden for studiet.En: As the days grew shorter, Lars and Emilie began spending more time together outside of their studies.Da: De besluttede at fejre en lille Thanksgiving middag sammen med deres nye venner og senere tage til lokale kulturelle begivenheder i København.En: They decided to celebrate a small Thanksgiving dinner with their new friends and later attend local cultural events in København.Da: Lars opdagede, at han kunne være åben og udtrykke sig mere frit.En: Lars discovered that he could be open and express himself more freely.Da: Emilie begyndte at føle sig mere hjemme, hendes naturlige nysgerrighed voksede, og hun fandt en form for tilhørsforhold, hun ikke havde forventet.En: Emilie began to feel more at home, her natural curiosity growing, and she found a sense of belonging she hadn't expected.Da: De to studerende tog hinanden i hånden, klar til at udforske både hinandens og deres egne kulturer, og deres forhold voksede sig stærkere for hvert skridt, de tog sammen.En: The two students held hands, ready to explore both each other's and their own cultures, and their relationship grew stronger with each step they took together.Da: København, med dens farverige liv og varme, blev en ny slags hjem for dem begge.En: København, with its colorful life and warmth, became a new kind of home for them both. Vocabulary Words:autumn: efterårblanket: tæppebrewed: friskbryggetilluminating: oplystechatted: snakkedeanimatedly: levendeupcoming: kommendevacations: ferierlap: skødetrelatively: forholdsvispoetry: poesinervousness: nervøsitetexchange student: udvekslingsstudentcurious: nysgerriglonging: længselhomesickness: hjemveliterature: litteraturbrushstroke: penselstrøghesitated: tøvedeglance: blikassignment: opgavefascinated: fascinerettraditions: traditionerimmediate: umiddelbarconnection: forbindelsecultural events: kulturelle begivenhederdiscover: opdageexpress: udtrykkebelonging: tilhørsforholdexplore: udforske

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: Breaking Barriers: A Journey to the Heart of Culture Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-11-13-08-38-19-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 秋天的喜马拉雅山村，美丽而宁静。En: In the autumn, the village in the Himalaya mountains is beautiful and tranquil.Zh: 连和佳正沿着蜿蜒的小径走进这个村庄。En: Lian and Jia walk along the winding path into this village.Zh: 村庄在雪山之间，空气清新，树叶五彩斑斓。En: Nestled among the snow-capped mountains, the air is fresh, and the leaves are in a riot of colors.Zh: 连对文化非常好奇。En: Lian is very curious about cultures.Zh: 她和佳来这里是为了文化交流项目。En: She and Jia came here for a cultural exchange program.Zh: 他们想学习当地人的传统手艺，并与他们建立联系。En: They want to learn the local people's traditional crafts and build connections with them.Zh: 连很兴奋，但也有些担心。En: Lian is excited but also a little worried.Zh: 她不会说当地语言，这让她和村民交流时感到困难。En: She does not speak the local language, which makes communicating with the villagers difficult.Zh: 佳是这次项目的负责人，他比较沉稳。En: Jia, who is the leader of this project, is more composed.Zh: 他告诉连：“不用担心，我们可以用微笑和手势交流。En: He tells Lian, "Don't worry, we can communicate with smiles and gestures."Zh: ”村子里的人都很热情。En: The people in the village are very welcoming.Zh: 连和佳受到了热烈的欢迎。En: Lian and Jia receive a warm welcome.Zh: 村民们邀请他们参观他们的工作坊，那里有很多精美的手工艺品。En: The villagers invite them to visit their workshops, where there are many exquisite handicrafts.Zh: 连对这些手艺非常感兴趣，特别是那些用羊毛编织的毯子和包包。En: Lian is very interested in these crafts, especially the blankets and bags woven from wool.Zh: 虽然语言不通，但连发现了一种沟通方式。En: Although there is a language barrier, Lian discovers a way to communicate.Zh: 她用手势和微笑。En: She uses gestures and smiles.Zh: 她还主动参与村子里的日常活动，和村民一起采集植物，一起学习纺织。En: She also actively participates in the village's daily activities, gathering plants and learning to weave with the villagers.Zh: 慢慢地，她赢得了村民们的信任和友谊。En: Gradually, she wins the villagers' trust and friendship.Zh: 不久后，村子里正好要举办一个传统的节日庆典。En: Soon after, the village is about to hold a traditional festival celebration.Zh: 村民们邀请连参与。En: The villagers invite Lian to participate.Zh: 连决定尝试展示她学会的手艺。En: Lian decides to try and showcase the crafts she has learned.Zh: 她准备了一个小饰品，是她跟村民学做的。En: She prepares a small accessory she learned to make with the villagers.Zh: 在节日那天，连紧张又兴奋。En: On the day of the festival, Lian is nervous and excited.Zh: 她展示了自己的作品，村民们都很惊喜。En: She showcases her work, and the villagers are pleasantly surprised.Zh: 他们为连鼓掌，夸奖她学得很好。En: They applaud Lian and praise her for learning well.Zh: 连的心中充满了喜悦。En: Lian is filled with joy.Zh: 她终于突破了文化和语言的障碍，融入了这个美丽的村庄。En: She has finally broken through cultural and language barriers and has integrated into this beautiful village.Zh: 节日结束后，连和佳离开了村庄。En: After the festival, Lian and Jia leave the village.Zh: 连意识到，她不仅学会了手艺，还学会了如何用心交流。En: Lian realizes that she has learned more than just crafts; she has also learned how to communicate from the heart.Zh: 她变得更加理解和尊重不同的文化，变得更加善于跨文化沟通。En: She has become more understanding and respectful of different cultures, and more adept at cross-cultural communication.Zh: 在回家的路上，连对佳说：“这次文化交流让我学到了很多。En: On their way home, Lian says to Jia, "This cultural exchange has taught me a lot.Zh: 人与人之间，心只有靠近，语言和文化都不是障碍。En: Between people, as long as hearts are close, language and culture are not barriers."Zh: ”佳微笑地点头，同意地说：“是的，这就是文化交流的意义。En: Jia nods with a smile, agreeing, "Yes, that is the meaning of cultural exchange." Vocabulary Words:autumn: 秋天Himalaya: 喜马拉雅tranquil: 宁静winding: 蜿蜒nestled: 位于curious: 好奇cultural exchange: 文化交流composed: 沉稳exquisite: 精美handicrafts: 手工艺品weave: 编织gestures: 手势participates: 参与gathering: 采集trust: 信任friendship: 友谊festival: 节日celebration: 庆典showcase: 展示accessory: 饰品applaud: 鼓掌praise: 夸奖joy: 喜悦barriers: 障碍integrated: 融入respects: 尊重adept: 善于cross-cultural: 跨文化hearts: 心connections: 联系

On this episode we speak to the writer and director of the new play 'Mother of Exiles,' and talk arts funding and community engagement with author Donna Walker-Kuhne.

On this episode we speak to the writer and director of the new play 'Mother of Exiles,' and talk arts funding and community engagement with author Donna Walker-Kuhne 

In this episode, I talk with Lindsay McMahon, CEO and co-host of All Ears English, about how senior managers can disagree more effectively and sensitively in global business settings. We explore cultural differences in communication, key concepts like context and power distance, and practical English phrases you can use to disagree without damaging relationships. Enjoy! Here are the timings:00:00 – Introduction & why disagreeing well matters for leaders01:00 – Meet Lindsay McMahon and her global communication insights02:30 – A real-life story about missing cultural cues04:30 – Key ideas: high vs. low context cultures and power distance07:00 – How culture and personality shape disagreement styles08:00 – Three approaches to disagree in English08:30 – Style 1: Direct disagreement10:00 – Style 2: Disagreeing while maintaining relationships12:00 – Style 3: Delaying or avoiding disagreement13:30 – Final takeaways: focus on connection, not perfection14:30 – Where to find All Ears English GET MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - Become a free member and get my weekly round up of tips in the newsletter and extra bonus content INTERESTED IN 1-to-1 COACHING? Register for future places on my programme WANT TO SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Donate a coffee TRANSCRIPTS - do an in-depth review of the episode content LinkedIn @AnnaConnellyInstagram @annabusinessenglishYouTube @annabusinessenglish

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at motivating you to apply God's word while strengthening your heart and nurturing your soul. Today's Bible reading is Acts 10:34–43. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. Browse other resources from Leeann Stiles. ESV Bible narration read by Kristyn Getty. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

A global New Year celebration where New York meets Brazil through music, art, fashion, and street culture.Check out my latest interview with HL Thompson as he shares the vision behind SlyFox Festival 2025, a one-of-a-kind celebration fusing the energy of New York with the soul of Brazil. From Dec 28 – Jan 1, the festival brings together music, art, fashion, and graffiti in a vibrant, multigenerational, multicultural showcase. Discover how SlyFox is creating a creative space for global connection, cultural exchange, and an unforgettable New Year's celebration.For information and to purchase tickets, visit SlyFoxFest.comSlyFox Festival IGSlyFox NYC IGA VIBE Casa Black RioThanks for tuning in! Connect on IG or visit Keetria.com

The global church is being mobilized to reach the unreached like never before in history! God is using the global reality of immigration to spread His Kingdom; God is calling out workers from Latin America, China, and Africa to reach the unreached; and we missionaries must not miss out on what God is around the world! Listen in as we learn about mobilizing cross-cultural coworkers from Alex and Jess, coworkers in Portugal. 

Loving others and communicating respectfully across differences isn't easy—sometimes it's not even something we want to do. It's far more comfortable to stay in circles of sameness than to engage those with different beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives. In this breakout session from TGC's 2024 Women's Conference, Vanessa Hawkins explains how growing in cross-cultural competence is not just helpful for communication—it's a key part of our spiritual formation as disciples of Christ.