Global Trellis: The Podcast

In this episode, Amy and Bernie talk with Emily Maljanian (who also happens to be Amy's niece!) from Wordsmith Services about why donor communication is essential for staying funded, connected, and emotionally supported in cross-cultural work. Emily shares practical tips for writing brief, consistent newsletters, even if you don't see yourself as a writer. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in your communication rhythm, this conversation will leave you energized and ready to reconnect with the people who make your work possible. Tune in and get ready to be encouraged!

✍️ From Emily:

Newsletter Story Worksheet (Free) – 13 questions to help you brainstorm stories before you write: https://wordsmithservices.net/worksheet

Donor Communication Cohort – Emily’s 8-week cohort (training, edits, and community) begins June 10: https://wordsmithservices.net/cohort Use code TRELLIS for 10% off for the Global Trellis community.

🎧 Related Podcast Episodes:

Five Steps to Make Your Newsletter Writing Fun [Listen Here]

Elevating Your Newsletter Design for Maximum Impact with Karen Huber [Listen Here]

🌿Global Trellis Resources:

Write Interesting Newsletters (Win!) Course: available here

Enjoying Newsletters (Book by Amy Young): available here

Global Trellis: The Podcast
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Every culture, organization, and person operates under an "overstory"—a dominant narrative so pervasive it's nearly invisible. In this episode, Amy and Bernie unpack Malcolm Gladwell's concept of overstories and explore what it means for cross-cultural workers who are constantly navigating between competing narratives. If you've ever felt disoriented, misunderstood, or stuck in a cultural context, or just curious about what's going on, this concept might explain why.

📕 The Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

📝 The online Holistic Conference for Global Workers (includes the Overstories worksheet and the bonus resource of Toxic Leadership Assessment). The conference is 50% off through May 15, 2026.

🎧 Three podcast episodes:
Global Online Conference: Holistic Care for Cross-Cultural Workers [Listen here]
Holistic Care for Cross-Cultural Workers: Insights from the Global Trellis Team [Listen here]
How to use The Toxic Leadership Assessment [Listen here]

🍇 The membership Insiders includes monthly Live prayer activities, all workshops, and 50% courses and conferences (the sale stacks!)

Global Trellis: The Podcast
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After living and serving on the field, do you ever wonder if you’re ruined for finding work that will feel as meaningful again? You’re not alone. In this episode, Amy and Bernie step into the disorienting space of re-entry and finding a job. because what you did on the field doesn’t seem to translate to a job. We unpack the messy middle of transition, wondering what skills still matter and how God might be inviting you into a new season of meaningful work.

Read this article by Bernie: When Your Global Calling Doesn’t Translate Back Home
Amy’s Book: Looming Transitions (audio book and workbook on Global Trellis, available here on Amazon)
Connect with Bernie about the Career Sweet Spot Assessment

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Planning a trip to your passport countries, whether for a few weeks or a full-on furlough, involved endless logistics. The Passport Country Trip Planner was created to bring clarity and calm to the process. Amy and Bernie welcome returning guest, Karli VonHerbulis, to introduce the Passport Country Trip Planner, a highly customizable, printable resource designed by Karli for your next trip. Are you planning a trip back to your passport country? This episode (and tool!) is for you!

Purchase your Trip Planner (included in Insiders!)
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Global Trellis: The Podcast
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Cross-cultural ministry isn’t just something that happens “over there”—it can happen right in your passport country. Amy and Bernie have a fascinating discussion with Megan and Foster about the challenges they face doing cross-cultural ministry in their passport country. Whether you’ve lived the complexity of being from Country A, living in Country B serving people from Country C, or you’re discovering that same kind of cross-cultural dynamic in your own country, this conversation will resonate. Everyone doing the hard work of cross-cultural ministry needs validation and resources. This episode is a step in the right direction!

📖 Global Trellis Article about taking down the ministry pedestal
🏞️ Ministry Pedestal infographic
🎧 Podcast about Dismantling the Ministry Pedestal

Global Trellis: The Podcast
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