The Better Samaritian Podcast

As we head into the season of gathering, giving… and gritting our teeth at the dinner table, we’re revisiting one of my most popular conversations — with Harvard happiness expert, Professor Arthur Brooks. The research is clear: the happiest people in the world have one thing in common — strong family connections.

But what if your family drives you nuts? What if the group chat is a minefield and you’re already bracing yourself for Aunt Marge’s political monologue?

If you struggle with family dynamics, you’re not alone. It’s normal.

In this episode, we unpack why we need our families even when we don’t always like them, the neurobiological wiring that keeps us connected, and why conflict doesn’t mean failure. If you’re heading into this season with mixed emotions, this one will help you navigate the tension. 

Life Happens. Let’s Talk About It. 

Listen in to learn more

(0:30) — Family dynamics

(1:40) — Happiness / “science of happiness.”

(10:30) — Neurobiological connection/sense of self

(14:50) — “Love without liking.”

(25:30) — Conflict vs. schism (estrangement)

In this episode, we are diving into estrangement in families, expectations in parenting and family relationships, the differences between family connections and friendships (and why we need both!), the science of how family connects us to a sense of self, how much effort you should put into family relationships, common challenges that make family life complicated, the difference between conflict and schism in relationships, a call back to intergenerational living, and advice for managing conflict in family relationships. 

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Sign up to receive Paula’s email where she keeps it real about what it’s like being a parent in America. And, if you’re a working mom, make sure you’re getting The CARRY ALL email, the load-lessening newsletter for and by working moms. 

Connect with Professor Arthur Brooks 

 ​​https://arthurbrooks.com/meet-arthur 

Please donate today at Mercy Ships 

Visit Omaha Steaks for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, use promo code FUN at checkout.
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What if giving could be joyful instead of guilt-driven? In this episode, Jamie Goodwin, professor at Wheaton College, shares how her background in global churches, journalism, and teaching led her to a deeper view of generosity. We talk about practical ways to give—like giving circles and hybrid nonprofit models—that engage communities and reflect diverse cultures.

From Cuban “bean crossing” traditions to pandemic-era giving at the family table, Jamie helps us think about how generosity shows up in real life. This episode challenges us to lead with grace, build trust, and create inclusive spaces where giving feels meaningful—not performative.

Listen in to learn more:

(02:46) Supporting Dreams for Sustainability

(07:25) Navigating Grace Amidst Overwhelming Need 

(14:22) Rise of Collective Giving Circles 

(25:50) Importance of Celebrating Giving 

(28:12) Celebrating Meaningful Acts of Giving

Resources 

Jamie Goodwin, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the M.A. in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, which is part of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College. 

The Johnson Center on Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University provides many resources to guide collective giving programs.

https://johnsoncenter.org/collection/giving-circles/

Scott Harrison writes about Charity Water’s practices of gratitude in his book, Thirst , co-authored with Lisa Sweetingham.

Global Trust Partners helps grow cultures of giving around the world (https://gtp.org/).

Participation in Giving Tuesday giving programs can take many forms, as seen in The Oaks Academy’s Million Minutes Campaign.

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee waived for the HDL M.A. program with code TBS25.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
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What’s on the horizon for foreign aid and humanitarian response strategies, especially in light of ongoing funding cuts to foreign aid around the world?

In this episode, Dr. Eric James, founder of Field Ready, shares how localization can make humanitarian aid faster, cheaper, and more effective. We talk about reducing dependency on outside supply chains and how putting tools directly into the hands of local community members builds long-term resilience.

Dr. James also tackles the harsh realities facing the aid sector today, including shrinking budgets and the rise of anti-intellectualism. This episode reflects both on what still needs to change and where to look for opportunities for innovation in instability.

Listen in to learn more:

11:08 - Rutger Bregman on tax avoidance and social impact

18:14 - 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

 

Read More from Dr. Eric James:

Managing Humanitarian Relief

Articles and other books

Eric’s post-show recommendation - Sign up for regular summaries of changes in the humanitarian landscape from the International Humanitarian Studies Association

Field Ready

 

About Dr. Eric James

Eric is an international aid worker, social entrepreneur, and educator with over 25 years of experience in humanitarian work. He has worked extensively with various NGOs and the UN in disaster and conflict zones around the world. He currently teaches in various academic contexts, leads his nonprofit Field Ready, and works on innovative ventures focused on humanitarian response, leadership, and strategy. Dr. James is also the author of several books about foreign aid, including the widely used guide, Managing Humanitarian Relief.

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

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Veteran humanitarian leader Roger Sandberg joins us to discuss how NGOs can lead effectively in the midst of funding cuts and uncertainty. As political shifts tighten budgets, the gap between global needs and available resources continues to widen. Roger shares practical strategies for assessing risk, strengthening communication within teams, and re-imagining sources of funding.

We dive into crisis leadership—why financial clarity, quick decisions, and lessons-learned reviews matter more than ever. Roger also emphasizes the importance of donor diversity and the risks associated with relying too heavily on a single funding source.

This episode offers honest insight and practical advice for any leader navigating change in the aid sector.

Listen in to learn more : 

4:44 - 10 Steps to Stabilize, Adapt, and Lead Through Uncertainty

31:31 - Study on the role in humility within humanitarian leadership

 

Read More from Roger on this topic:

 

NGO Leaders: 10 Steps to Stabilize, Adapt, and Lead Through Uncertainty

 

Crisis Leadership: Strategic Planning in the Age of Aid Disruptions

 

Opinion: The US aid crisis is an opportunity for outcome-based finance

 

The Three-Legged Stool of Humanitarian Action…Did it just break?

 

About Roger Sandberg

Roger is a global humanitarian leader, strategist, and consultant with over two decades of experience leading emergency response and organizational transformation in crisis-affected regions. He advises international NGOs, foundations, and philanthropic networks on leadership, localization, and humanitarian response models that center community agency and sustainability.

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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

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What happens when humanitarian work collides with political upheaval and shifting policies?

In this episode, Rebekah Teuscher and Michaela Dowen, graduates of the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, share what it’s like to navigate being young humanitarian professionals in this time of uncertainty. They offer honest insight into the challenges and realities humanitarian workers face, and share what’s kept them going.

We talk about the importance of clear communication, collaboration across organizations, and staying grounded when things feel chaotic. Rebekah and Michaela also reflect on finding purpose in unexpected roles and the need for good support systems to sustain their work. Their reflections are honest, practical, and rooted in the real-world complexity of an ever-changing work sector.

Listen in to learn more :

 

(11:24) Overview article of refugee resettlement history in the US:

Why does Trump’s executive order about refugees matter?

Read More from Rebekah

“Lord, but When Did We See You?”

Harrisburg area refugees share their stories, perspectives amidst shifting immigration landscape

 

 

Bios:

Over the past six years, Rebekah Teuscher has worked with refugees in various contexts in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her work for refugees and migrant populations, she is passionate about trauma-informed care and community development. She now lives and serves in Lithuania, working with international university student populations.

 

Michaela Dowen is a humanitarian professional who has spent the last four years in the field of forced migration. With experience in local, national, and international spaces, she is passionate about advocating for this especially vulnerable demographic through storytelling and public education.

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The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative 

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS

Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices