In this episode, Nonviolence Radio speaks with Sheila McCarthy of Meta Peace Team about her recent month in the West Bank providing unarmed civilian protection. She shares stories of courage and daily life under occupation—from olive harvests under threat to villages gated off by the Israeli military—and reflects on how standing nonviolently with others becomes an act of resistance and hope.

Transcript and archives available at MettaCenter.org/NonviolenceRadio and NonviolenceRadio.org

In this episode of Nonviolence Radio, hosts Stephanie Van Hook and Michael Nagler speak with Kathy Kelly, board president of World Beyond War, about the urgent need to move beyond militarism and the false promises of security through violence. Sparked by a recent speech from U.S. official Pete Hegseth glorifying lethality and dismissing pacifism, the conversation dives into the deeper truths about human nature, real security, and the power of nonviolent action. Kathy, a lifelong peace activist, contrasts militarism’s destructiveness with the courage and coordination of nonviolent efforts like the Global Sumud Flotilla, and Michael joins with insights from science and history affirming our innate capacity for cooperation.

Transcript available at NonviolenceRadio.Org

In this interview, we speak with Dr. Deb Roman, an integrative physician and advocate for compassionate health care. Together, they explore the current state of health care—what’s working, what’s not, and how we can move toward a more humane, whole-person approach to healing. Deb shares insights from her experience in medicine, as well as her vision for a system that better supports both patients and practitioners.

Learn more about her work:
Finding-Health.Com

And find more of Nonviolence Radio (including transcripts) at NonviolenceRadio.org

Journalist and author John Washington joins Nonviolence Radio to examine immigration, border enforcement, and the human costs of closed borders. From the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border to the deeper forces driving migration, Washington challenges common assumptions and explores how solidarity, awareness, and principled action can foster more humane and just policies.

What if staying curious — even when it feels risky — is an act of courage? In this episode of Nonviolence Radio, journalist and bridgebuilder Monica Guzmán joins us to talk about the power of curiosity in a polarized world. Together we explore how fear, pain, and technology amplify division, and how curiosity can become a nonviolent force that keeps bridges standing, even when crossing them feels impossible. Guzmán shares insights from her work with Braver Angels, stories of rehumanization across political divides, and why questioning — even our own side — takes courage. At a time when polarization tempts us to burn bridges, curiosity reminds us to keep them.

“Anything courageous requires risk. You’re not risking anything by attacking the other side. What’s really brave is calling out your own side for making the culture toxic.” ~Mónica Guzmán

Pastor Michael Neely, a survivor of domestic abuse, provides support to individuals grappling with the decision to remain in abusive relationships influenced by religious beliefs, and advocates for reforming church responses to better assist survivors.

On this episode of Nonviolence Radio, Michael and Stephanie begin with a discussion on Gandhian economics, highlighting its emphasis on simplicity, local self-reliance, and the moral dimensions of economic life. They then welcome Erin Axelrod from LIFT Economy, a worker-owned cooperative dedicated to accelerating the transition to a regenerative, just, and inclusive economy.

Together, they explore how economics is not just about policy or markets, but is deeply intertwined with philosophy, values, and daily practices. Erin shares insights into the “Next Economy” framework, the limitations of extractive capitalism, and the possibilities emerging through cooperative and regenerative models. The conversation underscores a powerful truth: that nonviolent movements cannot succeed without also transforming the economic structures that support violence and inequality. A truly nonviolent future, they argue, must include a reimagining of how we produce, exchange, and relate through our economies.

In this intimate conversation, Anne Symens-Bucher invites us into the sacred territory of being blessed and broken — the honest work of grief, forgiveness, and transformation. Guided by the wisdom of Joanna Macy, Anne reflects on what it means to stay open-hearted in a wounded world, to turn toward our pain for the world, and to find renewal through connection and courage.