Mending Divides

Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to divide us. In this episode, Enneagram coach Rob Yackley joins Jer to explore the Enneagram and how each of the nine types tends to show up in conflict. Together, they explore each type’s default responses, the unique gifts and traps they bring, and practical ways each can move from reactivity to resourcefulness. Whether you’re new to the Enneagram or fluent in this resource, join us as we discover how the Enneagram can help us show up more fully, more compassionately, and more peaceably when things get hard.02:00 Opening02:43 The Dynamic Nature of the Enneagram05:45 Enneagram and Conflict Navigation06:53 Intro to Enneagram in the Context of Conflict11:10 Core Desires and Fears of Each Type16:30 The Two Tasks of Life21:53 Virtues and Vices of the Nine Enneagram Types36:08 Conflict and the Enneagram41:44 Belly Breathing and Re-growing our Fuses43:37 Practical Tips for Each Enneagram Type50:24 The Importance of Otherness in Enneagram52:12 ConclusionMentioned in this episode:Become an EmberEMBERS is our community of investors and partners committed to igniting and fueling the Everyday Peacemaking movement. Through their continued monthly support, EMBERS members accompany us in our work of forming Everyday Peacemakers and Reconciling Leaders to mend divides. Donate2026 Leadersip CohortDiscover the 2026 Global Immersion Leadership Cohort! Join a community of leaders, receive coaching from global peacemakers, take part in an immersive experience in Northern Ireland, and earn certification in Dialogue for Peaceful Change. Applications are open until October 31 at globalimmerse.org/cohort

What if peacemaking meant moving into people’s lives instead of waiting for them to come to the table? In this profound conversation, renowned peacemaker Dr. John Paul Lederach shares how presence, story, and deep listening can transform conflict—and why this “circulation” approach looks a lot like Jesus.02:29 John Paul Lederach’s journey with conflict transformation07:48 How do we approach conflict today?10:01 Humiliation and dehumanization12:20 The way of Jesus with conflict16:01 A story from Maze prison in Belfast19:25 What formation is needed? Looking at Defensiveness24:52 The Pause of Curiosity26:16 The Vocational Pause30:22 Fixing conflict vs. wounded companions36:58 This moment in time?42:29 Hope in the Everyday and the Local46:28 Circulatory Approach48:24 Learning from insects55:31 Deepening in circles vs. linear “fixing59:49 Jesus’ circulatory “along the way” ministry01:02:23 Final encouragement01:07:49 Closing reflectionMentioned in this episode:In a world of division, your support fuels peace, courage, and connection. Help us keep going. Donate Now. Donate

The dominant story isn’t working. In this bold conversation, Ben McBride challenges Christians to confront power, discomfort, and exclusion—and reimagine a faith big enough for belonging. Learn why he says we must be hard on systems, soft on people, and always building a bigger table.00:25Iintro01:34 Leaning into discomfort06:10 Self-compassion, or hope that’s larger than our fears09:24 Jer remembers similar experience with his dad11:20 The need for a new story15:28 The perceived righteousness of the dominant Christian story17:52 Gospel of a dead Jesus22:00 Personal Suffering and America’s Decline26:22 Relationship with the powerful36:00 Relationship with the suffering38:42 The pace of transformation42:51 Relationship with people in pain45:25 Challenges engaging all sides at once48:02 EndMentioned in this episode:Listen to Navigating Deep Disagreements with Loved OnesNavigating Deep Disagreements with Loved Ones (Everyday Peacemaking Podcast)In a world of division, your support fuels peace, courage, and connection. Help us keep going. Donate Now. Donate

Welcome to the Mending Divides Podcast, formerly known as the Everyday Peacemaking Podcast! Join us for a brand new series of unfiltered conversations about conflict and how we navigate it. In a world familiar with conflict, Mending Divides offers a fresh perspective. Hosted by Dr. Jer Swigart, this Global Immersion podcast delves into the conflicts we all face through insightful conversations with those who deeply understand them.This isn’t just about prescribing peace-building techniques. Mending Divides invites you into the lives, stories, and practices of individuals shaping our understanding of conflict resolution. Through their journeys, we discover what it means to confront our own conflicts head-on.Expect candid dialogues that:Challenge assumptions and explore diverse paths to peace.Shed light on the roles of religion, culture, and biology in conflict resolution.Share stories of resilience, creativity, and courage that inspire hope.Join us as we explore the many dimensions of conflict and peace. Follow us on Instagram @globalimmerse and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.Look out for our first episode coming later this month!

In this episode, hosts Osheta Moore and Jer Swigart explore what peacemaking looks like in the aftermath of the election. They unpack how different communities are processing the results and the impact on marginalized groups, emphasizing that there’s no single “right” way for a peacemaker to use the ballot. With honesty and grace, they wrestle with the best way to engage with those we’re in relationship with—especially those who voted differently. Grounded in the teachings of Jesus, Osheta and Jer navigate calls to action, the challenge of loving enemies, and the need to confront harmful policies. They remind listeners that “it’s not the end of democracy” and invite them to embrace radical, subversive peacemaking. This episode challenges you to reflect deeply on your role in mending divides and building the beloved community—because the work doesn’t stop with an election. 00:39 Setting up the conversation02:17 Osheta’s Family Conversation02:58 Impact of Elections on Different Communities04:27 Jer’s Initial Reflections and Grounding Reminders08:26 Navigating the Frenzy12:06 The Role of Friendship in Peacemaking13:41 Loving our enemy19:39 The Responsibility of White Peacemakers23:44 Distinct Gifts and Graces26:07 If you voted for Trump...30:56 The Urgency of Peacemaking36:42 Different kinds of fear40:30 Jesus’ StrategyPRO-HUMAN Apparel - Get your PRO-HUMAN shirt, hoodie, hat or more in our online store at https://www.bonfire.com/store/global-immersion/Want a free PRO-HUMAN t-shirt? Make a donation of $100 or more or start a recurring monthly gift of $25 or more by December 31, and we’ll send you a free PRO-HUMAN t-shirt! Donate at globalimmerse.org/donateTurning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash

Autumn is here, and with it come plenty of starts and a constant barrage of asks to give, volunteer, and show up for meaningful causes. In this episode, Osheta and Jer explore the reality of compassion fatigue and how to discern ‘what’s mine to do.’ With personal anecdotes, they discuss the pulls on our empathy, managing the feeling of being stretched like Gumby, and the importance of grounding oneself spiritually to make wise decisions. From reflective daily practices to the Ignatian Examen, this conversation provides practical insights on maintaining peace and showing up authentically during this busy season.02:10 Osheta’s compassion fatigue05:29 Jer feels like Gumby08:55 Osheta burns out10:33 Doing the deeper work14:38 Three things to look for18:10 Mentorship19:56 Socialized as a woman21:35 Practice: Three questions23:11 What’s mine to do?25:33 Osheta does the examen30:32 Closing Sign up for the cohort interest list or RSVP for an info session at globalimmerse.org/cohort Pick up some Pro-Human apparel: bonfire.com/store/global-immersion/ Learn more about us: globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode, Osheta and Jer reflect candidly on the common experience of loneliness, recognizing that it’s always a part of the path of peacemaking. Reflecting on their recent Deep South immersion with the 2024 Leadership Cohort, they share their journey from isolation to discovering a sense of companionship and learning how to be lonely together. Through theological reflections and personal stories, they explore the significance of befriending loneliness, prioritizing companionship over community, and finding comfort in prayer practices. They encourage us all to acknowledge our own loneliness without anxiety, while seeking a way forward together with others on this journey. 01:44 shared experience of loneliness04:38 befriending loneliness11:08 finding your prayer practice13:50 being lonely together19:09 companionship more than community22:02 gentle invitations Learn more about the Leadership Cohort at globalimmerse.org/cohort Sign up for the cohort interest list or RSVP for an info session at globalimmerse.org/cohort Learn more about us: globalimmerse.org Photo by hanya kumuh on Unsplash Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode, Osheta and Jer delve into the intersection of parenting and peacemaking. They grapple with the temptation of fixing vs. being, naming the lure of project-oriented parenting and peacemaking. The high stakes of Christian parenting in particular are addressed, opening up a discussion about when we might need to reparent ourselves rather than focusing solely on the needs of our children. Unique practices in each of their households are shared, culminating in an invitation to parents to find their own authentic style of peacemaking as the greatest gift they can give their children. The conversation offers valuable insights for parents and peacemakers alike, exploring how to nurture children in a way that allows them to grow into the everyday peacemakers our divided world so badly needs. 02:42 Fixing vs being06:03 How do you want to be remembered by your kids?07:31 The problem with project-oriented peacemaking14:19 The stakes of Christian parenting18:18 Lowering the stakes20:35 Reparenting ourselves vs. Parenting our kids22:43 Household practices23:55 Impatience with our own formation25:50 Bringing kids into a story28:06 Shielding kids from mistakes and failure30:19 Integrity in our own style of peacemaking33:17 closing Learn more: globalimmerse.orgSupport our work: globalimmerse.org/donateTurning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode, Osheta processes a challenging experience of racism and her struggle to respond as a peacemaker when she was already depleted. The conversation explores the importance of self-care, acknowledging our triggers, and building an ‘infrastructure of support’ to remain grounded amidst everyday conflicts and tension. They emphasize the persistent presence of the Holy Spirit with us, the need for proactive preparation for difficult spaces, listening to our bodies, and how community is foundational to everyday peacemaking. 01:04 Osheta’s Shares an Encounter with Racism07:46 Discerning when to walk away10:06 Protecting the “other’s” belovedness14:45 infrastructure of support17:03 Preparing for difficult spaces18:36 listening to our bodies22:30 Resilience through the Spirit of God in us27:18 A Gentle Invitation Learn more: globalimmerse.orgSupport our work: globalimmerse.org/donateTurning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

Our next Virtual Immersion conversation into the Israel/Gaza war wrestles with what to do as peacemakers when we drift into despair, give in to fear, or move in our anger from righteous indignation to dehumanizing rage. Jer Swigart is joined by Mercy Aiken and Bruce Fisk from the Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME), who are navigating these realities while fighting like peacemakers for an end to this suffering. The discussion is anchored in their personal stories of awakening to the injustices and complexities of the crisis, centered on the transition from being pro-Israel or pro-Palestinian to adopting a pro-human perspective. The conversation delves into the costs of taking such a stance, highlighting the personal, professional, and emotional tolls and the importance of solidarity and relationship-building in pursuing peace. The dialogue shifts to confronting feelings of despair, the challenges of maintaining hope, and the complexities of managing anger without dehumanizing the other, all towards growing our resilience and deepening our souls for sustained practice.00:00 Opening Context06:53 Mercy and Bruce Introductions09:57 Waking up to a Larger Story20:29 Pro-human is not neutral22:39 The high cost of leaving a Pro-Israel Christianity32:18 Despair, Fear, and Anger40:58 What to do with despair46:10 AngerThe Virtual Immersion is a series of conversations to platform and amplify the experiences and insights of our Palestinian and Israeli friends and peacemaking partners. The live conversations first take place on Instagram Live @globalimmerse, and are then made available as podcast episodes. These are vulnerable, challenging conversations with peacemakers embedded within this war's trenches.Support our work at globalimmerse.org/donateLearn more about NEME's work: neme.network

Jer and Osheta discuss the table as a vital tool in mending divides. Osheta sets the stage with a poignant tale of gumbo-making that fostered connection, empathy, and a sense of belonging to one another. The duo unpacks practical strategies, emphasizing the essence of simplicity in hosting, the significance of thoughtful recipe choices, and the role of pacing for restorative conversations. They extend an invitation for listeners to participate in Maundy Thursday by hosting an intentional meal and proposing a meaningful red beans and rice recipe out of solidarity with our global kin. 03:34 Osheta’s Story10:18 Maundy Thursday11:33 Jer Responds14:27 The Pace at the table20:45 Recipes22:59 Red beans and rice24:58 Jer’s comfort food28:38 Sending guests out into the world34:39 Closing Osheta's Red Beans and Rice Recipe: https://bit.ly/oshetasredbeansandrice Listen to the first episode about the power of the table in everyday peacemaking: globalimmerse.org/blog/powerofthetable/ Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage: globalimmerse.org/blog/gazaceasefirepilgrimages/ CCDA Holy Week Devotional: bit.ly/CCDAGIholyweekdevotional Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com

In this episode of the Everyday Peacemaking Podcast, hosts Osheta Moore and Jer Swigart discuss the centrality of the table as the most important furniture used in the work of peacemaking. Jer shares an incredible story from his recent trip to the front lines of the conflict in Burma, where a shared meal revealed the belovedness of former enemies. Osheta helps apply Jer’s story to the everyday tables we are a part of, encouraging us to use what we have, lower our expectations, embrace a slower pace, and make room for one another. They also reflect on the role of the interpreter at the table, the person helping heart-level communication happen. The conversation culminates with an invitation to consider what our “other” might need to hear that disarms their walls and makes space for our shared humanity to come forward. Learn more about us at globalimmerse.org Support our work: globalimmerse.org/donate Turning Over Tables theme music courtesy of The Brilliance www.thebrilliancemusic.com