The Paths To Understanding Podcast
by Paths To Understanding
A podcast that looks at various topics through the lens of wisdom traditions. Panel discussions on Challenge 2.0 and Wisdom From Our Neighborhood take different approaches to sharing the stories and expertise of our guests.
Episodes
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Should Only People Have Rights?-Part Two
In our last episode of Challenge 2.0, we opened a conversation examining the growing ‘rights of nature’ movement. Advocates assert extending legal personhood to corporations while withholding it from ecosystems has led to what they call a ‘plunderverse’; that is, a planet where resources are…
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Should Only People Have Rights?-Part One
Four hundred years ago, scientists and philosophers asserted that animals were merely machines-that what might be interpreted as a dog’s cry of pain wasn’t an expression of feeling. The philosopher Rene Descartes taught such a cry was no different than a clock striking the hour-a purely…
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Beyond Bad Boyfriends-Understanding Toxic Masculinity-Part Two
In last week’s edition of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with Sociologist Pepper Schwartz to understand the hyper-vanity and hyper-masculinity of the Manosphere. We continue that conversation this week, exploring related movements, their implications and constructive responses.
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Beyond Bad Boyfriends-Understanding Toxic Masculinity
It’s called Lookmaxxing, and the measures taken by it's adherents would be ludicrous if they weren’t so dangerous. They include ‘bonesmashing’, men breaking their facial bones with hammers for a more sculpted appearance, injecting themselves with plastic cement fillers, even spending thousands on...
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Turning on Our Own, The War on Women Soldiers
Women make up twenty percent of the U.S. military. They pilot helicopters and tactical aircraft, and serve in special operations forces such as the Army Rangers and Green Berets. Five of the eighteen US soldiers reported killed in the war on Iran have been women. Their deaths and the active…
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When Patriotism is Measured By Color
Black Americans make up seventeen percent of post-9/11 members of the military, which exceeds their proportion of the U.S. population. Although black Americans have served in every conflict since and including the American revolution, they have faced discrimination, disrespect and even physical...
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The Costly Culture of Contempt and Hate
Hate crimes and hate groups have increased sharply since the year 2000. Although hatred is often described as an emotion, psychologists assert it’s actually a learned behavior-a behavior that damages those that hate as much as those who are the subject of that hate. In this edition of Challenge...
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Voting-Who Keeps Their Voice in 2026?
Fewer Americans vote in elections than in most other western democracies. A Pew Research study ranked U.S. voter participation 31st out of 35 western democracies. It pointed to restrictive voting laws and manipulation of voting districts. Analysts have called current efforts to eliminate, reduce…
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The Attack on Iran-A “Holy Order from God?" Part 2
In last week’s edition of Challenge 2.0, two Seattle area faith leaders examined the controversial claim that ‘God approves of the U.S. attack on Iran’. This week, we continue that conversation, examining whether war and violence can be divinely inspired, and what faith requires of each of us.
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The Attack on Iran-A “Holy Order from God?"
More than 200 American soldiers from all branches of service have filed formal complaints against the US military, alleging their commanders told them the Iran war was ‘part of God’s plan’. One complaint quoted an officer as saying President Trump had been anointed by Jesus to light the signal…
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Law and Disorder - Pt. 2
In last week’s edition of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with two highly experienced western Washington law enforcement officials. One, a retired prosecutor-the other, a retired police chief are deeply concerned over the long-term impact of aggressive seizures of alleged illegal…
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Law and Disorder-part one
Political, legal and faith leaders have been increasingly criticizing the ICE and Border Patrol raids and tactics. Law enforcement officials are increasingly joining in those criticisms. In this edition of Challenge 2.0, we speak with a retired prosecutor and a retired police chief, both with...
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Homeland Peace and Security on ICE-Part One
American religious leaders are becoming increasingly vocal in their opposition to federal seizures of alleged illegal immigrants and refugees. A leading Catholic biweekly newspaper asserted members of the faith must decide between loyalty to leaders supporting the raids or loyalty to the Gospel....
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The Atomic Pilgrim-Lessons Learned, Lessons Spurned
Millie Smith was one of 20,000 American children secretly exposed to radioactive gases; gases released from the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in eastern Washington. She later told Congress she developed metastasized Thyroid Cancer, describing classmates who died, illness-induced poverty that forced...
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The Atomic Pilgrim-Part One
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” That quote attributed to the late American Anthropologist Margaret Mead has inspired countless activists. That included a small but dedicated group of men and women who began a pilgrimage from Washington State...
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Our Lady of Guadalupe -The Many Faceted Diamond
When Christians seek to celebrate the foundation of Christmas, they collide with what’s been called the scandal of the holiday. Jesus was born to a family not of power and wealth, but of poverty and humility-a family soon forced to flee, to become homeless refugees, their infant son targeted for...
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Replacing the Emotional Hangover of Feeling Endless “Hanger
The word ‘hangry’ describes a real physical condition; when hunger-low blood sugar-causes the release of hormones that make people angry. It’s also been used to describe the emotional state in this country. In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we explored the rise of Nihilism-the rising drive...
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Countering the Rise of Nihilism
Faith in religion isn’t the only element at or near an all-time low in America; so is faith in American institutions. That was the finding of a recent Gallup poll. Observers say that masks an even more serious trend-the willing embrace of demonization and fearmongering, the drive to destroy and…
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Rediscovering Right and Respectful Relations in America, Part Two
In last week’s edition of Challenge, we began a conversation centered on wisdom sharing by Pacific Northwest tribal leaders aimed at transforming the ongoing conflict-in our neighborhoods, country and on our home planet. This week, we continue our conversation with Dr. Kurt Russo, the…
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Rediscovering Right and Respectful Relations in America
In 1988, the U.S. Senate recognized the Iroquois Confederacy of five native American tribes as a core foundation of the Constitution and our political system. That confederacy was founded in 1142, and has been recognized as the oldest living participatory democracy on earth. It ended a long…
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What is Womanism, and Why It Matters
As American forces pushed into Germany in early 1945, soldiers were also fighting a major morale problem. Many had not received mail for at least months. The newly formed Six-Triple Eight battalion was charged with finding a solution. The predominantly black Army unit processed seventeen million...
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Challenge2.0 Toxic Masculinity
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Eleven years ago, a college student named Elliott Rodger shot three young women outside their California sorority, killing two of them. It was part of a rampage that would claim the lives of six and injure fourteen...
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Challenge 2.0 Let's Go Together - Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we met a small group of western Washington residents convinced that the courage to connect remains in what seems to be the Disunited States of America. They introduced us to…
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Challenge 2.0 Let's Go Together Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org America in the twenty first century seems to be defined by disconnection. That it’s become atoxic blend of distrust, discrimination and defiance; rejectingthe legal and social norms of cooperation built over decades....
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The Gift Interfaith Offers a Pluralistic Democracy in Crisis
Allison Ralph is a thought leader in religious pluralism and social cohesion, Allison Ralph brings 20 years’ experience in strategy, research, and nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. She previously worked at The Aspen Institute, where she served as Associate Director of the Religion & Society...
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Challenge 2.0 American Health: Prognosis Poor
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org New mothers and their infants are more likely to die in the United States than in any European country. The life expectancy of the average American is closer to...
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Challenge 2.0 Voting Values with Investments
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The Seattle-based Northwest Coalition for Responsible Investment was founded thirty one years ago with the recognition that every purchase is a vote; one that...
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Challenge 2.0 Caught in the Crosshairs of War and Uncertain Allies Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we met two members of the Seattle area Ukrainian-American community. As the Russian invasion of their country enters its fourth year, they outlined the...
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Challenge 2.0 Caught in the Crosshairs of War and Uncertain Allies
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org More Ukrainian refugees come to Washington than any other state. The Ukrainian-American community here continues to extend monetary, physical and emotional…
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Challenge 2.0 What Happens In Gaza Doesn't Stay In Gaza
The Seattle area health and technology industries have strong connections with the Middle East-particularly with Israel and Gaza. Those connections have led to equally strong emotions within those communities. The resulting disconnect has escalated in light of recent proposals to evict…
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Challenge 2.0 The Healing Power of Connection Through Faith
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Dr. Harold Koenig is an internationally recognized psychiatrist who serves as the director of Duke University’s Center for the Study of Religion, Spirituality and...
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Challenge 2.0 Finding Joy in Unlikely Places and Ways
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Joy would seem to be an unlikely emotion in a world increasingly filled with uncertainty, and the fear, anger and anxiety it creates. The noted figures of the…
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Challenge 2.0 Wading Into the Turbulent Waters of 2025
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last month’s elections left many Americans deeply troubled. Whatever our individual opinions might be, what approaches and thoughts will best help us navigate the...
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Challenge 2.0 Healing Shattered Spirits The Great Search Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org In our last episode of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with John Philip Newell, the author of a new book called “The Great Search”. It explored why an...
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Challenge 2.0 Healing Shattered Spirits The Great Search Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Churches are closing, faith communities are declaring bankruptcy, the ‘faithful’ are increasingly expressing a sense that their religious communities have broken...
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Challenge 2.0 When He Who Has the Gold Seeks to Make the Rules
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org One hundred and twelve years ago, Washington became one of the first states to adopt the initiative and referendum process. This gave citizens the ability to...
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Challenge 2.0 An Epidemic of Despair, An Epidemic of Youth Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we met the father and mother of a young man who died from suicide. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, they’ll outline a program they’ve developed to...
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Challenge 2.0 Epidemic of Despair, An Epidemic of Youth Suicide Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among young people. Only car crashes claim more lives. The number of suicide deaths continues to increase...
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Challenge 2.0 Potluck for Democracy
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Holiday dinners frequently pose challenges. But as differences in politics, philosophy and faith have become more extreme, such gatherings can become toxic-even…
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Challenge 2.0 Man Camps A Pipeline to Violence Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Workers who move to a region for oil, gas and mining jobs often set up what are called ‘man camps’; residential villages often located near or even on native...
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Challenge 2.0 We Rise by Lifting Others
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The story of today’s Challenge episode was born in tragedy. A young woman who unsuccessfully sought to escape an abusive husband died at his hands when she was...
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Challenge 2.0 Putting Faith into Action Quietly and Successfully
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Translating values into policy and law is never easy and rarely quick. In this episode of Challenge 2.0, we visit with leaders from the group Faith Action Network...
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Challenege 2.0 Being Woke: An Expression or Contradiction of Faith?
One faith leader has described what is called ‘wokeness’ as a pseudo-religion, another as simply being ‘vile’. Florida governor Ron DeSantis brags his state is where ‘wokeness’ goes to die. Yet other faith leaders call it an expression of authentic religious faithwith some qualifications. In this...
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Challenge 2.0 Can Faith Unite Instead of Divide the Middle East
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The most common narrative of the current conflict in the middle east is that it pits Muslims and Jews against each other. It suggests differences in the two...
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Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Last week, we began a conversation examining the force of White Christian Nationalism in America; how it conflicts with the essence of Christianity and the motto...
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Challenge 2.0 Go and Do Likewise
White Christian Nationalism has become a potent and disruptive force in American politics. Some would argue that it has everything to do with a mix of anger and fear among white Americans, the impulse of nationalism, but very little to do with authentic Christianity. Reverend Terry Kyllo is among...
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Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org In last week’s episode of Challenge 2.0, we began a conversation with an internationally recognized advocate of nonviolence and how it’s a proven path to peace…
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Challenge 2.0 Breaking the Cycle of Violence Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Violence or the threat of violence dominates the news-whether it’s in the Middle East, the Ukraine, on American streets or in classrooms. It seems to be a...
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Challenge 2.0 Swimming Upstream for Survival Part Two
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org The two basins formed by the Columbia and Snake rivers were once the biggest salmon habitats in the world. But no longer. Just as the native fish population in…
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Challenge 2.0 Swimming Upstream for Survival Part One
Learn more about Paths to Understanding at https://www.PathsToUnderstanding.org Join the Paths Network at https://www.PathsNetwork.org Science has clearly implicated four dams on the lower Snake River as bearing major responsibility for the precipitous decline of salmon in the Columbia basin. All...
About this show
A podcast that looks at various topics through the lens of wisdom traditions. Panel discussions on Challenge 2.0 and Wisdom From Our Neighborhood take different approaches to sharing the stories and expertise of our guests.
Hosted by
Paths To Understanding
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