The SSK Podcast — Because Peace Begins With Listening

In this episode of the SSK Podcast, Shahid Khan speaks with Chris Workman, Senior Pastor at Crosstrail Community Church in Chapel Hill. Together, they explore faith, life experiences, and the challenges facing the modern church, from comfort and consumerism to the intersection of politics and belief .The conversation also turns to the growing impact of artificial intelligence, raising questions about identity, purpose, and what it means to be human in a rapidly changing world.For more on Chris’s reflections on AI and faith, you can explore his sermon series here: ⁠https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbUuUhjnIsbqsT6PToYWPmLskGu_KnH2c&si=HMZFC7p3bs8H3TZf⁠

In this episode of the SSK Podcast, Shahid Khan speaks with Professor Andrew Sisson, Professor of the Practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy. With over 30 years of experience in international development and crisis leadership, Andrew has worked at the intersection of policy, diplomacy, and people-centered decision-making.Drawing on experiences from Central America, Africa, and post-war Kosovo, Andy reflects on what leadership looks like when the stakes are high and solutions are rarely simple. A central theme of the conversation is his guiding principle: “Take care of your people, and they will take care of you.” He challenges top-down approaches to development, reminding us that people usually have good reasons for doing things the way they do, even when those choices appear inefficient from the outside.This episode offers thoughtful insights on humility, trust, self-care, and leadership in complex and highly fluid environments.

In this episode of the SSK Podcast, Shahid Khan is joined by Nancy Barbee, a lifelong educator, community leader, and dedicated Rotary advocate whose work spans classrooms, local government, and global public health.Guided by her personal motto, “When you dream, dream big,” Nancy reflects on what it means to commit to service over the long term. Drawing on decades of experience, she shares insights from her leadership within Rotary, her involvement in international immunisation efforts, and her belief that meaningful change comes from consistency, humility, and showing up for others.The conversation explores how global challenges such as polio eradication connect to local action, why service above self is more than a slogan, and how ordinary people can contribute to extraordinary outcomes when they are willing to think beyond themselves.This episode is a thoughtful reflection on purpose-driven leadership, community engagement, and the quiet power of dreaming big and acting faithfully on that vision.

In this episode Shahid Khan speaks with Reggie Roberson, Senior Pastor of King's Park International Church in North Carolina.Reggie shares his personal journey, from a challenging youth and an early sense of calling at the age of fifteen, through his time studying at the University of North Carolina, to his work today as a pastor, mentor, and community leader. He reflects on how leadership is shaped over time, why character matters as much as talent, and how influence grounded in love differs from manipulation.A central thread of the conversation is the relationship between truth and service. Reggie explores why service without truth can be ineffective, and why truth must be lived out through service if it is to have real impact. Drawing on his background in psychology, politics, and theology, he discusses how faith, education, and civic responsibility intersect in today’s complex social and political climate.The episode also looks at the role of the church beyond its walls, including engagement with college campuses, leadership development for younger generations, and practical responses to local challenges such as food insecurity and educational inequality. Kings Park International Church’s approach to community engagement has recently received wider recognition, including being featured in The New York Times.This is a thoughtful conversation about leadership, integrity, and service, and about what it means to live out a calling with purpose and humility.

In this episode, Shahid speaks with Dr Roger Mazze — Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and Head of WHO Collaborating Centre in Diabetes Translation — whose pioneering work helped reshape how diabetes is understood and treated around the world. Together they explore what it means to turn medical evidence into real-world impact, why passion matters as much as expertise, and how mentorship can guide students and early career professionals through obstacles and opportunities. The conversation ranges from global health and innovation to Rotary, service and the importance of building strong roots before reaching for the next step.

In this episode of the SSK Podcast, Shahid speaks with Michelle and Chad Wenger of InterVarsity at UNC Chapel Hill. They reflect on how faith and calling unfolded over many years, from Pennsylvania to North Carolina, and how a long-held sense of cross-cultural ministry found new expression among international students. The conversation explores discernment, mentoring, leadership as service, and the joys and challenges of welcoming diverse students around a shared table.

In our first episode, we sit down with Pastor Justin Simmons of Love Chapel Hill to hear how his childhood faith, early mentors, and time at Asbury Seminary shaped his call to ministry. Justin shares how Love Chapel Hill began with a vision to welcome everyone—especially those on the margins—and how the church continues to meet people where they are through community, hospitality, and service. We also discuss student faith at UNC, the church’s move to a new location, and Justin’s message of hope rooted in Jesus’ simple invitation: “Come, follow me.”

In SSK, hosts Shahid S. Khan and Rebecca Gebauer explore what it means to live as people of faith in a restless world. Through stories of pastors, peacebuilders, and everyday changemakers, the series highlights how small acts of kindness and courage can ripple into lasting peace.Whether SSK stands for Searching Shalom & Kingdom or Spreading Signs of Kindness, this podcast celebrates faith in action — reminding us that peace begins with a single step.Watch this space and join the journey.