<![CDATA[The Need for Courage: Experiments with Peace]]>Creative problem solving is an essential skill in any peacebuilder's toolbox. In this series, the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking will interview peacemakers from a wide range of professions and disciplines to explore time-tested and novel ways that nonviolent action can infuse creativity and pragmatism into addressing pressing issues in our communities.

]]>www.marquette.edu/peacemakingRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:14:27 GMTTue, 03 Feb 2026 22:15:04 GMT60MU Center for Peacemaking<p>Creative problem solving is an essential skill in any peacebuilder's toolbox. In this series, the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking will interview peacemakers from a wide range of professions and disciplines to explore time-tested and novel ways that nonviolent action can infuse creativity and pragmatism into addressing pressing issues in our communities.</p>episodicMU Center for Peacemakingpeacemaking@marquette.eduno<![CDATA[The Marquette Difference with Dr. Kimo Ah Yun]]>Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, the 25th President of Marquette University, joined us for a discussion about how Marquette is a destination university for students who are interested in discovering their purpose, developing a moral compass, and making a difference in the world. He shared how his own lived experiences—including being a first generation college graduate and growing up in a Catholic household—have impacted how he understands the Marquette difference.

President Kimo also shared his continued commitment to the many ways Marquette students, faculty, and programs engage in service with and for our neighbors as the only Catholic, Jesuit university in the city of Milwaukee. Among these signature programs are the Center for Peacemaking’s collaboration with the Near West Side Partners and Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee, the Mobile Legal Clinic, the DentaMed mobile dental clinic, and student organizations like Midnight Run. Ultimately, he reiterated that one’s experience at Marquette should help to see how we are all connected to one another and are called to help one another.

]]>bf40ec4e-c8dc-456e-b691-f8252602e337Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:16:08 GMT<p>Dr. Kimo Ah Yun, the 25th President of Marquette University, joined us for a discussion about how Marquette is a destination university for students who are interested in discovering their purpose, developing a moral compass, and making a difference in the world. He shared how his own lived experiences—including being a first generation college graduate and growing up in a Catholic household—have impacted how he understands the Marquette difference.</p><p></p><p>President Kimo also shared his continued commitment to the many ways Marquette students, faculty, and programs engage in service with and for our neighbors as the only Catholic, Jesuit university in the city of Milwaukee. Among these signature programs are the Center for Peacemaking’s collaboration with the Near West Side Partners and Scaling Wellness in Milwaukee, the Mobile Legal Clinic, the DentaMed mobile dental clinic, and student organizations like Midnight Run. Ultimately, he reiterated that one’s experience at Marquette should help to see how we are all connected to one another and are called to help one another.</p>no00:22:30111The Marquette Difference with Dr. Kimo Ah Yunfull<![CDATA[Building a career focused on data, research, and conflict resolution with Hari Prasad]]>In this episode, host John Byrne catches up with alumnus Hari Prasad, now program associate and researcher at the Carter Center and research associate at Critica Research and Analysis. Prasad shares how his involvement with the Center for Peacemaking helped set him up to pursue a career as a peace and conflict researcher before delving into his areas of expertise, including Syria, Palestine, Ghana, and the role of memes in political discourse.

 

Through these examples, Prasad elaborates on several important—and often overlooked—components of peacebuilding initiatives. He emphasized the post-war and post-fighting period as an essential period of continued conflict resolution and data collection efforts. He also shared how his research on political memes has shaped his belief that listening in ways that discourages individuals from doubling down on untrue beliefs is an important antidote to extremism.

 

Prasad’s publications, including those discussed in the episode, are available on his website (https://www.hkprasad.com/publications). More information about his work focused on Syria with the Carter Center is available online (https://www.cartercenter.org/country/syria/).

]]>2da4778e-ccf6-46dd-ac2f-8248fa45ae7dWed, 10 Jun 2026 16:07:36 GMT<p>In this episode, host John Byrne catches up with alumnus Hari Prasad, now program associate and researcher at the Carter Center and research associate at Critica Research and Analysis. Prasad shares how his involvement with the Center for Peacemaking helped set him up to pursue a career as a peace and conflict researcher before delving into his areas of expertise, including Syria, Palestine, Ghana, and the role of memes in political discourse.</p><p> </p><p>Through these examples, Prasad elaborates on several important—and often overlooked—components of peacebuilding initiatives. He emphasized the post-war and post-fighting period as an essential period of continued conflict resolution and data collection efforts. He also shared how his research on political memes has shaped his belief that listening in ways that discourages individuals from doubling down on untrue beliefs is an important antidote to extremism.</p><p> </p><p>Prasad’s publications, including those discussed in the episode, are available on his website (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.hkprasad.com/publications" target="_blank">https://www.hkprasad.com/publications</a>). More information about his work focused on Syria with the Carter Center is available online (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cartercenter.org/country/syria/" target="_blank">https://www.cartercenter.org/country/syria/</a>).</p>no00:28:36110Building a career focused on data, research, and conflict resolution with Hari Prasadfull<![CDATA[The Center for Peacemaking’s origin is steeped in Gospel nonviolence with Dr. Terry Rynne]]>Dr. Terry Rynne, co-founder of the Center for Peacemaking, discusses how the idea of the Center for Peacemaking evolved out of his long-standing interest in and study of Gandhian and Gospel-based nonviolence. He also shares how recent Popes including John XXII, Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV have embraced a return to Gospel nonviolence. Ultimately, Rynne shares success stories from the Center and why he believes those trained in Peace Studies will be future leaders in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to public service.

Rynne is the author of Gandhi and Jesus (https://orbisbooks.com/products/gandhi-and-jesus) and Jesus Christ, Peacemaker (https://orbisbooks.com/products/jesus-christ-peacemaker). He is a contributor to the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (https://paxchristiusa.org/catholic-nonviolence-initiative/).

]]>4b983766-60d5-4ebc-8741-81815ba9b996Wed, 27 May 2026 19:39:47 GMT<p><b>Dr. Terry Rynne</b>, co-founder of the Center for Peacemaking, discusses how the idea of the Center for Peacemaking evolved out of his long-standing interest in and study of Gandhian and Gospel-based nonviolence. He also shares how recent Popes including John XXII, Benedict XVI, Francis, and Leo XIV have embraced a return to Gospel nonviolence. Ultimately, Rynne shares success stories from the Center and why he believes those trained in Peace Studies will be future leaders in industries ranging from finance to healthcare to public service.</p><p></p><p>Rynne is the author of <i>Gandhi and Jesus</i> (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://orbisbooks.com/products/gandhi-and-jesus" target="_blank">https://orbisbooks.com/products/gandhi-and-jesus</a>) and <i>Jesus Christ, Peacemaker</i> (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://orbisbooks.com/products/jesus-christ-peacemaker" target="_blank">https://orbisbooks.com/products/jesus-christ-peacemaker</a>). He is a contributor to the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://paxchristiusa.org/catholic-nonviolence-initiative/" target="_blank">https://paxchristiusa.org/catholic-nonviolence-initiative/</a>).</p>no00:25:4319The Center for Peacemaking’s origin is steeped in Gospel nonviolence with Dr. Terry Rynnefull<![CDATA[Journalist Safety and Press Freedom with Dr. Tom Durkin]]>Tom Durkin, director of safety education for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses how targeted attacks, kidnapping, and even digital threats are reshaping the landscape of safety preparation for journalists both abroad and at home. He shares about the work of the Foley Foundation, including their online curriculum and risk assessment tools that are transforming journalism education for students and seasoned journalists alike. Durkin also touches on his work with Marquette students through the Center for Peacemaking.

The Foley Foundation’s journalism safety curriculum is available online (https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/).

]]>0d652c53-8da4-45ec-b3c1-6c6618925508Mon, 04 May 2026 12:30:00 GMT<p>Tom Durkin, director of safety education for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, discusses how targeted attacks, kidnapping, and even digital threats are reshaping the landscape of safety preparation for journalists both abroad and at home. He shares about the work of the Foley Foundation, including their online curriculum and risk assessment tools that are transforming journalism education for students and seasoned journalists alike. Durkin also touches on his work with Marquette students through the Center for Peacemaking.</p><p></p><p>The Foley Foundation’s journalism safety curriculum is available online (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/" target="_blank">https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/journalist-safety/</a>).</p>no00:24:1218Journalist Safety and Press Freedom with Dr. Tom Durkinfull<![CDATA[The Death Penalty Violates Human Dignity with Sister Helen Prejean]]>Helen Prejean, C.S.J. joined us to share stories and wisdom from her lifelong journey advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. She discussed how she was pulled into this work, ways the death penalty negatively impacts society at large, and how Catholic teaching on the death penalty has evolved in recent years. To close the episode, Prejean reveals how experiences with empathy, forgiveness, and faith can reshape our understanding of justice and give direction to how we are called to act today.

Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/) which was adapted into an Academy Award winning film, and most recently, a graphic novel (https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/). Her current project aims to bring attention to the case of Manuel Ortiz, an innocent man from El Salvador who is on death row in Louisiana for crimes he did not commit. For more information, visit sisterhelen.org (https://www.sisterhelen.org/).

]]>598a99ab-fee5-4f27-959e-1ab6a56c8833Thu, 30 Apr 2026 22:50:28 GMT<p><b>Helen Prejean, C.S.J. </b>joined us to share stories and wisdom from her lifelong journey advocating for the abolition of the death penalty. She discussed how she was pulled into this work, ways the death penalty negatively impacts society at large, and how Catholic teaching on the death penalty has evolved in recent years. To close the episode, Prejean reveals how experiences with empathy, forgiveness, and faith can reshape our understanding of justice and give direction to how we are called to act today.</p><p></p><p>Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/" target="_blank">https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/133674/</a>) which was adapted into an Academy Award winning film, and most recently, a graphic novel (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/" target="_blank">https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635448/</a>). Her current project aims to bring attention to the case of Manuel Ortiz, an innocent man from El Salvador who is on death row in Louisiana for crimes he did not commit. For more information, visit <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://sisterhelen.org" target="_blank">sisterhelen.org</a> (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sisterhelen.org/" target="_blank">https://www.sisterhelen.org/</a>).</p>no00:25:0317The Death Penalty Violates Human Dignity with Sister Helen Prejeanfull<![CDATA[Challenging Stereotypes, Protecting Human Dignity with Dr. Louise Cainkar]]>Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy.

 

Cainkar is the author of Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11 (https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (https://www.cair.com/), Institute for Social Policy & Understanding (https://ispu.org/), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (https://bridge.georgetown.edu/).

]]>0b393fee-0b1f-4e90-b229-8e42342d3a8cFri, 17 Apr 2026 21:29:51 GMT<p>Dr. Louise Cainkar, professor of Social and Cultural Sciences and director of Peace Studies at Marquette University, discussed how she became interested in researching human rights and her scholarship on the impact of 9/11 on Arab and Muslim communities. She also shared about the value of Marquette’s Peace Studies program, including opportunities to participate in programs such as the recent Engaging Muslims, Countering Islamophobia immersion. To close the episode, Cainkar discusses the need for human dignity in addressing immigration and the role hope plays in sustaining her research, teaching, and advocacy.</p><p> </p><p>Cainkar is the author of <i>Homeland Insecurity: The Arab American and Muslim American Experience After 9/11</i> (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0" target="_blank">https://www.russellsage.org/publications/book/homeland-insecurity-0</a>). Resources mentioned include Council on American-Islamic Relations (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cair.com/" target="_blank">https://www.cair.com/</a>), Institute for Social Policy &amp; Understanding (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ispu.org/" target="_blank">https://ispu.org/</a>), and The Bridge Initiative at Georgetown University (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://bridge.georgetown.edu/" target="_blank">https://bridge.georgetown.edu/</a>).</p>no00:24:4616Challenging Stereotypes, Protecting Human Dignity with Dr. Louise Cainkarfull<![CDATA[Financial Access and Global Peace Efforts]]>In this episode we delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles. Brian Kimari, coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, co-director at Nonviolence International, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity & Security Network, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services. Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups.

 

Suggested resources include Charity & Security Network's Civil Society Rights & Resiliency Project (https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/), Global NPO Coalition on FATF (https://fatfplatform.org/), and Nonviolence International (https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/).

]]>2c3f9587-854b-4991-9b34-097609d854f7Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:09:41 GMT<p>In this episode we delve into the world of financial regulations with an expert panel on the critical need for collaboration between financial institutions, regulators, and nonprofits to ensure that humanitarian efforts are not stifled by regulatory hurdles. Brian Kimari, <i>coordinator of Kenya NPO Working Group on the Financial Action Task Force</i>, discusses how the Financial Action Task Force has produced unintended impacts on peacebuilding and human rights organizations in Kenya with Recommendation 8. Michael Beer, <i>co-director at Nonviolence International</i>, discusses how derisking has impacted Nonviolence International. And Poorvika Mehra, <i>Howard S. Brembeck Fellow at the Charity &amp; Security Network</i>, discusses the challenges posed by de-risking and de-banking practices that often hinder nonprofit organizations from accessing essential financial services. Their combined analysis uncovers the need for a truly risk-based approach that balances compliance with the operational realities of civil society groups.</p><p> </p><p>Suggested resources include Charity &amp; Security Network's Civil Society Rights &amp; Resiliency Project (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/" target="_blank">https://charityandsecurity.org/know-your-rights/civilsocietyrightsresliency/</a>), Global NPO Coalition on FATF (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://fatfplatform.org/" target="_blank">https://fatfplatform.org/</a>), and Nonviolence International (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/" target="_blank">https://www.nonviolenceinternational.net/</a>).</p>no00:33:2415Financial Access and Global Peace Effortsfull<![CDATA[Small steps, big impacts with T. Michael McNulty, S.J.]]>T. Michael McNulty, S.J. joins to discuss ethics in real estate, immigration policy, and educating leaders who recognize that small steps can have big impacts. The conversation touches on the important role of zoning boards, the case for open immigration, and the value of good trouble to effect change.

His article "The 7 political works of mercy Catholics should practice in a democracy" is available at America Magazine (https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/22/political-works-mercy-democracy-246688/).

]]>ddc2dd49-25b3-44c1-9beb-103946ed9b66Fri, 27 Mar 2026 21:09:49 GMT<p>T. Michael McNulty, S.J. joins to discuss ethics in real estate, immigration policy, and educating leaders who recognize that small steps can have big impacts. The conversation touches on the important role of zoning boards, the case for open immigration, and the value of good trouble to effect change.</p><p></p><p>His article "The 7 political works of mercy Catholics should practice in a democracy" is available at America Magazine (<a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/22/political-works-mercy-democracy-246688/" target="_blank">https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/2023/12/22/political-works-mercy-democracy-246688/</a>).</p>no00:19:08Small steps, big impacts with T. Michael McNulty, S.J.full<![CDATA[Approaches to global justice with Dr. Grant Silva]]>Dr. Grant Silva, associate professor at Marquette University, discussed how his philosophy course on global justice challenges students to expand their understandings of power, justice, globalization, and nationalism. The course was in part inspired by field research he conducted along the U.S.-Mexico border, including a ride along with a Customs and Border Patrol unit. Dr. Silva also shares his unique approach to understanding racism as a form of self-love, which he argues allows for better understanding of the motivations individuals act on, even when their beliefs are said to lack bias, prejudice, or “hatred”.

His forthcoming monograph will expand upon the article “Racism as Self-Love” available at https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/774/.

]]>c3e7c19b-2e7a-4ee0-abcf-c6cea12fc260Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:14:00 GMT<p>Dr. Grant Silva, associate professor at Marquette University, discussed how his philosophy course on global justice challenges students to expand their understandings of power, justice, globalization, and nationalism. The course was in part inspired by field research he conducted along the U.S.-Mexico border, including a ride along with a Customs and Border Patrol unit. Dr. Silva also shares his unique approach to understanding racism as a form of self-love, which he argues allows for better understanding of the motivations individuals act on, even when their beliefs are said to lack bias, prejudice, or “hatred”.</p><p></p><p>His forthcoming monograph will expand upon the article “Racism as Self-Love” available at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/774/" target="_blank">https://epublications.marquette.edu/phil_fac/774/</a>.</p>no00:25:4813Approaches to global justice with Dr. Grant Silvafull<![CDATA[Restorative justice and conceptualized peace: Ideas for improving society with Dr. Gabe Velez]]>In December we interviewed Dr. Gabe Velez for a “crossover episode” of AML Conversations with the Center for Peacemaking’s “The Need for Courage.”

 

Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor at Marquette University and author of the recent Making Meaning of Justice and Peace: A Developmental Lens, discussed how peace education and restorative practices shape young people’s understanding of justice, belonging, and community—both in Colombia and Milwaukee. Dr. Velez also shares insights on conceptualizing peace, the challenges of fostering optimism in turbulent times, and practical steps for encouraging youth engagement.

]]>48c19b76-6ade-420b-8007-94cc22a1eaf9Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:21:40 GMT<p>In December we interviewed Dr. Gabe Velez for a “crossover episode” of AML Conversations with the Center for Peacemaking’s “The Need for Courage.”</p><p> </p><p>Dr. Gabriel Velez, associate professor at Marquette University and author of the recent <i>Making Meaning of Justice and Peace: A Developmental Lens</i>, discussed how peace education and restorative practices shape young people’s understanding of justice, belonging, and community—both in Colombia and Milwaukee. Dr. Velez also shares insights on conceptualizing peace, the challenges of fostering optimism in turbulent times, and practical steps for encouraging youth engagement.</p>no00:25:4312Restorative justice and conceptualized peace: Ideas for improving society with Dr. Gabe Velezfull<![CDATA[Introduction: The need for courage in peacemaking with Pat Kennelly]]>In the inaugural episode, host John Byrne speaks with Pat Kennelly, director of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. They discuss the Center's goals, highlighting the impacts on student formation and community engagement. The discussion also explores peacemaking in different professions and geographies.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to the Center for Peacemaking's Podcast
  • 06:10 The Role of Students in Peacemaking
  • 12:22 International Peacemaking Efforts
]]>8efe33c7-9d74-41b4-830f-d3e17f39325aWed, 11 Feb 2026 22:27:59 GMT<p>In the inaugural episode, host John Byrne speaks with Pat Kennelly, director of the Marquette University Center for Peacemaking. They discuss the Center's goals, highlighting the impacts on student formation and community engagement. The discussion also explores peacemaking in different professions and geographies.</p><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to the Center for Peacemaking's Podcast</li><li>06:10 The Role of Students in Peacemaking</li><li>12:22 International Peacemaking Efforts</li></ul>no00:19:0811Introduction: The need for courage in peacemaking with Pat Kennellyfull