Glocal Voices Podcast
Every semester, ICFRC brings expert speakers worldwide to Iowa City to discuss the most critical issues affecting our global community. From individuals with lived experience to thought leaders from the top of their field, the diversity of voices and depth of content covers a lot of ground and invites listeners to consider and explore their place in the world and what they can do to make a difference. The GLOCAL VOICES podcast (global and local) provides commentary and analysis about what these topics mean from the student perspective and how to make an impact their daily lives.
Listen on:
Located in the growing community of Iowa City, ICFRC has brought together individuals and ideas from around the globe since 1983. We are committed to living out our longstanding values of respect for, curiosity about, and open-mindedness to discussion of—even debate over—internationally-focused topics. Yet, in an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, we recognize we must re-center our organization around the social justice imperatives of the twenty-first century’s third decade.
Most importantly, we acknowledge we need to be a place where more people feel comfortable being safe learning from and engaging with others across all lines of difference. In this more inclusive space, we will be intentional in our selection of more diverse speakers, topics, and formats as well as board members, staff, interns, and funders; we will challenge ourselves and our community to seek out new perspectives and understandings of the complex international issues which bring us together; and we will champion the democratization of knowledge and the free and open discussion of the problems and possibilities of our times.
Yet, in an ever-changing and increasingly complex world, we recognize we must re-center our organization around the social justice imperatives of the twenty-first century’s third decade. Most importantly, we acknowledge we need to be a place where more people feel comfortable being safe learning from and engaging with others across all lines of difference.
Episodes
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
With the rising toll of casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it can become difficult to see the people behind the numbers. Come listen to a panel of Palestinian-American and Jewish-American speakers from different walks of life talk about their experiences inside and outside Palestine. Ask your questions and learn about actions you can take to advocate for human rights in this crisis.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Experienced Doctors Without Borders surgeon Dr. Michael Mooney talks about surgical missions: Who goes? What happens on a mission? Where are the missions? Why are they needed?
Michael J Mooney is a physician in the General Surgery Department at Kaiser Permanente in the Portland, Southwest Washington area. Prior to serving 13 years with Kaiser Permanente in Atlanta, he did his five-year surgical residency in Tacoma, Washington at Fort Lewis. Having grown up as an "army brat" and then subsequently receiving medical and surgical training in the U.S. Army, Dr. Mooney had the opportunity to live all over the world. Today, he is a strong advocate for and regular volunteer with Doctors Without Borders, greatly enjoying seven two-month surgical missions over 12 years providing direct trauma care in Haiti, Sudan, Sri Lanka, and Nigeria.
Friday Apr 19, 2024
Friday Apr 19, 2024
National Public Radio's (NPR) Frank Langfitt has reported from more than 50 countries and territories since the late 1990s. In a video and audio presentation, Frank recounts the history he’s witnessed through the people he’s met and how that history has shaped today’s challenging geopolitical landscape. Frank explains what he learned driving a free taxi in Shanghai and tracking elephants in South Sudan. He also discusses reporting in Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion and covering the Israel/Gaza war.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to our supporters for making ICFRC possible for over 40 years!
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Tuesday Apr 09, 2024
Aferdita Krasniqi, a widely recognized expert in international education, shares her extensive 24 years of experience fostering academic and cultural relations between the tiny nation of Kosovo and the influential United States. Her pivotal role in establishing Kosovo's institutions post-1999 war while working at the U.S. Embassy in Kosovo showcases her commitment to education in the region.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
On International Women’s Day, expert speaker Dr. Kathleen Kuehnast, Director of Women, Peace and Security at the U.S. Institute of Peace, provided an overview of gender-inclusive peacebuilding, as well as the work of the 2023 Women Building Peace Award Finalists, and their initiatives in the DRC, Syria, Kenya, and Haiti.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
The root of the Russo-Ukrainian War is not geopolitical competition, but the multifaceted divergence between Ukraine and Russia over the past 30 years. As Ukraine consolidated a competitive political system and a distinct pro-European identity, Russia reverted back to authoritarianism, refused to accept Ukraine's right to forge its own course, and came to see it as an “anti-Russia”.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Food Justice, a social movement ensuring universal access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food for all, is a growing imperative today. Only by examining the structural disparities of food systems and by becoming prepared to accept a meaningful change can we address the urgency of food insecurity, particularly for communities of color and low-income communities. The Global Food Project in Johnson County is one example of how people in Iowa have come together for an inclusive, just, and sustainable way forward.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Monday Feb 05, 2024
Monday Feb 05, 2024
IRC is a humanitarian nonprofit organization supporting individuals impacted by conflict and displacement. Sarah Terlouw, IRC’s Executive Director in Iowa, speaks about her 15-year career supporting refugees, experiences overseas, and the transition to working domestically. Aimerance Makunda, originally from the DRC and an Iowa City resident since 2012, also joins.
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
The December episode of the Glocal Voices Podcast looks back on a few programs from the fall season that Kennedy and Thom found interesting. From Quality Education for All, the Impact of Climate Change on National Security, and Surviving a Dictator in Syria, there are some great takeaways for listeners to consider.
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Wednesday Dec 27, 2023
Digital democracy uses digital technologies to promote and strengthen democracy, including accessing information, participating in political discussions, and holding elected officials accountable. Young people increasingly use digital technologies to participate in democracy, using social media to organize protests, raise awareness, and contact their elected officials
Thank you to Iowa City City Channel 4 for the recording and to the Iowa City Public Library for hosting this event.