Chasing Peace & Justice Podcast

About Chasing Peace & Justice Podcast

I’m Heather Shafter, co-author of "Life of Libby: Chasing Peace & Justice with Humor, Guts, & Passion," the inspiring true story of Libby Frank. This podcast tells the stories of more activists, so that we can continue sharing ideas and finding inspiration to take actions that will make the world better. We'll also explore staying motivated, finding fulfillment, and celebrating wins. chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com (https://chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Heather Shafter

Category

business · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Nov 2024

Latest episode

13 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Sept 2026

   How We Can Help Solve Homelessness

   I met Rachel Yakobashvili when she was in the Fellowship program at Tribe 12. I was thrilled when Rachel asked me about Life of Libby (https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?NquF6DAzBpy9bOb4fDSqXdRndYadS60Ewwa4ieFatlG) and invited me to speak at Philly’s JWI Young Women’s Impact Network (YWIN) last year. I wanted to learn more about Rachel’s work too. Rachel is the Director of Impact and Quality at Friendship Place*, a nonprofit focused on ending homelessness in the Washington, DC region. I live in a city with one of the highest poverty rates in the country, so homelessness is an issue that is literally close to home. Maybe it sounds weird, but sometimes I am just shocked that we haven’t solved this problem already. We have so many social safety nets in place: subsidized housing, food stamps, cash assistance. Thousands of nonprofits and church-led organizations work on this issue. I think, “How is it possible that we haven’t figured this out yet?” To begin answering that question, I asked Rachel what gets in the way of solving homelessness. Not Enough Resources to Help Everyone The most obvious answer: funding. There just aren’t enough resources to support all of the people who need help. Funding is based on budget decisions, but the budget is a finite pie. More funding for homelessness means less funding for something else. Rachel framed it as a fundamental question about values. Do we believe, as a society, that someone who is unable to work and earn money is unworthy of a place to call home? In theory, people may believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, but then government decision-makers are faced with the reality of satisfying multiple stakeholders. It’s not impossible. New York City has a law that requires it to provide housing to anyone that needs it and asks for it. That is a major financial commitment. The city spent $324 million on beds for unhoused people. Yet providing a bed is not the same thing as stable housing. The Complex Causes of Homelessness That raises another obstacle: the causes of homelessness are complex. Sometimes it’s the result of not being able to find work—or finding work but not having high enough pay to afford housing. But it’s often more than that. It can result from chronic health issues, mental illness, or addiction. All of these issues are upstream from homelessness. We can’t solve homelessness simply by providing housing. We also need to address the underlying causes. For all these reasons, homelessness is an issue that requires both direct service and advocacy. Friendship Place (https://friendshipplace.org/) does both. It was founded by neighbors in the Tenleytown area who asked themselves, “What can we do to help our homeless neighbors?” That was back in 1991. They opened a drop-in center and five congregation-based shelters. Today, in addition to direct services, they also have a Director of Advocacy. This person testifies during city council budget hearings on behalf of the organization. They also represent Friendship Place in multiple coalitions with overlapping goals. For example, Friendship Place belongs to a coalition that advocates for older adults, since many of the people they serve fall into that age group. Advocacy work in other areas can indirectly help solve the problem of homelessness, such as: * Education and vocational training * Raising the minimum wage * Affordable quality healthcare * Addiction treatment * Quality mental health care By recognizing connections and building coalitions, we can create an even greater impact. Housing First Because the causes of homelessness are complicated, Friendship Place also advocates a Housing First approach. Traditional programs made housing conditional on sobriety, mental health treatment, or employment. But according to current research (https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Housing-First-Research.pdf), starting with housing and then providing supportive services results in higher rates of housing retention. That means people who participate in Housing First programs are less likely to become unhoused again over time. Yet, the funding pendulum is swinging back toward pre-conditions for housing, which prevents organizations like Friendship Place from serving the needs of unhoused people. The Role of Private Citizens Considering today’s political climate, I also wondered if private citizens might be able to play a larger role. Rachel agreed, and said that historically, when government support falls short, “we see private citizens coming in to fill that gap.” These contributions are not limited by grant restrictions, giving us opportunities to see what works, which can then become a model for future funding. Rachel also encourages people to do what they can. You don’t need to create a new organization. You can just give a little of your time (or money) to one that already exists. Each contribution—of service, advocacy, or money—plays a part in addressing this issue. * Rachel is also the Director of Programs and Partnerships at DINA in Philadelphia. If you’ve ever been inside a ladies’ room stall in a Greater Philadelphia area synagogue, you’ve probably seen one of their informational posters about domestic violence. The opinions that Rachel Yakobashvili expresses are her own and do not represent either of the organizations that she works for. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com (https://chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

2. 

   16 Aug 2026

   We the People Wednesdays

   Last year, I started hearing about a gathering called We the People Wednesdays (https://www.wethepeopleweds.org/); a local group of 50+ people getting together every week to take shared action on a specific issue. Many organizations struggle to get 10 people to show up at a virtual event, and here is a real in-person gathering with over 50 regular attendees! I had questions: How did they do it? Is it replicable? To answer those questions, I invited two of the co-founders, Anne Mintz and Betsy Teustch to the Chasing Peace & Justic podcast. This is the story of We the People Wednesdays. Origin of We the People Wednesdays In 2016, people were protesting all the time (like they are now). One group was Lights for Liberty (https://www.lightsforliberty.org/), which focused on immigrants and particularly how kids were being treated. They organized a day of protests on a Friday evening in June. Betsy, being Jewish observant, found that not to be an ideal time so she decided to organize an event Friday afternoon instead. She connected with Ann Mitz to organize the protest. They had speakers, a list of co-sponsors, and hundreds of people show up in Mt. Airy near Lovett Library. (Voices Rising Philly (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1HDX426Tpo/) was also active then. They organize singing at just about any protest event. On their Facebook group page they write: “It was singing together that partly gave the Civil Rights Movement strong & peaceful power.”) This was a one-off event but it showed that people were hungry to act. This event was the original inspiration for We the People Wednesdays. They wanted an event that would be uplifting and that would strengthen the community. To get started, they needed: * A location. When they planned the protest near Lovett Library, it required getting a permit and they didn’t want to have to do that every week. A local café, the High Point, has an outdoor space where We the People Wednesdays could meet. (For the winter, they were able to move indoors through a connection with one of the regular attendees.) * Live music. Ann Minz had experience organizing concerts (about 500 in 50 years!) and she was very good friends with Ken Ulansey. Ken knew a lot of musicians who wanted to use contribute in some way. * People. Ann and Betsy both had large networks, but they looked for ways to expand their reach further. There was another protest going every Tuesday, and Betsy invited some of them to help organize We the People Wednesdays. Hope Yursa was one of them, and she had a really big network with many different people than Betsy’s and Ann’s networks. Jane Century, who is very good at communications and writing, also had many email lists from neighborhood groups. They all sent an invitation out to their many lists. What Happened Next On the first We The People Wednesday, Betsy expected people would bring signs, but they brought folding chairs. It was a different kind of event. They arranged themselves in a circle, so people could see each other. Afterwards, they hung out to chat with their neighbors. That set the tone for all the We the People Wednesdays to follow. Each week, We the People Wednesdays includes live music, a guest speaker on a topic related to protecting democracy, an action each person can take, and a dose of hope from Hope Yursa on the positive impact of actions around the globe. They have 6 core organizers to help make everything happen: sending weekly emails, launching and maintaining the website, booking the volunteer musicians, scheduling the speakers, planning the action, and gathering hopeful stories. Someone created a Facebook page and an Instagram account. It’s very loosely organized and done on almost no budget (they collect funds for the postcards and stamps). A core group of 30 to 40 people attend weekly, with their biggest event drawing 120 people, but their smallest never less than 45 or 50 people. Why It Works Somehow, We the People Wednesdays works. It brings together a relatively large group of people every week to learn and take action. That is a feat. Why does it work? We the People Wednesdays takes the best aspects of successful organizing. The same elements that I learned from Libby. * Self-Reflection: a clear focus on what they wanted to create * Affiliation: building a community based on geography and the universal connector of music. * Collaboration: going beyond their own networks to reach a greater number of people and establish a critical mass * Recruiting: actively inviting people to both organize and attend the events * Education: each week they educate the group about an issue and an action they can take to address it * Discuss Differences: we didn’t get a chance to cover this area, but I’m going to guess this plays a role In addition to the weekly event, if there is an urgent action to take, they are ready to mobilize a large network of people to take it. They had 900 people show up to their last Mt. Airy No Kings protest. That is impressive. And it is replicable. You can try this anywhere (although it may not be an exact copy; it has to reflect the community). Visit the We the People Wednesdays website and you practically have a blueprint for what to do. But remember, don’t try this alone. As Betsy and Ann noted, they’re lucky to have the most effective committee that they’ve ever seen. Podcast music by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com (https://chasingpeaceandjustice.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

3. 

   24 Aug 2025

   From Microsoft to Yamuna: Anu Arora on Education in India

   Host Heather Shafter interviews Anu Arora, a team and leadership coach, about overcoming educational obstacles for underprivileged children in India.

4. 

   3 Aug 2025

   Dr. Julie Donley: Healthcare, Leadership, and Culture

   Dr. JULIE DONLEY shares insights on leadership and culture, drawing from her experience in psychiatric nursing and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership for achieving collective goals in an interview.

5. 

   13 Jul 2025

   Sydnee Chavis: Dentistry, Disability, and Humanity

   Sydnee Chavis, assistant professor, shares her personal experiences and mission to improve dental care access for individuals with disabilities, shaping future providers and shifting societal mindsets in this interview.

6. 

   22 Jun 2025

   Alicia Scovill: Veteran Advocate

   Host Heather Shafter interviews Alicia Scovill, an Air Force veteran and advocate, who shares insights on the challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian life and dispels common stereotypes.

7. 

   25 May 2025

   Christine Miles and The Listening Path®

   Christine Miles introduces The Listening Path®, a teachable process derived from personal experience and professional training, to improve listening skills in schools and foster constructive dialogue, in an interview with Heather Shafer.

8. 

   13 Apr 2025

   Irena Asmundson: Economist

   I found this conversation enlightening and potentially controversial. Irena Asmundson is the Founder and CEO of Practical Idealism Economics, LLC, which helps organizations see the big picture in their economic stories. Through her career she has worked at all levels of government, from local to state to federal to international. She believes it is possible to design markets, bureaucracies, and institutions that encourage us to treat each other like humans, and is constantly looking for ways to help do that. In this podcast, Irena offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of economics and politics. Links Practical Idealism Economics, LLC –  https://pi-economics.com/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) MIT Living Wage Calculator – https://livingwage.mit.edu/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

9. 

   9 Mar 2025

   Sam Demma on Building Better Humans

   Sam Demma is an inspiring and empowering speaker. He is only 25 years old and began his journey after a soccer injury pushed him to find a new passion beyond sports. He started by picking up trash around his community which turned into a 6-year project that mobilized young people to volunteer at 350 community cleanup events, filling over 3,000 bags of garbage! Now his message focuses on helping young people unpack the stories that hold them back from pursuing their passions. Links Empty Your Backpack book –  https://shop.samdemma.com/products/empty-your-backpack-book (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) The High Performing Educator podcast – https://highperformingeducator.com/podcast/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

10. 

    23 Feb 2025

    Aaron Mitchell – Part 2: How to Make an Impact

    The beginning of Donald Trump’s second term as President has been overwhelming. He has targeted almost every aspect of our government, often in ways that are outside the law. Many people feel like they can’t stop this barrage of assaults on our values. It's true. We can’t tackle everything at once. That gets us to the question of what can we do? This podcast is about the answer to that question. Coincidentally, this podcast was recorded on the Sunday before MLK Day. UNICEF USA – https://www.unicefusa.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) The Color of Money by Mehrsa Baradaran (Harvard University Press) – https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674970953 (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

11. 

    9 Feb 2025

    Aaron Mitchell – Part 1: The Bank Heist

    Aaron Mitchell speaks about how he pulled off the “biggest bank heist in history.” In this podcast, he describes what happened and how it positively affected thousands of communities in places like Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Arkansas. This project still has much more potential to reverse the economic effects of financial extraction in communities that have been historically underserved. BANKING ON US: EP 1 - Investing In The Black Community – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOHUA-wOT6I (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) BANKING ON US: EP 2- Bridging The Gap In Black Business – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBAdQroiCb0 (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) BANKING ON US: EP 3 - Exploring The Truth Of Black Home Ownership – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L-_W_Zh2bI (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

12. 

    26 Jan 2025

    JGo: Expert on Belonging – Part 2

    In the last podcast episode we met Jason “JGo” Gordon, co-founder of Written Out Loud (https://writtenoutloud.org/) and an expert on belonging. In Part 2, JGo shares a few of his experiences working with adults (including young adults) and how that relates to finding his purpose: to help people understand that they can belong (and that it's actually not that difficult). From my perspective, what the world needs most right now is the ability to connect across differences. When I hear people talk about the problems that need to be solved, they often speak in dichotomies. That is no accident—we are continuously targeted by “divide and conquer” campaigns—but we can counteract these divisions by building a sense of belonging. That is why we need the work that JGo and many others are doing. YouthBuild - https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/youth/youthbuild (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Example of the “Step In” Activity – https://youtu.be/jD8tjhVO1Tc (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

13. 

    12 Jan 2025

    JGo: Co-Founder of Written Out Loud, Speaker and Consultant on Belonging

    In this episode we meet Jason Gordon, aka JGo. He is the co-founder of Written Out Loud (https://writtenoutloud.org/) along with being a public speaker and consultant on belonging. Written Out Loud – https://writtenoutloud.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Teach Like a Champion – https://teachlikeachampion.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Podcast music is by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

14. 

    29 Dec 2024

    Meredith & Susie: Advocacy, Empowerment, Community

    Meredith Amy Gelfand was a passionate social worker and friend, who left this world too soon and unexpectedly on 12/14/24 at the age of 55. I wish I had interviewed her, but this podcast highlights a few ways she made a difference for others. Susie Bash shares insights on self-empowerment, connecting with community, and listening intentionally; all powerful actions for creating positive change. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging – https://www.pcacares.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) GriefShare – https://www.griefshare.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Art-Reach – https://www.art-reach.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

15. 

    15 Dec 2024

    Robin Lloyd

    At 80, Peace Activist Robin Lloyd Still Crosses the Line | Seven Days Vermont https://www.sevendaysvt.com/arts-culture/at-80-peace-activist-robin-lloyd-still-crosses-the-line-17392687 (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Green Valley Media: documenting the culture of human rights https://www.greenvalleymedia.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Peace Train to Beijing https://www.greenvalleymedia.org/wilpf (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) The Lloyd Family Legacy Campaign Launches at WILPF US! https://wilpfus.org/news/updates/lloyd-family-legacy-campaign-launches-wilpf-us (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Vermont WILPF Gathering https://www.vtwilpfgathering.com/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Visit https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) to sign up for the biweekly podcast and blog via email. Podcast music by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

16. 

    1 Dec 2024

    Colleen

    The Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia – https://aacophilly.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Tacony LAB Community Art Center – https://taconylab.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Liberty Resources – https://libertyresources.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Podcast music is by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

17. 

    17 Nov 2024

    Seth

    Resources Quiet Clean Philly - https://www.quietcleanphilly.org/ (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Germantown Jewish Centre Refugee Immigrant Justice Initiative -  https://germantownjewishcentre.org/tikkun/ongoing-initiatives/#refugee (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Toward a Holy Ecology: Reading the Song of Songs in the Age of Climate Crisis by Rabbi Ellen Bernstein -  https://bookshop.org/p/books/toward-a-holy-ecology-reading-the-song-of-songs-in-the-age-of-climate-crisis/19664856?ean=9781958972199 (file:///C:/Users/hshaf/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml) Podcast music is by Colleen R. Ott. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

18. 

    3 Nov 2024

    Tina

    Resources Havertown Community Action Network https://www.h-can.org/ (https://www.h-can.org/) Divest Philly https://www.divestfromwarmachine.org/divest_philly (https://www.divestfromwarmachine.org/divest_philly) Warheads to Windmills https://warheadstowindmills.org/ (https://warheadstowindmills.org/) Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom - U.S. Section https://wilpfus (https://wilpfus).org/ World Beyond War List https://worldbeyondwar.org/list/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com (https://lifeoflibbywithheathershafter.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)

Who has been a guest on Chasing Peace & Justice Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Anu Arora
• Dr Julie Donley
• Sydnee Chavis
• Alicia Scovill
• Christine Miles

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 4 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

8

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Chasing Peace & Justice Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Chasing Peace & Justice Podcast