Stories Without Borders
The Ahlan Bridge
5.0from 11 ratings
- 11
- Episodes
- 11
- Ratings
- Weekly
- Cadence
- 2026
- First episode
About Stories Without Borders
Stories about Arab, Persian, and Anglo Muslims & Christians who cross the divide to each other in the hopes of becoming better neighbors.
- Publisher
- The Ahlan Bridge
- Category
- religion & spirituality
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 1 Sept 2026
- Latest episode
- 4 Nov 2026
Latest episodes
11 episodes in the feed.
4 Nov 2026
A Newcomer's Hospitality
Ep. 10, features Lana Duoibes, Director of International & Refugee Ministries at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan (https://calvarygr.org), & creator of The Global Table (https://calvarygr.org/series/the-global-table/). A Jordanian Christian immigrant who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years, Lana draws from her own experience to build bridges with Middle Eastern Muslim & Christian newcomers, as well as other new arrivals in West Michigan. References & other resources connected to Lana: - The Refugee Highway Partnership (https://refugeehighway.net) - West Michigan Friendship Center (https://www.wmfriendshipcenter.org)
28 Oct 2026
Turning Encounters into Relationships
Ep. 9, Martin Brooks (https://www.peacecatalyst.org/martinbrooks), President Emeritus of Peace Catalyst International (https://www.peacecatalyst.org/), explores his decades of experiences creating spaces where Muslims & Christians can encounter one another with curiosity, honesty, & mutual respect. His work has taken him across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, & Central Asia. Referred to in our conversation: Glocal: Following Jesus in the 21st Century (https://www.amazon.com/Glocal-Following-Jesus-21st-Century-ebook/dp/B075F1WW3V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2GD7GJJDNLRK4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._X7-7xgHvzIRZMclHw9R6Q.YW_Fm9dN3E7_fHIlKvBsnmQzhJug8uO_NV5Yo208wEI&dib_tag=se&keywords=glocal+rick+love&qid=1784204019&s=books&sprefix=glocal+rick+love,stripbooks,217&sr=1-1) by Rick Love Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31st, Christ at the Checkpoint (https://christatthecheckpoint.com). Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). - Special thanks to George for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
21 Oct 2026
Reconciliation Amid Present Pain
Ep. 8 explores the story of Wasim Nasser (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wasim-nasser/), a Palestinian Christian & peacebuilder with Musalaha (https://musalaha.org), exploring what it means to see those we have been taught to fear, pursue reconciliation amid violence, & practice peacemaking through the ongoing pain experienced by his community. Wasim (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wasim-nasser/) reflects on Musalaha (https://musalaha.org)’s work bringing people across ethnic, religious, & social divides into relationship, the difficulty of reconciliation when injustice & suffering are not abstract, & why peacemaking requires more than simply avoiding conflict. For more information about Musalaha's work please check out these resources: - Musalaha's Website (https://musalaha.org) - Musalaha' US's Website (https://musalaha.us) - Through My Enemy's Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine (https://www.amazon.com/Through-Enemys-Eyes-Reconciliation-Israel-Palestine/dp/1842277480/ref=sr_1_4?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cHMWZDXgsZNecyQ9OxRSKAcH1gKlGfpP4xYiuwdorOThFucdAteSh2VAJiH5JzBkYCWsMcx-QR3w5i5LpEb1W3gCZfNax10CRgZ_zu91xqXMshVo6wa3HLCCAf2hdx3X.wBB4tpSNW1VeEBJ-KV6hq7D3tRME9v49ZtCvWE2CBDY&dib_tag=se&qid=1791472848&refinements=p_27%3ASalim+J+Munayer&s=books&sr=1-4&text=Salim+J+Munayer) by Salim Munayer & Lisa Loden - Reconciling Justice: Concepts of Justice in the Multireligious Context of Palestine/Israel (https://www.amazon.com/Reconciling-Justice-Concepts-Multireligious-Palestine/dp/B0D93RNXSY/ref=sr_1_5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cHMWZDXgsZNecyQ9OxRSKAcH1gKlGfpP4xYiuwdorOThFucdAteSh2VAJiH5JzBkYCWsMcx-QR3w5i5LpEb1W3gCZfNax10CRgZ_zu91xqXMshVo6wa3HLCCAf2hdx3X.wBB4tpSNW1VeEBJ-KV6hq7D3tRME9v49ZtCvWE2CBDY&dib_tag=se&qid=1791472848&refinements=p_27%3ASalim+J+Munayer&s=books&sr=1-5&text=Salim+J+Munayer) by Salim Munayer - Journey through the Storm: Lessons from Musalaha - Ministry of Reconciliation (https://www.amazon.com/Journey-through-Storm-Musalaha-Reconciliation-ebook/dp/B08PYT8VMM/ref=sr_1_6?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cHMWZDXgsZNecyQ9OxRSKAcH1gKlGfpP4xYiuwdorOThFucdAteSh2VAJiH5JzBkYCWsMcx-QR3w5i5LpEb1W3gCZfNax10CRgZ_zu91xqXMshVo6wa3HLCCAf2hdx3X.wBB4tpSNW1VeEBJ-KV6hq7D3tRME9v49ZtCvWE2CBDY&dib_tag=se&qid=1791472848&refinements=p_27%3ASalim+J+Munayer&s=books&sr=1-6&text=Salim+J+Munayer) by Salim Munayer - The Cross and the Olive Tree: Cultivating Palestinian Theology amid Gaza (https://www.amazon.com/Cross-Olive-Tree-Cultivating-Palestinian/dp/1626986347/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4BLCCN3A7A92&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.k5-TSs5GUf9JBW42eMiQVviJEcU52rlFOP8oLFnwSBbGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.oqfbi8D9rs6ETK6KY_QnxYbgId0Vsij94CT8XbhukhE&dib_tag=se&keywords=john+munayer&qid=1791472865&s=books&sprefix=john+munayer%2Cstripbooks%2C188&sr=1-1) by John S. Munayer & Samuel Munayer Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, Church at the Crossroads (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com). Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec. 27-31, Christ at the Checkpoint (https://christatthecheckpoint.com). Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). - Special thanks to Wasim for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
14 Oct 2026
Finding the Walls
Ep. 7: Ramy Taleb (https://www.peacecatalyst.org/ramy-taleb) & his wife, Roula, talk about their work in Lebanon with Al Shabiba Risala (https://www.asrisala.org) using education & meaningful encounter to equip a new generation of everyday peacemakers to cross the divides they've inherited.
7 Oct 2026
Humanity Across the Divide
Dr. Daniel Bannoura, a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, shares the story of his upbringing, his advocacy against harmful theology that has cost his people dearly, and his journey as a scholar studying Islam in order to better love his Muslim neighbors. Daniel is a recent graduate of University of Notre Dame (https://www.nd.edu) in Islamic studies. His thesis was, “The Composition of the Qur’an: Towards a Historical-Critical Theory of Its Redaction,” & he studied under Dr. Gabriel Reynolds (https://theology.nd.edu/people/gabriel-said-reynolds/). Daniel is also on staff with the Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice (https://www.bipj.org), & he is one of the main coordinators for Church at the Crossroads (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com), a conference for Palestinian Christians & Global Christians to seek peace together in the Holy Land. Church at the Crossroads (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com) meets from Atlanta, GA in Nov. 5-7.
30 Sept 2026
Learning the Other's Language
Ep. 5, Dr. Alexander Massad (https://www.wheaton.edu/academics/faculty/alexander-massad), professor of World Religions at Wheaton College (https://www.wheaton.edu), explores Comparative Theology, learning another religion's "syntax," & how mutually vulnerable friendships with Muslims can deepen understanding across differences and enrich Christian faith. This episode spotlights the Wheaton College's Religions of the World Certificate. Check it out HERE (https://catalog.wheaton.edu/undergraduate/arts-sciences/biblical-theological-studies/religions-of-the-world-certificate/). Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, Church at the Crossroads (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com). Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). ------------ Links to resources referenced in our conversation: Amir Hussain's One God and Two Religions: Christians and Muslims as Neighbors (https://www.amazon.com/One-God-Two-Religions-Christians/dp/B0D9DJ3NH1/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2I9UV8F0O2GN7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.sg93IdEDKd4DUfeYq_A8jKXC3VfB8Xrkn1LMW38euVceavQVCpRfJNE_evSrAmeOUVoG5jPZSaMiNnPti3tNL8GHXrD9oCdSSteitz6Y51vquPF1jEy3xhvIpkpCnkhUp-j5Abv_gM5XYoEseucqX-ie1U2EMDO7MrvLVObJmiA.GlIydxvIyWr8SFSm3futZ2LXVczESuqxgOEv2fzKWaA&dib_tag=se&keywords=one+god+and+two+religions+christians+and+muslims+as+neighbors&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1789480817&sprefix=one+god+and+two+%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-1) Alexander E. Massad's Witnessing God: Christians, Muslims, and the Comparative Theology of Missions (https://www.amazon.com/Witnessing-God-Christians-Comparative-Encounter/dp/9004519114/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3SJL6TPQRS81D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.RbtN8R4sBJ-YWE_S3UpPzA.FwIh9D21fGFU-Ha26-_5gBkbTlg6qwEFRAtfLcS8F1Q&dib_tag=se&keywords=alexander+massad&qid=1789480627&sprefix=alexander+massad%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1) Martin Accad's Sacred Misinterpretations: Reaching Across the Muslim-Christian Divide (https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Misinterpretation-Reaching-across-Christian-Muslim/dp/0802874142/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2DUTG151I5D3K&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3WQ5Q8FdDelUcvjYEYmABiMUkwVBfbvCsr7QLtzwUO7aql8pDfCU-UfH9hFz6-2hGe2V3eC-9ymI5Q-hivMe1g.QYIBoc6H1FRIpr4cNr5YdLv9B7BXZdDCiIsqj7tm90I&dib_tag=se&keywords=martin+accad&qid=1789480714&sprefix=martin+accad%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1) Francis X. Clooney's Comparative Theology: Deep Learning Across Religious Borders (https://www.amazon.com/Comparative-Theology-Learning-Religious-Borders/dp/1405179740/ref=sr_1_1?crid=15D89UQMTXUK3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Y2AOSaaKf8BrcbZuVbO87jaom6osgF8uARUZW7428uWvEAAc00rWKD9AN6ruuFKcORuFd8J10FIqD31p8OQfCmikbzV-q_9dwtQaf-ibllGzMpW9uct5o7rUYsr_picx9sI_4NOAJH2MJrDLlB8YspJwABN_TS3A2ttBLPCDVTB3lj7cEvPvCHINk4JRT7UMpRFwVmmCvoz5Exzq-jBBdIqnCZsvJw4bfbV61n3BPe0.2d9KuigYw8rK48NAmtiqOasA06D22xSjwzDelRjOAlk&dib_tag=se&keywords=comparative+theology+clooney&qid=1789480850&sprefix=clooney+comparat%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1) Fouad Elias Accad's Building Bridges: Christianity and Islam (https://www.amazon.com/Building-Bridges-Christianity-Islam-LifeChange/dp/0891097953/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33TJ516COAJKV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VMhY5bDD2f7rYlV-gq-8sg.3T-LfRsuY1WziHde7hD3n7VNfodwY33U0SxX9JmLc0w&dib_tag=se&keywords=fouad+elias+accad&qid=1789480974&sprefix=fouad+elias+accad+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1) ------------ - Special thanks to Dr. Alexander Massad (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-e-massad-29b55947/) & Wheaton College (https://catalog.wheaton.edu/undergraduate/arts-sciences/biblical-theological-studies/religions-of-the-world-certificate/) for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
23 Sept 2026
Unearthing the Roots of Muslim-Christian Neighboring
Ep. 4, Dr. David Vila (https://www.jbu.edu/faculty/david-vila) is the world religions professor at John Brown University (https://www.jbu.edu), curator for the Abila Archeological Project (https://www.jbu.edu/academics/bible/abila/) in NW Jordan since 2008, & former Fulbright scholar at Jordanian universities. His interview explores the history of Muslim-Christian neighboring since the beginnings of Islam & what that history can teach us about building relationships across that divide today. If you like our storytelling, please consider supporting The Ahlan Bridge by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). Please consider attending the Christ at the Checkpoint conference in Bethlehem, Palestine. More info HERE (https://christatthecheckpoint.com). - Special thanks to Dr. David Vila (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-vila-74257794/), John Brown University (https://www.jbu.edu) ,& the Abila Archaeological Project (https://www.jbu.edu/academics/bible/abila/) (https://www.bipj.org) (https://www.thewelcomenet.org) for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
16 Sept 2026
Unlearning the Myths We’ve Inherited
Ep. 3, Dr. Benjamin Norquist (https://www.linkedin.com/in/norquist/) from The Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice (https://www.bipj.org/)talks as an educator about Palestinian Christian institutions in Bethlehem, Palestine, & his journey from unlearning the myths we have inherited in the West to understand that world, it's people, & it's nuances. Checkout Ben's recently published book that he co-wrote with Brian Miller, Every Somewhere Sacred: Rescuing a Theology of Place in the American Imagination (https://www.amazon.com/Every-Somewhere-Sacred-Rescuing-Imagination/dp/1514009412/ref=sr_1_1?crid=RFJADAMRUWSV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ar8pC6x6yrOE6-OiR_aWiQ.Tkxr5_Tw9A0N3CGnoh8X38DGoDC_w9kPZEO9Hot3wdI&dib_tag=se&keywords=benjamin+norquist&qid=1789481189&sprefix=benjamin+norquist%2Caps%2C176&sr=8-1). If you like our storytelling, please consider supporting The Ahlan Bridge by becoming a monthly financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). Please consider attending the Church at the Crossroads conference Nov. 5-7 in Atlanta. More info HERE (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com). Also, please consider attending the Christ at the Checkpoint conference Dec. 27-31 in Bethlehem, Palestine. More info HERE (https://christatthecheckpoint.com). - Special thanks to Dr. Ben Norquist (https://www.linkedin.com/in/norquist/) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-burrell-a5729b47/) & The Bethlehem Institute for Peace & Justice (https://www.bipj.org) (https://www.thewelcomenet.org) for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
9 Sept 2026
Choosing Welcome in the Age of Fear
Ep. #2, Tony Burrell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-burrell-a5729b47/), director of The Welcome Network (https://www.thewelcomenet.org) in NW Indiana, shares the story of his organization welcoming immigrants, & specifically highlights his experiences learning from & welcoming specifically Muslim background immigrants. Don't miss the upcoming conference in Bethlehem, Palestine, Dec 27-31, Christ at the Checkpoint (https://christatthecheckpoint.com). Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). - Special thanks to Tony Burrell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-burrell-a5729b47/) & The Welcome Network (https://www.thewelcomenet.org) for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
2 Sept 2026
When Encountering the Other Side, Who's Missing?
Ep #1: Palestinian Christian, George, shares his parents' Nakba stories, explores listening graciously across divides, challenging inherited narratives, remembering without hatred, & asking those with opposing narratives who is missing in the story. This episode spotlights the Denver Seminary Doctor of Ministry program in New Missional Movements. Check it out HERE (https://denverseminary.edu/program/doctor-of-ministry-in-new-missional-movements/). Don't miss the upcoming conference in Atlanta, Nov-5-7, Church at the Crossroads (https://www.churchatthecrossroads.com). Support the work of The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) by becoming a financial partner HERE (https://www.ahlanbridge.org/give). - Special thanks to George for sharing his story & perspectives. - This episode was hosted & edited by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/). - The theme song was written by Charlie Brill (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrcharliebrill/) & performed by Rob Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robthebruce/). - The credits were read by Megan Cordell (https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-cordell-6125288/).
1 Sept 2026
Episodes Debuting September 3, 2026
The Ahlan Bridge (https://www.ahlanbridge.org) is starting a podcast to learn about this stories & perspectives of Arab, Persian, & Anglo Christians & Muslims who cross the divide to the other. Upcoming interviews are with: George (an Evangelical Palestinian), Tony Burrell, Dr. Ben Noquist, Dr. David Vila, Dr. Alex Massad, Wasim Nasser, & more.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 9 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 2 ratings
Contact Stories Without Borders
- Guest appearances
- Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Shows with a similar audience
Host of Stories Without Borders?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show
Podcast research with Pod Engine