20 Minute Takes

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with author, theologian, and pastor, Gary VanderPol. They discuss climate justice, and practical ways that faith communities can approach Christ-centered climate action prayerfully, personally, and politically. 

If you're interested in learning more about how to start up climate action small groups at your church, you can email Gary here: [email protected]

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Hosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Produced by David de Leon
Editing & Mixing by Wiloza Media
Music by Andre Henry

On this episode of 20 Minute Takes, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Kevin Nye. Kevin is a writer and advocate working toward ending homelessness by engaging best practices. He's the author of the 2022 book, "Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness." In this conversation, Kevin challenges listeners to think about homeless systemically, dispels some common myths about the problem of homelessness, and shares stories of communities who have taken steps of faithfulness to care for their neighbors experiencing housing insecurity. 

You can learn more about Kevin Nye here.
Find him on Instagram or Threads.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Hosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Produced by David de Leon
Editing & Mixing by Wiloza Media
Music by Andre Henry

Welcome to 20 Minute Takes Season 7! 

What happens when we have learned to distrust our desires? And how does that get in the way of our pursuits to live in whole and just ways in our world today? Listen in as Nikki Toyama-Szeto interviews author, coach, and consultant Tracey Gee talk about her new book The Magic of Knowing What You Want: A Practical Guide to Unearthing the Wisdom of Your Desires.

You can learn more about Tracey and her work here.
Find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Hosted by Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Produced by David de Leon
Editing & Mixing by Wiloza Media
Music by Andre Henry

In this final episode of season six, Nikki talks with Tony Deik. Tony is a Palestinian Christian from Bethlehem, Palestine. He is on faculty at Bethlehem Bible College, and currently resides in Bolivia with his family. Tony talks about the centrality of justice in the Christian scriptures, and how Christians might begin to understand justice as an act of worship and witness. They also discuss Christian Zionism, and how theologies have the potential to actualize either oppressive or just realities.

Catch us in early 2025 for our upcoming season.

You can learn more about Tony and his work here.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Host: Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Edited & Produced by: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

How can churches be good neighbors to families experiencing housing insecurity? This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Edith Yoder. She's the CEO of Bridge of Hope, an organization that has equipped Christian faith communities to end and prevent homelessness since 1987. Edith shares stories of transformation and empowerment as churches have learned to extend meaningful relationships to their homeless neighbors.

If you are interested in learning more about Bridge of Hope and how they might be able to partner with your church community, you can learn more here.

Additionally, find you can find them on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Host: Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Edited & Produced by: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Rev. Janna Louie, co-founder of the Coalition for Asian American and Pacific Islander Churches (CAAPIC). In this episode, they discuss the complex historical dynamics that affect Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) voters, and the work that CAAPIC does to encourage AAPI Christians to show up as engaged citizens who participate robustly in the democratic process here in the United States. In a Presidential election year when the AAPI vote is arguably the most significant swing vote, this is an episode you don't want to miss.

You can learn more about CAAPIC and access their resources here.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Host: Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Edited & Produced by: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode (originally aired on March 16, 2022).

This week, Nikki Toyama-Szeto talks with Kristyn Komarnicki (CSA's Director of Dialogue & Convening / Program Manager for Oriented to Love) about practical tips for transforming conflict through curiosity.

After listening to this episode of 20 Minute Takes, your ability to handle conflict, have difficult conversations, and engage in meaningful dialogue will level up; your friends and family will certainly thank you.

You can learn more about Oriented to Love Here.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Host: Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Edited & Produced by: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

This week on 20 Minute Takes, Nikki talks with Jesse Rudy. Trained as an attorney, Jesse is the Founder and CEO of Redeem International, a Christian faith-based nonprofit that protects some of the world's most vulnerable widows and orphans from violent abuse and exploitation. They talk about the phenomenon of land theft in Uganda, its effects on women and children, and how their organization's deterrence strategy has broad societal effects throughout the country. Jesse also shares his reflections on the type of spiritual formation necessary for engaging in justice work.

You can learn more about Redeem International's work at their LinkedIn page and their website.  

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action
Host and Producer: Nikki Toyama-Szeto 
Edited by: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

This week, David de Leon interviews CSA Executive Director and 20 Minute Takes host, Nikki Toyama-Szeto. Nikki shares what it looks like to lead a justice organization justly. She unpacks her organizational leadership theory anchored in intercession, and gives advice for how new leaders might integrate their spirituality into their leadership practice.

Follow Nikki on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter).

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.
Host, Producer, Editor: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry

Please enjoy this encore presentation of this episode (originally aired on June 29, 2022).

This week, David de Leon chats with Tim Ignacio. He's a Pilipino American community worker (and rapper!) in Metro Manila, in the Philippines. In this conversation, Tim shares about his story and vocation, the power of a ministry of tambay (loitering), and why he considers himself a balikbayan, and not a missionary. Listen in.

Find Tim on Instagram @sobrangitm
You can find his music on Spotify and Bandcamp
And check out his BALIKBAYAN NOT MISSIONARY vlog series on his YouTube channel.

20 Minute Takes is a production of Christians for Social Action.
Host: David de Leon
Producer/Editor: David de Leon
Music: Andre Henry