Take a Leap

We're introducing a special project! Over the past few months we've worked with interns in Africa to interview people we couldn't reach. Here's the first episode, with intern Jesulolami Olubowale, who interviewed Reverend Oluwagbemiga Ajayi, a full-time minister within the Anglican Communion.

Rev Ajayi went from a profitable career in pharmacology to the Anglican ministry, all to answer the call he felt from God.

Look for more upcoming interviews from interns in Uganda, Zimbabwa, Nigeria, and Ghana.

Take a Leap is a production of BYUradio.

Shadi Martini shares his story as a Syrian aid worker in Bulgaria who found a mattress for an elderly refugee couple and was later thanked with an emotional hug. The conversation shifts to the guest’s background growing up in diverse Aleppo, attending a Christian school as a Muslim, and how Syria’s conflict pushed him into secret medical aid while managing his family’s hospital amid severe regime brutality. Martini describes fear, trust, moving his family to the U.S., and faith-based motivation to act. They discuss interfaith cooperation, including being approached by Israelis, advice to stay humble, building friendships across religions through openness and honesty, hope from trusted mixed-faith teams working in places like Gaza and Syria, and closing advice to be genuine, step outside comfort zones, value community over money, and believe good deeds are rewarded.

Joshua Ali, a Trinidad and Tobago international gospel minister, worship pastor, producer, songwriter, musician, and Grammy member, talks about using faith and music to change lives. Joshua shares how faith became personal through encounters with God, the tension between ambition and obedience as an artist, and struggles including chronic health issues and two miscarriages. He explains how his song “You Made It” began as a two-day trailer commission (“Long Way Home”) and was later reshaped during grief. Joshua views music as worship and a God-given tool for encouragement and healing, recounting testimonies of healing during worship, emphasizing community as essential, advising against hiding faith, and encouraging reliance on Jesus through prayer, scripture, and private worship.

In this Take A Leap episode, Daniel Richter shares how he realized faith and music should work together: after over a decade in the mainstream Top 40 industry, Daniel Richter switched to Christian music about a year ago and began leading worship three years ago. Daniel says using music as ministry matters because he wants Jesus to be famous, not Daniel Richter, and emphasizes the biggest challenge is getting people to listen while trusting God over metrics. Richter explains the switch was confirmed when an investor’s funding stopped after prayer, and staying grounded comes from prayer and reading the Bible, not performance.

Take A Leap Hosts interview Christian musician Kaégan about faith, songwriting, and purpose. Kaégan, raised by worship-pastor parents, says his love for God and music grew in church and that as a quiet pastor’s kid he began using songwriting to help others feel included and consider Jesus. He explains his song “Water” reflects giving his life to the Lord at six and learning that life changes suddenly while God’s promises remain, shaped by losses like his grandfather in 2018. He describes a lyrics-first creative process, finishing songs when no edits remain, and influences from Steven Curtis Chapman, for KING & COUNTRY, U2, The 1975, and Coldplay. He discusses co-writing, Bible reading, community, social-media detox, and trusting God, previews “Stronger,” and advises seekers to trust God with their lives.

On Take a Leap, hosts Ocean Marshall and Neftali Rodriguez interview Mariah Zavala (Pascua Yaqui; also Oaxacan and Puerto Rican), a Flagstaff-based community advocate, ultra runner, and business development professional at Mountain Mojo Group. She shares how ultra running (beyond a marathon) became prayer and advocacy, including racing in traditional clothing with a red handprint to raise awareness for murdered and missing Indigenous people. She discusses endurance as surrender, flexibility, and self-care; chairing Flagstaff’s Indigenous Commission; serving on Girls on the Run Northern Arizona; and founding the Anya Collective/Yaqui Tribe Rafting Experience with Grand Canyon Youth and SPL Sports Inc., rafting 10 youth (ages 11–14) to build leadership and self-worth. She emphasizes authenticity, mentors, feedback, and “be the community you wish existed."

In this Take Leap podcast episode, Neftali Rodriguez interviews Rachel Lief, a senior at NYU and future medical student, about her journey with faith and interfaith work. Rachel discusses her Jewish faith's impact on her values and actions, particularly in social justice and health equity. She reflects on her evolving religious identity, her involvement in interfaith initiatives, and her experiences with religious diversity at NYU. Rachel shares insights on the importance of interfaith collaboration in addressing global issues and offers advice for young people exploring their faith.

In this episode of 'Take a Leap', hosts Neftali Rodriguez and Ocean Marshall converse with Sabah Ahmedi, a British Muslim imam, about balancing faith and modern life. Ahmedi shares insights on his spiritual journey, the meaning of 'Take a Leap', dealing with misconceptions about Islam, and the importance of interfaith dialogue. He also discusses the influence of prayer, gratitude, and how Islam aligns with broader human values like justice and peace.

In this video, Ocean interviews Jaleesa about her ideal place to live and her faith journey. Jaleesa shares her deep-rooted belief that faith is an action and responsibility, and how it has influenced her leadership, particularly in founding the Raising a Village Foundation. The nonprofit supports underserved children and families in Washington, DC. Jaleesa discusses the impact of faith on young people's resilience and leadership and details how her spiritual perspective shapes her mentoring approach. She emphasizes the importance of community and offers advice on staying grounded in values and purpose.

In this episode of 'Take a Leap,' hosts Neftali and Ocean, interview Mirabelle Morah, a motion designer and founder of Grohwie. They discuss Mirabelle's journey in using her faith and creativity to make a social impact. Mirabelle shares her background, experiences, and the role of faith in her career. She emphasizes the importance of patience, community, and staying grounded in her beliefs while working in multicultural spaces. Maribel advises young people to pursue big dreams with determination and faith, sharing personal stories of how her faith guided her big decisions and creative initiatives.