Take a Leap

In this episode of Take A Leap podcast, host Neftali Rodriguez engages with Yehuda Webster to discuss his passion for integrating faith and activism. Yehuda, inspired by his Jewish heritage and experiences with racial injustice, shares his journey from organizing in New York to connecting with his Igbo Jewish roots in Nigeria. The conversation delves into their current hobbies, the role of faith in social justice, and personal leap of faith moments, culminating with Yehuda's advice to immerse oneself in service and prayer to find meaning and purpose.

Ocean and Arriza discuss Arizza's work as a global peace advocate and co-founder of Kris for Peace, a nonprofit promoting peace in conflict-affected areas of the Philippines. Kris for Peace has generated significant impact through libraries, education support, and youth programs. Arizza shares her personal story of growing up in a mixed-faith household, challenges faced, and the importance of interfaith dialogue and action. She emphasizes the role of education, youth empowerment, and faith in fostering peace and social cohesion. Arizza also discusses overcoming skepticism, the power of community, and the need for active listening and purpose.

In this episode of the Take a Leap podcast, hosts Neftali Rodriguez and Ocean Marshall interview India McCue, a world traveler, thrifter, photographer, and podcaster. India discusses her journey into wedding photography and how her creative and entrepreneurial ventures have shaped her life. She emphasizes the importance of integrating faith into her business, maintaining authenticity, and seeing work as an act of worship. India also shares insights from her travels, highlighting the beauty of different cultures and the humbling realization of God's vast creation. She encourages young creatives to pursue their passions fearlessly with faith.

Bushra Amiwala, an activist and elected official born to Pakistani immigrants in Chicago, made history as the first Gen Z elected official in the U.S. by joining Skokie's School District Board at a young age. She discusses her journey, fueled by gratitude for her opportunities and influenced by her Muslim faith. Bushra shares her experiences overcoming challenges, the importance of faith and intention, and offers advice on navigating politics and civic engagement while emphasizing self-care.

Jennifer Eburuoh, a PhD student in international relations at American University. Jennifer shares her journey, detailing her Nigerian American faith background, her work with the UN Refugee Agency, and her study of environmental science. She discusses how her faith motivates her service and advocacy work and provides insights into her experiences in Uganda and the importance of being a good listener. The episode concludes with advice for young adults on navigating career paths rooted in service and justice.

In this episode, we sit down with Albarka Wakili, a Master of Divinity student at Drew Theological School and a 2025 GreenFaith Rising Leader Fellow. Originally from Nigeria, Albarka shares how his name—meaning blessing—guides his path, and how his journey across continents has deepened his faith. He opens up about witnessing climate change firsthand, the hope that sustains him, and the moment he realized faith, justice, and the environment are inseparable. From tending Drew’s Theo Community Garden to engaging in global initiatives and meeting leaders like Ban Ki-Moon, Albarka reflects on how working with the soil reveals God’s presence in creation. With wisdom and humility, he offers practical steps for young people who want to care for the earth, bridging the sacred and the practical in everyday life.

Jeremiah Paltan, a singer-songwriter from the Bronx, New York, shares his journey intertwining faith and music. Paltan shares his experiences as a pastor's kid, his early introduction to music, and how his faith has shaped his musical career. He highlights the importance of community in sustaining faith, his path to finding his spiritual identity, and the humbling experiences of having his music featured on television. Jeremiah also reveals his upcoming album 'Found in Lost City,' set to release on November 14th, and discusses how making music has been a way for him to overcome struggles and inspire hope in others.

Hosts Neftali Rodriguez and Ocean Marshall interview Dallin Bundy, a 2025 Truman Scholar and a senior studying political science at BYU. The discussion covers a range of topics, including Dallin's love for silent discos, his interest in epic fantasy literature, and his journey to winning the Truman Scholarship. Dallin shares valuable insights on the importance of civil discourse, the impact of political violence on community cohesion, and his commitment to fostering peacemaking and political engagement. The episode concludes with actionable advice for young people to stay politically active, show up in their communities, and maintain a balanced life.

In this episode of Take A Leap, host James talks with Carolina França, a Gordon College graduate and science teacher, about how faith and environmental stewardship intertwine. From conservation research to the classroom, Carolina shares how her sense of calling fuels both her teaching and climate advocacy. She highlights the power of small, community-driven actions, the role of faith in caring for creation, and her experiences leading initiatives from school clubs to international conferences.

Find more from Carolina on Instagram: c.franca24

In this episode of Take A Leap, James sits down with Kenzie Meyer and Neftali Rodriguez. Kenzie shares how her path shifted from studying music education at Montana State to becoming a campus minister at Southern Utah University. From life-changing experiences in Kenya to her work with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Kenzie opens up about helping students embrace faith during the pivotal college years—offering wisdom on overcoming fear, seeking purpose, and leaning into the unique journey of student life.