The FORBcast

On this episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with James Holt - an associate professor at the University of Chester in the United Kingdom. He’s dedicated his career to preparing the next generation to respectfully interact with the belief systems of others. This will ultimately result in a more understanding and peaceful society. James is also the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Freedom Declared Foundation, which is “Championing the right of everyone to freedom of thought, cons...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with Ellie Thompson who is the Reflection Center Coordinator at Utah Valley University. Ellie founded an interfaith dialogue while a student at West Texas A&M University, and from her experience there, grew a desire to work in higher education promoting interfaith dialogue and activities. We discuss why providing safe spaces for spiritual connection is essential on college campuses and in workplaces. Ellie shares her expertise i...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with Shirin Taber. Shirin is an international consultant, media producer and the author. With an Iranian Muslim father and an American Christian mother, she has lived in the United States, Europe and the Middle East. Currently, she is directing the Empower Women Media and Middle East Women’s Leadership Network, which help women create media for their mission. With a background in writing, non-profits and cross-cultural training, Shi...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with Tanner Bean, a lawyer in Idaho and Utah. We discuss his special focuses such as nondiscrimination in the workplace and the intersection of LGBTQIA+ rights with freedom of religion or belief. Tanner breaks down why he’s called on lawmakers to strongly support the Freedom for All Act and why it would be the best step forward for the United States. Tanner is an associate at Fabian VanCott with particular focus on the intersec...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with Dr. Lacey Bagley, who has been working as a therapist for Encircle in Provo Utah for the past two years. She is currently in the process of opening her own clinic, Celebrate Therapy, aimed at supporting LGBTQIA+ folx and their families. She was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and continues to be a practicing member, along with her husband of 13 years and their two children. She also identifies as bise...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we have an interview with Hawa Hassan, a refugee from Kenya who is now studying nursing at the University of Utah. Hawa discusses what it was like to be born in a refugee camp, immigrate to the United States, and how it feels to be a religious minority in her everyday life. Thank you for listening to The FORBcast, presented by Bellwether International and hosted by Brenna Christen-Server. Please rate, review, subscribe, and send this episode to someone ...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we discuss the intersection of freedom of religion or belief and popular culture by looking at the beloved RomCom "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." We talk about how characters in the movie represent the plight of real people throughout history, as well as examine religious freedom in Greece today. Thank you for listening to The FORBcast, presented by Bellwether International and hosted by Brenna Christen-Server. Please rate, review, subscribe, and send this ...

On this week's episode of The FORBcast we interview Amro Hussain, the Director of the All Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom of Religion or Belief at House of Commons, in London, United Kingdom. He discusses the FORB landscape, his position working in government, and some tangible steps everyone can take to better engage with this human rights issue. Learn more about their organization here:https://appgfreedomofreligionorbelief.org/Thanks for listening to this episode of The ...

On this week’s episode of The FORBcast, we discuss freedom of religion or belief at the intersection of gender equality. We look at gender-based statistics from around the world, hear recommendations from the UN Women Religion and Gender Equality report, and highlight just a few of the women working in their everyday lives to close the gender equality gap. Thank you for listening to The FORBcast, presented by Bellwether International and hosted by Brenna Christen-Server. Please rate, re...

This week's episode of The FORBcast goes into the history and celebratory practices of Ramadan. We also discuss four addresses from the Harvard Faith and Flourishing symposium. The topic of the conference was "Strategies for Preventing and Healing Child Sexual Abuse."Thank you for listening to The FORBcast, presented by Bellwether International and hosted by Brenna Christen-Server. Please rate, review, subscribe, and send this episode to someone who you think would find it interesting. ...