Best Sarah Ngo Podcasts (2025)

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just go for it and see what happens 21:21

6d ago21:21

21:21

In this episode of The Budding Artist Podcast, Sarah’s back, baby! Time sure does fly! Another catch up episode here. Similar to this podcast, Sarah’s been going through a lot of changes, trial and errors, and so many revelations. Cutting straight to chase, sometimes, you gotta just go for it and see what happens. Want to see what else Sarah’s been…

1
"The Big Humanitarian Rethink" with Lydia Poole 36:28

17d ago36:28

36:28

Lydia Poole discusses "The Big Humanitarian Rethink," a digital consultation she launched with Ben Parker to capture diverse perspectives on reforming the humanitarian system during a period of unprecedented funding cuts. The consultation revealed two distinct camps: "reimaginers" who advocate for radical transformation addressing power imbalances,…

1
59. Humanitarians' anchor in the storm: The power of structured peer support with Carrie Santos 48:35

2M ago48:35

48:35

In a sector increasingly battered by funding cuts, program disruptions, and global uncertainty, where can humanitarian professionals find stability? As the waves of change crash around us, what can serve as our anchor? In this powerful episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Carrie Santos about how structured peer support groups (also called mastermind…

1
58. “Navigating the storm” with Dr. Lucia Berdondini 42:00

3M ago42:00

42:00

In today’s episode, we hear from Dr. Lucia Berdondini, a Gestalt therapist and humanitarian, who shares her journey and the importance of embodying change in times of crisis. She discusses how grief and uncertainty are affecting the humanitarian workforce amidst recent challenges, and how we can support ourselves and others through this transformat…

1
57. "Find your people" with Farah Mahesri 35:12

3M ago35:12

35:12

Farah Mahesri shares insights about systems-level change, the importance of building trust, and finding your community during times of transition. Drawing from her experience working with social justice organizations and in global development, Farah discusses how to embody change at multiple levels while staying true to your values. You’ll hear abo…

1
56. "Everyone can contribute to positive culture" with Anna Young 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti talks with Anna Young, an organizational culture specialist, to explore how humanitarian teams can align their values with their daily work. Drawing from her research and extensive experience in the humanitarian sector, Anna shares actionable strategies for creating cultures rooted in kindness, c…

1
55. The NGO Staff Wellbeing Network 47:26

5M ago47:26

47:26

In this episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti is joined by Jody Gunn-Russell and Camille Lemouchoux, two trailblazers in humanitarian staff well-being. Together, they recount the inspiring story of the NGO Staff Wellbeing Network, from its inception to its evolution into a vibrant community of practice. The conversation dives into the c…

1
54. “Moral injury” with Dimple Dhabalia 44:37

6M ago44:37

44:37

In this heartfelt conversation, Dimple Dhabalia shares her journey from working in the government and humanitarian sectors to advocating for trauma-informed leadership and workforce well-being. Through the lens of her personal experiences and her book Tell Me My Story, Dimple explores the vital shift from “service before self” to a more sustainable…

1
sarah studies shorts | two cars, one night 29:22

6M ago29:22

29:22

“At the end of the day, the reality is we're all losers, and we're all uncoordinated. We're the worst of all of the animals on earth, and there's something quite endearing about that.” - Taika Waititi New series alert! In this episode of The Budding Artist Podcast, Sarah studies a short. The very first short under the microscope is Two Cars, One Ni…

1
53. Overcoming imposter syndrome with Torrey Peace 44:11

6M ago44:11

44:11

In this episode of Embodying Change, Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Torrey Peace, leadership coach and expert in the humanitarian and development sectors. Together, they explore the challenge of balancing high performance with self-care, and the importance of setting boundaries and empowering your team to thrive. Torrey shares insightful strategies …

1
52. The System Changer Sleepover with Debra Peltz 34:40

7M ago34:40

34:40

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti talks with Debra Peltz, founder of CollabWork and a well-being champion with a 25-year career in senior administration roles. Debra shares her journey from volunteering in Sri Lanka to working at Save the Children UK and eventually launching her own business. They explore: What it means to truly "embody change" in y…

1
51. Leading from the heart with Sarah Noble 36:49

7M ago36:49

36:49

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti is joined by Sarah Noble, Head of Global Engagement at the Caux Initiatives of Change Foundation. Sarah shares her unique perspective on peace-building, storytelling, and how inner development can create outer change. Together, they discuss: The history and mission of the Caux Palace as a gathering place for change-…

1
the break and the breakthrough 11:37

7M ago11:37

11:37

Yes, it's been almost 4 months. This episode of The Budding Artist Podcast is not a regular installment. A more stream of consciousness episode exploring Sarah's break and the breakthroughs that occurred during that time period. Some exciting ch-ch-ch-changes to come! "In order to change we must be sick and tired of being sick and tired." - Unknown…

1
50. Duty of Care with Rebecca Maudling 27:28

8M ago27:28

27:28

Ever wonder how aid workers can stay safe in some of the world’s most dangerous environments? Rebecca Maudling, is on a mission to make sure humanitarian staff not only survive but feel confident and equipped to do their work safely — even in the toughest conditions. From co-founding an organization that helps NGOs work more safely, to reshaping ho…

1
49. The INGO Problem with Deborah Doane 45:20

8M ago45:20

45:20

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti speaks with Deborah Doane, author of The INGO Problem: Power, Privilege, and Renewal. Deborah brings decades of experience in the humanitarian and development sectors, from leading the Ombudsman Project for humanitarian accountability to co-founding the RINGO Project, which is pushing for systemic change in global c…

1
48. Sitting in the gray with Elisha Smith Arrillaga 39:01

8M ago39:01

39:01

What does it mean to sit in the gray areas of change? How can philanthropy better support nonprofit leaders and staff in these challenging times? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti speaks with Elisha Smith Arrillaga, a thought leader in philanthropy and the leader of the research team at the Center for Effective Philanthro…

1
47. Cultivating thriving workplaces with Leanne Marega 42:39

9M ago42:39

42:39

How can we create a thriving workplace culture in the humanitarian sector? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Leanne Marega, a pioneer in humanitarian workforce well-being and a founder of Thrive Worldwide. Leanne shares her journey from Interhealth Worldwide to founding Thrive Worldwide, emphasizing the critical …

1
46. Reimagining institutions with Mary Ann Clements 47:59

9M ago47:59

47:59

How can we create sustainable change within humanitarian and development organizations? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Mary Ann Clements, a pivotal figure in the history of this podcast and Co-CEO at an organisation working on disability justice, ADD International. Mary Ann shares her journey from initiat…

1
45. Investing in the nonprofit workforce with Rusty Stahl 1:02:59

9M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

Why is burnout so prevalent in the nonprofit sector? How can funders better support the people who deliver? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Rusty Stahl, founder of Fund the People. Rusty shares his journey into philanthropy, the systemic issues leading to chronic underinvestment in nonprofit staff, and the inno…

1
44. Rolling up our sleeves with Pauline Chetcuti 29:25

10M ago29:25

29:25

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the complexities and challenges of humanitarian work? Are you looking for signs of hope that, together, we can transform the sector? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes Pauline Chetcuti, the newly elected president of VOICE. Pauline shares her journey from international law to humani…

1
43. Redefining “resilience” with Gemma Houldey 1:07:12

10M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Do you ever wonder how vulnerability and power dynamics shape your work in the humanitarian sector? Are you curious about how funding practices can better support well-being? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melissa Pitotti welcomes back Gemma Houldey, author of The Vulnerable Humanitarian. Gemma shares her journey from human rights adv…

1
42. We are feminist leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook 46:16

10M ago46:16

46:16

Episode 42: We Are Feminist Leaders with Leila Billing and Natalie Brook Do you ever feel conflicted by traditional leadership models that don’t align with your values? Are you curious about how feminist principles can transform the way we approach leadership, especially in the humanitarian sector? In today’s episode of Embodying Change, host Melis…

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41. "If it's itchy, uncomfortable, messy, and hurts..." with Sarah Diedro Jordão 40:47

10M ago40:47

40:47

This conversation with Sarah Diedro Jordão provides a deep and heartfelt exploration of what it means to embody change and foster love in the quest for a more equitable society. “Going through a painful process can very much be part of embodying change. If it's itchy, uncomfortable, messy, and hurts, change is probably on the other side of that. So…

1
40. Menopause with Scotti McClaren 28:02

11M ago28:02

28:02

Humanitarian women are exposed to chronic stress, which can impact their experience of peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopause. In this episode of Embodying Change Scotti McLaren shares her experience and insight as it relates to this under-explored and yet powerful time of a woman’s life – before, during and after actual “M day.” What are the…

1
to be cringe is to be free 36:09

11M ago36:09

36:09

In this beautiful episode of The Budding Artist Podcast, Sarah and her creative bud, Nikki Lopez, escape into Nikki's fantastical, creative worlds and discover the art of cringe. “I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” - Charlotte Brontë, Jane EyreBy Sarah Ngo

1
what is enough? 45:47

11M ago45:47

45:47

In this episode of The Budding Artist Podcast, Sarah and her acting bud, Jasmine Kim, walk down memory lane from childhood fears and misconceptions to full-circle moments in adulthood. Are our dreams truly on the other side of our fear of failure? “The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”- Lao Tzu…

1
39. The power of self-leadership with Lucette Quarteron 56:25

11M ago56:25

56:25

In this light-hearted episode of "Embodying Change," we sit down with Lucette Quarteron, a dynamic global citizen and visionary leader. Lucette shares her unique insights on self-leadership, the proper use of power, and conflict management, drawing from her rich personal and professional journey. Discover how Lucette transforms organizational cultu…

1
the 'jack of all trades, master of none' struggle 33:59

11M ago33:59

33:59

In the very, very first episode of The Budding Artist Podcast, Sarah has the honor of sitting down with Ashlie Tran of Happimood Studios as she recounts her affinity for art at a young age to exploring different mediums of expression in adulthood. Prior to discovering the entire quote, the two grapple with the idea of being a jack of all trades, bu…

1
38. How to get and keep an accountability buddy with Helen Dunnett 1:09:43

11M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Join us in this conversation with Helen Dunnett, Melissa’s accountability buddy. In today's episode, Helen shares her personal journey of transformation and discusses the powerful tools of nonviolent communication and assertiveness that have shaped her approach to coaching. She also shares the story of how she approached Melissa years ago to become…

1
37. Get in the "growth zone" with Cindy Rocha 53:50

12M ago53:50

53:50

Join host Melissa Pitotti as she welcomes change advocate Cindy Rocha for a morning conversation filled with insights on embracing vulnerability and stepping out of comfort zones for transformative personal and professional growth. Highlights: 1. Defining Embodying Change: Cindy explains how real change involves putting oneself in the 'growth zone'…

1
36. Identity and belonging with Annemarie Shrouder 41:00

1y ago41:00

41:00

Annemarie Shrouder shares her personal journey with identity and discusses her work building inclusive cultures and communities. She and Melissa explore the difference between learning and BEING something (embodying change), the challenges of mixed race identity, creating safe and/or brave spaces, and the importance of representation, belonging and…

1
35. The #1 thing you need to transition with Nasra Ismail 44:39

1y ago44:39

44:39

In this episode, Melissa Pitotti and Nasra Ismail have a candid conversation about navigating transitions, power dynamics, and the principles of localization in the humanitarian sector. They share personal anecdotes and insights into their professional journeys, discussing the challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. From experi…

1
34. Giving Joy with Joy Kolin 45:50

1+ y ago45:50

45:50

In this episode Melissa speaks with Joy Kolin, Executive Director and Board President of Giving Joy. Joy has 20-years of experience in the field of international development, a career that has taken her to over 60 countries. Throughout her travels, Joy found herself touched by a common trend - the immense ability of women to affect positive change …

1
33. Life-centric work with Wouter Smeets 51:40

2y ago51:40

51:40

How can we better manage our workload, as per Commitment 8 of the Core Humanitarian Standard?* In this episode Melissa speaks with Wouter Smeets, a design-thinker, about how to re-shape our work in a way that gives us energy, rather than drains it. He gives us some good questions to ask ourselves, like: How do we design our morning routine? What ma…

1
32. A victim/ survivor perspective with Sabrina Prioli 53:08

2y ago53:08

53:08

In this conversation, Melissa speaks with Sabrina Prioli, the author of a memoir called “Rise up, phoenix” and one of the victim/survivors of the 2016 Terrain Compound Attacks in Juba, South Sudan. Sabrina shares her insights into how to better support victim/survivors and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. She also explains the nuanc…

1
31. Mental health at work with Dr. Aiysha Malik 34:22

2y ago34:22

34:22

In this episode Melissa speaks with Dr. Aiysha Malik, a mental health specialist at the World Health Organization working for a world that supports, improves, and does not harm mental health. They discuss the WHO guidelines on mental health and work and accompanying WHO-ILO policy brief. What do the guidelines say and what can you do with them? Che…

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30. When you picture Doctors without Borders what do you see? 40:22

2+ y ago40:22

40:22

Melissa speaks with: Dr. Chinonso Emmanuel Okorie, an MSF doctor living in Rwanda who recently completed a mission in Yemen; Lindis Hurun, the General Director of MSF Norway; and Ryan Rodrick Beiler, a multimedia producer for MSF Norway. They and several colleagues were involved in the production of a video that has made waves in the humanitarian c…

1
29. The Pledge for Change with Degan Ali 27:56

2+ y ago27:56

27:56

In this episode Melissa Pitotti speaks with Degan Ali, the Executive Director of Adeso, about the story behind the Pledge for Change 2030. They explore the ways in which the process that led to the Pledge was informed by lessons learned from the Charter for Change and the Grand Bargain. They consider the need for brave leaders to have safe spaces t…

1
28. Mental models with Faye Ekong of RavelWorks Africa 40:34

2+ y ago40:34

40:34

In this episode Melissa speaks with Faye Ekong of RavelWorks Africa about common challenges in aid organisations, particularly as they relate to decolonising aid in a “post” COVID world. Faye Ekong is the Managing Director of RavelWorks Africa. She has been in Human Resources, Learning & Personal Development for over 10 years. She is an SHRM-Senior…

1
27. Everyone needs a safe space to flourish with Oge Chukwudozie of RSH Nigeria 48:45

2+ y ago48:45

48:45

Melissa speaks with Oge Chukwudozie about the Safeguarding Resource and Support Hub’s exciting pilot project accompanying 10 local Nigerian organisations as they work to change their organisational cultures. Oge emphasizes the value of cultivating a safe and supportive workplace culture and the importance of leadership “walking the talk.” Organisat…

1
26. Culture is the key with Dr. Gaya Gamhewage 48:28

3y ago48:28

48:28

Melissa speaks with Dr. Gaya Gamhewage about her work in the world’s premier health organisation, the World Health Organisation (WHO), to prevent and response to sexual misconduct. They talk about the importance of leaders being vocal, explicit and sincere about their commitment to living the organisation’s values. They also surface a variety of ta…

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25. Governing Well with Aseem Prakash and Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken 50:56

3y ago50:56

50:56

Melissa speaks with Aseem Prakash and Tosca Bruno-van Vijfeijken about how governing boards of aid organisations can “govern well.” They discuss the power dynamics present in any group of humans, embracing difference and true diversity, prioritising lived experience, modelling behaviours, and asking smart questions. Professor Prakash studies NGOs a…

1
24. Making power visible with Dr. Emilia Roig 25:18

3y ago25:18

25:18

In this conversation, Melissa asks Dr. Emilia Roig, the author of the book "Why We Matter," about how power shows up in our work, her concept of “radical solidarity” and self care. Accountability has been defined in the latest version of the CHS guidance note as "the process of using power responsibly, taking account of, and being held accountable …

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23. Evolution or revolution with Umut Dilara Baycili 37:00

3y ago37:00

37:00

Melissa talks about organisational culture with Umut Dilara Baycili, a child psychologist working for Mavi Kalem. This humanitarian NGO and CHS Alliance member supports women and children in Turkey with a team that includes doctors, psychologists, sociologists and social workers. It is not unusual for people working for NGOs like Mavi Kalem to expe…

1
22. The data tells a story with Dr. Liza Jachens 32:21

3+ y ago32:21

32:21

Melissa speaks with Dr. Liza Jachens, an occupational health psychologist, lecturer and research associate who has partnered with six major humanitarian organisations looking at their staff’s experience of work-related stress and its effects on their mental health. Humanitarian work carries a “high emotional load” often exposed to trauma. Dr. Jache…

1
21. Root. Rise. Pollinate! 51:47

3+ y ago51:47

51:47

Shawna, Kristen and Rufaro tell the story of Root. Rise. Pollinate! and share learning from their experiment to shift culture through connecting inner and outer transformation. Shawna Wakefield, Kristen Zimmerman and Rufaro Gwarada tell the story of Root. Rise. Pollinate! - informed by their previous experiences in aid and development. They share l…

1
20. Building Belonging with Brian Stout 49:49

3+ y ago49:49

49:49

Melissa and Brian Stout of Building Belonging discuss how transformation happens – for individuals, groups, societies and the planet. This includes inviting others to co-create compelling visions, holding space in containers with maximal diversity, stepping into our power and agency, and embodying the change we want with accountability, compassion,…

1
19. Torrey Peace of Aid for Aid Workers 44:23

3+ y ago44:23

44:23

This episode is dedicated to humanitarians around the world on World Humanitarian Day. Melissa and Torrey Peace of Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podcast do a podcast exchange about people-centred leadership. In this conversation they cover: The importance of empowering the people closest to the problem, as they know best how to solve those problem…

1
18. Paula Ramírez of Breathe International 42:23

4y ago42:23

42:23

Melissa talks with Paula Ramírez of Breathe International. In their conversation they cover: Her journey from focusing on peacebuilding for nations to peacebuilding from within. The political aspect of being mindful and aware The body as a source of learning How to be a living example of mindfulness in the workplace The irony that humanitarian work…

1
17. Hope Chigudu reflects back on the Global Gathering 52:45

4y ago52:45

52:45

Melissa talks with Hope Chigudu, reflecting back on the 20-21 May Global Gathering entitled “Living our values: Care, culture and power in aid organisations” held by the CHS Alliance. In their conversation they cover: The connections between power, culture and care The importance of leadership, of using language that people can understand in differ…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sarah Ngo Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen