Impact!

This episode takes a clear-eyed deep dive into the complex history behind modern Ukraine’s borders—from the national cradle of Kievan Rus' claimed by three modern-day states, Viking invasions and imperial shifts to Soviet-era decisions—examining how competing historical narratives have shaped both Russia and Ukraine’s territorial claims and international responses.
With negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine possibly imminent, we explore likely demands, legal and political obstacles, and look at where we might focus intentions and prayers to support what will likely be a very sensitive and difficult area for either side to reach compromise over.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as the prospect for negotiating a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine edges closer, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will for wisdom for the facilitators of any forthcoming peace talks involving Russia and Ukraine, to be sensitive to the personalities and motivations of those present, while steering a course that may allow open and respectful discussion.
Please join us in holding this.
Prayers and intentions start at 26 minutes 40 seconds.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:02            Recent Developments in Ukraine
00:03:41            Understanding Ukraine’s Complex History
00:09:11            The Breakup of the USSR
00:14:14            Russia’s Claim to Ukrainian Territory
00:17:55            Russia’s Territorial Demands in Negotiations
00:26:40            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/66181
https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/lseih/2020/07/01/there-is-no-ukraine-fact-checking-the-kremlins-version-of-ukrainian-history/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kievan_Rus'
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_the_Historical_Unity_of_Russians_and_Ukrainians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-Soviet_transition_in_Ukraine
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia%E2%80%93Ukraine_relations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russo-Ukrainian_War
https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/ukraine/pre1914
https://kyivindependent.com/how-russia-steals-and-rewrites-ukrainian-history-to-justify-its-claims-in-ukraine/
https://kyivindependent.com/kyivan-rus-then-and-now/
https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-he-will-discuss-territory-with-putin-as-ukraine-signals-readiness-for-unconditional-peace-talks-with-russia/
https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/03/finding-insights-in-history-for-war-in-ukraine/
https://news.sky.com/story/trump-zelenskyy-putin-ukraine-latest-live-updates-12541713
https://news.sky.com/story/vladimir-putin-demands-key-parts-of-ukraine-in-exchange-for-peace-13413322
https://opir.weareukraine.info/ukrainian-statehood-in-1917-1921/
https://ppr.lse.ac.uk/articles/10.31389/lseppr.86
https://research.kent.ac.uk/emcentraleu/ukraine-chronology/
https://revistas.ucm.es/index.php/GEOP/article/download/96493/4564456569584/4564456721219
https://theconversation.com/how-moscow-has-long-used-the-historic-kyivan-rus-state-to-justify-expansionism-178092
https://theconversation.com/trump-putin-summit-veteran-diplomat-explains-why-putting-peace-deal-before-ceasefire-wouldnt-end-russia-ukraine-war-263314
https://ukraineworld.org/en/articles/basics/ukraines-statehood-formation
https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-16-2025
https://visitukraine.today/de/blog/1850/russias-crimes-with-a-thousand-year-history-how-muscovy-tried-to-appropriate-kyivan-rus
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/19/trump-proposes-putin-zelenskyy-summit-in-push-to-end-ukraine-war
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Russia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia
https://daily.jstor.org/the-birth-of-the-soviet-union-and-the-death-of-the-russian-revolution/
https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia
https://www.britannica.com/place/Russia/History
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj0q964851po
https://www.britannica.com/summary/Ukraine
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/ukraine-conflict-crossroads-europe-and-russia
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/08/russias-longstanding-problem-ukraines-borders
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-putin-zelensky-ukraine-news-08-17-25
https://www.csis.org/analysis/russias-war-ukraine-identity-history-and-conflict
https://www.dw.com/en/russia-ukraine-war-which-possible-territorial-concessions-are-under-debate/a-73630386
https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2024/01/29/a-short-history-of-russia-and-ukraine
https://www.ispionline.it/en/publication/borders-in-the-post-soviet-region-unfinished-business-190265
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/russia-and-ukraine-the-tangled-history-that-connects-and-divides-them
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/would-ceding-territory-to-russia-actually-bring-lasting-peace-to-ukraine-experts-weigh-in
https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/08/19/7526808/
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/115047128460078066
https://www.publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/lawyering-justice-blog/2025/2/13/legal-basis-for-ukraines-territorial-reintegration
https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/trump-tells-zelenskiy-us-would-help-with-ukraines-security-peace-deal-2025-08-18/
https://www.reuters.com/world/china/outline-emerges-putins-offer-end-his-war-ukraine-2025-08-17/
https://www.rochester.edu/newscenter/ukraine-history-fact-checking-putin-513812/
https://www.sipri.org/publications/2018/sipri-insights-peace-and-security/protracted-armed-conflicts-post-soviet-space-and-their-impact-black-sea-security
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/08/trump-ukraine-russia-peace/683907/
https://www.worldatlas.com/middle-ages/kyivan-rus-the-first-east-slavic-state.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBpNNEHIktA
https://www.zois-berlin.de/en/publications/contested-post-soviet-borders-ukraine-as-a-case-in-point
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

Welcome to a landmark episode as we celebrate the 100th edition of Impact! Reflecting on our journey, we discuss the evolution of the show from its inception in November 2023 amidst global crises to offer a beacon of hope and change. Join us as we reminisce over memorable episodes, remarkable guests, and significant themes we've covered, often opening our hearts and minds to happenings in our world that we know little about. We talk about what's excited, surprised and challenged us, give thanks for many intentions answered, and look forward to where our next 100 episodes or more may take us. Come celebrate with us!
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we mark our 100th edition, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that in future episodes we will continue to be inspired to bring attention to, and hold intentions for, matters that are for the highest good, for our world, and for specific people, places, nature and needs.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter Markers:
00:00:00                                                                                           Introduction
00:01:12                                                                                           Celebrating Our 100th Edition
00:03:21                                                                                           Reflecting on Our Journey
00:05:44                                                                                           Why We Started This Podcast
00:10:45                                                                                           Understanding Intention
00:13:45                                                                                           Surprises and Inspirations
00:16:22                                                                                           Memorable Episodes
00:19:26                                                                                           What to Celebrate
00:22:29                                                                                           Upcoming Events and Topics
00:30:12                                                                                           Looking to the Future
00:30:48                                                                                           Intention for this week
Mentioned in this episode:
Ellen’s workshop on Zoom, 21 August, ‘Beyond Politics.’ The workshop is FREE, but you’ll need to register to get the link at:  https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/walk-with-us 
Access and listen to all previous episodes of Impact! at https://www.heartfulimpact.com/.
Share with us what you’d like to see more or less of by contacting us in the Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1078658806473906.
Global Healing Response. https://globalhealingresponse.com/
The Intention Experiment by Lynne McTaggart. https://www.amazon.com/Intention-Experiment-Using-Thoughts-Change/dp/0743276965/ref=sr_1_1
The Power of Eight by Lynne McTaggart. https://www.amazon.com/Power-Eight-Harnessing-Miraculous-Energies/dp/1501115553/ref=sr_1_1
The Telepathy Tapes podcast series. https://thetelepathytapes.com/podcast
HeartMath Institute research. https://www.heartmath.org/research/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

In a sobering reflection some 80 years after the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we hear harrowing survivor testimonies and explore the long-lasting effects on human life that resulted that continue to resonate today. Join us as we remember the devastation, honour the strength and resilience of the Hibakusha, and reflect on the implications of nuclear warfare for today's world. Through personal stories and historical reflection, this episode offers a poignant reminder of the importance of remembrance, intention, and the collective hope for a nuclear-free future. As always, we invite you to join us to hold intentions and in prayer, and share with us in a moment of silence in memory of the many victims of two days in history that still have profound effects for tens of thousands of people today.
Intentions and prayers start at 16 minutes.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we hold space for the memories of the world’s only nuclear attacks, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that all world leaders will be moved by memories of the horrific devastation and pain inflicted on human beings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945 to resolve to never deploy nuclear weapons in military conflict.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:45            Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki
00:06:27            Survivor Testimonies
00:09:07            Lasting Effects of the Bombings
00:11:37            The Risk of Forgetting
00:13:59            Lessons for Today
00:16:00            Intentions and Prayers
00:20:46            The Importance of Memorials
00:22:44            Connecting and Closing Remarks
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://apnews.com/article/japan-hiroshima-nagasaki-atomic-bombing-survivor-96e9ea74eb27923f41db9f8943939341
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atomic_bombings_of_Hiroshima_and_Nagasaki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_nuclear_explosions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibakusha
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Project
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operations_Order_No._35
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terumi_Tanaka
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Featured_picture_candidates/A-Bomb_Dome
https://ipb.org/events/the-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-bombings-lessons-after-80-years-pana/
https://k1project.columbia.edu/news/hiroshima-and-nagasaki
https://news.sky.com/story/this-man-survived-hiroshima-and-he-has-a-stark-warning-for-us-all-13407417
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3907953/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/6/japans-hiroshima-marks-80-years-since-us-atomic-bombing
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2v58qrjq0o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crg5lyd25jno
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/c3dpk8gd1kdo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/33733410
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/hiroshima-and-nagasaki-humanitys-first-encounter-with-the-bomb
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/08/eighty-years-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-world-should-not-forget-devastation-wrought-nuclear
https://www.chathamhouse.org/publications/the-world-today/2025-06/atomic-bombing-japan-nothing-can-ever-be-same-again
https://www.dw.com/en/japan-passing-on-the-pain-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki/a-73534584
https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/08/06/eighty-years-on-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-survivors-are-still-calling-for-peace
https://www.hiroshimapeacemedia.jp/hiroshima-koku/en/exploration/index_20071022.html
https://www.historyhit.com/what-were-the-long-term-effects-of-the-bombings-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki/
https://www.icanw.org/hiroshima_and_nagasaki_bombings
https://www.icrc.org/en/statement/80-years-atomic-bomb-hiroshima-nagasaki-call-eliminate-nuclear-weapons
https://www.independent.co.uk/asia/japan/hiroshima-anniversary-nagasaki-japan-atomic-bombings-b2802139.html
https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/the-atomic-bombs-that-ended-the-second-world-war
https://www.kanpai-japan.com/miyajima
https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2024/07/what-weve-learned-from-survivors-of-the-atomic-bombs
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/80-years-later-hiroshima-bombing-survivors-warn-new-nuclear-warfare-rcna220177
https://www.nps.gov/mapr/learn/historyculture/atomic-bomb-survivors.htm
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/05/world/asia/hiroshima-nagasaki-japan-nuclear-photos.html
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/07/28/80-years-later-americans-have-mixed-views-on-whether-use-of-atomic-bombs-on-hiroshima-nagasaki-was-justified/
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/05/hiroshima-marks-80-years-since-atomic-bombing-00495023
https://www.pref.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/peace80-en/
https://www.reuters.com/world/atomic-bombings-hiroshima-nagasaki-2025-08-05/
https://www.reuters.com/world/hiroshima-warns-against-nuclear-weapons-it-marks-80-years-since-a-bomb-2025-08-06/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889158320300563
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/25751654.2019.1681226
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/25751654.2019.1681226
https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/education/presidential-inquiries/decision-drop-atomic-bomb
https://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/JAPANUKEvent/event/2025/202506/16-JHL-80yearson-survivorsfromHiroshima.html
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we give thanks for the remarkably limited life-threatening harm that appears to have resulted from the massive earthquake that struck off Russia's Kamchatka coast earlier this week. Recorded at a magnitude of 8.8, this ranks among the most powerful quakes in history, sending tsunami alerts right around the Pacific. Despite its strength, the earthquake resulted in minimal human casualties, a miraculous outcome that prompts discussions on nature's cause-and-effect power and the role of human intention in global events.
We discuss the immediate aftermath, consider how communities are coping with the after effects, and explore where our focused intentions and prayers may now be needed.
Prayers and intentions start at 14 minutes 20 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, following the magnitude 8.8 earthquake off Russia’s Far Eastern Kamchatka coast, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We give thanks for the protection of life in the wake of the Kamchatka earthquake.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:08            The Earthquake’s Aftermath
00:02:35            Understanding Energy Reactions
00:03:32            Nature’s Warnings
00:08:03            Tsunami Impact and Evacuations
00:12:49            Focus on Recovery Efforts
00:14:20            Intentions for Healing
00:16:22            Gratitude in the Wake of Disaster
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000qdyl
https://earthquakelist.org/news/2025/07/30/m5-1-earthquake-russia-1134033/
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/russia-japan-tsunami-earthquake-hnk-intl-07-30-25
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Kamchatka_Peninsula_earthquake
https://meduza.io/en/feature/2025/07/30/an-extraordinary-event
https://news.sky.com/story/tsunami-warnings-latest-japan-hawaii-and-alaska-on-alert-after-powerful-8-8-magnitude-earthquake-off-russias-far-east-coast-13403800
https://northcottglobalsolutions.com/emergency-medical-response/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7205372/
https://theconversation.com/kamchatka-earthquake-is-among-top-10-strongest-ever-recorded-heres-what-they-have-in-common-262223
https://thedoctor.bma.org.uk/articles/life-at-work/intensive-cares-a-specialty-in-need-of-rescue/
https://www.airmedandrescue.com/latest/long-read/new-heights-hems-critical-care
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/30/tsunami-alerts-issued-after-magnitude-earthquake-8-0-off-russia
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/7/30/live-tsunami-warning-after-magnitude-8-6-earthquake-off-russian-east-coast
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gzmkjjj03o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c987dwrdl0zo
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/russia-earthquake-kamchatka-peninsula-japan-tsunami-advisory/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tsunami-wave-hawaii-8-8-earthquake-russia/
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/30/magnitude-8point6-earthquake-strikes-off-russias-kamchatka-sparks-tsunami-warnings-usgs-says.html
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/29/asia/russia-earthquake-intl-hnk
https://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/russia-japan-tsunami-earthquake-hnk-intl-07-30-25
https://www.euronews.com/2025/07/30/a-magnitude-88-earthquake-struck-eastern-russia-tsunami-warning-in-alaska
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidbressan/2025/07/30/powerful-earthquake-off-russias-kamchatka-peninsula-triggers-tsunami-across-the-pacific/
https://www.france24.com/en/environment/20250730-massive-earthquake-off-russian-coast-sparks-tsunami-warnings-across-pacific
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/07/30/japan/kamchatka-earthquake-tsunami-advisory/
https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/earthquakes/russia-earthquake-magnitude-8-8-megaquake-hits-kamchatka-generating-tsunamis-across-the-pacific
https://www.newsweek.com/tsunami-warning-us-japan-earthquake-russia-live-updates-2106116
https://www.rescue.org/article/IRC-responds-to-emergencies
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/huge-quake-rocks-russias-far-east-triggering-tsunami-warnings-around-pacific-2025-07-30/
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/magnitude-86-earthquake-strikes-off-russias-kamchatka-sparks-tsunami-warnings-2025-07-29/
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/massive-russian-earthquake-struck-megathrust-fault-2025-07-30/
https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/powerful-quake-russias-far-east-causes-tsunami-japan-hawaii-order-evacuations-2025-07-30/
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/07/30/kamchatka-capital-declares-state-of-emergency-as-earthquake-aftershock-threat-looms-a90023
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2025/07/29/magnitude-8-7-earthquake-russia-tsunami-alert/85432493007/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/30/strongest-tsunami-earthquake-records-russia/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.

Mary Magdalene Feast Day is celebrated each year on 22 July. To mark this event, Ellen talks to Mary Magdalene expert Kathleen McGowan to understand why Mary’s example and role is so important in Christianity, if hers is a story of profound understanding, courage and perseverance that’s been completely misrepresented and suppressed for much of the Common Era. Along with a suppression of Mary’s intended role as a successor to Jesus and being a “tower” among the disciples by a controlling patriarchy, Kathleen explains how women have been disenfranchised from having a supreme role model who speaks to equal partnership in Christian teaching and leadership. 
Kathleen describes her remarkable journey of discovering Mary, which led her on a meticulous exploration of what is known about her spanning several decades. She offers her thoughts on what Mary might intend for our world today, which we offer as suggestions for contemplation and action.
Kathleen is author of several books about Mary, including The Magdaline Trilogy. Find out more on her Amazon author’s page at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kathleen-McGowan/author/B001JS3TKA.
Visit Kathleen’s website to find out more about her work, her writings and her forthcoming “deep dive” training: https://www.kathleenmcgowan.com/.
Listen to the Sistership Circle's podcast Brave Women interview with Kathleen, ‘Kathleen McGowan on The Magdalene Line Trilogy,’ at https://youtu.be/doPNJAcaBGI.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we reflect upon what Mary might will for our world today, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that Mary’s model of compassionate leadership will become widely known and move the hearts of those in all positions of leadership who hear to follow her example.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00        Introduction
00:00:41        Kathleen’s Journey
00:05:20        The Power of Mary Magdalene
00:07:52        Mary Magdalene’s Legacy in France
00:14:28        The Resurgence of Magdalene Energy
00:17:14        30 Years of Understanding Mary
00:19:42        The Sovereignty of Mary Magdalene
00:26:48        Training: Learn About Mary
00:36:16        Lessons from Mary Magdalene for Today
00:41:14        Intention Focus
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we reflect on where our intentions and prayers are needed sometime after a major disaster, and especially when it begins to fade from the news headlines. We explore the continuing tragedy that is unfolding in Kerr County, Texas, and its surrounds, as search and rescue efforts continue, and the profound nature and scale of impacts on many hundreds of people and communities become clear, following the flooding of the Guadalupe River. We hone in on both the immediate and longer-term support required for the grieving families, displaced individuals, and impacted businesses, and turn attention to the  sustained support and action that will continue to be needed long after the headlines fade. As always, please join us in a shared time of intention holding and prayer.
Intentions and prayers start at 17 minutes 44 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as communities and many thousands of people face the long-term consequences of the Kerr County flood, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that all authorities that have influence will continue to be mindful in the months and years ahead that ongoing support is needed for those who have been displaced and traumatized by the Kerr County flooding, including access to shelter, medical support, employer compassion, schooling for children, food and water, and trauma counselling.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in this episode and useful resources:
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Supporting urgent relief and long-term rebuilding following July 4 floods. Donate at: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201 
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction          
00:00:59            Tragedy Strikes Kerr County
00:04:16            Immediate Needs for Flood Response
00:07:27            Supporting Survivors and Victims
00:13:32            Long-Term Consequences of the Flood
00:15:52            Community Disconnection and Recovery
00:17:44            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://abc7news.com/post/kerr-county-texas-officials-took-90-minutes-send-emergency-alert-dispatch-audio/17050555/
https://abcnews.go.com/US/kerr-county-officials-waited-90-minutes-send-emergency/story?id=123631023
https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-flash-flooding-disaster-raises-questions-rescue-recovery/story?id=123531985
https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-flood-kickoff-meeting-kerr-county-warning-system/story?id=123622025
https://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-flooding-victims-young-campers-dad-saving-family/story?id=123531643
https://afyafoundation.org/texas-floods-response/
https://cfsaz.org/2025/07/kerr-county-flood-relief-fund/
https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-requests-federal-disaster-assistance-for-additional-texas-counties-impacted-by-flooding
https://news.yahoo.com/search-flood-victims-slowed-mountains-184640146.html
https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/other-sources/article/?id=16253191&title=Where-people-affected-by-Kerr-County-floods-can-receive-free-meals%2C-financial-help-and-more
https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/7/9/as-texas-floodwaters-recede-lawmakers-grapple-with-emergency
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/10/texas-mourns-flood-victims-at-vigil-as-search-continues-for-dozens-missing
https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/storm-tracker/texas-flooding-july-2025/
https://www.ashevillechamber.org/news-events/standing-with-kerr-county-how-to-support-flood-recovery-in-texas/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cq537dp2ello
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/10/us/kerr-country-officials-response-texas-flooding
https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/10/us/kerr-county-texas-flooding-search-efforts
https://www.cnn.com/weather/live-news/texas-flooding-camp-mystic-07-10-25
https://www.directrelief.org/2025/07/direct-relief-provides-medical-aid-for-texas-flooding-response-prepares-to-support-north-carolina/
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250709/disaster-assistance-available-july-flood-survivors-texas
https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250709/fema-sba-and-state-texas-open-disaster-recovery-center-kerrville
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/texas-flooding-map-lampasas-river-trump-fema-death-toll-latest-b2788441.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/texas-floods-live-trump-kerr-county-camp-mystic-deaths-b2787079.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/texas-floods-recovery-donate-help-victims-b2785785.html
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2025/07/11/where-people-affected-by-kerr-county-floods-can-receive-free-meals-financial-help-and-more/
https://www.lastresortrecovery.com/resources-for-central-texas-flood-survivors/
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/10/nx-s1-5461091/texas-flooding-warning-system-fema
https://www.npr.org/2025/07/10/nx-s1-5462703/texas-floods-search-efforts
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/us/texas-flood-victims.html
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/focus-on-first-responders-mental-health-grows-as-death-toll-passes-100-in-flood-ravaged-texas
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/crews-search-dozens-missing-after-texas-floods-2025-07-09/
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/thousands-first-responders-search-texas-survivors-against-long-odds-2025-07-10/
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/05/texas-hill-country-flooding-how-to-help/
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/10/texas-floods-kerr-county-search-recovery-debris-removal/
https://www.texastribune.org/2025/07/10/texas-kerr-county-commissioners-flooding-warning/
https://www.today.com/parents/family/texas-flood-survivor-searches-for-missing-rcna217768
https://www.tpr.org/environment/2025-07-05/guadalupe-river-flood-how-to-help-and-how-to-find-help
https://www.tpr.org/environment/2025-07-06/texas-flood-kerrville-flash-flood-alley
https://www.tpr.org/news/2025-07-08/kerr-county-residents-emergency-alert-messages-sporadic-inconsistent-in-wake-of-floods
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/07/10/kerr-county-texas-emergency-management-flood-response/1661752155603/
https://www.wgbh.org/news/national/2025-07-08/how-to-help-texas-flood-survivors-and-health-organizations-sue-rfk-jr
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week we reflect upon the history and legacy of the Srebrenica massacre, which its 30th anniversary on 11 July. We recall the tragic events that unfolded in July 1995, highlighting the significance of remembering and learning from this dark chapter in history. We discuss the many lasting consequences of the massacre, the failures of the international community, and the many profound impact on survivors and their communities. Join us for a period of silent remembrance and guided intentions and prayers for a world that stands resilient against hatred and genocide, fostering understanding and unity across different faiths and cultures.
Prayers and intentions start at 15 minutes 52 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as the world marks 30 years since the massacre at Srebrenica, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that the unchecked nationalism, ethnic hatred, and consequences of international inaction that allowed Srebrenica to happen will never be repeated.
Mentioned in this episode:
Srebrenica Memorial Day, dedicated website: https://srebrenica.org.uk/memorial-day
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:15:52            Intentions and Prayers
00:00:57            Remembering Srebrenica
00:05:32            Justice for the Perpetrators
00:07:48            Long-Term Consequences for Victims
00:11:22            The Importance of Remembering
00:13:04            Commemorating Srebrenica Day
Sources referenced in this episode:
http://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/blog/srebrenica-remembering-human-consequences-hate-25-years
https://academic.oup.com/ejil/article/18/4/669/453793
https://amnesty.ca/features/blog-srebrenica-20-years-after-the-genocide-why-the-survivors-need-closure/
https://ctbi.org.uk/news-and-events/remembering-srebrenica-30th-anniversary/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethnic_cleansing_in_the_Bosnian_War
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remembering_Srebrenica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srebrenica_massacre
https://hmd.org.uk/learn-about-the-holocaust-and-genocides/bosnia/srebrenica/
https://hmh.org/library/research/genocide-in-bosnia-guide/
https://museeholocauste.ca/en/resources-training/the-bosnian-genocide/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3583395/
https://press.un.org/en/2024/ga12601.doc.htm 
https://releasepeace.org/28-years-on-recognition-of-a-massacre-and-an-international-failure/
https://srebrenica.org.uk
https://srebrenica.org.uk/information/the-role-of-the-international-criminal-tribunal-for-the-former-yugoslavia
https://srebrenica.org.uk/information/the-strength-of-a-woman
https://srebrenica.org.uk/memorial-day
https://srebrenica.org.uk/what-happened/history/happened-srebrenica
https://srebrenica.org.uk/what-happened/history/uncovering-mass-graves
https://theconversation.com/ratko-mladics-conviction-and-why-the-evidence-of-mass-graves-still-matters-87976
https://utrechtjournal.org/articles/10.5334/ujiel.552
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/7/11/butcher-of-srebrenica-still-on-trial-25-years-after-genocide
https://www.amnesty.nl/actueel/bosnia-herzegovina-karadzic-found-guilty-of-srebrenica-genocide-but-ruling-leaves-life-unchanged-for-many-survivors
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2015/07/srebrenica-no-justice-or-truth-for-victims-of-genocide-and-their-families/
https://www.amnesty.org/es/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/eur630102012en.pdf
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c147wler2vzo
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c93kkqe8gy5o
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-47642327
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-53346759
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-57346523
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-18101028
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28329189
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-34213768
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35893804
https://www.britannica.com/event/Srebrenica-genocide
https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/thematic-work/transitional-justice/srebrenica
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/en/articles/85655.pdf
https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2024/srebrenica-national-memorial-day
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/29th-anniversary-of-the-srebrenica-genocide-uk-statement-to-the-osce-july-2024
https://www.icty.org/x/file/Outreach/view_from_hague/jit_srebrenica_en.pdf
https://www.inclusivesecurity.org/bosnian-women-after-srebrenica-massacre/
https://www.iwm.org.uk/research/research-projects/filming-for-peace/srebrenica-anniversary
https://www.justsecurity.org/96336/un-srebrenica-genocide-education/
https://www.south-wales.police.uk/news/south-wales/news/2024/july/remembering-the-genocide-in-srebrenica/
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/srebrenica-survivors-still-haunted-as-un-votes-on-genocide-remembrance/78177103
https://www.theholocaustexplained.org/what-was-the-holocaust/what-was-genocide/the-srebrenica-genocide-1995/
https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/equality-and-fairness/remembering-srebrenica
https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/blog/genocide-denial-rising-tensions-and-political-crisis-in-bosnia
https://www.ushmm.org/genocide-prevention/blog/growing-risks-of-renewed-mass-atrocities-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

As we enter a new quarter of the year, Global Healing Response turns its attention to the theme of honesty. In this episode, we explore the often subtle connections between honesty and authenticity, and see how these may play out in political and organisational leadership, as well as within our own lives. We see that even those of us who believe we live honestly may be deceiving ourselves, as we reflect upon the subtle ways dishonesty can infiltrate, often without our conscious awareness. We offer practical tips on cultivating self-awareness to ensure that what we say and do always stays in alignment with our core values, and as always, look at where we might hone in with our intentions and prayers. 
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we consider the importance of remaining honest, both for ourselves and for others, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that there will be a widespread shift in the collective consciousness toward honouring honesty in political leadership and in all areas of life.
Please join us in holding this.
Intentions and prayers start at 29 minutes 50 seconds.
Mentioned in this episode:
Global Healing Response 2025 Quarter 3 Theme, Honesty: https://globalhealingresponse.com/ . Suggested prayers, poems, words and resources to support spiritual activities focused on the theme of honesty.
Our last episode, ‘Men Behaving Badly: Playing the Religious Card,’ can be found at:  https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-s4zbu-18e6f49
Our episode concerning narcissism, ‘Unpacking Narcissism: The Leaders Among Us,’ can be found at: https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3645z-18c9ad9
Book: ‘Games People Play’ by Eric Berne. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Games-People-Play-Psychology-Relationships/dp/0241257476/ref=sr_1_1
Book: ‘The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom’ by Don Miguel Ruiz. Amazon.com link: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319/ref=sr_1_1
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:27            The Power of Honesty
00:02:57            Honesty and Authenticity
00:06:09            Misconceptions About Honesty
00:08:34            Honesty in Leadership
00:12:49            Courage in Whistleblowing
00:16:46            The Cost of Dishonesty
00:17:20            Reasons for Dishonesty
00:20:31            Consequences of Dishonesty
00:22:24            Honesty in Personal Relationships
00:26:16            Subtle Dishonesty in Relationships
00:29:50            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
http://blog.tarabrach.com/2017/07/radical-self-honesty-deepening-our.html
https://blog.shaadi.com/lying-and-dishonesty-a-major-red-flag-in-relationships/
https://cavendishconsulting.com/article/rebuilding-trust-in-politics-the-importance-of-honesty-and-transparency/
https://commentcentral.co.uk/reform-is-needed-to-ensure-honesty-in-politics
https://coupleslearn.com/dealing-with-dishonesty-in-relationships/
https://democracyfund.org/idea/understanding-trust-to-strengthen-democracy/
https://emergenetics.com/blog/being-authentic-7-common-misunderstandings/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_political_scandals_in_the_United_Kingdom
https://geediting.com/if-someone-displays-these-behaviors-theyre-probably-a-dishonest-person/
https://hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2023-10-23/debates/4BF9E107-17B6-4633-86FA-D46057D11F2C/HonestyInPolitics
https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/amp.2021.0063
https://laurabarkercoaching.com/whats-more-important-authenticity-or-integrity/
https://myinnercreative.com/ain-9-signs-someone-isnt-a-very-honest-person-according-to-psychology/
https://news-archive.salford.ac.uk/news/articles/2018/lying-politicians-and-leaders-influence-others-be-more-dishonest.html
https://openup.com/blog/a-psychologists-guide-to-being-your-authentic-self/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6647169/
https://quarterdeck.co.uk/articles/when-leadership-lies
https://renner.org/article/the-importance-of-honesty-in-relationships/
https://rollingout.com/2024/09/05/5-telltale-signs-someone-is-lying/
https://sisyphuslitmag.org/2018/01/intellectual-honesty/
https://sites.google.com/site/thepoliticsteacherorg/scandals
https://theconversation.com/voters-value-honesty-in-their-politicians-above-all-else-new-study-175589
https://thefulcrum.us/crucial-role-of-intellectual-honesty-in-politics
https://vixanderton.com/blog/the-discomfort-code
https://wholeself.yoga/2019/08/06/how-to-live-an-honest-and-authentic-life/
https://www.awakeningself.com/true-authenticity/
https://www.becomingwhoyouare.net/myths-about-authenticity/
https://www.bodyholicwithdi.com/2008972/episodes/16327676-the-authentic-self-debunking-the-myth-and-the-science-of-you
https://www.calm.com/blog/how-to-be-authentic
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomaspremuzic/2023/08/24/eight-popular-misconceptions-about-authenticity/
https://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/truth-be-told-13-ways-to-demonstrate-honesty/
https://www.iwm.at/transit-online/is-honest-politics-possible
https://www.leadernavigation.com/unethical-leadership/
https://www.leadershipfirst.net/post/the-unseen-consequences-of-a-leader-s-lack-of-integrity-a-closer-look-at-the-hidden-impacts
https://www.loveandrelationshipexpert.co.uk/our-blog/item/90-the-crucial-role-of-honesty-in-building-strong-relationships
https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/honesty-in-a-relationship/
https://www.mentesabiertaspsicologia.com/blog-psicologia/why-do-the-politicians-lie
https://www.progressfocused.com/2023/06/the-attraction-and-dangers-of-dishonest.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/people-planet-profits/202408/dishonest-leadership-is-on-the-rise
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/the-mysteries-of-love/202504/unmasking-deceit-10-subtle-signs-someone-isnt-trustworthy
https://www.thereelanna.com/7-misconceptions-about-authenticity/
https://www.verywellmind.com/deception-in-relationships-8404538
https://www.workplaceethicsadvice.com/2018/08/5-real-consequences-of-dishonesty-at-the-workplace.html
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   
 

In this episode, we delve into the all-too-frequent exploitation by some leaders and regimes of religious narratives to justify their ideologies, control populations and bolster their power. Taking an editorial approach in which we don't hold back from expressing our opinions, we examine historical and contemporary examples to understand the nature of how state power becomes mixed with religious dogma, revealing the detrimental effects on human rights and democracy, as well as the manipulation and misrepresentation of religious teachings to justify wars. As always, we invite listeners to nurture positive change with our focused intentions and prayers.
If you wish, you can go straight to this guided time of prayer and intention sending, and join with us in sending energy at: 41 minutes.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as we consider the abuse and exploitation of religion to justify personal power and political ideology, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that there will be a movement of compassion, realism and integrity in the hearts and minds of those who might justify war on the basis of the perceived religious rights of their nation or people.
Please join us in holding this.
Mentioned in this episode:
Listen to our episode, ‘Unmasking the Global Authenticity Crisis,’ at https://www.heartfulimpact.com/e/unmasking-the-global-authenticity-crisis/.
Listen to our episode, ‘Unpacking Narcissism: The Leaders Among Us,’ at https://www.podbean.com/eas/pb-3645z-18c9ad9.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:01:33            Tyrants and Religion
00:06:48            Contemporary Examples
00:08:38            Religious Justifications in Conflict
00:13:26            Misinterpretations of Faith
00:19:31            Political Use of Religion
00:26:56            Consequences of Religious Exploitation
00:37:57            Gender and Religious Authority
00:41:00            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://adamah.media/immoral-pursuits/
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/AD1023006.pdf
https://hub.edubirdie.com/examples/how-religion-became-a-powerful-weapon-for-the-ruling-class/
https://iep.utm.edu/rel-poli/
https://interminablerambling.com/2024/02/21/christianity-and-the-manipulation-of-power/
https://newint.org/features/2018/12/17/debate-should-religion-play-role-politics
https://news.ku.dk/all_news/2023/04/religion-blocks-freedom-and-democracy-across-the-globe/
https://oxfordre.com/politics/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-9780190228637-e-999?p=emailAyHFot4feX3f6&d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780190228637.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780190228637-e-999
https://pomeps.org/womens-rise-to-political-office-on-behalf-of-religious-political-movements
https://press.un.org/en/2023/sc15178.doc.htm
https://research.library.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1105&context=international_senior
https://researcherslinks.com/current-issues/Gods-and-Dictatorships-A-Defence-of-Heroical-Apatheism/9/5/237/html
https://rlo.acton.org/archives/104217-the-political-manipulation-of-religion.html
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3707&context=td
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3707&context=td
https://sociologicalscience.com/download/vol_12/march/SocSci_v12_180to201.pdf
https://southasiajournal.net/religious-manipulation-in-pakistans-politics-a-historical-review/
https://web.econ.ku.dk/bentzen/Bentzen-Gokmen-2020Nov.pdf
https://www.amacad.org/publication/daedalus/perils-politicized-religion
https://www.armedgroups-internationallaw.org/2023/08/31/the-power-of-religion-religious-leaders-as-a-tool-for-or-against-ihl-compliance-by-non-state-armed-groups/
https://www.atheistrepublic.com/blog/sean-breen/religion-totalitarianism
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-political-science/article/preaching-politics-how-politicization-undermines-religious-authority-in-the-middle-east/19AD768E09BD03C272D12AD896DC720A
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/politics-and-religion/article/abs/religion-gendered-authority-and-identity-in-american-politics/084D6EA209344BEA69CC2E873ED66C2C
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/politics-and-religion/article/cooptation-and-repression-of-religion-in-authoritarian-regimes/F411CCF23635BE6F324B0CB8898B8B45
https://www.csmonitor.com/1986/1029/efath-f.html
https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/iimtjm-12-2023-0076/full/html
https://www.ipsa.org/wc/panel/authoritarian-use-religion-arab-world
https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/16/5/589
https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/thomas-jefferson-and-religious-freedom/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/09/opinion/autocracy-religion-liberalism.html
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2016/03/22/the-gender-gap-in-religion-around-the-world/
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistory/comments/18v259r/are_there_any_christian_dictators/
https://www.reddit.com/r/DebateReligion/comments/11lwiq3/religion_is_good_in_theory_but_it_becomes_a/
https://www.vision.org/messiahs-rulers-religion-part-8-dictators-downfall-hitler-mussolini-474
https://www.csis.org/analysis/coming-conflict-hezbollah
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2023/oct/analysis-hamas-and-hezbollah-how-they-are-different-and-why-they-might-cooperate-against
https://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/comment/2023/11/14/a-religious-war-misconceptions-about-the-role-of-religion-in-the-israelipalestinian-conflict
https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/middle-east/israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/report-israel-and-the-occupied-palestinian-territory/
https://talkabout.iclrs.org/2022/03/18/the-use-of-religious-arguments-for-the-justification-of-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine/
https://inkstickmedia.com/how-russia-weaponized-religion-in-the-war-on-ukraine/
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/holy-war-to-justify-an-unjust-war-the-role-of-the-russian-orthodox-church-in-the-war-against-ukraine
https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/religion-the-russian-world-and-the-war-against-ukraine/
https://abcnews.go.com/International/history-us-support-israel-runs-deep-growing-chorus/story?id=104957109
https://dornsife.usc.edu/news/stories/brief-history-of-us-isreal-relations/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10898859/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656616301313
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0047117821999434?icid=int.sj-full-text.similar-articles.4
https://oxfordre.com/religion/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.001.0001/acrefore-9780199340378-e-409?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore%2F9780199340378.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780199340378-e-409&p=emailAMKP9gQBfcHbE
https://www.policyarchive.org/download/6471
https://www.aei.org/articles/faith-doubt-and-u-s-foreign-policy/
https://religiousfreedominstitute.org/2016-7-7-promoting-religious-freedom-from-the-oval-office/
https://cup.columbia.edu/book/religion-and-the-american-presidency/9780231143325
https://ecerkva.com/en/articles/world/1361-what-is-trump-s-religion-a-critical-look-at-his-faith-and-motivations
https://www.youngfabians.org.uk/god_save_the_king_the_rise_of_christian_nationalism_in_british_politics
https://scmpress.hymnsam.co.uk/blog/why-the-church-should-take-the-rise-in-far-right-rhetoric-seriously
https://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/87033/15/theakstonv2.pdf
https://demos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/God_in_Government_final.pdf https://www.npr.org/2023/11/07/1211133201/netanyahus-references-to-violent-biblical-passages-raise-alarm-among-critics
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2023/11/benjamin-netanyahu-amalek-israel-palestine-gaza-saul-samuel-old-testament/
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/premier-netanyahu-continues-to-use-scriptures-to-defend-israeli-war-on-gaza/3042801
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/netanyahu-seeks-evangelical-support-with-religious-allusions-says-expert/3042429
https://religiondispatches.org/netanyahus-genocidal-religious-rhetoric-isnt-just-an-appeal-to-the-israeli-right-he-has-another-constituency-in-mind/
https://religionnews.com/2024/01/25/as-court-decides-on-genocide-charge-netanyahus-use-of-a-bible-passage-haunts-him/
https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-815230
https://www.setav.org/en/opinion/who-is-responsible-for-theological-drift-netanyahu-or-west
https://alquds.com/en/posts/137138
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0r1xl5wgnko
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/iran-and-israel-couple-odds
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quds_Day
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/3896438
https://ict.org.il/irans-quds-day-a-manifest-of-animosity/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-rare-sermon-irans-khamenei-hails-oct-7-attack-claims-israel-wont-last-long/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BlTjiddHeU
https://www.stimson.org/2024/iran-tempers-rejectionism-to-muslim-consensus-on-palestine/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Israel_relations
https://repository.law.umich.edu/mjil/vol19/iss1/3/
https://scholarlycommons.law.emory.edu/faculty-articles/202/
https://ecfr.eu/article/iran-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-a-marriage-of-convenience/
https://www.stimson.org/2023/what-drives-israel-iran-hostility-how-might-it-be-resolved/
https://www.adl.org/resources/news/irans-leadership-their-own-words
https://cris.brighton.ac.uk/ws/files/31126506/JASPAL_antisemitism_antizionism_FINAL.pdf
https://amwaj.media/article/how-the-clergy-in-iran-view-the-israel-palestine-conflict
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/2048843
https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Courses/Mizzou_Academy/AP_Comparative_Government_and_Politics/07:_Political_Identity_-_Nationalism_Religion_Class/7.05:_Comparative_Case_Study_-_Israel_and_Iran_-_The_Intersection_of_Politics_and_Identity
https://www.adl.org/resources/article/escalation-between-israel-iranian-regime-sparks-vicious-antisemitic-anti-israel
https://iranwire.com/en/politics/134911-how-irans-palestine-policy-backfired-at-home/
https://www.jadaliyya.com/Details/46477
https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2023/11/27/the-real-reason-iran-hates-israel/
https://jcpa.org/article/20-threats-iranian-leaders-made-in-2013/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/irans-efforts-to-annihilate-israel-justify-offensive-saar-tells-un-security-council/
https://kantorer.com/2025/06/17/unpacking-irans-rhetoric-against-israel/
https://amwaj.media/article/hamas-israel-war-highlights-divergent-views-among-iranian-clerics
https://www.jpost.com/christianworld/article-698136
https://www.bostonreview.net/articles/ganji-khamenei-israel/
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-real-reason-iran-hates-israel-anti-semitism-gaza-4f7ad96e
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1egvtdwyl
https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/16/middleeast/israel-operation-iran-regime-change-netanyahu-intl
https://www.inss.org.il/publication/israel-uae-deal-and-islam/
https://www.972mag.com/with-new-laws-netanyahu-is-hijacking-judaism-as-we-know-it/
https://www.timesofisrael.com/haredim-slam-netanyahu-for-heresy-against-god-in-ukraine-comment-mk-blasts-zionism/
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/netanyahu-frequently-makes-claims-of-antisemitism-critics-say-hes-deflecting-blame
https://www.news18.com/world/those-who-bless-israel-tucker-carlson-ted-cruz-clash-as-latter-defends-us-support-citing-bible-ws-l-9394238.html
https://www.perplexity.ai/search/which-polish-politician-said-t-3EKsY584SUWBSHUp8Pe8Nw
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.   

This week, we take a look at the escalating conflict between Thailand and Cambodia over unresolved territorial disputes, including the contentious area near the ancient Preah Vihear Temple. As tensions reach their tensest point in many years, we explore the historical roots of the disagreement, recent developments, and the geopolitical dynamics, especially involving the power play between the US and China. As always, we share heartfelt intentions and prayers aimed at encouraging peaceful dialogue between the two countries. 
If you wish, you can go straight to our guided time of prayer and intention sending, and join with us in sending energy at: 11 minutes 22 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as the border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand intensifies to one of its tensest stand-offs in recent years, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that there will be a move among the governments and military leadership of both Thailand and Cambodia to avoid hasty or reactionary decisions that might escalate to military action between the two countries.
Please join us in holding this.
Chapter markers:
00:00:00            Introduction
00:00:59            Thailand-Cambodia Border Dispute
00:06:27            Current Developments in the Dispute
00:08:47            Geopolitical Implications
00:11:22            Intentions and Prayers
Sources referenced in this episode:
http://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/cambodiathailand-border-conflict-around-temple-preah-vihear
https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5007/article/view/2465
https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Thai-Cambodian-armies-clash-at-border-5-things-to-know
https://asianews.network/cambodia-holds-ground-on-icj-resolution-of-border-issue-with-thailand-subject-off-table-for-june-14-talks/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cambodian%E2%80%93Thai_border_dispute
https://rsis.edu.sg/blog/rsis/the-thai-cambodia-border-dispute-and-implications-for-asean/
https://spice.fsi.stanford.edu/docs/thailand_and_cambodia_the_battle_for_preah_vihear
https://thai.news/news/thailand/thailand-cambodia-border-tensions-diplomatic-efforts-for-peaceful-resolution-2025
https://theasialive.com/u-s-ally-and-chinas-strategic-partner-exchange-fire-in-southeast-asia-cambodia-thailand-border-skirmish-raises-fears-of-renewed-regional-instability/2025/06/02/
https://thediplomat.com/2025/06/cambodia-says-it-will-take-thai-border-dispute-to-international-court/
https://thethaiger.com/news/national/tensions-rise-thai-cambodian-border-dispute-intensifies
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/6/thailand-ready-for-high-level-operation-in-cambodia-border-dispute
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2603576/world
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3043466/thai-military-prepared-for-high-level-operation-if-cambodia-border-row-escalates
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/3042720/thailand-rejects-the-international-court-of-justices-jurisdiction
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-06-06/thailand-vows-to-defend-border-amid-tensions-with-cambodia
https://www.dw.com/en/why-are-thailand-and-cambodia-clashing-over-koh-kood-island/a-71212061
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/cambodia-says-to-file-complaint/
https://www.euronews.com/2025/06/02/cambodia-to-take-up-long-running-border-dispute-with-thailand-at-uns-top-court
https://www.euronews.com/2025/06/02/cambodia-to-take-up-long-running-border-dispute-with-thailand-at-uns-top-court
https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2025/06/05/thailand-cambodia-border-tensions-rise-with-nationalism/
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/news/asean/40050850
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/asean/40050884
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40050890
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/politics/40050881
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/border-tensions-whats-behind-row-between-thailand-cambodia-2025-06-06/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thai-military-prepared-high-level-operation-if-cambodia-border-row-escalates-2025-06-06/
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/thailand-urges-positive-engagement-after-cambodia-threatens-take-dispute-world-2025-06-05/
https://www.rfa.org/english/cambodia/2025/06/04/cambodia-thailand-border-dispute/
Join us in person for intention holding:  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.  
Our websites:   
www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.  
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.  
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.  
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.  
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.  
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.  
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.  
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.  
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).  
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.  
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.