Reviews

(Full disclosure: I am a friend of Steve’s and have given some pro bono advice for dismissed VOA employees.) As with Steve’s book, this is a an informative and very human account of both Steve’s life-long personal fascination with broadcast media, particularly shortwave and VOA, and the impact VOA has had on world events. Steve’s recitation of and adherence to VOA’s guiding principle “you were not expected to be first; you were expected to be correct” not only exemplifies his personal philosophy but illustrates just how far we as a society have removed ourselves from that standard, whether from the impact of social media or the government’s now ever-expanding efforts to control the narrative. Those of us who were fortunate enough to grow up with reliable news sources, Cronkite, Huntley and Brinkley, The New York Times, Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner and 60 Minutes, have a devastating recognition of what we have lost and, even worse, looks like we may never regain. Unlike Steve, I have never been to North Korea, but as an immigration attorney I have traveled widely, including visiting a mom who went to Belarus (already under Lukashenko) for three summers while in her 60’s for the U.S. Information Service to teach English to others ESL teachers, so I have seen my share of how people in less-free countries valued American honesty, warts and all, when it came to reporting the truth. Never has Santayana’s statement been more true: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

Chris, Fred, this kind of inspiring, solutions oriented journalism is exactly what the world needs. Change is possible - if we live our lives with understanding, repect for others and a never ending search for ideas.

Do you crave stories about people that have made a real impact around the world? This is the pod for you. Masterfully narrated and produced, you get immersed into life changing experiences from diplomats, humanitarians, journalists, business leaders, and unique individuals that you simply wouldn’t hear from in mainstream news. Here you learn about love for country and passion for helping people. Enjoy every episode like I do!

Full of depth, variety and impact. A necessary listen for today’s world with bearing on all our futures.

SoftPower/FulStories is a wonderful podcast, full of inspiring and amazing stories. Chris Wurst is a gifted interviewer, who somehow manages to get people to talk freely and openly about the most interesting, difficult, complicated issues and experiences. I encourage everyone who hasn't yet started listening to do so now.

This podcast is a revealing tapestry of human connection, where foreign aid is not a transaction but a relationship—and where Peace Corps voices like Glenn Blumhorst, Betsy Small, and Flo Reed illuminate the real, often complicated, pathways to change. Blumhorst, a fellow PCV in Guatemala and longtime advocate for global service with whom I’ve worked, praises the series for its authenticity and emotional depth, noting how it reframes diplomacy through lived experience. Betsy Small’s episode, rooted in her struggles serving up-country in Sierra Leone, was inspiring. At the same time, Flo Reed’s reflections on reforestation in Panama underscore the power of collaboration and grassroots resilience. Together, these stories challenge conventional narratives and offer a compelling argument for soft power grounded in humility, listening, and long-term commitment.

In Episode 8 of SoftPower/FulStories, Warren Acuncius radiates the same energy and excitement that has characterized all the earlier guests — the kind that comes from being deeply connected to the wider world. His story highlights how much there is to gain when we step out, explore, and reconnect beyond our familiar borders. This podcast powerfully illustrates the positive impact of soft power — both globally and on the lives of individuals who choose to look outward.

Christopher Wurst has given us a gift through these stories told by remarkable people who are truly engaged with the rest of the world and address the question of "Why care?" This podcast in unique in how it's edited and produced with music, definitely not a droning podcast, while the people we hear about are given free reign to express their opinions and describe their experiences with humor, candor, warmth, and the wisdom they've gained from their experiences. I look forward to this every Friday.

These are wonderfull stories that take us around the world and through time with unexpected intimacy across cultural boundaries. We need stories like these now more than ever.

Great podcast and exactly what I needed to hear today to counter the heaviness of the news. Christopher is a masterful storyteller who shines a light on people doing good work. I began with the Carl Henn episode and was drawn right in, could envision his Peace Corp/NGO work in Africa and was on the edge of my seat through some of his harrowing (and heartbreaking) experiences. Then I listened to Pamela White. From her determination to join the Peace Corp as a young woman to her appointment as U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia and Haiti, her story is one of a trail blazing change maker. These first-person stories feel uplifting as Christopher shows why U.S. engagement in the world matters and how foreign aid and assistance actually helps make the United States stronger and more stable. Highly recommend.

From the very first note, SoftPower/FulStories swept me away. As someone who occasionally dreads any moment of solitude: this podcast transformed those moments into intimate, inspiring journeys. Each episode bridges worlds: thoughtful narratives start and end in the U.S., but the heart of each story lies in global experiences that are both deeply personal and universally resonant. Christopher Wurst’s curation and narration are nothing short of masterful. He brings to life remarkable voices, from diplomats and global changemakers, whose stories go far beyond facts; they touch the heart and mind. Episodes like Ambassador Pamela White’s reflections on diplomacy and Carl Henn’s decades of humanitarian work unfold like vivid, living stories, full of nuance, warmth, and insight. This podcast doesn’t preach, teach, or lecture, it invites you to listen, reflect, and feel. It reminds us that whether we’re in Kinshasa or Kansas, our human connections matter deeply. SoftPower/FulStories celebrates that shared humanity with authenticity and grace. Thank you, SoftPower/FulStories, for filling my days with wonder, empathy, and powerful storytelling. I look forward to each new episode—and the way they help me see the world (and myself) in a little brighter kinder light!

Soft Power/Ful Stories is a gem of a podcast. Christopher is a gifted interviewer who lets his guests’ stories shine, while thoughtfully weaving in context and background that make the conversations richer and more accessible. I especially appreciate how he balances voices from across the spectrum—from Peace Corps volunteers to diplomats—always keeping the human story at the center. It’s engaging, educational, and a wonderful reminder of why global connections matter.

I listened to the first episode with Carl Henn. It took me from the doctor all the way home and made the trip so enjoyable. I often drive to Chicago (four hours) and I can't wait to get back to these stories. My temptation will be to listen now before going. Then I'll be frustrated without having the stories to keep me going. Great Podcast which I will share with friends and maybe some who are not.

The heart of Wurst’s podcast resides in the power of human connections, what happens when people from different worlds and religions and backgrounds reach beyond their comfort zone to forge real connections. The soft power on display here contrasts brilliantly with the strongman saber rattling and military marches that have filled world capitols, east and west, in recent months.