Reviews

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.