{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"#111 Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts","description":" Episode #111 \u2013 Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts In this episode, I sit down with Gil Gillenwater \u2014 author, traveler, and humanitarian \u2014 to talk about his book Hope On The Border and the life experiences that led him to write it. Gil has spent years working in Mexico and along the U.S.\u2013Mexico border, where he\u2019s seen firsthand what meaningful help actually looks like. We talk about service that empowers instead of enables, the realities of cross-border work, and the personal cost of choosing to show up in difficult places. Gil also shares stories of intense and sometimes scary travel encounters that shaped his worldview and reinforced why hope isn\u2019t passive \u2014 it\u2019s practiced. In this episode, we talk about: \u00b7         What inspired Hope On The Border and the stories behind it \u00b7         Working in Mexico and navigating cultural, emotional, and logistical challenges \u00b7         Helping people without taking away their dignity or self-reliance \u00b7         Scary and unpredictable moments while traveling \u2014 and what they taught him \u00b7         Why real hope shows up through presence, not handouts About Gil Gillenwater Gil works with communities in Mexico through Rancho Feliz, focusing on connection, empowerment, and long-term impact rather than quick fixes. His approach centers on listening first and serving in ways that respect people\u2019s humanity. Learn more about Gil and his work here: \ud83d\udc49 https:\/\/ranchofeliz.com\/team\/gil-gillenwater\/ \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht \u2013 actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts. Want to be a guest on Were You Still Talking?? Send Joel Albrecht a message on PodMatch, here: https:\/\/www.podmatch.com\/hostdetailpreview\/17479536339826768613f136d Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin. My YouTube channel: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCugOLERePPuD4nwtZO-Zwnw?view_as=subscriber My Instagram: @joelyshmoley FaceBook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/wereyoustilltalking\/ ","author_name":"Were You Still Talking?","author_url":"http:\/\/wereyoustilltalking.libsyn.com\/website","html":"