Acclaimed peace strategist, author, and social entrepreneur Sanam Naraghi Anderlini is back with the much-anticipated second season of her thought-provoking podcast, If You Were in Charge. Known for her groundbreaking work in peacebuilding and policy reform, Anderlini uses this platform to spotlight those who are often unheard—activists, changemakers, and grassroots leaders tackling the world’s most complex crises.

Reframing Global Issues: From Challenges to Solutions
In an era marked by political uncertainty, humanitarian crises, and escalating conflicts, If You Were in Charge takes a bold approach: instead of simply diagnosing problems, it shifts the focus to solutions. The podcast dares to ask, What if the individuals who experience and work on the most pressing global issues were given real power and resources?
Through engaging conversations, Anderlini and her guests explore how those on the front lines of change are already making a difference, the impact they could achieve with greater support, and the hope they hold for the future.
Key Themes in Season Two
Each episode in this season delves into some of the most pressing issues facing the world today, including:
- The Future of Global Philanthropy: Addressing funding challenges for the charity and voluntary sector, particularly in a potential second Trump administration.
- Peacebuilding Efforts in Syria: Examining strategies to revive dialogue and reconciliation efforts in the war-torn nation.
- The Role of Multilateral Organizations: Evaluating how institutions like the United Nations can be revitalized to meet modern global demands.
- Women’s Leadership in Conflict Resolution: Showcasing the role of female peacebuilders in fostering lasting change.
- Digital Activism and Philanthropy: Understanding the evolving landscape of online fundraising and global solidarity movements.
Why This Podcast Stands Out
Sanam Naraghi Anderlini emphasizes a unique narrative approach, stating:
“We so often hear from the powerful about what should be done. But in this series, we flip the script. We hear from the people whose wisdom and work are too often ignored—people who, if they were in charge, could change the world.”
By prioritizing voices from the ground, the podcast offers a fresh, solution-oriented take on contemporary global affairs.
Featured Guests in Season Two
This season brings together an impressive lineup of experts, activists, and thought leaders, including:
- Ece Temelkuran (Turkey): Journalist and best-selling author of How to Lose a Country: The 7 Steps from Democracy to Fascism.
- María Fernanda Espinosa (Ecuador): Former UN General Assembly President and advocate for multilateralism.
- Yael Braudo-Bahat (Israel) & Marwa Hammad (Palestine): Founders of Women Waging Peace and Women of the Sun, promoting cross-border reconciliation.
- Chris Worman: Global strategist for the #GivingTuesday movement, focusing on digital philanthropy.
- Wazhma Frogh (Afghanistan): A fearless peacebuilder and human rights activist working to empower Afghan women.
Where to Listen and What to Expect
The first episode of Season Two is already available across major podcast platforms, with new episodes released every Tuesday. Listeners can expect deep dives into complex global issues, inspiring stories of resilience, and actionable insights for creating real-world change.
How to Tune In
- Streaming Platforms: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and more.
- New Episodes: Released weekly on Tuesdays.
- Engagement: Follow discussions on social media and share your thoughts using the hashtag #IfYouWereInCharge.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Listen for Changemakers
For those passionate about global affairs, social justice, and peacebuilding, If You Were in Charge offers an invaluable perspective. With Sanam Naraghi Anderlini at the helm, this season promises to challenge conventional narratives and highlight transformative solutions led by those who truly understand the issues at hand.