ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Globalization doesn't just connect the world—it reshapes it. From a Puerto Rican Day Parade in Orlando to youth culture on the other side of the globe, Imer explores how identity is formed (and eroded) in an age of algorithms, pop music, and migration. With voices like Aaron Pierce and Aaron Renn, the episode asks a pressing question for modern missions: are we meant to protect cultures—or learn how to serve faithfully inside the mixing bowl?
People featured in this episode
Imer Santiago — Host. Puerto Rican–American trumpeter, jazz musician, and worship leader based in St. Cloud, Florida.
Ted Esler — President/CEO of Missio Nexus (since 2015). Former church planter in Sarajevo, Bosnia; previously held leadership roles with Pioneers. Author of The Innovation Crisis; holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Brian Stanley — Historian of world Christianity and Christian missions. Professor at the University of Edinburgh; has written and edited multiple books on missions history.
Aaron Pierce — International mission leader with Steiger International, focused on mobilizing and equipping Christians to reach young people outside the church. Author of Not Beyond Reach.
Aaron Renn — Writer and consultant based in Indianapolis. Senior Fellow at American Reformer; previously a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a Managing Director at Accenture. Author of Life in the Negative World.
Harvey Kwiyani — Malawian theologian and missiologist known for work on decolonizing mission and global/diaspora Christianity. Author of Decolonizing Mission.
Mark Matlock — Ordained minister and author focused on youth discipleship and next-generation leadership. Founder of WisdomWorks and Senior Fellow at Barna. Co-author of Faith for Exiles (with David Kinnaman).
Greg Parsons — Missions leader associated with Frontier Ventures (formerly the U.S. Center for World Mission) and William Carey International University.
Music
- Adeline Paik / Left In The Rain (K-pop Version) / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
- No Longer Music / Unknown live track / courtesy of Steiger
- Lars Eriksson / Stay True (Instrumental Version) / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
- Out To The World / Axon Terminal / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
- Pawan Krishna / Dark to Light / courtesy of Epidemic Sound
Credits
Host: Imer Santiago
Produced by: Arrival Creative
Presented by: Missio Nexus
