More Than First Responders, The Podcast

[AUDIO] Refugee Youth in Global Spaces: From Representation to Influence

In our final episode of the season, Ciara is joined by Laura, a refugee youth advocate with the Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN). Originally from Colombia and now living in Ecuador, she shares her own experience of navigating life as a young refugee, including the barriers she faced accessing education, and how that journey led her to support other young arrivals and eventually advocate for refugee rights in high-level global spaces, including at the UN. Now working with GRYN, Laura champions the direct involvement of refugee youth in humanitarian and development decision making, grounded in the belief that they understand their realities best and the solutions to their issues. She speaks candidly about the challenges and opportunities of being a young refugee woman at these tables, and offers real insight into how to break in, be heard, and demand accountability in an increasingly hostile climate for displaced people. A powerful way to end the season, this conversation shows how refugee youth are making noise, being disruptive, and bringing smart, innovative perspectives to the spaces where decisions are made. Explore more about GRYN's work here: https://www.gryn.network/

[AUDIO] Youth and Regional Action for Rights in Jordan

In this episode of the More Than First Responders podcast, Ciara speaks with Hashim, a lawyer by training and a passionate human rights advocate and humanitarian worker from Jordan. In the conversation he reflects on Jordan’s long-standing role in supporting its neighbours through crisis, including hosting refugees from the Syrian civil war, responding to the 2023 earthquake, and standing in solidarity with Palestinians.  Hashim discusses how Jordan has established structures for youth participation in political life, but these platforms need to be fully leveraged and replicated within humanitarian decision making to ensure young people can shape the responses that affect their communities. The conversation highlights the importance of youth-led research in shaping evidence-based advocacy and policy, and the need to meaningfully integrate youth leadership into national response bodies. It is a thoughtful discussion about rights, responsibility, and the power of informed youth action in humanitarian settings. ⚠️ Context note: This episode was recorded in December 2024 and reflects the situation and views held at that time. Since then, the Assad regime in Syria has fallen and the country is now moving into post-conflict reconstruction.

[AUDIO] What We Carry After Disaster: Youth, Humanitarianism, and Mental Health in Nepal

In this episode of the More Than First Responders podcast, Ciara speaks with Purnika Shrestha, a young humanitarian volunteer and mental health advocate from Nepal. Purnika began her humanitarian journey at a very young age, shaped profoundly by the 2015 earthquake when she was only 10 years old. She reflects on witnessing the devastation caused by a lack of preparedness, and on how community mobilisation, mutual care, and youth leadership played a crucial role in the response. These early experiences continue to inform her work today, especially her commitment to strengthening mental health support in emergencies. In the conversation, she discusses why mental health is not an optional add-on but an essential part of humanitarian action, and why humanitarians themselves must be supported to look after their own wellbeing. It is an honest and thoughtful exchange about resilience, community, and the emotional realities of crisis work. ⚠️ Context note: This episode was recorded in December 2024 and reflects the perspectives shared during the recording date. Since then, in September 2025, young people in Nepal launched the “Nepo Babies and End Corruption” online campaign, which quickly grew into a nationwide youth-led movement challenging entrenched systems of power. Young people took to the streets in unprecedented numbers, ultimately contributing to a major political shift. The country is now awaiting its next election in a period of significant transition. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode includes mention of mental health conditions and suicide.

[AUDIO] Truth from Tbilisi: Journalism, Youth, and Humanitarian Action

In this episode of More Than First Responders: The Podcast, Ciara speaks with Mariam Rigvava, a young activist from Georgia whose work brings a sharp, investigative lens to the world of humanitarian action. Together, they explore how Georgian youth are refusing to be silent, demanding their place in shaping the country’s future, and finding ways to turn moments of crisis into opportunities for solidarity and care. From volunteering during devastating floods in Tbilisi to reporting on protests, young people are showing how activism and humanitarianism can take many forms: small acts of storytelling, mutual aid, and community compassion that collectively build resilience and hope. It is an inspiring conversation about truth-telling, civic courage, and the enduring power of young people to redefine what humanitarian action looks like, from the newsroom to the streets. ⚠️ Context note: Over the past year, protests in Tbilisi have grown larger and more diverse, reflecting public frustration with Georgia’s political direction and stalled EU accession. What began as demonstrations against the “foreign agents” bill has evolved into a broader civic movement led by students, journalists, and activists. The government’s response has become increasingly forceful: police have used teargas and water cannons, while new laws have expanded the definition of “public disruption” and sharply increased fines. Since 2024, measures such as the “foreign agents” law and new restrictions on protests have tightened control over dissent, prompting concern from human rights groups and international observers that Georgia is drifting away from democratic and European standards.

[AUDIO] Healing in Crisis: Youth and Child-Centred Response in Iran

In this episode of the More Than First Responders podcast, Ciara speaks with Mehrsa Hamidi, a medical student and youth humanitarian leader from Iran. Mehrsa discusses the power of youth-led initiatives in driving systemic change, the importance of advocacy for children’s health and rights, and innovative approaches to humanitarian action in challenging environments. She talks about founding InPedia, the pediatric association at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and her volunteer work supporting children directly. The conversation highlights children’s specific needs in emergencies, the importance of prioritising mental health, and how bringing together different specialisms can strengthen humanitarian action. It is a thoughtful exchange that reinforces the central role of youth in shaping more inclusive, holistic, and responsive approaches to crisis.   ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in December 2024 and reflects the perspectives shared during the recording date. The global humanitarian landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with new challenges facing youth activists and vulnerable communities alike. ⚠️ Trigger warning: This episode contains sensitive themes, including sexual abuse of children. View discretion advised.