On Tuesday, September 15th, 2026, we welcomed Daniel Epstein of Portraits in Faith as our keynote speaker, and he reminded us of the extraordinary power of listening to another person’s story.

For more than 25 years, Daniel has traveled the world, interviewing more than 500 people in 30 countries, and inviting them to share their deeply personal experiences of faith and spirituality. His work goes beyond religion—it explores the moments, experiences, relationships, and beliefs that shape who we are and give meaning to our lives.

During his presentation, Daniel encouraged us to open not only our minds, but also our hearts. Through a selection of his favorite interviews, we were transported into the lives of people from around the world—people whose cultures, backgrounds, experiences, and circumstances may be very different from our own. Yet as we listened to their stories, something remarkable happened. The differences began to fade, and the humanity we share came into focus.

We heard stories of joy and loss, hope and uncertainty, love and resilience. We witnessed people reflecting on the experiences that changed them, the beliefs that guide them, and the people and moments that have given their lives meaning. And in listening, we were reminded that while our individual journeys may look very different, the questions we ask, the connections we seek, and the desire to live meaningful lives are often remarkably universal.

The evening was inspiring, thought-provoking, and deeply moving. It encouraged us to look beyond what separates us and to be curious about the stories that shape the people around us. Perhaps the greatest lesson was that when we take the time to truly listen—to listen without judgment or preconceived ideas—we may discover that the distance between “us” and “them” is not as great as we imagine.

Daniel left us with a powerful idea to carry into the year ahead: Perhaps there is no “other.”

What a meaningful way to begin another year of Sustainer connection, friendship, learning, and purpose.

(news item by Lauren Thaman, Junior League of Cincinnati “Sustainers Team”)