Episode #111 – Gil Gillenwater: Hope, Borders & Helping Without Handouts

In this episode, I sit down with Gil Gillenwater — author, traveler, and humanitarian — 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.–Mexico border, where he's 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't passive — it's practiced.

In this episode, we talk about:

· What inspired Hope On The Border and the stories behind it

· Working in Mexico and navigating cultural, emotional, and logistical challenges

· Helping people without taking away their dignity or self-reliance

· Scary and unpredictable moments while traveling — and what they taught him

· 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's humanity.

Learn more about Gil and his work here:
👉 https://ranchofeliz.com/team/gil-gillenwater/

🎙️ Were You Still Talking? is hosted by Joel Albrecht – actor, content creator, and curious conversationalist. New episodes drop regularly wherever you get your podcasts.

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Music for all episodes by Jon Griffin.

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