The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Join Dr. Ken Huey on The Voice of Hope, where real stories and expert insights meet to inspire healing and transformation. With decades of experience in behavioral health and trauma therapy, Dr. Huey draws from his personal journey and professional expertise to offer practical advice for families, adoptees, and anyone seeking growth. Discover strategies to navigate trauma, build stronger relationships, and embrace hope in every episode. Tune in for thoughtful conversations that uplift and empower.
The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Greg Jensen: Transforming Lives Through Connection, Culture & Contribution
In this episode of The Voice of Hope Podcast, Ken Huey sits down with Greg Jensen, founder of Cultivate Institute and Cultiva International. Greg shares his journey from life in the U.S. to creating transformative experiences in Guatemala that empower both local communities and visiting participants.
From tackling malnutrition in Mayan communities to teaching visitors how to confront their “internal poverty,” Greg explains the philosophy behind sustainable service, the difference between acute and chronic solutions, and how real human connection drives long-lasting impact.
Listeners will learn:
- The difference between external and internal poverty.
- Why giving alone doesn’t solve chronic problems.
- How experiential learning in Guatemala transforms both participants and communities.
- Practical insights on creating meaningful impact in your own life and community.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or professional looking to make a difference, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and actionable insights.
Ken Huey (00:14)
Today's guest is Greg Jensen, founder of Cultivate Institute and Cultiva International. For more than a decade, Greg has nurtured transformative journeys in Guatemala, where authentic connection, experiential learning, and cultural immersion empower travelers to discover themselves and positively impact the world. Through his work empowering Mayan communities to fight malnutrition and guiding groups on meaningful journeys, he's helped countless individuals discover how connection, culture, and contribution can help us overcome our internal poverty. Greg, thanks very much for being with us.
Greg Jensen (00:51)
No, thanks Ken, happy to be here.
Ken Huey (01:05)
But Greg, one question that I've got for you is really, explain to us your why. Why would you leave a life in America and go to Guatemala to make this happen?
Greg Jensen (01:15)
Well, to be fair… [Greg explains his journey, purpose, and how his why evolved from seeking experience to helping both himself and others through addressing internal and external poverty.]
Ken Huey (02:57)
And so let's make sure that our listeners understand. What are you doing? What is Cultivate or Cultiva International?
Greg Jensen (03:00)
[Greg explains the two organizations: Cultiva International as a nonprofit teaching Mayan families to grow food and lift themselves out of poverty, and Cultivate Institute as a business hosting immersive trips for groups to learn personal development, service, and cultural connection.]
Ken Huey (06:18)
All right, so here's this trillion dollars spent that really doesn't accomplish what it's looking for. What did they get wrong besides not looking at the right thing? What would have made this successful?
Greg Jensen (06:21)
[Greg explains acute vs. chronic problems, the wrong application of humanitarian aid, and the four steps for sustainable impact: ask & listen, educate/inspire, require participation, follow-up.]
Ken Huey (10:17)
So if we show up and just give stuff, are we basically doing charitable tourism that makes us feel good about ourselves but doesn’t grow the muscles the person needs to sustain themselves?
Greg Jensen (10:34)
Totally… [Greg confirms and expands on sustainable, relationship-based aid.]
Ken Huey (11:08)
So Cultiva comes in and does training and education—but that doesn’t sound like it solves malnutrition. Is that all you do?
Greg Jensen (11:11)
[Greg details sustainable food solutions with grow boxes and hands-on mentorship.]
Ken Huey (15:45)
So let me make sure I’m getting it: you’ve got Cultiva International working on nutrition and internal poverty training for U.S. participants. Is that right?
Greg Jensen (16:03)
Yeah, uh-huh.
Ken Huey (16:15)
How do you combine those two—helping local communities and U.S. participants wanting to give and feel good—so it’s actually sustainable?
Greg Jensen (16:32)
[Greg explains sustainable change, chronic problem solutions, and immersive experiences for participants.]
Ken Huey (18:49)
Thank…
Greg Jensen (19:03)
[Greg continues to explain internal/external poverty and the immersive Guatemala experience.]
Ken Huey (19:19)
If people want to get a hold of you—families, church groups, or teen groups—how do they find you and do this?
Greg Jensen (19:34)
Just reach out via cultivateinstitute.org or Instagram @cultivate_institute. There’s a free consultation link on the website.
Ken Huey (20:35)
How do you measure impact on participants and communities with both Cultivate Institute and Cultiva International?
Greg Jensen (20:43)
[Greg describes metrics, long-term change, and the “what, why, how” method for participants to implement change in their own lives.]
Ken Huey (23:14)
Why is it better in Guatemala than a weekend retreat in Chicago?
Greg Jensen (23:33)
[Greg details the unique cultural immersion, connections, and experiences that make Guatemala transformative.]
Ken Huey (25:40)
In today’s disconnected, politically charged society, what gives you hope in the work that you do?
Greg Jensen (26:08)
[Greg shares the Mother Teresa-inspired “bucket” analogy for incremental, collective impact.]
Ken Huey (28:09)
Amazing. I’ve been down twice—it’s phenomenal. Greg, you’re doing real, beautiful work. Thank you.
Greg Jensen (28:36)
Thank you.
