14/4/2026

Translation: Slow Questions: How can we listen to Groningen?

In this episode of Trage Vragen, a podcast from the University for Humanistic Studies, Limor Reshef talks with Joop van Wijnen about the question: How can we listen to Groningen? Can spiritual care contribute to recognition and recovery in a failing system?

Limor Reshef graduated from the University for Humanistic Studies and works as a junior researcher on the Dialogics of Justice project, which examines what recognition and recovery look like in historical injustice. Limor focuses on the intergenerational dimension of trauma and resilience.

Joop van Wijnen also graduated from the University of Groningen and works as a spiritual caregiver in Groningen. For his thesis, Joop interviewed people involved in various ways in earthquake-proofing homes—from residents to building consultants and carpenters—and explored how they experience their own influence in the process. Joop has now been working in Groningen villages for about three and a half years, performing outreach work and writing stories and articles about the issues facing them. Together,

Limor and Joop reflect on the history of gas extraction in Groningen, the consequences that are still felt daily, and the question of what it means to truly listen — to people, to places, and to pain that needs to be acknowledged.

Listen to the full podcast episode of Trage Vragen by Pluralistiek below [in Dutch]: