Freedom Writers Podcast artwork

Freedom Writers Podcast

209 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratings

Podcast by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Education
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

#61: Anna Quindlen

April 28, 2021 15:22 - 52 minutes - 60.2 MB

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author, Anna Quindlen. They discuss Anna’s literary journey, her advice for aspiring authors, and her reflections on the craft.

#67: Anna Quindlen

April 28, 2021 15:22 - 52 minutes - 60.2 MB

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and acclaimed author, Anna Quindlen. They discuss Anna’s literary journey, her advice for aspiring authors, and her reflections on the craft.

#60: #StopAAPIHate

April 13, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutes - 52.5 MB

On today's episode, Erin interviews original Freedom Writer, Kanya Hak Sims, and actress, Jackie Ngan. They discuss Jackie and Kanya’s devastating experiences with discrimination, how the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the effects of harmful Asian stereotypes, and what we all can do to stop Asian American Pacific Islander hate.

#72: #StopAAPIHate

April 13, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutes - 52.5 MB

On today's episode, Erin interviews original Freedom Writer, Kanya Hak Sims, and actress, Jackie Ngan. They discuss Jackie and Kanya’s devastating experiences with discrimination, how the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the effects of harmful Asian stereotypes, and what we all can do to stop Asian American Pacific Islander hate.

#66: #StopAAPIHate

April 13, 2021 07:00 - 46 minutes - 52.5 MB

On today's episode, Erin interviews original Freedom Writer, Kanya Hak Sims, and actress, Jackie Ngan. They discuss Jackie and Kanya’s devastating experiences with discrimination, how the coronavirus pandemic has underscored the effects of harmful Asian stereotypes, and what we all can do to stop Asian American Pacific Islander hate.

#59: Esther Wojcicki: Changing Online Learning and Tract.app

March 30, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MB

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Esther Wojcicki, a celebrated author and educator whose new project, Tract.app, is helping change the way students learn online. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic changed classrooms around the world and the ways in which educators can empower their students to thrive during due pressure or during a crisis.

#65: Esther Wojcicki: Changing Online Learning and Tract.app

March 30, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MB

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Esther Wojcicki, a celebrated author and educator whose new project, Tract.app, is helping change the way students learn online. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic changed classrooms around the world and the ways in which educators can empower their students to thrive during due pressure or during a crisis.

#71: Esther Wojcicki: Changing Online Learning and Tract.app

March 30, 2021 07:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MB

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Esther Wojcicki, a celebrated author and educator whose new project, Tract.app, is helping change the way students learn online. They discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic changed classrooms around the world and the ways in which educators can empower their students to thrive during due pressure or during a crisis.

#58: Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán

March 16, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 58.9 MB

On this week’s episode, Erin Gruwell interviews Congresswomen Nanette Diaz Barragán who currently represents California’s 44th congressional district. They discuss Congresswoman Barragán’s empowering journey to the United States House of Representative as a first generation American and Congresswoman Barragán’s trips to the US-Mexico border. As the Chair of the House’s subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation and Operations, Congresswoman Barragán is working to enact meaningful change in...

#64: Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán

March 16, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 58.9 MB

On this week’s episode, Erin Gruwell interviews Congresswomen Nanette Diaz Barragán who currently represents California’s 44th congressional district. They discuss Congresswoman Barragán’s empowering journey to the United States House of Representative as a first generation American and Congresswoman Barragán’s trips to the US-Mexico border. As the Chair of the House’s subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation and Operations, Congresswoman Barragán is working to enact meaningful change in...

#70: Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán

March 16, 2021 07:00 - 50 minutes - 58.9 MB

On this week’s episode, Erin Gruwell interviews Congresswomen Nanette Diaz Barragán who currently represents California’s 44th congressional district. They discuss Congresswoman Barragán’s empowering journey to the United States House of Representative as a first generation American and Congresswoman Barragán’s trips to the US-Mexico border. As the Chair of the House’s subcommittee on Border Security, Facilitation and Operations, Congresswoman Barragán is working to enact meaningful change in...

#FreeRusesabagina

February 25, 2021 15:00 - 57 minutes - 68.4 MB

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, hotelier Paul Rusesabagina harbored over 1,200 refugees at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, the capitol of Rwanda. After the genocide, Paul Rusesabagina wrote about this experience in his book, An Ordinary Man. His story was later adapted into the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda, starring Academy Award nominated actor Don Cheadle. Following a failed assassination attempt in 1996, Paul Rusesabagina left Rwanda, but has remained a vocal critic of Rwandan preside...

#57: #FreeRusesabagina

February 25, 2021 15:00 - 57 minutes - 68.4 MB

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, hotelier Paul Rusesabagina harbored over 1,200 refugees at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, the capitol of Rwanda. After the genocide, Paul Rusesabagina wrote about this experience in his book, An Ordinary Man. His story was later adapted into the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda, starring Academy Award nominated actor Don Cheadle. Following a failed assassination attempt in 1996, Paul Rusesabagina left Rwanda, but has remained a vocal critic of Rwandan preside...

COVID-19 Special Episode 6: Healing From Hurting 2

December 28, 2020 00:00 - 52 minutes - 48.5 MB

In the midst of widespread protests and civil unrest following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the hands of four now-charged police officers, Freedom Writers felt compelled to rally together for a "town hall" style live broadcast we're calling "Healing from Hurting." Having come together once before in the aftermath of the LA Riots sparked by the Rodney King verdict in 1992, Freedom Writers again join together to share their unique perspective, hopes, and fears...

COVID-19 Special Episode 5: Healing From Hurting

December 21, 2020 00:00 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MB

In the wake of widespread protests and civil unrest following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis Minnesota at the hands of four now-charged police officers, Freedom Writers felt compelled to rally together for a "town hall" style live broadcast we're calling "Healing from Hurting." Having come together in the aftermath of the LA Riots that precipitated from the Rodney King verdict in 1992, Freedom Writers join together to share their unique perspective, hopes, and fears as histo...

COVID-19 Special Episode 4: In the Halls of Congress (w/ Congressman Steny Hoyer)

December 14, 2020 00:00 - 35 minutes - 49.2 MB

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will be inspired by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. During the COVID-19 crisis, Congressman Hoyer and his colleagues on Capitol Hill are working hard to protect everyone from this terrible disease. Congressman Hoyer takes us back to his early life to explain his path to becoming an influential public policymaker. He shares how he turned his pain into purpose after the death of his wife, a fellow teacher name...

COVID-19 Special Episode 3: On the Bright Side (w/ Steve Hartman)

December 07, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 85.5 MB

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will be uplifted by the amazing stories covered by reporter, Steve Hartman. During the COVID-19 crisis, Steve and his family are producing "Kindness 101," an educational series where Steve transforms from a reporter into a teacher. Using segments from Steve's career at CBS News, "Kindness 101" aims to teach children stuck at home during the pandemic important values such as courage, optimism, and altruism. Erin...

COVID-19 Special Episode 2: In the Field (w/ CNN's Gary Tuchman)

November 24, 2020 00:00 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MB

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will get a behind the scenes look into the journalism world from Gary Tuchman, a 30 year CNN veteran reporter. Gary recounts some of his most impactful memories from his time at CNN, and shares some stories from the field as he continues to cover the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Whether it be at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001, a battlefield in Afghanistan and Iraq, or an erupting volcano in Iceland...

COVID-19 Special Episode 1: On the Front Lines (w/ Freedom Writers Calvin Vanderhoff & Norma Bravo)

November 17, 2020 00:00 - 54 minutes - 90 MB

In this new Freedom Writers Podcast mini-series, listeners will get first hand accounts from the professionals addressing the Coronavirus / COVID-19 crisis. In this episode, registered nurse (and original Freedom Writer) Calvin Vanderhoff shares his horrifying experiences from the front lines of the battle against this deadly disease. These stories are gritty and horrifying, but will give you greater insight into the gravity of the current public health emergency. After Calvin, you'll hear fr...

Danny DeVito: Sharing Success and Empowering Everyone

November 10, 2020 08:00 - 45 minutes - 57.6 MB

On today's episode, Erin speaks with actor, director, producer and activist Danny DeVito. Danny discusses the roles that have defined his career and the projects that have allowed him to shape lives. Danny's story is a testament to the importance of charity, generosity and compassion, and we hope this conversation leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

#56 Danny DeVito: Sharing Success and Empowering Everyone

November 10, 2020 08:00 - 45 minutes - 57.6 MB

On today's episode, Erin speaks with actor, director, producer and activist Danny DeVito. Danny discusses the roles that have defined his career and the projects that have allowed him to shape lives. Danny's story is a testament to the importance of charity, generosity and compassion, and we hope this conversation leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

#55: The Legacy of the Armenian Genocide w/ Nare Garibyan

October 26, 2020 07:00 - 44 minutes - 54.4 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and activist Nare Garibyan about the horrific Armenian genocide, and the lasting impact of the genocide 105 years later. Nare discusses how the Armenian diaspora work to support genocide education and recognition, and why many countries still do not acknowledge the Armenian genocide. This is a highly complex and controversial topic, but regardless of your political leanings, we hope you are able to hear the pain and anguish in Nare’s story and stand ...

The Legacy of the Armenian Genocide w/ Nare Garibyan

October 26, 2020 07:00 - 44 minutes - 54.4 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and activist Nare Garibyan about the horrific Armenian genocide, and the lasting impact of the genocide 105 years later. Nare discusses how the Armenian diaspora work to support genocide education and recognition, and why many countries still do not acknowledge the Armenian genocide. This is a highly complex and controversial topic, but regardless of your political leanings, we hope you are able to hear the pain and anguish in Nare’s story and stand ...

#54: Tess Holliday - #EffYourBeautyStandards

October 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by world renowned model and body positivity activist, Tess Holliday. Tess shares her experiences growing up in a small Mississippi town while dealing with the trauma of body shaming and bullying. She also shares what it was like navigating a heinous act of violence against her mother and how she overcame those obstacles to chase her dreams. Today she's best known for her body positivity movement known by the hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards. We hope this...

Tess Holliday: #EffYourBeautyStandards

October 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by world renowned model and body positivity activist, Tess Holliday. Tess shares her experiences growing up in a small Mississippi town while dealing with the trauma of body shaming and bullying. She also shares what it was like navigating a heinous act of violence against her mother and how she overcame those obstacles to chase her dreams. Today she's best known for her body positivity movement known by the hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards. We hope this...

#54 Tess Holliday: #EffYourBeautyStandards

October 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by world renowned model and body positivity activist, Tess Holliday. Tess shares her experiences growing up in a small Mississippi town while dealing with the trauma of body shaming and bullying. She also shares what it was like navigating a heinous act of violence against her mother and how she overcame those obstacles to chase her dreams. Today she's best known for her body positivity movement known by the hashtag #EffYourBeautyStandards. We hope this...

#53 Patrick Dempsey: Dealing With Dyslexia

September 28, 2020 07:00 - 48 minutes - 61.4 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with actor and activist, Patrick Dempsey. Patrick speaks about what it was like to grow up with a learning disability, and the steps that he hopes educators can use to make their classrooms more accessible to all students. This interview was originally broadcast as part of the Freedom Writers Foundation's Toast for Change fundraiser. To watch that broadcast or to donate to the Freedom Writers Foundation, please visit: https://bit.ly/36cQhjK

Patrick Dempsey: Dealing With Dyslexia

September 28, 2020 07:00 - 48 minutes - 61.4 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with actor and activist, Patrick Dempsey. Patrick speaks about what it was like to grow up with a learning disability, and the steps that he hopes educators can use to make their classrooms more accessible to all students. This interview was originally broadcast as part of the Freedom Writers Foundation's Toast for Change fundraiser. To watch that broadcast or to donate to the Freedom Writers Foundation, please visit: https://bit.ly/36cQhjK

#52: Democracy (In One Podcast or Less) w/ David Litt

September 14, 2020 13:38 - 59 minutes - 75.8 MB

In today’s show, Erin is joined by author and former White House speechwriter, David Litt. David’s new book, Democracy in One Book for Less, was released earlier this summer, and humorously discusses the ways in which American democracy has changed since its founding and how we can work together to fix the problems in our democracy today. This vivacious discussion comedically covers many aspects of our democracy that David feels were glossed over in his history classes. Check out David’s new...

Democracy (In One Podcast or Less) w/ David Litt

September 14, 2020 13:38 - 59 minutes - 75.8 MB

In today’s show, Erin is joined by author and former White House speechwriter, David Litt. David’s new book, Democracy in One Book for Less, was released earlier this summer, and humorously discusses the ways in which American democracy has changed since its founding and how we can work together to fix the problems in our democracy today. This vivacious discussion comedically covers many aspects of our democracy that David feels were glossed over in his history classes. Check out David’s new...

#51: #BlackLivesMatter w/ Original Freedom Writers Tye and Shanate

August 31, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

In this episode, join Erin Gruwell as she a courageous conversation with two original Freedom Writers, Tye Leggins and Shanate Jones. They share their experiences as African-American parents, activists and veterans living during the age of #BlackLivesMatter. The episode concludes with Dr. Robert Hill, the Vice President of Student Services at Everett Community College. Dr. Hill shares with us his perspective as an African-American educator, and his hopes for a bright future ahead for all stud...

#BlackLivesMatter w/ Original Freedom Writers Tye and Shanate

August 31, 2020 07:00 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MB

In this episode, join Erin Gruwell as she a courageous conversation with two original Freedom Writers, Tye Leggins and Shanate Jones. They share their experiences as African-American parents, activists and veterans living during the age of #BlackLivesMatter. The episode concludes with Dr. Robert Hill, the Vice President of Student Services at Everett Community College. Dr. Hill shares with us his perspective as an African-American educator, and his hopes for a bright future ahead for all stud...

The State of Education w/ California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

August 17, 2020 07:00 - 40 minutes - 57.9 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. In this episode She asks Tony how he handles the daunting task of leading over 10,000 schools and 6 million students back to some semblance of a classroom amidst a global pandemic; waves of peaceful protest and civil unrest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor; and the passing of legendary civil rights activist Congressman John Lewis.

#50: The State of Education w/ California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

August 17, 2020 07:00 - 40 minutes - 57.9 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. In this episode She asks Tony how he handles the daunting task of leading over 10,000 schools and 6 million students back to some semblance of a classroom amidst a global pandemic; waves of peaceful protest and civil unrest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor; and the passing of legendary civil rights activist Congressman John Lewis.

#49 Esther Wojcicki: TRICKs for Raising Successful People

March 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with an extraordinary mother, a prolific author, and award winning educator Esther Wojcicki. With the release of her acclaimed second book, How to Raise Successful People, Esther parallels her parenting skills from her home with her teaching tactics from her classroom. This award winning Journalism teacher and former California Teacher of the Year, has good reason to write about raising and teaching successful people. Listen to this enlightening episode to get som...

Esther Wojcicki: TRICKs for Raising Successful People

March 23, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 116 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with an extraordinary mother, a prolific author, and award winning educator Esther Wojcicki. With the release of her acclaimed second book, How to Raise Successful People, Esther parallels her parenting skills from her home with her teaching tactics from her classroom. This award winning Journalism teacher and former California Teacher of the Year, has good reason to write about raising and teaching successful people. Listen to this enlightening episode to get som...

Jane Elliott: How Discrimination Feels

March 09, 2020 07:00 - 54 minutes - 89.7 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and anti-racism advocate Jane Elliott about her seminal “Blue Eye / Brown Eye” exercise with her third grade students in Riceville, Iowa. Jane discusses how the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr inspired her to educate her students about the effects of racism and how she has made it her life’s mission to encourage others to see only one race - the human race. Following Erin’s conversation with Jane Elliott, original Freedom Writer, Tanya Payne, expl...

#48 Jane Elliott: How Discrimination Feels

March 09, 2020 07:00 - 54 minutes - 89.7 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and anti-racism advocate Jane Elliott about her seminal “Blue Eye / Brown Eye” exercise with her third grade students in Riceville, Iowa. Jane discusses how the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr inspired her to educate her students about the effects of racism and how she has made it her life’s mission to encourage others to see only one race - the human race. Following Erin’s conversation with Jane Elliott, original Freedom Writer, Tanya Payne, expl...

From Playing Miep Gies to Disney's Ursula w/ Pat Carroll

February 24, 2020 08:00 - 44 minutes - 72 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with actress Pat Carroll about her role as Miep Gies in the 2007 feature film, Freedom Writers. Pat discusses what it was like to portray such a renowned character, gives insight into her job as an actor, and explores her infamous role as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Following Erin’s conversation with Pat Carroll, original Freedom Writer, Narada Comans, reflects on the significance of Miep Gies visiting the Freedom Writers at Wilson High School, and how the Freed...

#47 From Playing Miep Gies to Disney's Ursula w/ Pat Carroll

February 24, 2020 08:00 - 44 minutes - 72 MB

On this episode, Erin speaks with actress Pat Carroll about her role as Miep Gies in the 2007 feature film, Freedom Writers. Pat discusses what it was like to portray such a renowned character, gives insight into her job as an actor, and explores her infamous role as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Following Erin’s conversation with Pat Carroll, original Freedom Writer, Narada Comans, reflects on the significance of Miep Gies visiting the Freedom Writers at Wilson High School, and how the Freed...

Steal a Pencil for Me: The Power of the Pencil w/ Margrit Polak

February 10, 2020 08:00 - 43 minutes - 76.3 MB

On our first episode of 2020, Erin speaks with the co-founder of Anne Frank LA and owner of the boutique talent management firm, Margrit Polak Management, Margrit Polak, whose parents fell madly in love during World War II while imprisoned at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Margrit offers insight into the lives of Holocaust survivors both during and after the war and speaks about the culture of silence which prevented many Holocaust survivors from sharing their stories after the war. After ...

#46 Steal a Pencil for Me: The Power of the Pencil w/ Margrit Polak

February 10, 2020 08:00 - 43 minutes - 76.3 MB

On our first episode of 2020, Erin speaks with the co-founder of Anne Frank LA and owner of the boutique talent management firm, Margrit Polak Management, Margrit Polak, whose parents fell madly in love during World War II while imprisoned at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Margrit offers insight into the lives of Holocaust survivors both during and after the war and speaks about the culture of silence which prevented many Holocaust survivors from sharing their stories after the war. After ...

#45 Jinahie: How to Express Your True Self Through Spoken Word

December 02, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 71.5 MB

On our final episode of 2019, Erin talks with an innovative performance artist named Jinahie; a decorated and passionate educator, Dr. Precious Simonette; and her award-winning slam poet proteges, the “Viking Freedom Writers”. With grace and humility, our guests share some of their most personal stories and heartfelt poems, and discuss the beauty of self-expression through spoken word. Show Notes: Jinahie: www.janahie.com Invite a Freedom Writer to your organization: http://www.freedomwr...

Jinahie: How to Express Your True Self Through Spoken Word

December 02, 2019 11:00 - 43 minutes - 71.5 MB

On our final episode of 2019, Erin talks with an innovative performance artist named Jinahie; a decorated and passionate educator, Dr. Precious Simonette; and her award-winning slam poet proteges, the “Viking Freedom Writers”. With grace and humility, our guests share some of their most personal stories and heartfelt poems, and discuss the beauty of self-expression through spoken word. Show Notes: Jinahie: www.janahie.com Invite a Freedom Writer to your organization: http://www.freedomwr...

Gary Soto: Using Words to Bring Others Out of the Shadows

November 18, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 80.2 MB

On this episode, Erin talks with renowned author, poet, and playwright, Gary Soto. With wisdom and wit, Gary recounts the academic struggles of his youth, his discovery of great poets and authors, and how he ultimately found his own life calling as an author with over 40 published works. Together they explore the writing process and delve into the themes, images, and metaphors in Gary’s work. This is an instructive and inspiring episode that will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to...

#44 Gary Soto: Using Words to Bring Others Out of the Shadows

November 18, 2019 11:00 - 49 minutes - 80.2 MB

On this episode, Erin talks with renowned author, poet, and playwright, Gary Soto. With wisdom and wit, Gary recounts the academic struggles of his youth, his discovery of great poets and authors, and how he ultimately found his own life calling as an author with over 40 published works. Together they explore the writing process and delve into the themes, images, and metaphors in Gary’s work. This is an instructive and inspiring episode that will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to...

#43 Rosalind Wiseman: Mean Girls, Masterminds, and the Realities of Adolescence

November 04, 2019 11:00 - 42 minutes - 78.6 MB

On this episode, Erin talks with acclaimed author and educator Rosalind Wiseman. Rosalind explains the importance of involving teenagers in the analysis of their social lives, explores the over-simplification of teens’ complex problems, and illuminates how we can create cultures of dignity within our classrooms and communities. Rosalind’s insights into the social systems of teenagers are relevant to parents and educators alike, and will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a di...

Rosalind Wiseman: Mean Girls, Masterminds, and the Realities of Adolescence

November 04, 2019 11:00 - 42 minutes - 78.6 MB

On this episode, Erin talks with acclaimed author and educator Rosalind Wiseman. Rosalind explains the importance of involving teenagers in the analysis of their social lives, explores the over-simplification of teens’ complex problems, and illuminates how we can create cultures of dignity within our classrooms and communities. Rosalind’s insights into the social systems of teenagers are relevant to parents and educators alike, and will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a di...

#42: Learning to Smile Again After Trauma, with Mohamed Sidibay

October 21, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MB

Erin shares her conversation with Mohamed Sidibay, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who is now a peace activist and advocate for human rights. Mohamed tells the story of his abduction by the Revolutionary United Front and the four and a half brutal years he spent in captivity. He also explains how he ultimately overcame the hardships of his past, immigrated to America, and now provides legal counsel to women and children on the U.S./Mexico border. Mohamed’s story is an enduring exampl...

Learning to Smile Again After Trauma, with Mohamed Sidibay

October 21, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MB

Erin shares her conversation with Mohamed Sidibay, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who is now a peace activist and advocate for human rights. Mohamed tells the story of his abduction by the Revolutionary United Front and the four and a half brutal years he spent in captivity. He also explains how he ultimately overcame the hardships of his past, immigrated to America, and now provides legal counsel to women and children on the U.S./Mexico border. Mohamed’s story is an enduring exampl...

Books

Twitter Mentions

@writebackuk 3 Episodes
@pedroanoguera 1 Episode