Freedom Writers Podcast artwork

Freedom Writers Podcast

209 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 78 ratings

Podcast by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Education
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Episodes

#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...

Connie Chung: Journalism and the Art of Seeking Truth

October 07, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 72.5 MB

Erin talks with news anchor and renowned reporter Connie Chung about the role of journalism in affecting societal change and how to seek truth in all aspects of our lives. Connie discusses the challenges she faced throughout her career, why curiosity is the key to good journalism, and how journalism should be used to shine a light on truth. Erin and Connie also reflect on the life-changing experiences they shared when Connie covered the Freedom Writers’ story on ABC’s PrimeTime Live in 1998. ...

#41 Connie Chung: Journalism and the Art of Seeking Truth

October 07, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 72.5 MB

Erin talks with news anchor and renowned reporter Connie Chung about the role of journalism in affecting societal change and how to seek truth in all aspects of our lives. Connie discusses the challenges she faced throughout her career, why curiosity is the key to good journalism, and how journalism should be used to shine a light on truth. Erin and Connie also reflect on the life-changing experiences they shared when Connie covered the Freedom Writers’ story on ABC’s PrimeTime Live in 1998. ...

#40 Freedom Writers Round-Table: Why People Connect to Gritty Stories

September 23, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 72.4 MB

This episode celebrates the television launch of our long-awaited documentary, “Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart.” You’ll hear from the dynamic director and producer, Don Hahn, and a panel of four Freedom Writers who are featured in the film -- Sue Ellen Alpizar, Mauricio Tony Becerra, Latilla Cain, and Narada Comans. By telling their stories in the documentary, the Freedom Writers are putting faces to what were once anonymous diary entries in a book or characters in a movie. In doing...

Freedom Writers Round-Table: Why People Connect to Gritty Stories

September 23, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 72.4 MB

This episode celebrates the television launch of our long-awaited documentary, “Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart.” You’ll hear from the dynamic director and producer, Don Hahn, and a panel of four Freedom Writers who are featured in the film -- Sue Ellen Alpizar, Mauricio Tony Becerra, Latilla Cain, and Narada Comans. By telling their stories in the documentary, the Freedom Writers are putting faces to what were once anonymous diary entries in a book or characters in a movie. In doing...

#5 Freedom Writer 20/20: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

September 07, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 53.5 MB

Discover the Freedom Writers’ impact in the twenty years since the original publication of The Freedom Writers Diary. What is the Freedom Writers’ legacy? How are they passing the torch to the next generation? And what can we do to carry it forward for the next twenty years, and beyond? Find out on the final episode of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveawa...

Freedom Writer 20/20 Part V: Passing the Torch to the Next Generation

September 07, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 53.5 MB

Discover the Freedom Writers’ impact in the twenty years since the original publication of The Freedom Writers Diary. What is the Freedom Writers’ legacy? How are they passing the torch to the next generation? And what can we do to carry it forward for the next twenty years, and beyond? Find out on the final episode of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveawa...

#4 Freedom Writer 20/20: The Power of Storytelling to Heal Hearts

September 06, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 54.1 MB

Explore how hearts can mend, how healing can take place after years of trauma, and how Erin and the Freedom Writers created a safe space for wounded healers to write their truths and share their stories with the world. How do the Freedom Writers support each other through sensitive, painful experiences? And how can their examples of unconditional love bring more light to our lives? Find out on Freedom Writer 20/20: Wounded Healers. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The...

Freedom Writer 20/20 Part IV: The Power of Storytelling to Heal Hearts

September 06, 2019 10:00 - 29 minutes - 54.1 MB

Explore how hearts can mend, how healing can take place after years of trauma, and how Erin and the Freedom Writers created a safe space for wounded healers to write their truths and share their stories with the world. How do the Freedom Writers support each other through sensitive, painful experiences? And how can their examples of unconditional love bring more light to our lives? Find out on Freedom Writer 20/20: Wounded Healers. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The...

#3 Freedom Writer 20/20: Connecting the Dots from the Past and the Present

September 05, 2019 10:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MB

Erin and the Freedom Writers provide an exclusive sneak peek of their new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. They illuminate the most iconic Freedom Writer moments and reveal how they are still growing and healing. How have the Freedom Writers evolved since Room 203? How do they connect the dots between the original book and their new stories? And what can we learn from their growth? Find out on the latest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy yo...

Freedom Writer 20/20 Part III: Connecting the Dots from the Past and the Present

September 05, 2019 10:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MB

Erin and the Freedom Writers provide an exclusive sneak peek of their new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. They illuminate the most iconic Freedom Writer moments and reveal how they are still growing and healing. How have the Freedom Writers evolved since Room 203? How do they connect the dots between the original book and their new stories? And what can we learn from their growth? Find out on the latest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy yo...

Freedom Writer 20/20 Part II: Recreating the Magic of Room 203

September 04, 2019 10:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MB

On this episode, get an inside look into the collaborative writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. How did Ms. G and the Freedom Writers organize their ideas, decide on topics and authors, and move the puzzle pieces around to find the bigger picture? Can they recreate the magic of Room 203 after twenty years? Find out on the newest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Fre...

#2 Freedom Writer 20/20: Recreating the Magic of Room 203

September 04, 2019 10:00 - 26 minutes - 49.5 MB

On this episode, get an inside look into the collaborative writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. How did Ms. G and the Freedom Writers organize their ideas, decide on topics and authors, and move the puzzle pieces around to find the bigger picture? Can they recreate the magic of Room 203 after twenty years? Find out on the newest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Fre...

#1 Freedom Writer 20/20: Coming Back to Write Twenty New Stories

September 03, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 59.9 MB

In this five-part podcast mini-series, listeners get a front row seat to the writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. You'll hear from Erin Gruwell, the Freedom Writers, and even some of the Freedom Writers’ children, following up on the stories from Wilson High School and shining a light on the Freedom Writers legacy for a new generation. On Episode 1, travel back in time to Room 203 at Wilson High School, where Ms. G first united ...

Freedom Writer 20/20 Part I: Coming Back to Write Twenty New Stories

September 03, 2019 10:00 - 32 minutes - 59.9 MB

In this five-part podcast mini-series, listeners get a front row seat to the writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. You'll hear from Erin Gruwell, the Freedom Writers, and even some of the Freedom Writers’ children, following up on the stories from Wilson High School and shining a light on the Freedom Writers legacy for a new generation. On Episode 1, travel back in time to Room 203 at Wilson High School, where Ms. G first united ...

Introducing Freedom Writer 20/20

August 26, 2019 10:00 - 10 minutes - 19.3 MB

Erin Gruwell shares a special announcement about the upcoming 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary, available September 3rd. She also shares exclusive sneak-peeks of the Freedom Writers’ twenty new diary entries and unveils a preview of our special podcast mini-series, Freedom Writer 20/20. Don’t miss this exciting news about all of our upcoming Freedom Writer content! Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Support ...

#39 Dr. Carl Cohn: The Power of Listening in Effective Leadership

August 12, 2019 10:00 - 48 minutes - 89.4 MB

Our guest today is Dr. Carl Cohn, a nationally celebrated educator and Erin Gruwell's former Superintendent in the Long Beach Unified School District. They discuss Dr. Cohn’s inspiring life of service, the power of listening in leadership, and how to create systemic change. With wisdom and tenderness, Dr. Cohn provides practical and inspirational advice for you, no matter where you are currently serving. You don’t have to be a teacher to learn from his invaluable leadership lessons. Support...

#38 Liz Murray: Homeless to Harvard

July 29, 2019 08:07 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

Erin interviews best-selling author and activist Liz Murray, whose story is depicted in her visceral memoir Breaking Night and the emmy-nominated Lifetime movie, Homeless to Harvard. With sincere love and candor, Liz recounts what it was like being raised by two loving but severely drug-addicted parents, and reflects on the vital role of mentors in shaping her sense of possibility and self-worth. She credits the generosity and goodness of others for helping her to look beyond her current limi...

#37 Isha Sesay: How To Help Girls Understand Their Power

July 15, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 73.9 MB

Erin Gruwell speaks with Isha Sesay, an award-winning journalist, and author of the new book, Beneath the Tamarind Tree. In this discussion about sisterhood and survival, Isha recounts the Boko Haram kidnapping of Nigerian schoolgirls in 2014. Together, Isha and Erin explore faith, forgiveness, overcoming, and how to help girls and women everywhere understand their power. Show Notes: Buy Isha's new book, Beneath the Tamarind Tree: https://amzn.to/2l9onzy Video about the book: https://www....

#36 Wes Moore: Why Decisions Determine Destiny

July 01, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 72 MB

This episode features Wes Moore, a bestselling author, activist, decorated Army combat veteran, and the first CEO of the Robin Hood, an innovative non-profit dedicated to fighting poverty in New York City. Wes's bestselling book, The Other Wes Moore is a moving memoir about two young men from the same rough streets of Baltimore, but whose lives took very different turns. On the podcast, Wes and Erin discuss the trajectories we take in our lives and how our decisions determine our ultimate des...

#35 Anne Frank: A Glimpse into the Secret Annex

June 17, 2019 10:00 - 57 minutes - 105 MB

This episode features Jan Erik Dubbelman, a beloved Freedom Writer Teacher and the Director of Education and International Outreach at The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. From his unique perspective as a preserver of history, Jan Erik offers insight into Anne Frank's story and legacy, including Otto Frank's preparation to take his family into hiding and a detailed description of what life was like in the Secret Annex during the War. He also chronicles the heroic efforts of Miep Gies, the simpl...

#34 Antwone Fisher: How to Instill Hope in All Children with Rick Miller

June 03, 2019 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49 MB

This episode features Antwone Fisher, a screenwriter and children's rights advocate, along with Rick Miller, a professor of practice, researcher and founder of the organization Kids At Hope. Antwone tells his story of growing up in the foster care system, and together with Rick provides personal and practical steps about how you can teach, model, and embody hope for the young people you serve. Show Notes Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.fre...

#33 Daniel Ellsberg: What the Pentagon Papers Teach Us About Accountability

May 20, 2019 10:00 - 49 minutes - 90.5 MB

Erin speaks with Dr. Daniel Ellsberg, an ardent anti-war activist and whistleblower who is best known for releasing the Pentagon Papers in 1971. Dan and Erin discuss the importance of seeking truth, holding our governments accountable, and how to preserve democracy in the present day. As Dan offers us nothing less than a masterclass in political analysis and civic duty, we invite you to consider how you can speak out against injustice at any level and keep our elected officials accountable fo...

#32 Period. End of Sentence: Empowered Women Empower Women

May 06, 2019 10:00 - 45 minutes - 83.7 MB

Erin speaks with educator and producer Melissa Berton, alongside two of her students, Maggie Brown and Mason Maxam. After learning about menstrual inequity in the developing world, Melissa and her class created an organization called The Pad Project and made a documentary about women in India overcoming the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. Their documentary "Period. End of Sentence." went on to win Best Short Documentary at the 2019 Academy Awards, and has since sparked a global conv...

#31 How to Understand Young People and Their Stories

April 22, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 74.1 MB

Today's episode features thought-provoking discussions on how to better understand young people and their stories. You'll hear exclusive content recorded of Erin Gruwell at one of our Freedom Writer Teacher Institutes, and learn how to peel back the layers on even the toughest kids so they can reach their full potential. When she was teaching in Room 203, people told Erin that it wasn't worth it; that she shouldn't even try; that her kids were "unteachable." But at the end of a four-year jour...

#30 After Columbine: How to Create a Culture of Connection in Schools with Darrell Scott

April 08, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 74 MB

Today's episode features Darrell Scott, an ardent activist whose daughter Rachel was the first victim of the Columbine Massacre in 1999. Darrell talks about coping with immense loss, the powerful movement that was sparked by Rachel's diaries, and how educators and parents can create a culture of connection in their schools and communities. In light of the recent suicides of Parkland students and one victim's parent from the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, we know this is a particularly...

#29 Rebuilding Rwanda: How to Heal After a Genocide

March 25, 2019 10:00 - 40 minutes - 75.1 MB

This episode features Erin's conversations with two survivors of the Rwandan genocide, Edith Umugiraneza and Issa Jean Marie Vianney. These courageous souls describe what it was like for them as teenagers to witness the mass execution of their friends and families. They recount in vivid detail how they ran for their lives, and reflect on the role of storytelling as they learned to heal in the aftermath. On the eve of the 25th memorial of the Rwandan genocide, we hope that these stories about ...

#28 Jack Horner: How to Embrace Dyslexia

March 11, 2019 10:00 - 41 minutes - 75.4 MB

Today's show features Jack Horner, a world famous paleontologist and renowned voice on dyslexia. As someone with dyslexia himself, Jack helps us understand how the dyslexic brain works and what teachers can do to empower their dyslexic students. He takes us step by step through his personal journey, from his earliest dinosaur digs to the highest halls of academia, revealing how he has overcome adversity and found success despite his challenges. Show Notes Book a Freedom Writer for a Video C...

#27 Dolores Huerta: ¡Sí, Se Puede! - How to Start A Movement

February 25, 2019 14:52 - 39 minutes - 72.9 MB

Today's show features Erin's stirring conversation with the iconic activist and grassroots organizer Dolores Huerta. Dolores discusses how to organize and maintain a movement, improve the lives of others, and educate the next generation of activists. Just as Dolores encouraged farm workers to fight for change in their communities, we on the Freedom Writers Podcast wish to empower you to fight for change in the classroom. Show Notes Dolores Huerta Foundation www.doloreshuerta.org PBS Docum...

#26 Parkland Students: Overcoming Tragedy With Empathy

February 11, 2019 11:00 - 51 minutes - 94.9 MB

Today's show features students and teachers from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. These courageous survivors share their unique experiences from the shooting on February 14 2018, and reveal their greatest challenges while healing in the aftermath. Most importantly, they honor the lives that were lost in the tragedy and strive to humanize the issue in a way that can bridge divides, eradicate hate, and help us all lead with love. Show Notes "Shine", by Sawyer Garrity...

#25 Don Hahn: How Humans Communicate Meaning

December 24, 2018 10:00 - 52 minutes - 96.3 MB

This episode explores the ins and outs of storytelling, from discovering stories in your own life to fostering a creative space for ideas and artistic expression. Erin interviews movie producer and artist, Don Hahn, who takes us behind the scenes of the iconic animated Disney movies that he produced and shares his philosophies on story, character, and why storytelling is an essential part of being human. Whether you consider yourself a creative person or not, this captivating conversation wil...

#24 Homeboy Industries: How to Live With Extravagant Tenderness with Father Greg Boyle

December 10, 2018 10:00 - 36 minutes - 66.1 MB

Erin shares her interview with Father Greg Boyle, acclaimed author, speaker, and founder of Homeboy Industries. Their candid conversation sheds a light on common misconceptions about gang intervention and rehabilitation. Father Boyle's insights and stories will challenge your perceptions about what it means to serve those in the margins and help you understand the trauma that often precedes gang membership. It'll also assist you in dismantling messages of shame so that we can celebrate, not s...

#23 Schindler’s List 25th Anniversary: How Holocaust Education is Changing the World

December 03, 2018 10:00 - 52 minutes - 95.1 MB

On this episode, we honor the legacy of "Schindler’s List" and the substantive work of the USC Shoah Foundation. Erin had the privilege of interviewing Holocaust survivor Elisabeth Mann; Marvin Levy, Steven Spielberg's award-winning publicist; and Dr. Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation. These three extraordinary guests help us explore Holocaust representation through testimony, education, and the media. And most importantly, they discuss the significance of preservi...

**SPECIAL CONTENT - 25th Anniversary of "Schindler's List"

November 26, 2018 10:00 - 6 minutes - 6.02 MB

Episode 23 will be released December 3rd in honor of the 25th Anniversary of the film Schindler's List. In the meantime, please enjoy this teaser of Erin's conversations with three extraordinary guests: Holocaust survivor Elisabeth Mann; Marvin Levy, Steven Spielberg's head publicist; and Dr. Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the USC Shoah Foundation.

#22 Dr. Pedro Noguera: Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline

November 12, 2018 11:00 - 48 minutes - 88.4 MB

Erin had the privilege of interviewing renowned educator and activist Dr. Pedro Noguera. After serving as a public school teacher for many years, Dr. Noguera served as a professor of education at Berkeley, Harvard, and NYU before taking his current position as Distinguished Professor of Education at UCLA. Dr. Noguera has written numerous books about equity in education and is frequently called upon to speak on the state of public schools. He is particularly interested in addressing the issues...

#21 "From Hate to Hope" - How a Neo-Nazi Became an Advocate for Equality with Tim Zaal

November 01, 2018 18:01 - 55 minutes - 102 MB

This episode examines the blight of bigotry and how it manifests in our communities. Recorded at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, Erin interviews extremist-turned-activist Tim Zaal. For years, Tim was deeply involved in the white supremacist movement, even going so far as to commit acts of violence against his perceived "enemy." It wasn’t until years later that Tim recognized the toxicity of his mindset and made the decision to leave that lifestyle. Tim traces his transformation from r...

**SPECIAL CONTENT - Standing Up Against Hate Crimes

October 29, 2018 15:24 - 4 minutes - 8.82 MB

In light of the recent attacks in the United States, we want to pause our regular podcast release schedule to reflect and pay homage to those whose lives were affected by these tragedies. Above all, we want to remind our listeners that we must not stand idly by in the midst of evil and injustice. We believe that everyone can stand up and speak up to promote acceptance and civil discourse. We believe we can all make a difference. Episode 1: Lest We Forget - Holocaust Survivor Renee Firestone ...

#20 Sexual Abuse Survivors: "You Are Not Alone"

October 15, 2018 10:01 - 47 minutes - 87.9 MB

Erin Gruwell discusses the tragedy of sexual abuse with four courageous survivors. Current events in the United States have made this subject particularly prominent. In October 2017, survivors of sexual abuse came forward and started sharing their stories with the #MeToo movement. Most recently, the appointment of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court despite allegations of sexual assault has heightened our sense of urgency to speak up. We invite you to join us in protecting survivors an...

#19 Cesar Millan: The Four Energies of Happiness

October 01, 2018 09:00 - 41 minutes - 77.1 MB

This episode digs deep into the role of positive energy in teaching and leadership. Cesar Millan, the renowned "Dog Whisperer," shares his story with Erin (and her dog, Beau!) about coming to America, working hard to develop his talents, and seeing his dreams come to fruition. He also teaches us important principles about dog and human psychology, and about his “four energies of happiness": calm, confidence, love, and joy. We hope that this discussion puts a smile on your face and ignites pas...

#18 How to Create a Sphere of Safety: Suicide Prevention with Bob Ezrin

September 17, 2018 08:00 - 52 minutes - 96 MB

This episode covers the difficult subjects of mental illness and suicide, and the importance of awareness and prevention. First, Freedom Writer Teacher Mikael Aringer tells his story of hope and healing after a loved one attempted suicide. Then Erin Gruwell shares her conversation with legendary music producer, Bob Ezrin. Bob has produced some of the most iconic albums of the last forty years and now uses his platform to help those in need. His dedication to suicide awareness and prevention i...

#17 Genocide Survivors: Why These Stories Must Be Told

September 03, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 77.3 MB

Erin Gruwell shares a special live recording of a panel discussion about genocide. Co-moderated by Erin and historian Andrew Carroll, the panel features direct testimony of the Holocaust and the genocides in Bosnia, Cambodia, Rwanda, and South Sudan. Genocide awareness is a subject that has played a role in the Freedom Writers' education since the very beginning. By learning about war in far-off countries, Ms. G's students were able to make sense of the violence in their own neighborhoods. Re...

#16 The Freedom Writers Diary: How the "Little Book That Could" Became a Bestseller

August 20, 2018 10:00 - 35 minutes - 65.5 MB

In this episode, Erin Gruwell takes you along the publishing journey of The Freedom Writers Diary. Through her conversations with Carol Schild Levy, the Freedom Writers' book agent, and Janet Hill Talbert, the editor of The Freedom Writers Diary, Erin gives you a glimpse behind the curtain at how her students' journal entries evolved into a book, and then a movie, and now -- a movement. Links and Resources: Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: [email protected] Buy S...

#15 Sudanese Genocide: Trying to Make Sense of Senseless Violence

August 06, 2018 10:01 - 46 minutes - 85.3 MB

This episode explores how violence affects children, and the plight of refugees around the globe. First, Original Freedom Writer Bunni Sek explains what it was like being raised by survivors of the Cambodian genocide. Then Erin shares her conversation with Ger Duany, an actor and activist, and known to many as one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan. When Ger was only 7 years old, his family fled his village in South Sudan and walked for three months to a refugee camp in Ethiopia. Ger recounts in com...

#14 How Freedom Writers Changed My Path with Actress-Turned-Activist, April Hernandez-Castillo

July 23, 2018 10:00 - 38 minutes - 70.4 MB

The movie Freedom Writers is filled with memorable characters based on the students of Room 203. For many viewers, the standout character is Eva Benitez, the Latina student whose loyalty is put to the test when called to testify in a murder trial. In today's episode, Erin Gruwell brings you her conversation with the woman behind the amazing portrayal of that character, the talented actress-turned-activist, April Hernandez-Castillo. Erin and April discuss the making of Freedom Writers, and div...

#13 Surviving a Hate Crime, with LGBT Activist Matthew Boger

July 09, 2018 10:00 - 57 minutes - 106 MB

This episode embraces a spirit of acceptance and pride by listening to stories from members of the LGBTQ community. Freedom Writer Teacher Tara Bordeaux talks about overcoming tremendous obstacles and hateful opposition in her journey to becoming the 2018 Texas Teacher of the Year. Then Erin Gruwell shares her conversation with advocate and activist Matthew Boger. After being thrown out of his home at the age of thirteen because of his sexuality, Matthew was savagely beaten by a gang of neo-N...

#12 Growing Up Under Apartheid

June 25, 2018 10:00 - 40 minutes - 74.5 MB

Erin Gruwell speaks with two extraordinary educators, Dr. Nomsa Galeta and Dr. St. Claire Adriaan, whose remarkable stories span continents and bridge barriers. Both of these individuals are Freedom Writer Teachers that hail from the beautiful country of South Africa. They talk about growing up under the Apartheid regime, the legacy of Nelson Mandela in fighting for freedom, and the power of education to deliver the promise of democracy. Links and Resources: Questions, stories, reviews? Con...

#11 Anne Frank's Step-Sister: Becoming a Link in the Chain of History with Eva Schloss

June 11, 2018 10:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MB

Recorded live at the Los Angeles Theater, this episode features Erin Gruwell's conversation with Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor and step-sister of Anne Frank. Eva talks about her friendship with Anne when they were young girls, the terror of living in hiding during the Nazi regime, and the tragedy of being captured and sent to Auschwitz. After Eva was liberated with her mother, their story took a surprising twist when they were reunited with Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father. What followed is ...

#11 Anne Frank's Step-Sister: Becoming a Link in the Chain of History

June 11, 2018 10:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MB

Recorded live at the Los Angeles Theater, this episode features Erin Gruwell's conversation with Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor and step-sister of Anne Frank. Eva talks about her friendship with Anne when they were young girls, the terror of living in hiding during the Nazi regime, and the tragedy of being captured and sent to Auschwitz. After Eva was liberated with her mother, their story took a surprising twist when they were reunited with Otto Frank, Anne Frank's father. What followed is ...

#10 Voices & Votes: How Democracy Works (and How It Doesn't) with David Goodman

June 04, 2018 10:00 - 50 minutes - 93.2 MB

Erin Gruwell shares her conversation with activist David Goodman, who tells the heartbreaking story of his brother's tragic murder in 1964 by members of the Ku Klux Klan, and the 44-day federal investigation that followed. David then talks about confronting the horror of racism in America's past, using one's voice to vote in our present, and the crucial role that the youth play in bettering our democracy for the future. Links and Resources: Andrew Goodman Foundation: https://andrewgoodman....

#9 How to Find Your Creative Spark with Kathy Eldon

May 28, 2018 08:00 - 45 minutes - 82.7 MB

This episode explores the "creative spark" that lies within each of us, and how to use creativity to heal after a loss. Our guest, author and producer Kathy Eldon, recounts her family's vibrant life of adventure, art, and activism, and how she helped nurture her children's creativity from a young age. She also talks about how she found solace in creativity after the tragic death of her son, Dan. Links and Resources: Kathy Eldon's Work Kathy's Website (with books): www.kathyeldon.com Creat...

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@writebackuk 3 Episodes
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