Freedom Writers Podcast

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 beside her in the fight for peace and recognition for the Armenian genocide.

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 episode leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference. Purchase a copy of Tess' book: https://amzn.to/2GWlTzy

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

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 book, Democracy (In One Book or Less): https://amzn.to/2H0fYJJ

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 students regardless of their race.

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.

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 some insight as to why. Following that conversation, you’ll hear from original Freedom Writer, Latilla Cain who, like many of Esther’s students, benefitted from the trust and responsibility afforded to her in Erin's classroom. With her newfound independence, Latilla was able to shape her future and become a masterful mentor, and mother. Show Notes: Moonshots in Education: https://amzn.to/2JauLPY How to Raise Successful People: https://amzn.to/39dQOQd The Woj Way: https://bit.ly/398cltH

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, explores what it felt like to be an African American student in the distinguished scholars program at Woodrow Wilson High School, and how she was expected to “give the black perspective” as the only black student in her gifted class. Show Notes: Freedom Writers feature film on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32iB8JJ A Class Divided on PBS.org: https://to.pbs.org/2Iw15fD Find Jane Elliott Online: janeelliott.com

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 Freedom Writers now give students their own “Miep Moments” when they visit classrooms around the world. Show Notes: Freedom Writers feature film on Amazon: https://amzn.to/32iB8JJ The Little Mermaid on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2PjSdgU Invite a Freedom Writer to your organization: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/request-speaker Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 Margrit, you'll hear from Joseph Horowitz, a 13 year old student from Landmark Middle School in Moreno Valley. Joseph discusses his involvement as a docent in the traveling Anne Frank exhibit currently on display in Moreno Valley, his deep connection with the story of Anne Frank both as a Jewish student and in the aftermath of tragedy at Landmark, and the importance of being an up stander rather than a bystander. We hope their inspiring stories empower you to spread hope, compassion, and acceptance within your classrooms

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.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/request-speaker Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 make a difference. Show Notes: Gary Soto: https://garysoto.com/ Invite a Freedom Writer to your organization: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/request-speaker Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 difference wherever you are serving. Show Notes: Learn more about Rosalind Wiseman: https://culturesofdignity.com/about-rosalind/ Books by Rosalind Wiseman: https://tinyurl.com/RWFWP Cultures of Dignity: https://www.culturesofdignity.com/ Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 example of transforming the pain of your past into the purpose of your present. Show Notes: Learn more about Mohamed Sidibay: https://myhero.com/Mohamed_Sidibay_2014 The My Hero Project: https://myhero.com/About Facts About Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone: https://borgenproject.org/10-facts-about-child-soldiers-in-sierra-leone/ Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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. Show Notes: PrimeTime Live DVD Link: https://amzn.to/2ob8Pgd Buy the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://amzn.to/2oZLv5q Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here:

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 so, they uncover important truths about the power of storytelling, and an audience’s ability to connect with the authentic ethos that the Freedom Writers have come to embody. Book a documentary screening and a Q&A with Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers: Email our Outreach Team at michael@freedomwritersfoundation.org Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 Giveaway: bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveaway: bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Hotlines: Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 800.656.HOPE (4673)

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 your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveaway: http://bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate