Freedom Writers Podcast

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 her students through writing. Through intimate interviews and captivating stories, Erin and the Freedom Writers recount how they became a family and turned their collection of stories into a best-selling book. Now, twenty years after The Freedom Writers Diary was first published, Ms. G and the Freedom Writers are gathering again to write the 20th Anniversary Edition of the book. Where are Ms. G and the Freedom Writers today? And why does the world still need their stories? Find out on Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy

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 the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Sign up for exclusive emails about Freedom Writer 20/20: https://forms.gle/Pxckj4UNGKPfQwYA8

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 the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Carl Cohn on Twitter: @carlcohn Dr. Cohn, Erin Gruwell and Freedom Writer Sue Ellen Alpizar speak on stage with Chapman University President Daniele Struppa: https://blogs.chapman.edu/education/2019/03/07/stories-from-the-heart/

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 limitations and become the influential leader she is today. Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Liz Murray: https://www.wsb.com/speakers/liz-murray The Arthur Project: https://thearthurproject.org/ Buy Liz's book, "Breaking Night": https://amzn.to/2lyd7Ns Watch the Lifetime Movie, "Homeless to Harvard": https://amzn.to/2lydmIm

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.youtube.com/watch?v=ExQfMDsgvJQ Stories from Survivors: https://tinyurl.com/y6hxxzgw Isha Sesay and W.E. Can Lead: https://we-canlead.org/ Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

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 destiny. No matter our position or circumstance, may each of us strive to be useful; may we lead with love and hope; and may we all live in faith instead of fear. Show Notes Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Wes Moore: https://www.robinhood.org/wes-moore/ Books by Wes Moore: https://amzn.to/2G3yspc Learn More about Robin Hood: https://www.robinhood.org/ For general inquiries about Freedom Writer Teachers, email us at: fwi@fr

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 simple secretary who risked her life to support the Franks for the two years they were in hiding. You'll also hear from another remarkable Freedom Writer Teacher, Lisa Liss, whose valiant 11-year campaign collected 1.5 million bandages from teachers and students all over the world to honor the number of children killed in the Holocaust. We hope their inspiring stories empower you to spread hope, compassion, and acceptance within your classrooms and communities. Show Notes Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast

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.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Antwone Fisher https://antwonefisher.net/ IMDb: https://tinyurl.com/y4gvm5n4 Watch "Antwone Fisher" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2LOX60q Finding Fish: https://amzn.to/2XxnqP7 Watch Antwone Testify to the Senate about the state of child welfare: https://tinyurl.com/y4qn7uxf Rick Miller & Kids At Hope http://kidsathope.org/ TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIpDKHw1O_c

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 for their actions. Show Notes Daniel Ellsberg: http://www.ellsberg.net/ Books by Daniel Ellsberg: https://amzn.to/2YGw5zZ Pentagon Papers: https://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/pentagon-papers New Yorker article, "On the Warpath" by Dexter Filkins: https://tinyurl.com/y2wogd3n Economist article, "Collision Course - The Brewing Conflict Between America and Iran:" https://tinyurl.com/y3kg7ba6

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 conversation about women’s rights and menstrual equity. As Melissa declared in her acceptance speech at the Oscars — a period should end a sentence, not a girl’s education. Show Notes The Pad Project: www.thepadproject.org Trailer for the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdlKervJ0-Y Oscar Acceptance Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wap5W4v_B_g Press - Newsweek: https://tinyurl.com/yx9pbthm New Yorker: https://tinyurl.com/yykj7gzw LA Times: https://tinyurl.com/yyuwcc5l "Period. End of Sentence." is now avai

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 journey, all 150 of her students walked across the stage and received their diploma. All 150 Freedom Writers graduated because of what they discovered within themselves. This episodes helps unpack that process of discovery, and equips you to start empowering the young people you serve with greater effectiveness and empathy. Show Notes Apply for the Freedom Writer Teacher Institute: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/images/pdf/fwi-application.pdf Sponsor a teacher to attend the Institute by donating at: http://www.fre

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 sensitive conversation -- one that we hope invites all of us to consider what we can do to increase compassion and eradicate violence of any kind. Show Notes Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate "Events Set for 20th Anniversary of Columbine Shooting" https://dpo.st/2uCNNH9 Darrell Scott in TIME Magazine: http://time.com/longform/school-shooting-parents/ Rachel's Challenge Website: https://rachelschallenge.org/

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 the past awaken you to the urgency of eradicating racism and discrimination in the present. May we educate and act to end intolerance of any kind and create a more caring and compassionate society. Show Notes Support the Freedom Writers Podcast by leaving us a review on your podcast app and sharing the show with a friend! Learn more about the Freedom Writer Teacher Institute: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/programs/teachers Apply for a 2019 Teacher Institute: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/

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 Chat! Email benbond@freedomwritersfoundation.org to talk to our team today. More on Jack Horner https://www.chapman.edu/our-faculty/jack-horner Jack's Books https://amzn.to/30pTIxj Freedom Writers Foundation www.freedomwritersfoundation.org Want to share an inspiring story with us? We respond to every email! podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Support the Freedom Writers Podcast by leaving us a review on your podcast app and sharing the show with a friend!

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 Documentary "Dolores" on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2G1QTe5 Freedom Writers Foundation www.freedomwritersfoundation.org Want to share an inspiring story with us? We respond to every email! podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Support the Freedom Writers Podcast by leaving us a review on your podcast app and sharing the show with a friend!

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 and Andrea Peña. Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-6s8obkaGY Freedom Writers Foundation www.freedomwritersfoundation.org Want to share an inspiring story with us? We respond to every email! podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Support the Freedom Writers Podcast by leaving us a review on your podcast app and sharing the show with a friend!

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 will inspire you to think outside the box and approach your work, school, family, and leadership in more creative ways. Links and Resources Freedom Writers Podcast Feedback Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/6SwrZyrWDz0RUOWs2 Don Hahn's website: www.donhahn.com Early Cave Drawings: https://goo.gl/7cWU6k Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Buy Copies of Freedom Writers Books www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop

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 separate, those on their journey to healing. Links and Resources Take a few minutes to fill out the Freedom Writers Podcast Feedback Survey: https://goo.gl/forms/6SwrZyrWDz0RUOWs2 More about Father Boyle: Bio: https://www.homeboyindustries.org/fatherg/ Books: https://amzn.to/2JmrGgn Homeboy Industries: https://www.homeboyindustries.org/why-we-do-it/ https://www.homeboyindustries.org/life-at-homeboy/history/ Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Buy Copies of Freedom Writers

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 preserving survivor stories for future generations. Links and Resources Order your Limited Edition Freedom Writers Journal today! Offer ends December 5: https://goo.gl/yoqYeL More about "Schindler's List" Watch the 25th Anniversary Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxphAlJID9U Watch Schindler's List: https://amzn.to/2YDduF0 What Steven Spielberg hopes young people learn from "Schindler's" re-release: https://goo.gl/yy8p8H Article about Castlemont High School students: https://goo.gl/Fktui9 Learn about The USC Shoah

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 of the racial achievement gap and the school-to-prison pipeline. Erin and Dr. Noguera discuss the challenges educators face in 21st century classrooms and Dr. Noguera offers invaluable insight into creating more equitable education for all. Links and Resources Buy a copy of "The Freedom Writers Diary" for a youth in juvenile hall: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/freedom-writers-foundation Dr. Pedro Noguera http://www.pedronoguera.com/ Dr. Noguera on Twitter: @PedroANoguera https://twitter.com/PedroANoguera Dr