On this week's episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by Trudie Strobel, a Holocaust survivor whose astonishing path took her from a childhood of hardship in Ukraine to a life of strength and creativity in the United States. Together with Jody Savin, an acclaimed filmmaker and Trudie's biographer, they explore the impact of art, healing, and perseverance on the human soul. This conversation with Trudie and Jody is a testament to the unbreakable resolve that exists within all of us, and we hope this episode leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Learn more about Trudie's work: https://www.trudiestrobel.com

Purchase Stitch & Sewn: https://amzn.to/3nouSit

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, we are honored to share the story of Loung Ung, a Cambodian-American human rights activist and author.

Loung takes us on an emotional journey through her harrowing experiences as a child under the brutal Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia, recounting the unimaginable adversity she faced and the resilience that carried her through it all.

Loung recounts her harrowing experiences under the Khmer Rouge regime as described in her memoir, First They Killed My Father.

Join us as Loung shares her inspiring story of survival, transformation, and dedication to making a difference in the world. Tune in for a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience.

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Rwandan genocide survivor and activist, Dydine Umunyana-Anderson. Dydine shares her harrowing journey of survival during the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, her path to healing, and her unwavering dedication to fostering understanding, empathy, and change. Dydine's story is remarkable, and we hope this episode will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

To learn more about Dydine and her work, visit her website: https://umucolove.org

Watch Dydine's TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/hHQ9WdpPdtg

On this week's show, Erin Gruwell speaks with three incredible guests: acclaimed actor Alex Feldman, Ukrainian playwright Uliana Klimchuk, and Emmy-nominated writer and producer, Laura Cahill. They discuss the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, and how Young Playwrights Ukraine aims to give refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine a voice through theater. These amazing artists and activists are inspiring a new generation of Ukrainians to stand up, speak up, and speak out, and we hope their story will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference!

To learn more about Young Playwrights Ukraine, check out this article about their show at the Orion Theatre: https://orionteatern.se/arkivet/hur-kanner-du-att-du-ar-radd/

To donate to the Young Playwrights Ukraine, check out their PayPal Fundraiser: https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8RITNlGo6n

On this week's episode, we hear from four members of our Freedom Writer Family as they speak about their female heroes. First, Freedom Writer Norma Bravo-Lemler celebrates the mother of naturopathic medicine, Dr. Louisa Lust. Then, Freedom Writer Teacher Meghan Abruzzo reflects on mental health advocate and educator Nichole Sachs. Next, Freedom Writer Cynthia Ray-De La Vega honors the groundbreaking work of legal scholar and professor Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw. Finally, Freedom Writer Teacher Dr. Dana Dunams calls upon the example of former First Lady Michelle Obama. Each guest chose a women who mirrors their purpose and passions, and we hope their stories leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

On this week's episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, join Erin Gruwell and four members of our Freedom Writer Family as they share some inspiring stories of African-American heroism in celebration of Black History Month. Freedom Writer Narada Comans honors the late Congressman John Lewis, Freedom Writer Teacher Lex Morgan shares the story of Ruby Bridges, Freedom Writer Kimberlee Morrison celebrates Nobel Laureate Tony Morrison, and Freedom Writer Teacher Dr. Ronnie Gordon reflects on everyday heroes who inspired him as a young man growing up in Washington State. We hope these stories leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

In this week's episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with Katya Yarotskaya, a passionate activist and advocate for Ukraine from Russia. They discuss Katya’s work bridging the digital divide for students affected by the war in Ukraine, how it feels to be a Russian during the current conflict, and the importance of supporting human rights no matter where you’re from. Get inspired and empowered to make a difference as they discuss the meaningful impact everyday people can have on the world!

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with Edie Mermelstein, an attorney and Holocaust educator. They discuss the recent and troubling rise in antisemitism on social media, Edie's family's incredible work with the Auschwitz Study Foundation, and the importance of keeping stories from the Holocaust alive. This episode is sadly more relevant than ever, but we hope it will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Learn More About the Auschwitz Study Foundation: https://www.auschwitzstudyfoundation.org

On this week's episode, join Erin Gruwell as she speaks with Nyaz Burhan, a Kurdish student author from our new book, Dear Freedom Writer, and his amazing Freedom Writer Teacher, Michael Wegmann, who hails from Germany. They discuss Nyaz's harrowing journey as a Kurdish refugee, and how the power of education has helped him to heal, find his voice, and build a new life in Europe. This story is both heartbreaking and heroic, and we hope it will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Purchase Dear Freedom Writer: bit.ly/3wpsB8N

Donate to Our Student Authors: tinyurl.com/DearFWFundraiser

On today's episode, Erin interviews Samuel DePace, a celebrated student author from the new book, Dear Freedom Writer. Samuel, or “Sam” as Erin affectionately refers to him is a trans man. Sam candidly discusses what it was like to grow up feeling out of place in his own body, and how he ultimately found the strength to live his truth. Sam's courage and authenticity are truly inspiring, and we hope this episode will leave you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Purchase Dear Freedom Writer: bit.ly/3wpsB8N

Donate to Our Student Authors: tinyurl.com/DearFWFundraiser