Freedom Writers Podcast

In this week’s powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, host Erin Gruwell is joined by four dynamic individuals who are making a difference as activists and educators. Tara Bordeaux, Dean Abraham, Jasmine Nelson, and Aaron Bos-Lun share their personal experiences and insights, discussing topics like representation, identity, and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in society. From the struggles of seeking acceptance to the importance of creating safe spaces for students, this enlightening conversation sheds light on the ongoing fight for equality and the power of love and understanding.

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writers, Melvin Logan and Carlos Barragan. Both Carlos and Melvin are inspiring and loving fathers who share what it was like growing up in Long Beach surrounded by poverty, racism, and gang violence. They discuss their survival, how they turned their pain into purpose, and breaking the cycle of generational trauma to prevail as the loving fathers they are today. This episode is a heartfelt look into what it means to be a dad, and we hope that this episode leaves you all feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

Donate to the Freedom Writers Scholarship Fund: https://givebutter.com/4pIBzH

On this week's episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by Tony Award-winning actor John Benjamin Hickey – who plays Brian Gilford (one of the rival educators) in the film “Freedom Writers.” John shares his insights on the transformative power of storytelling, how his roles have influenced his outlook on life, and the lessons he’s learned along the way from stage to screen. John’s insights into character creation and the importance of empathy in acting are a must-listen for any aspiring creatives, and we hope this episode leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

In our landmark 100th episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with Dr. Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, award-winning authors of "And Tango Makes Three." This beloved book tells the true tale of two male penguins who hatch and raise a chick at New York's Central Park Zoo.

Richardson, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, and Parnell, an acclaimed playwright, discuss the power of literature to save lives. They explore how books uplift marginalized voices and share inspiring stories — from pajama-clad read-ins in Singapore to brave teachers and librarians fighting book bans here in the United States.

Listen closely and share boldly — because free people must read freely.

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.