Kroc Pod

What is the relationship between authoritarianism, storytelling, and memory? Ronald Niezen—author of "The Memory Seeker"—reflects on the intricacies of war crimes, the temptations of revenge, and our obligations to the past. Ronald is an expert in digital activism and open-source investigations. He works as a Professor of Practice at the University of San Diego, in the Departments of Sociology, Political Science, and International Relations.

To buy and read his first novel, "The Memory Seeker", visit https://www.amazon.com/Memory-Seeker-Novel-Ronald-Niezen-ebook/dp/B0BLC95Y36

Etleva Bejko, Executive Director at Survivors of Torture, International (SURVIVORS), is a highly respected immigration services leader with over 20 years of experience in the field. Throughout her career, she has responded to humanitarian crises, rallied community groups, and built programs and teams that have served generations of refugees and immigrants throughout the San Diego County. Mackoy speaks with her about the intricacies of San Diego's immigration and asylum processes and how survivors works to rebuild the lives of those immigrants who have experienced torture.
To learn more about SURVIVORS, visit www.notorture.org or connect with the organization's social networks:
Instagram (@survivors_sandiego), Facebook (Survivors of Torture, International), LinkedIn, and Twitter (@notorture). There are many ways to get involved with SURVIVORS! If you'd like to learn about volunteer opportunities or participate in a tour of the healing center, please email [email protected]. To make a donation to meet the growing needs of SURVIVORS' clients and their families, visit the following link: https://notorture.org/donate/

Part II of the Women PeaceMaker Series brings you a discussion between Honduran development professional, Tania Martinez, and Mexican specialist in urban violence reduction, Dolores Hernandez. In this episode, Théa engages with these incredible women to talk about their work in Honduras and Mexico and about what it means to contribute to peacemaking in the Americas. From advocating for indigenous rights, to finding ways to bridge civil society's 'safer cities' efforts with local government initiatives, these two women are making a difference in their communities and teaching us that it's possible to build a better world through even our everyday actions.  

In Part I of our special Women PeaceMaker Series we interview Nattecia Nerene Bohardsingh about her work as a lawyer and activist for civil rights in Jamaica. She is one of few experts and advocates in the field of reparatory justice. Listen in as Mackoy speaks with Nattecia on what it takes to work in her field. Making promises to ourselves, advocating for the oppressed, and working in the face of resistance are some of the many topics in which Nattecia gives her thoughts.

Emilie Amrein is a scholar, artist, educator, and community builder. They locate their work in community practice, drawing on the revolutionary wisdom of abolitionist, anti-colonial, and anti-capitalist organizers and freedom dreamers from the Global Majority. In this episode, Théa asks Emilie about their work along the border, and together, they explore the practices of inclusive music making, collective storytelling, and the power of the arts in resistance and justice-making, to disrupt harmful systems.

Has the world gotten better in recent history? Is there a reason to be optimistic? How do we get to conversations of love, peace, and togetherness in spaces that are inherently divisive? Join in on these conversations while listening to Dr. Dustin Sharp, a distinguished mass atrocities specialist, speak on the future of the world and how to expand our minds beyond binaries of the status quo to build a better world now.

What challenges do leaders face in this “post-truth” era? How can individuals help to build trust in democracy and its institutions? What does social entrepreneurship look like in-light of the many fires we find in today’s world? In this episode, Social Innovator, Roshan Paul, and author of A New Reason to Work, talks with host, Thea Klement, about social innovation, leadership, and the synergies we need to tackle some of today’s hottest fires.

What are the ethical contradictions within creating social change? Are peace studies going in a meaningful direction, or are we just reinventing the wheel endlessly? In this episode, Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick talks with host Mackoy Turpen about how changemaking is evolving and where he sees the future of peace studies.

How do the stories we tell ourselves about who we are and what we've been through affect our ability to heal and connect with others? In this episode, Conflict Management and Resolution graduate student, Mathew B. Holloway II, talks with host Thea Klement about the power of "re-storyation" and the work that his organization, Conversations by Courage, is doing around the United States to support social transformation in the 21st century.

What does it mean to be a professional humanitarian? In this episode, USAID Regional Humanitarian Advisor, John Patterson, tells us what it's like to advise on response efforts in some of the most high-stakes humanitarian projects around the world. Our host and graduate student, Théa Klement, discusses with John what's needed in the field of humanitarian aid and how his experiences have taught him about what it takes to be a professional "fire-fighter."