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MONDAY NIGHT LIVE Derek Arden with Karen Young Discuss LinkedIn Marketing Strategies
Welcome to Monday Night Live
Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!
Special Guest: Jasmin Faulk 🌟
An Extraordinary Journey of Courage, Culture & Resilience
📺 Watch this powerful episode now — and be inspired!
Who Is Jasmin Faulk?
Jasmin Faulk is a woman of extraordinary strength and depth, whose life story reads like a gripping novel — but it’s all true. Born in Saudi Arabia to a Muslim father and an Italian Catholic mother, Jasmin spent the first 25 years of her life navigating the complex world of dual identity in one of the most conservative regimes in the world.
This week on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden, Jasmin shares her story with incredible honesty, warmth, and insight. From her upbringing in a deeply traditional society to her daring escape to the United States, Jasmin’s story is not only captivating — it’s deeply moving and incredibly relevant in today’s world.
A Childhood Between Worlds
Jasmin began the episode by walking us through her early life. Her parents’ cross-cultural love story was rare for its time — a Saudi architecture student and a post-war Italian woman who fell in love in Florence in the 1960s. Although they came from two drastically different worlds, their union was marked by openness and acceptance, with both families embracing one another.
But for Jasmin, growing up in Saudi Arabia as a bicultural child meant always feeling like an outsider — even within her own home. Her Italian mother tried to assimilate into Saudi culture, even converting to Islam, but the deep contrasts in tradition and lifestyle never went unnoticed. Jasmin sensed early on that something about her life felt “off” and dreamed of a different future — one that felt out of reach.
A Dangerous Dream of Freedom
As Jasmin entered adolescence, the limitations of her life as a Saudi woman became more stark. While men in her culture had choices and freedoms — to study abroad, to marry outside their culture — those same options were denied to women. Jasmin’s longing for freedom grew into an obsession.
Her escape was meticulously planned. With the help of a trusted cousin and a bold, carefully orchestrated lie, she secured permission to travel — and made it to the airport in full traditional dress. With fear gripping her every step, she passed through security and boarded a plane. The moment the wheels lifted off the tarmac, she knew she was free.
She eventually made her way to the United States — a land she had fantasized about since childhood, thanks to American films and music — and began the next chapter of her life.
A New Life, a New Identity
Jasmin’s transition to life in America was not without its struggles. She had to learn and do everything for the first time — drive, open a bank account, speak freely, make independent choices. But each step was a victory. Over time, she earned degrees in sociology, multiculturalism, creative writing, and ethical leadership.
Her memoir, The Sandstorm, captures her journey in rich, unforgettable detail. In this episode, she also shares photos from her past, offering a deeply personal visual narrative to accompany her words.
What Jasmin Stands For Today
Now living in Seattle, Jasmin dedicates her life to activism, education, and storytelling. She is passionate about bridging cultural divides, challenging extremist ideologies, and advocating for tolerance, open-mindedness, and resilience.
Her message is clear: even in the face of extreme repression, it is possible to reclaim your life, your voice, and your future.
Get in Touch with Jasmin
📖 The Sandstorm – Her powerful memoir is available online.
🌐 Website: www.jasminfaulk.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Jasmin Faulk
📸 Instagram: @jasminfaulk
Final Thoughts from Derek Arden
“This was one of the most emotional and inspiring Monday Night Lives we’ve ever had. Jasmin’s courage and authenticity are deeply humbling. I know her story will stay with you — just as it has with me. Please share this episode with someone who needs a dose of perspective, courage, and hope.”
👏 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us every week for inspiration, leadership, and meaningful conversations.
🎥 Click play and experience Jasmin’s incredible story now.
Derek Arden
View all episodes
By Derek Arden - negotiatonsWelcome to Monday Night Live
Welcome to this week’s exciting episode of Monday Night Live!
Special Guest: Jasmin Faulk 🌟
An Extraordinary Journey of Courage, Culture & Resilience
📺 Watch this powerful episode now — and be inspired!
Who Is Jasmin Faulk?
Jasmin Faulk is a woman of extraordinary strength and depth, whose life story reads like a gripping novel — but it’s all true. Born in Saudi Arabia to a Muslim father and an Italian Catholic mother, Jasmin spent the first 25 years of her life navigating the complex world of dual identity in one of the most conservative regimes in the world.
This week on Monday Night Live, hosted by Derek Arden, Jasmin shares her story with incredible honesty, warmth, and insight. From her upbringing in a deeply traditional society to her daring escape to the United States, Jasmin’s story is not only captivating — it’s deeply moving and incredibly relevant in today’s world.
A Childhood Between Worlds
Jasmin began the episode by walking us through her early life. Her parents’ cross-cultural love story was rare for its time — a Saudi architecture student and a post-war Italian woman who fell in love in Florence in the 1960s. Although they came from two drastically different worlds, their union was marked by openness and acceptance, with both families embracing one another.
But for Jasmin, growing up in Saudi Arabia as a bicultural child meant always feeling like an outsider — even within her own home. Her Italian mother tried to assimilate into Saudi culture, even converting to Islam, but the deep contrasts in tradition and lifestyle never went unnoticed. Jasmin sensed early on that something about her life felt “off” and dreamed of a different future — one that felt out of reach.
A Dangerous Dream of Freedom
As Jasmin entered adolescence, the limitations of her life as a Saudi woman became more stark. While men in her culture had choices and freedoms — to study abroad, to marry outside their culture — those same options were denied to women. Jasmin’s longing for freedom grew into an obsession.
Her escape was meticulously planned. With the help of a trusted cousin and a bold, carefully orchestrated lie, she secured permission to travel — and made it to the airport in full traditional dress. With fear gripping her every step, she passed through security and boarded a plane. The moment the wheels lifted off the tarmac, she knew she was free.
She eventually made her way to the United States — a land she had fantasized about since childhood, thanks to American films and music — and began the next chapter of her life.
A New Life, a New Identity
Jasmin’s transition to life in America was not without its struggles. She had to learn and do everything for the first time — drive, open a bank account, speak freely, make independent choices. But each step was a victory. Over time, she earned degrees in sociology, multiculturalism, creative writing, and ethical leadership.
Her memoir, The Sandstorm, captures her journey in rich, unforgettable detail. In this episode, she also shares photos from her past, offering a deeply personal visual narrative to accompany her words.
What Jasmin Stands For Today
Now living in Seattle, Jasmin dedicates her life to activism, education, and storytelling. She is passionate about bridging cultural divides, challenging extremist ideologies, and advocating for tolerance, open-mindedness, and resilience.
Her message is clear: even in the face of extreme repression, it is possible to reclaim your life, your voice, and your future.
Get in Touch with Jasmin
📖 The Sandstorm – Her powerful memoir is available online.
🌐 Website: www.jasminfaulk.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Jasmin Faulk
📸 Instagram: @jasminfaulk
Final Thoughts from Derek Arden
“This was one of the most emotional and inspiring Monday Night Lives we’ve ever had. Jasmin’s courage and authenticity are deeply humbling. I know her story will stay with you — just as it has with me. Please share this episode with someone who needs a dose of perspective, courage, and hope.”
👏 Don’t forget to subscribe and join us every week for inspiration, leadership, and meaningful conversations.
🎥 Click play and experience Jasmin’s incredible story now.
Derek Arden