Our Stories Matter

Since the October 7th attack, false narratives have intensified tensions and prejudice, in academic settings. Drawing from their own experiences of war, Dr. Bar-Halpern and Associate Professor Susan Hess recognize the urgency of sharing stories of hope and resilience. Our Stories Matter Season 5, We Will Dance Again, strives to dismantle these harmful narratives, strengthen unity on college campuses, and confront polarization. Featuring storytellers from varied perspectives—Jews, Arabs, and Christians—the podcast works to cultivate compassion and understanding, break down polarization, and drive civil engagement to spark meaningful dialogue and across college communities.

Our Stories Matter Season 4 Finale Bonus Episode! Father Greg Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang-intervention, rehabilitation, and re-entry program in the world. Detailing the origins of Homeboy Industries, he reflects on powerful moments and stories that shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of unwavering compassion, the intentional act of loving, and dares to ask us – what would happen if we believed that people are unshakably good and we belong to each other?

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Damon Cooke is the co-founder and CEO of the Uncuffed Project, a non-profit organization that aims to change the narrative inside the prison system and reduce recidivism. Damon is a vivid example of resilience and determination, and what is like to bring change within the carceral system that is set up to oppress BIPOC communities. In this episode, Damon along with Susan Hess, who is a  Associate Professor at USC School of Social Work and extensive experience in the field of domestic violence, James Debbaco who currently serves as the Chair of the Unchained Scholars student caucus and is an MSW student at USC Suzanne Dworak Peck School of Social Work, and Martin Leyva, program coordinator for Project Bound at California State University, San Marcos and a doctoral student UC San Diego in education share their lived experiences and explore how the intersectionality in their struggles has brought healing in their journeys.

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Dr. Daniel Siegel is a Clinical Professor in the Psychiatrist at the UCLA School of Medicine and the author of the book IntraConnected where he explains the concept of MWe (Me + We) as the integration of the Self, Identity, and Belonging. He describes how culture, especifically in the United States, has taught society that identity is an individual and separate concept unrelated to the collective whole. This creates a lot of mental distress as individuals begin to feel like they don't fit in or don't belong. Drawing from wisdom of Indigenous and contemplative traditions, Dr. Siegel shares how the self (Me) is connected with others and is within all the human world and nature (We), creating an intraconnection that helps us realize that we are a Me as much as we are a We - a MWe - to create a better world that would also be inclusive of formerly incarcerated folks.

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Stephanie Lane is an example of resilience and determination. She recounts how every struggle and trauma she experienced allowed her to grow into the woman she is today: fierce, independent and full of purpose. Stephanie also indicates the powerful impact that Homeboy Industries had in her life by providing employment and professional opportunities. She now leads a women's focus group where she gives back to women by guiding, counseling, and providing resources to help them find their place in the free world after incarceration.

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Gonzalo Alvarado discusses his relationship with violence, how that shaped him and isolated him as a young man, and how that eventually influenced him to join a men's group in prison dedicated to finding solutions for the senseless violence inside. He discusses the power of the written word and how sharing his words with other people incarcerated created an unspoken bond that transcended racial lines. Now navigating the reentry community after spending over 20 years in prison, Gonzalo recounts his experiences with Homeboy Industries and how they've supported him on his healing journey.

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Tyler Lord shares his journey as he transitions from a 32 years to life sentence to becoming a firefighter for FFRP. He discusses his battle with addiction and now, over 16 years clean and sober, he expresses a newfound love for life. As he talks about the lessons he's learned and the support he's received post-incarceration, Tyler hopes to be a beacon of light for others as they start their own healing journey. 

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Manuel Torres shares one of the many challenges that he had to go through while incarcerated - having to learn how to represent himself in court due to a flawed legal system. Manuel learned the importance of education early on through the teachings of his mother, which was one of the motivators that helped him reduce his sentence significantly by advocating for a fair court process while fighting his case. Despite all the struggles, Manuel continues to grow personally and professionally with the support of family and Homeboy Industries; and continues his healing journey creating music and sharing his story.

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Benjamin Fowler embodies what it means to be resilient. Detailing the hardships he faced transitioning from incarceration to the reentry community, Benjamin describes how the Fire Camps and the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program gave him a second chance at a new life. Benjamin recounts the struggles and rewards of what it means to be an inmate firefighter, and how the love for his children and his community empowered him to never give up.

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From living in anguish thinking that a lifetime in prison is all that was left, to getting another chance at life with freedom through SB 1437, Ivy shares about the role that Homeboy Industries played in her life to overcome challenges that came after being released. Ivy faced obstacles with employment, housing, and navigation of different patriarcal systems that oppress women and limit their ability to succeed as free individuals.

Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @TraumaInformedLA on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.