Our Stories Matter

Yasmine Mohammed escaped religious extremism and now fights for human rights. In this preview, she reflects on the cost of freedom and why her story resonates on today’s campuses. Full episode drops Thursday, June 19th.

Shoval Tshuva, an Israeli filmmaker, shares her powerful story of resilience, creativity, and the painful reality of being silenced. In this episode, Shoval opens up about her short film Funky, which addresses sexual assault and was gaining recognition at film festivals—until she was abruptly canceled for being Israeli following October 7th. She discusses the disturbing erasure of Jewish and Israeli women’s experiences of sexual violence, despite mounting evidence and survivor testimonies. Shoval reflects on the broader implications of this silencing, particularly on college campuses, where survivors are often met with skepticism or denial. Her story sheds light on the double standards in advocacy, and the urgent need for truth, justice, and the unwavering belief in every survivor’s voice. 

Israeli filmmaker Shoval Tshuva shares the story behind her film Funky—and how she was canceled for being Israeli. A powerful episode about silencing, survival, and the fight to be heard. Full episode drops Thursday, June 12. 

Loay Alshareef, born and raised in Saudi Arabia, shares his personal journey of breaking free from extremist ideologies after a transformative encounter with a Jewish individual. In this episode, Loay reflects on the emotional and psychological toll of radicalism, the power of human connection, and the moment that sparked his curiosity and change. He also draws parallels between his experience and the rise of radical ideologies on college campuses, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue, critical thinking, and inclusive communities. Loay’s story is one of transformation, unity, and the hope that curiosity and compassion can counteract extremism.

Loay Alshareef’s life changed after a single conversation challenged years of extremist belief. This preview introduces his powerful story of transformation, empathy, and cross-cultural healing. Full episode drops Thursday, June 5th.

Eli Tsives, a loud and proud student activist at UCLA who has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, returns to the podcast alongside Naomi, founder of Jewish Pride Always and a passionate educator creating content grounded in facts and truth. Together, they embody the yin and yang of Jewish advocacy on college campuses—Eli leading visible counter-protests against antisemitism and radicalism, and Naomi driving awareness through education and fact-driven advocacy. In this episode, Eli shares the personal challenges and resilience required to confront rising Jew hate in academic and social spaces, while Naomi emphasizes the critical role of history, research, advocacy, and community support. Their complementary approaches highlight how diverse strategies unite to combat rising Jew hate, build solidarity, and support the mental health of Jewish students today. Their stories are a powerful testament to the impact of unified, multifaceted leadership.

Student activist Eli Tsives and Jewish Pride Always founder Naomi return to the podcast for a powerful conversation on advocacy, education, and resilience. Together, they represent the yin and yang of Jewish campus activism—combining bold protest with fact-based education to support Jewish students and build a united movement. Full episode drops Thursday, May 29. 

In this episode, Arno Michaelis, a former Neo-Nazi and author of My Life After Hate, and Mubin Shaikh, a former jihadist extremist turned counterterrorism expert, join this powerful episode to share their journeys from radicalization to redemption. Now colleagues at Parents 4 Peace, Arno and Mubin work as exit interventionists, helping individuals disengage from extremism and educating communities across North America about the warning signs of radicalization. They reflect on their personal transformations, the beliefs that once fueled their hatred, and the turning points that led them to leave extremist ideologies behind. Together, they draw striking parallels between the radical movements they once belonged to and the polarization growing on today’s college campuses. This episode is a moving exploration of change, accountability, and the urgent need for empathy and dialogue in confronting hate.

Former extremists Arno Michaelis and Mubin Shaikh open up about their journeys out of hate and into healing. This is a preview of an unforgettable conversation about change, compassion, and confronting radicalization. Full episode drops Thursday, May 22.

In this episode, Eden Yadegar, a senior at Columbia University, shares her journey as a leading advocate against antisemitism on college campuses. As president of Columbia's chapter of Students Supporting Israel, Eden has organized rallies and educational events to promote Jewish identity and push back against rising hostility. In November 2024, she testified before the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, offering powerful testimony about her experiences. She discusses her activism, the challenges she’s faced, and the methods she’s found most effective for fostering open, respectful dialogue in today’s polarized environment.