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Mohsin Modi-Ud-Din, founder and CEO of MeWe International, shares his innovative work using storytelling and communication to transform trauma in conflict zones including Gaza and Syrian refugee camps.

In this second part of our conversation you will hear more about how:

• MeWe International builds communication and storytelling interventions for psychological well-being and community engagement across 12+ countries
• Peace provides what war can't: justice and joy, which are essential for human flourishing
• Storytelling creates community, which keeps humans alive as a species
• Communication has been weaponized but should be reclaimed as a tool for transformation

About Mohsin Modi-Ud-Din:

Mohsin Modi-Ud-Din is an artist, activist, and Founder of #MeWe International Inc. (#MeWeIntl), a global non-profit that builds communications and storytelling interventions for psychological wellbeing, leadership development, and community engagement.

His work has received honors from SOLVE MIT and Open Ideo. Mohsin’s innovative work has reached thousands of people across more than 12 countries, beginning with his Fulbright Scholarship in 2010.

He has been a featured speaker at the World Economic Forum, United Nations, MIT, TEDx, and his work on #MeWeSyria has been published on UNHCR Innovation, VICE, and Al Jazeera.

How to find Mohsin:

• Instagram: @ allplacesfromhere 
• Website:   https://www.meweintl.org/  
• Facebook:   Mohsin Mohi Ud Din & MeWeIntl

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• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Stories we tell ourselves shape our relationships and psychological well-being. Mohsin Modi-Ud-Din shows how harmful narratives can erode mental health while transformative storytelling rebuilds connections across even the deepest divides. 

Listen to hear more about:

• Mohsin's experiences in Gaza with humanitarian medical missions 
• How storytelling interventions help trauma survivors reclaim their humanity
• Neuroplasticity and our brain's capacity for growth and transformation
• Cultivating curiosity to overcome fear in our relationships

"Every single human being is a living, breathing story of change. The second that we diminish or forget that, we risk having a very toxic culture, toxic family, toxic world and toxic beliefs because we're going against the essence of who we are."

About Mohsin:

Mohsin is an artist, activist, and Founder of #MeWe International Inc. (#MeWeIntl), a global non-profit that builds communications and storytelling interventions for psychological wellbeing, leadership development, and community engagement.

His work has received honors from SOLVE MIT and Open Ideo. Mohsin’s innovative work has reached thousands of people across more than 12 countries, beginning with his Fulbright Scholarship in 2010.

He has been a featured speaker at the World Economic Forum, United Nations, MIT, TEDx, and his work on #MeWeSyria has been published on UNHCR Innovation, VICE, and Al Jazeera.

How to find Mohsin:

• Instagram: @ allplacesfromhere 
• Website:   https://www.meweintl.org/  
• Facebook:   Mohsin Mohi Ud Din & MeWeIntl

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

Send us a text

At 18, Sophia chose prison over participating in occupation. "When you recognize you have a choice, you have responsibility for that choice." Her story reveals how militarism dehumanizes everyone it touches. 

 "Violence will only breed more violence." The only future we have is a future together." 

• Sophia Orr who spent 85 days in military prison for refusing to serve in the Israeli army. 

• Her courage challenges us to ask ourselves: Are we collaborators or resistors in systems of violence? What choices are we making with our privilege?

• Her refusal to join Israel's military wasn't just personal—it was a political act to break cycles of bloodshed. How are we using your voice to stand against dehumanization? 

Listen to her powerful story now!

Write a Letter of Support the two Conscientious Objectors who are serving their prison sentence now:

Ella Keider Greenburg: Write to her HERE

Netta Lannes Arbel: Write to him HERE

Find out more about Mesarvot

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

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• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Sofia Orr, a 19-year-old Israeli conscientious objector, shares her journey of refusing mandatory military service and spending 85 days in prison for her stance. Listen to hear how:

• Sofia began questioning military service at age 13, viewing it as a political choice rather than obligation
• She describes Israel as "more an army with a country than a country with an army" with military indoctrination beginning in childhood
• Sofia's prison experience revealed how military systems dehumanize everyone involved, including guards
• She rejects the notion that violence can solve the conflict: "There is no military solution to this"
  
  
  

You can find Sofia on Instagram @sofiorr7716 

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

Send us a text

Rita Brent blends comedy and advocacy, using her platform to address serious societal issues while promoting joy and connection. Through her journey from childhood musician to stand-up comedian, Rita emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, community support, and compassion in navigating life's challenges.

• Exploring the evolution from music to comedy 
• The significance of personal experiences in comedy 
• Balancing humor with advocacy through songs 
• Addressing critics and embracing authenticity 

About Rita:

Rita Brent is an award-winning comedian, musician, and military veteran. She grew up in Jackson, MS where she played music in Baptist churches alongside her mother. By 18, she joined the Army National Guard where she served as a drummer in the 41st Army Band, ending her time in service as a sergeant. She began her radio broadcasting career at WJSU 88.5 FM, and later spent six years at Mississippi Public Broadcasting as a host and producer. In 2013, she made a big leap into standup comedy. Nine years later, she has appeared on Comedy Central, truTV, Epix TV, LOL Network, Circle TV, CNN, and more. She wrote for the 73rd Primetime EMMY Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, The People's Choice Awards, and Stand Out: An LGBTQ Celebration on Netflix. In 2023, she became a first-time Writers Guild Awards Nominee in two categories. When she’s not on the road as a standup comedian, she’s an up and coming music performance artist. She’s a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

How to find Rita:

• Instagram: @ritabrentcomedy  
• YouTube: @RitaBrentComedy    
• Facebook: Rita Brent Comedy    
• Website: https://www.ritabrent.com/

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Educator and DEI expert Jebeh Edmunds breaks down what we don't know about DEI.

You'll learn:

• Where Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) originated.
• How to take action when you experience or witness discrimination in your school or community.
• Why our fight for justice, peace and equality is happening right now.

This episode delves into the historical context and contemporary relevance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), emphasizing the importance of understanding our past and actively engaging in the fight for equality. 

• DEI has historical roots dating back to the civil rights movement  
• Gender inequalities illustrate the ongoing struggle for equity 
• Emphasizes the role of personal responsibility in fighting injustice 
• Encourages listeners to speak up against discrimination  
• Draws lessons from history to inform future actions  
• DEI continues to be a relevant and necessary conversation 

About Jebeh Edmunds:

Jebeh is an energetic storyteller, full of smiles & dance moves, educator. She loves all things Multicultural and has shared her passion for educating her students and community for over 20 years. She loves good energy, her family, and all of life’s gifts and lessons. 

How to find Jebeh:

• Instagram: @culturallyjebeh_   
• YouTube: @mrs.edmundsculturalcorner2226     
• Facebook: Jebeh Cultural Consulting    
• Website: https://jebehedmunds.com/

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Part two of our conversation with Sharon delves into the essential role of hope in effecting positive change and combating the perils of cynicism. 

After you listen, you’ll know:

•  How to choose between hope and toxic positivity
•  3 ways to take one small action to make Big Changes.
• One powerful, underused tool you can start using immediately to kick cynicism to the curb.

About Sharon:
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and host of the chart-topping podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. Sharon's newsletter, The Preamble, is one of the largest publications on Substack, where she provides historical context and non-partisan insights to help readers navigate today’s political landscape. 

IG: @sharonsaysso 

What do practitioners of peacemaking and change agents like Sharon and Diana think about:

• Exploring the distinction between hope and toxic positivity  
• Understanding cynicism and its impact on motivation 
• The significance of communal joy in fostering connections  
• The necessity of rest and boundaries in sustaining engagement 
• Emphasizing individual agency in the face of systemic challenges 
• Recognizing the power of committing to one's purpose 

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Sharon McMahon, America's Government Teacher and creator of Sharon Says So, joins Diana to discuss being Minnesotan,  complexities of cultural identity and its relationship with democracy, focusing on how allegiance to group identity can overshadow commitments to national values. 

Through an engaging discussion, Sharon & Diana underscore the importance of hope and the power of making meaningful change.  

• Exploration of white evangelicalism as a cultural identity 
• The tension between cultural membership and national allegiance 
• The role of discomfort in driving change and progress 
• Bryan Stevenson’s perspective on hope as a choice 
• The need for visionary leadership in shaping future solutions

About Sharon:
A #1 New York Times bestselling author, educator, and host of the chart-topping podcast Here’s Where It Gets Interesting. Sharon's newsletter, The Preamble, is one of the largest publications on Substack, where she provides historical context and non-partisan insights to help readers navigate today’s political landscape. 

IG: @sharonsaysso 

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

Send us a text

Read a book by a teenage author lately?

You will now!

Zion Lester is a teenage author who wrote a children's book with Big Ideas about homelessness. "Zion Learns to See" is her newest book co-written with her Dad Dr. Terence Lester, Found of Love Beyond Walls.  An organization raising awareness and advocacy for those experiencing poverty and homelessness.

This episode we learn from  Zion, a young author who, alongside her father, Dr. Terence Lester, is making strides in awareness and advocacy for our neighbors experiencing homelessness.

Zion shares her journey from observing her father's dedication to spearheading initiatives in her school, in second grade!

The power of storytelling and the unique lens through which children view the world can lead to profound community impact.

The heart of our discussion beats to the rhythm of kindness, compassion, and justice—values that Zion practices through her advocacy work. This dynamic duo celebrates  power of family bonds in inspiring  change-makers and influencing our next generation to wage peace and make our world more just, connected and equal.

As we wrap up, we celebrate Zion's literary feat with her book, "Zion Learns to See," and encourage our audience to support her passion to change how we see ordinary people experiencing homelessness. Parents, grab a tissue because you are going to witness the most impactful words we can tell our kids, "I See You".

Support a Teen Author with a big message: buy her book HERE.

Find out more about Love Beyond Walls

Follow Zion @ZionJoyLester

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.

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Imagine a world where the strongest force isn't violence, but Peace. 

Dr. Reverend Vonnetta West is a force. Her work is reshaping hate and conflict with the power of Kingian Non-Violence. As a Senior Trainer at The King Center in Atlanta, a Consultant training us to work for justice in our workplace or in Liberia in the school she founded to positively impact youth.

She  joins us to illuminate the transformative power of Kingian nonviolence, a force that remains as potent today as it did during the civil rights movement. 

Dr. West challenges us to break free from the norm, daring us to become "creatively maladjusted" and "transformed nonconformists" in a society often blinded by hate and division. 

This episode promises to reshape your perspective on conflict, encouraging a deeper understanding of nonviolence as a practical tool for change, rather than a mere ideal.

Confront the harsh realities of hate and understand the necessity of a committed nonviolent stance through this episode's penetrating insights. We tackle the horrors of the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and more, examining how maintaining our humanity is essential in the face of violence that seeks to define our norms. By discussing the role of social media in desensitizing us to brutality and the challenges of upholding peace, you'll be drawn into a profound reflection on our moral responsibilities and the power of nonviolence in preserving our shared humanity.

In our final chapter with Dr. West, we're inspired by the King Center's educational programs that breathe new life into the strategies of the 1960s civil rights movement and their enduring relevance today. We explore the beloved community's vision and the six steps of nonviolence in a way that's both enlightening and actionable. By the end of this episode, you'll not only have a greater appreciation for the complexities of waging peace but also be equipped with the knowledge and conviction to stand against violence in all its forms and declare yourself a peacemaker.

This is a growing podcast, will you take 30 seconds and help us?

Yes! I will sign up to get the newest episode delivered by owl to my inbox!

Heck yeah! I will leave a review because I know how much it help

• Raising my hand to get Diana's writing on substack
• Follow Diana on Social Media @dianaoestreich
• Yes, I want free tools from The Waging Peace Project!
• Buy our book Waging Peace, One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First to support Veterans, peacemaking and stories that are changing the world.
• Find our Merch here, and Wear Your Peace.
• Bring a Waging Peace Keynote or Workshop to your school, organization, or faith community.