Everyday Nonviolence Podcast

In a wide-ranging discussion with host Jarren Peterson Dean, acclaimed authors Stanley Kusunoki and Kao Kalia Yang discuss the power art has to speak the truth and connect us to our shared humanity. They provide intimate examples of how their courageous storytelling has impacted their own and their audiences’ perspectives and lives.   Stanley Kusunoki, whose Japanese American parents were incarcerated in the U.S. internment camps during World War II, is the author of three collections of poetry; 180 Days, Reflections and Observations of a Teacher; Items in the News; and Shelter in Place—Poems in a Time of COVID-19. He has taught creative writing to young people through programs at The Loft, Asian American Renaissance, Intermedia Arts, and S.A.S.E., Among his honors, he was awarded a MN State Arts board "Cultural Collaboration" grant to create, write and perform "Beringia-The Land Bridge Project" with Ojibwe performance poet, Jamison Mahto at Intermedia Arts. He is the co-host/curator of the Literary Bridges reading series at Next Chapter Booksellers in St. Paul. He most recently was the High Potential Coordinator at Red Oak Elementary School in Shakopee.  Kao Kalia Yang is a Hmong American teacher, speaker, and writer. She is the award-winning author of the memoirs, The Latehomecomer, The Song Poet, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and Where Rivers Part. Yang co-edited the groundbreaking book, What God is Honored Here?: Writings on Miscarriage and Infant Loss By and For Native Women and Women of Color. Yang is a librettist for The Song Poet Opera (commissioned by the MN Opera). She has also written several children’s books that center around Hmong children who live in our world, who dream and hurt and hope in it. Yang’s work has been recognized by numerous organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Chautauqua Prize, the PEN USA literary awards, the Dayton’s Literary Peace Prize, as Notable Books by the American Library Association, Kirkus Best Books of the Year, the Heartland Bookseller’s Award, and garnered four Minnesota Book Awards.  Additional information is available on their respective websites: poeteacher.com and kaokaliayang.com. This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

Millions of life-threatening Unexploded Cluster Munitions and Other Ordnance (UXO) continue to hold the land of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam hostage. Legacies of War is the only U.S.-based educational and advocacy organization dedicated to increasing awareness about the American Secret War in Laos and U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia. They are also actively engaged in securing funding for the safe removal of the remaining UXO. In this episode, Host Jarren Peterson speaks with Danae Hendrickson, Chief of Mission Advancement and Communications, about the Lao-led organization's efforts and successes. Danae talks about the organization's beginnings, current focus, and future plans. She also shares her personal awakening to the ongoing devastation of her mother’s homeland and commitment to action. When not combing through declassified documents, Danae enjoys cooking, hiking and bird watching with her two-year-old son. More information and additional resources can be found at: https://www.legaciesofwar.org/ This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by Hugo Rejas and PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Kyle Tran Myhre (aka Guante) is a poet and activist whose work explores the relationships between narrative, power, and resistance. He’s performed at the United Nations, been a member of two National Poetry Slam championship teams, and visited countless colleges, conferences, and festivals, using spoken word and storytelling as doorways into critical dialogue. In this episode, host Emily Roe speaks with Kyle about his work in the social justice space, discussing the importance of community, art, and engagement when working to facilitate change.  Learn more about Kyle at www.guante.info Find Kyle’s latest book at Not a Lot of Reasons to Sing, But Enough This episode was hosted and produced by Emily Roe with audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

George Lakey's unwavering dedication to using nonviolence to create a more just world began with his first arrest during the Civil Rights Movement and continues today with his leadership in campaigns for climate justice. In this episode, George speaks with host PJ Hoffman as he reflects on his career as an activist. George Lakey offers wise insights and resources for creating social change, even in times of great polarization.   Find George’s recent memoir here: Dancing with History: a life for peace and justice. Other books mentioned in this episode include: How We Win: A Guide to Nonviolent Direct Action Campaigning, Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians Got It Right-and How We Can, Too, and Toward a Living Revolution: A Five-Stage Framework for Creating Radical Social Change.   George Lakey launched the Global Nonviolent Action Database with his students at Swarthmore College to provide free access to information about hundreds of cases of nonviolent action, from all continents and most countries, for learning and for citizen action.  This episode was hosted by PJ Hoffman and produced by Solomon Collins, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

Isuroon is a women-led, community-driven organization motivated by the belief that Somali women and girls deserve to be healthy and have a strong voice. In this episode, host Iman Shukri speaks with Isuroon’s Founder and CEO, Fartun Weli, about the language and literacy barriers, racism, sexism, religious intolerance and health disparities that Somali women in Minnesota face. Fartun shares the relational strategies Isuroon uses to remove Somali women and their families from the poverty conveyor belt so that they can lead healthier, more productive lives in Minnesota and globally. Additional information about Isuroon is available at isuroon.org This episode was hosted and produced by Iman Shukri with audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

Angel Dawson is a Licensed Autism Spectrum Disorder teacher and a Restorative Practices Coordinator for an Intermediate district in the Twin Cities metro area. She has over five years of experience facilitating trainings for restorative practices in Special Education. She is dedicated to connecting people for the betterment of educating the next generation of youth and addressing educational trauma. Angel speaks with host Jarren Peterson Dean about her passion for building community. She shares how restorative practices create racial equity in schools and support learning environments where staff and students can thrive.  Additional information on restorative practices in Minnesota schools is available at: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/dse/safe/prac/ FNVW's Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops are grounded in restorative principles. Learn more about youth and adult AVP workshop opportunities in Minnesota and discover how to become an AVP workshop facilitator at: fnvw.org/avp This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by PJ Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

Part two of a two-part Everyday Nonviolence Series addressing gun violence in Minnesota. Host Jarren Dean speaks with Maggiy Emery, Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, about bills passed during the 2023 state legislative session and the organization’s other efforts to address gun violence. Maggiy also shares actions each of us can take to help prevent gun violence in our community. Maggiy is an activist passionate about creating just communities. She has worked with a variety of organizations including the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, The Open Door, Safe Hands Rescue, Healthcare for All Minnesota, Greener Pastures and the Andrew Goodman Foundation.  Additional information about the organizations/resources referenced in this episode can be found at: Protect Minnesota: https://protectmn.org/ The Violence Project: https://www.theviolenceproject.org Moms Demand Action: https://momsdemandaction.org/ This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with editing by Laurel Osterkamp and audio engineering by Hugo Rejas Pinelo. Music generously donated by Bensound.com. 

ConnextMSP was built to ensure that young professionals of color in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region are recruited, hired, and supported by local employers as they launch their careers. This is a critical lever for addressing the harm caused by the racial inequities of our current economic systems, advancing inclusive economic growth, and building a 21st century workforce in our region. Join Everyday Nonviolence host Naomi Gedey as she speaks with Roshandra Brown about ConnextMSP's Talent Network. Roshandra Brown served as the ConnextMSP Network Manager for three years prior to starting her role as the Director of Development and Scholarship Programs at the Minnesota Private College Fund in April 2023. Additional information on ConnextMSP is available at connextmsp.org   This episode was hosted and produced by Naomi Gedey with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by Bensound.com

Part one of a two part Everyday Nonviolence Series addressing gun violence in Minnesota Mary Lewis Grow and Martha (Marti) Micks speak with Host Jarren Peterson Dean about their work as co-chairs on Minnesota's League of Women Voters' (LWVMN) recent study on Firearms. In 1990 LWVMN adopted its first position paper on the issue and is now finalizing an updated version. Our guests share LWVMN's analysis of firearms in Minnesota and discuss what can be done at the legislative level to address the gun violence epidemic in our state.  Listen in to gain a deeper understanding of LWVMN's firearms policy recommendations which include: instituting red flag laws, banning assault weapons, requiring universal background checks, defining ghost guns and 3D printed weapons as firearms, funding community-based gun violence intervention and prevention programs, state licensing of firearm dealers, funding firearms violence research, and opposing stand your ground laws.  Mary Lewis Grow has been involved in the issue of gun violence for many years including roles as: Founder and National Director of the Student Pledge Against Gun Violence; Board Member Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence; Board Member and Co-founder of Citizens for a Safer Minnesota (now Protect Minnesota); and Co-author of MN League of Women Voters publication, Facts and Issues: The Sale, Use, and Possession of Firearms in Minnesota,1990. She taught at Smith College, St. Olaf, and Tufts University and served as Associate Director of the Career Center at Carleton College. Marti Micks has been a social studies teacher with the Osseo School District and served eight years on the Golden Valley City Council, and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority. She also worked as a civilian management analyst for the U.S. Army in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. A League member since 1976, Micks was president of LWVMN (2018-2019) and is currently president of LWV Golden Valley, Secretary of the Council of Metropolitan Area Leagues.  Additional information on LWVMN is available at lwvmn.org This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by Hugo Rejas.   Music generously donated by Bensound.com.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

The gains made by the Civil Rights Movement under Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership demonstrate what can be accomplished through strategic nonviolent action. But how much do we really know about MLK and the nonviolent activism of the Civil Rights Movement? How do we continue to move King’s vision forward in our world today? Join host Jarren Peterson Dean and guest Peter Digitale Anderson in an exploration of the moral values and beliefs that guided MLK's life and activism. Each episode in this series features one of the six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence and includes queries for further reflection.    Peter Digitale Anderson is the Director of Formation for Peace Catalyst International, where he trains and coaches activists in skills for peacebuilding, nonviolence, and community organizing. He lives with his family in Minneapolis where he organizes for racial justice and facilitates racial healing circles. He loves to go on new adventures with his kids to explore all there is to do in this city.   Further information about Peace Catalyst International is available on their website at www.peacecatalyst.org.    This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Leah Robshaw Robinson, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are highlighting the work of St. Paul-based Women’s Advocates, which has been providing shelter and other services for victim-survivors of domestic violence for 50 years. Women's Advocates uses the tools of "radical hospitality, advocacy and collective action" to work towards a community free from violence, where all are safe and can live productive and healthy lives.  In this episode, Jarren Peterson Dean speaks with three staff members: Mary Beth Becker-Lauth, Community Education and Outreach Manager; Roxy Walker, Manager of Shelter Advocacy; and Executive Director, Estelle Brouwer to learn more about domestic violence and how Women's Advocates helps break the cycle of abuse. Further information about the organization is available on their website: https://www.wadvocates.org. The annual report on homicides related to relationship abuse produced by Violence Free Minnesota can be found here: https://www.vfmn.org. This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by bensound.com.

In this episode, Jarren Peterson Dean speaks with Mike Alberti, Managing Director of the Minnesota Prison Writing Workshop (MPWW). Founded in 2011, MPWW is now the largest and most enduring prison-based literary organization in the country. It fosters literary community and a devotion to art inside Minnesota correctional facilities through high-quality creative writing classes and related programming. Mike has been an administrator for MPWW since 2016, when he graduated from the University of Minnesota with his MFA in Creative Writing. Mike’s fiction has been published in many venues, and his first book, Some People Let You Down, won the 2020 Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction. In addition to teaching classes with MPWW, he is a member of the faculty at Century College. More information about MPWW is available here:  https://mnprisonwriting.org This episode was hosted by Jarren Peterson Dean and produced by Charlotte Sebastian, with audio engineering by P.J. Hoffman. Music generously donated by bensound.com

In this episode, we hear from two women whose lives have been dramatically impacted by gun violence.    Jarren Peterson Dean is a special education teacher living in Plymouth, MN with her husband and young son.  In 2014, Jarren's boyfriend, James, was shot and killed near their home in Minneapolis. Jaren has been involved in a variety of social justice issues, including restorative justice, which she talks about in this episode.  Shannon Johnson lives in rural Chisago County and works as a client support team manager for a technology company. In 2017, Shannon’s dad, Donn, was killed by their neighbor less than a ¼ of a mile from their family’s farm in rural Minnesota. Shannon and her dad shared a love of outdoor activities, such as hunting and sport shooting. She is an advocate for sensible laws that allow for responsible gun ownership, while preventing the sort of tragedy she and her family has experienced.    Jarren and Shannon received Survivor Fellowships from Everytown for Gun Safety, which allowed them to learn how to use their experiences as a force for positive change, working with Moms Demand Action to end gun violence. More stories of victims and survivors can be found here.

In this episode of Everyday Nonviolence, we learn about the extraordinary work being done by the Eagle’s Healing Nest, an organization located in Sauk Center, Minnesota, dedicated to serving veterans dealing with the invisible wounds of war.” Host Ellery McCardle speaks with Melony Butler, Founder, Chair and Director; Mike Dunfe, a former resident; and Alec Embree, who currently lives at “The Nest.” The conversation includes a discussion of the Nest's ongoing collaboration with Friends for a NonViolent World (FNVW) to provide Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) workshops to residents. More information about the Eagle’s Healing Nest is available at https://eagleshealingnest.org. To learn more about AVP-MN: http://www.fnvw.org/avp. Music generously donated by bensound.com.

In this episode, the Everyday Nonviolence podcast explores the painful history of Indigenous Boarding Schools. We also share examples of what is being done by faith communities to address the harm caused by these church-run schools. Host Diane Sandberg speaks first with Paula Palmer, Co-Director of “Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples,” about her research into Quaker-run schools and the multi-generational damage these institutions wrought on Native communities. In a second conversation, Elona Street-Stewart, Ruling Elder and synod executive in the Presybterian Church (USA), talks with Diane about Restorative Actions, a Twin Cities initiative that invites predominantly white churches to voluntarily return the wealth that they accrued from systemic inequities back to Afro-American and Indigenous communities.  Both guests offer a variety of ways for individuals and religious communities to support and learn from Indigenous people. ABOUT THE GUESTS Paula Palmer is a sociologist, writer, and activist for human rights, social justice, and environmental protection.  As co-director of Toward Right Relationship with Native Peoples, a program of Friends Peace Teams, she created and facilitates workshops on the “Roots of Injustice, Seeds of Change: Toward Right Relationship with America’s Native Peoples” (for adults) and “Re-Discovering America: Understanding Colonization” (for middle schools and high schools). As the 2016 Pendle Hill Cadbury Scholar, she conducted research and produced articles and videos about the role Quakers played during the era of the Indian Boarding Schools. Paula is a recipient of the Elise Boulding Peacemaker of the Year Award from the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center; the Jack Gore Memorial Peace Award from the American Friends Service Committee; the International Human Rights Award from the United Nations Association of Boulder County; and the Multicultural Award in the “Partners” category from the Boulder County Community Action Programs.   For more information about the Toward Right Relationship ministry, please see friendspeaceteams.org/trr Elona Street-Stewart, a Delaware Nanticoke tribal member, is a Ruling Elder and Executive of the Presbyterian Church (USA) Synod of Lakes and Prairies following 20 years of service as synod staff for racial ethnic ministries and community empowerment. She has served on numerous Minnesota boards and Indigenous community organizations, including the Board of Education of Saint Paul Public Schools and the MN Council of Churches. In June, she was elected Co-Moderator of the 224th General Assembly (2020), Presbyterian Church USA, along with Gregory Bentley, pastor of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, Huntsville, Alabama, becoming the first American Indian to this position.  Macalester College conferred an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for Elona in June 2021.  A 37-year resident of Minnesota, she and her husband have four adult children and 4 grandchildren.   More information about the Restorative Actions Core Team is available here: https://restorativeactions.org/   Music generously donated by bensound.com