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Brought to you by Trauma Informed Learning Alliance, Our Stories Matter is a podcast celebrating the complex lived experiences of activists and healers by sharing their inspiring stories. Our Stories Matter centers on healing through activism, art, poetry, film, music, breath, movement, and more. Each guest brings a unique story, but one with the global theme of community healing and liberation through storytelling. As journalist Lauren Gilger profoundly states, “the power of the story will save us all.” Follow @TraumaInformedLA on Instagram for updates!
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Former FBI counterterrorism expert Lara Burns reveals how the radicalization she once tracked overseas is now taking root on America’s college campuses. Full episode premieres on June 26th.
Yasmine Mohammed, author of Unveiled: How Western Liberals Empower Radical Islam, shares her harrowing story of escaping religious fundamentalism and an arranged marriage to an Al-Qaeda terrorist. In this episode, Yasmine opens up about risking everything for the safety of her daughter, the emotional toll of living in hiding, and her ongoing fight for human rights. She draws powerful parallels between the extremism she fled and the rising hatred seen on college campuses today. Through her org...
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.
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,...
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 th...
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 t...
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 ac...
Eden Yadegar, a student leader at Columbia University, offers a glimpse into her fight against antisemitism and her testimony before Congress. Don’t miss her insights on activism, identity, and hope. Full episode drops Thursday, May 15.
Adela Cojab Moadeb, a Mexican-Jewish student activist and NYU graduate, shares her courageous journey of standing up against antisemitism and radicalism on college campuses—long before October 7th. In this episode, Adela reflects on her decision to sue her university, her experiences navigating intersectional identities, and her commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. She discusses the mental health impact of hate speech on Jewish students, the importance of interfaith solidari...
Adela Cojab shares her powerful journey of speaking out against antisemitism and radicalism on college campuses—long before October 7th. Hear a preview of her courageous activism and why her voice matters now more than ever. Full episode drops Thursday, May 8.
This season on Our Stories Matter, we’re confronting the mental health crisis and rising radicalization on college campuses. Students, survivors, and changemakers share powerful stories of resilience, resistance, and the courage to speak out in the face of hate. Season 6 premieres May 8th.
Lucy Aharish, an Arab-Israeli journalist, news anchor, television host, and mother, discusses how the events of October 7th have affected her personally and professionally. Aharish opens up with her struggles of reporting on atrocious, antisemtic acts. In addition, Aharish emphasizes the importance of education and critical thinking when it comes to engaging in meaningful discourse. She also talks about how it is her duty, as a journalist and civilian, to criticize her government and fight fo...
NBA player and mental health advocate Michael Sweetney and nonprofit leader Eric M. Rubin who is the Global Ambassador for the Maccabi World Union and the Executive Director of Project Max, demonstrate how taking action on dismantling hate is central to their healing. Sweetney, who is coaching at Yeshiva University, shifted the focus on his NBA career to mental health advocacy, and is using his platform to deliver wellness presentations focusing on inclusivity and mental well-being. Rubin, a ...
Amit Halpern Navigating a normal teenage life while also living through multiple wars, Amit Halpern describes how he is managing under such extreme circumstances. Demonstrating innate strength and resilience, he describes what it has been like to be alive through four wars. In addition, Halpern speaks to feeling safer in his identity while in Israel, even with an ongoing war, than he would in any other country, especially the United States due to the rampant anti-Semitism. Lastly, Halpern dis...
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