Freedom Writers Podcast

What does it take to become the first person in your family to go to college? In this special episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, scholarship recipients from across the Freedom Writers community share their journeys through higher education. From overcoming financial and personal obstacles to finding mentors who believed in them, their stories reveal the courage, persistence, and hope required...

The latest installment of our “Tea with Ms. G” Livestream Series is now available here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. Listen to a vulnerable and powerful conversation about mental health featuring Professor and sociologist Dr. Tom Reifer, Freedom Writer Teacher Meghan Abruzzo, and original Freedom Writer Mauricio “Tony” Becerra. Hosted by Erin Gruwell, also known as Ms. G, this thoughtful roundta...

The third installment of our "Tea with Ms. G" Livestream Series is once again re-broadcast here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. Listen to an enlightening and moving conversation with experts on all aspects of the autism spectrum. Our roundtable features two published Freedom Writer authors who are on the autism spectrum themselves, CarolAnn Edscorn and Jayden Braddock, and one inspiring Freedom Wr...

This is "Tea with Ms. G": a Livestream series hosted by Erin Gruwell and featuring some of the best and brightest minds in the Freedom Writers community. On February 23, 2026, we had a courageous conversation with Freedom Writer Teachers Cameron Lymon and Dr. Robert Hill with original Freedom Writer Latilla Cain. This is that roundtable discussion in honor of Black History Month 2026. Our panelist...

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, host Erin Gruwell, affectionately known as Ms. G, launches a new series titled "Tea with Miss G," designed to facilitate courageous conversations on pressing societal issues. The inaugural episode brings together a diverse panel of activists, educators, and original Freedom Writers to tackle the complexities surrounding immigration and custo...

In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, something unexpected happens. During a visit to Green Valley High School, what began as a classroom exercise turned into an unscripted podcast—led entirely by students. Original Freedom Writer Melvin Logan responds in real time to their thoughtful questions, reflecting on growing up in Long Beach amid gang violence, navigating loss at home, and the c...

In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Sharaud Moore—the student whose experience of bullying in Room 203 ultimately sparked the movement that would become Freedom Writers. Growing up in Long Beach surrounded by gang violence and hampered by the low expectations placed on young African American men, Sharaud learned early how to protect h...

Different by Design with Ian Terrell by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Adriana “AD” Flores, a 20-year veteran educator who has dedicated her career to teaching History, Latino Studies, and Ethnic Studies in Long Beach, California. The daughter of immigrant parents from Zacatecas, Mexico, AD reflects on her childhood experiences navigating integrated schools, the lesson...

In this powerful episode, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Michael Bongiorno to explore his journey from trauma and addiction to healing and hope. After losing his home in a wildfire and battling alcoholism as a teen, Michael found strength in writing, recovery, and service. Now 21 years sober, he shares his passion for health, mentorship, and helping others rewrite their storie...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by Original Freedom Writer Yadira Aluiso and her son, Raudell, affectionately known as “the Doctor.” Together, they share a heartfelt conversation about the sacrifices of immigrant families, the transformative power of education, and the multigenerational legacy of the Freedom Writers.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Erin Gruwell sits down with Original Freedom Writer Brenda Zambrano to explore a story of survival, generational healing, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her children. Brenda bravely recounts her journey as an undocumented child crossing the border from Mexico, navigating life in a new country with fear, silence, and a sign around her nec...

In this moving episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, host Erin Gruwell is joined by Freedom Writer Cynthia Ray-De La Vega. Cynthia courageously shares her extraordinary journey from a childhood marked by instability, food insecurity, and her mother’s untreated mental illness, to finding healing and purpose in Room 203. Her resilience led her to sobriety, academic success, and a master's degree i...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writer Erica Alcaraz for an intimate conversation about courage, empathy, and storytelling. As a teenager in Room 203, Erica penned Diary #62, a raw yet eloquent account of childhood sexual abuse, featured in "The Freedom Writers Diary." Decades later, her words continue to resonate, empowering survivors aro...

On this episode, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Norma Bravo-Lemler for a powerful conversation about family, identity, and the long road to realizing your dreams. As an undocumented student, Norma’s college plans were put on hold — not because of grades, but because of a missing nine-digit number. But what began as heartbreak became fuel for her journey to motherhood, citizens...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, and Sonia Rezkalah, an original Freedom Writer who now serves as the Administrator of Family Engagement at the Riverside County Office of Education. Both guests share their powerful immigrant journeys, Dr. Gomez from Peru and Sonia from Nicaragua, and how education...

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Dr. Jessica Martinez to explore the power of persistence and the transformative nature of second chances. Dr. Martinez reflects on her early years navigating a childhood shaped by her parents’ teen marriage, her family’s struggles with instability, and the extended periods she spent separated from h...

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Chirece Noonan to explore her journey from maintaining a perfect facade to embracing authentic connection. As a cheerleader who traveled 45 minutes by bus to attend Wilson High School, Chirece shares profound insights about navigating her parents' divorce, finding sanctuary in Room 203, and transfor...

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Kanya Sim to explore her extraordinary journey from surviving her family's escape from genocide to becoming an advocate for love and resilience. Kanya shares intimate stories about her refugee experience, her role bridging cultures in Long Beach's Cambodian community, and how Buddhist teachings have...

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Donald McFee to explore his unique journey navigating cultural identity, family dynamics, and generational transformation. As a light-skinned Latino with a Scottish last name growing up in predominantly Hispanic Wilmington, Donald shares profound insights about overcoming childhood trauma, breaking...

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Tanya Payne to discuss her experiences growing up in Long Beach, navigating systemic inequality, and discovering the power of community. Tanya reflects on the life lessons she learned through failure, the importance of tough love, and how finding her place within the Freedom Writers helped her embra...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Calvin Williams III, a Freedom Writer whose journey from adversity to advocacy is a testament to resilience and transformation. Calvin shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped his path, from grappling with childhood bullying and living with grand mal seizures, to becoming a champion for empathy and inclusivity. As t...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Madaline "Maddy" Hentz, a Freedom Writer whose journey from silent struggle to vocal advocate is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Madaline opens up about her battle with depression and a suicide attempt, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. She shares how writing and community support became her lifelines,...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Tye Leggins, a Freedom Writer who has transformed his life from a troubled teen to a passionate advocate for change. Tye shares his journey of overcoming trauma and personal struggles, emphasizing the power of empathy and self-acceptance. He also discusses the critical role of breaking cycles of violence, healing generational...

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell speaks with Trayvon Carter, an original Freedom Writer who has transformed his life from the basketball courts of Long Beach to a successful career in real estate. Trayvon shares his journey of overcoming racial profiling and systemic barriers, highlighting the critical role of mentorship, financial literacy, and community empowerment. H...