Freedom Writers Podcast

On this week’s episode, Erin Gruwell interviews Congresswomen Nanette Diaz Barragán who currently represents California’s 44th congressional district. They discuss Congresswoman Barragán’s empowering journey to the United States House of Representative as a first generation American and Congresswoman Barragán’s trips to the US-Mexico border. As the Chair of the House’s subcommittee on Border Secur...

During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, hotelier Paul Rusesabagina harbored over 1,200 refugees at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali, the capitol of Rwanda. After the genocide, Paul Rusesabagina wrote about this experience in his book, An Ordinary Man. His story was later adapted into the 2004 film, Hotel Rwanda, starring Academy Award nominated actor Don Cheadle. Following a failed assassination a...

In the midst of widespread protests and civil unrest following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at the hands of four now-charged police officers, Freedom Writers felt compelled to rally together for a "town hall" style live broadcast we're calling "Healing from Hurting." Having come together once before in the aftermath of the LA Riots sparked by the Rodney King verdict...

In the wake of widespread protests and civil unrest following the tragic murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis Minnesota at the hands of four now-charged police officers, Freedom Writers felt compelled to rally together for a "town hall" style live broadcast we're calling "Healing from Hurting." Having come together in the aftermath of the LA Riots that precipitated from the Rodney King verdict in...

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will be inspired by House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. During the COVID-19 crisis, Congressman Hoyer and his colleagues on Capitol Hill are working hard to protect everyone from this terrible disease. Congressman Hoyer takes us back to his early life to explain his path to becoming an influential public policymaker....

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will be uplifted by the amazing stories covered by reporter, Steve Hartman. During the COVID-19 crisis, Steve and his family are producing "Kindness 101," an educational series where Steve transforms from a reporter into a teacher. Using segments from Steve's career at CBS News, "Kindness 101" aims to teach children...

In this new episode of our Freedom Writers Podcast COVID-19 mini-series, listeners will get a behind the scenes look into the journalism world from Gary Tuchman, a 30 year CNN veteran reporter. Gary recounts some of his most impactful memories from his time at CNN, and shares some stories from the field as he continues to cover the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. Whether it be at Ground Zer...

In this new Freedom Writers Podcast mini-series, listeners will get first hand accounts from the professionals addressing the Coronavirus / COVID-19 crisis. In this episode, registered nurse (and original Freedom Writer) Calvin Vanderhoff shares his horrifying experiences from the front lines of the battle against this deadly disease. These stories are gritty and horrifying, but will give you grea...

On today's episode, Erin speaks with actor, director, producer and activist Danny DeVito. Danny discusses the roles that have defined his career and the projects that have allowed him to shape lives. Danny's story is a testament to the importance of charity, generosity and compassion, and we hope this conversation leaves you feeling enlightened and empowered to make a difference.

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and activist Nare Garibyan about the horrific Armenian genocide, and the lasting impact of the genocide 105 years later. Nare discusses how the Armenian diaspora work to support genocide education and recognition, and why many countries still do not acknowledge the Armenian genocide. This is a highly complex and controversial topic, but regardless of your...

In this episode, Erin Gruwell is joined by world renowned model and body positivity activist, Tess Holliday. Tess shares her experiences growing up in a small Mississippi town while dealing with the trauma of body shaming and bullying. She also shares what it was like navigating a heinous act of violence against her mother and how she overcame those obstacles to chase her dreams. Today she's best...

In this episode, Erin Gruwell speaks with actor and activist, Patrick Dempsey. Patrick speaks about what it was like to grow up with a learning disability, and the steps that he hopes educators can use to make their classrooms more accessible to all students. This interview was originally broadcast as part of the Freedom Writers Foundation's Toast for Change fundraiser. To watch that broadcast or...

In today’s show, Erin is joined by author and former White House speechwriter, David Litt. David’s new book, Democracy in One Book for Less, was released earlier this summer, and humorously discusses the ways in which American democracy has changed since its founding and how we can work together to fix the problems in our democracy today. This vivacious discussion comedically covers many aspects o...

In this episode, join Erin Gruwell as she a courageous conversation with two original Freedom Writers, Tye Leggins and Shanate Jones. They share their experiences as African-American parents, activists and veterans living during the age of #BlackLivesMatter. The episode concludes with Dr. Robert Hill, the Vice President of Student Services at Everett Community College. Dr. Hill shares with us his...

On this episode, Erin speaks with California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond. In this episode She asks Tony how he handles the daunting task of leading over 10,000 schools and 6 million students back to some semblance of a classroom amidst a global pandemic; waves of peaceful protest and civil unrest in the wake of the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor; and the pa...

On this episode, Erin speaks with an extraordinary mother, a prolific author, and award winning educator Esther Wojcicki. With the release of her acclaimed second book, How to Raise Successful People, Esther parallels her parenting skills from her home with her teaching tactics from her classroom. This award winning Journalism teacher and former California Teacher of the Year, has good reason to w...

On this episode, Erin speaks with educator and anti-racism advocate Jane Elliott about her seminal “Blue Eye / Brown Eye” exercise with her third grade students in Riceville, Iowa. Jane discusses how the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr inspired her to educate her students about the effects of racism and how she has made it her life’s mission to encourage others to see only one race - the human...

On this episode, Erin speaks with actress Pat Carroll about her role as Miep Gies in the 2007 feature film, Freedom Writers. Pat discusses what it was like to portray such a renowned character, gives insight into her job as an actor, and explores her infamous role as Ursula in The Little Mermaid. Following Erin’s conversation with Pat Carroll, original Freedom Writer, Narada Comans, reflects on th...

On our first episode of 2020, Erin speaks with the co-founder of Anne Frank LA and owner of the boutique talent management firm, Margrit Polak Management, Margrit Polak, whose parents fell madly in love during World War II while imprisoned at Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Margrit offers insight into the lives of Holocaust survivors both during and after the war and speaks about the culture of...

On our final episode of 2019, Erin talks with an innovative performance artist named Jinahie; a decorated and passionate educator, Dr. Precious Simonette; and her award-winning slam poet proteges, the “Viking Freedom Writers”. With grace and humility, our guests share some of their most personal stories and heartfelt poems, and discuss the beauty of self-expression through spoken word. Show Notes:...

On this episode, Erin talks with renowned author, poet, and playwright, Gary Soto. With wisdom and wit, Gary recounts the academic struggles of his youth, his discovery of great poets and authors, and how he ultimately found his own life calling as an author with over 40 published works. Together they explore the writing process and delve into the themes, images, and metaphors in Gary’s work. This...

On this episode, Erin talks with acclaimed author and educator Rosalind Wiseman. Rosalind explains the importance of involving teenagers in the analysis of their social lives, explores the over-simplification of teens’ complex problems, and illuminates how we can create cultures of dignity within our classrooms and communities. Rosalind’s insights into the social systems of teenagers are relevant...

Erin shares her conversation with Mohamed Sidibay, a former child soldier from Sierra Leone who is now a peace activist and advocate for human rights. Mohamed tells the story of his abduction by the Revolutionary United Front and the four and a half brutal years he spent in captivity. He also explains how he ultimately overcame the hardships of his past, immigrated to America, and now provides leg...

Erin talks with news anchor and renowned reporter Connie Chung about the role of journalism in affecting societal change and how to seek truth in all aspects of our lives. Connie discusses the challenges she faced throughout her career, why curiosity is the key to good journalism, and how journalism should be used to shine a light on truth. Erin and Connie also reflect on the life-changing experie...

This episode celebrates the television launch of our long-awaited documentary, “Freedom Writers: Stories from the Heart.” You’ll hear from the dynamic director and producer, Don Hahn, and a panel of four Freedom Writers who are featured in the film -- Sue Ellen Alpizar, Mauricio Tony Becerra, Latilla Cain, and Narada Comans. By telling their stories in the documentary, the Freedom Writers are putt...