Our Stories Matter

💔 How do you choose peace, humanity, and coexistence in the face of devastating grief? In this episode of Campus Voices: Civil Engagement in an Era of Division from Our Stories Matter, Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, Gazan-American writer, peace advocate, Founder of Realign For Palestine, and Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, shares a deeply personal conversation about grief, identity, extremism, coex...

🤐 What happens when students and professors are too afraid to speak honestly on college campuses? In this episode of Campus Voices: Civil Engagement in an Era of Division from Our Stories Matter, journalists Maya Sulkin and Frannie Block of The Free Press discuss free speech, self-censorship, academic freedom, ideological echo chambers, and the growing culture of silence in higher education. This...

🚨 What happens when college campuses stop being places for open dialogue, civil discourse, and student safety? In this episode of Campus Voices: Civil Engagement in an Era of Division from Our Stories Matter, Dr. Ayal Feinberg, Director of the Center for Holocaust Studies and Human Rights at Gratz College and Associate Professor of Political Science & Antisemitism Studies, and Anila Ali, Paki...

Can people with deeply different identities and perspectives still stay connected through dialogue? In this powerful season premiere of Our Stories Matter: Campus Voices – Civil Engagement in an Era of Division , Heidi Basch-Harod and Nada Higuera share an intimate conversation about identity, grief, and the possibility of understanding across one of the most difficult global divides. Heidi, the d...

In this riveting episode, we sit down with Lara Burns, a former FBI counterterrorism expert, for a deep dive into the evolution of terrorism—from the attacks of September 11, 2001, to the emerging threats we see on today’s college campuses. With decades of experience tracking radicalization and confronting violent extremism, Lara brings a sharp, informed lens to the disturbing parallels between gl...

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 be...

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.

Shoval Tshuva, an Israeli filmmaker, shares her powerful story of resilience, creativity, and the painful reality of being silenced. In this episode, Shoval opens up about her short film Funky , which addresses sexual assault and was gaining recognition at film festivals—until she was abruptly canceled for being Israeli following October 7th. She discusses the disturbing erasure of Jewish and Isra...

Israeli filmmaker Shoval Tshuva shares the story behind her film Funky —and how she was canceled for being Israeli. A powerful episode about silencing, survival, and the fight to be heard. Full episode drops Thursday, June 12. 

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...

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 N...

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 communitie...

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 o...

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...

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...

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 pl...