Our Stories Matter

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” Fearlessly from the Inside, Keyon shares how music and his promotion of literacy have been his tools for advocating for social justice in Black and Brown communities. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Keyon’s story of personal reform as he overcomes systemic and physical barriers. Visit the Ou...

On this week's episode of Our Stories Matter, storyteller Sydney Rogers, shares how learning to receive love from others and themselves emboldened them to embrace their intersectionality. Sydney explains how their healing journey has positioned them to utilize performing arts as a tool of empowerment and advocacy to increase the visibility of the Trans Non Binary community. This episode is in...

This week's episode showcases the story and advocacy of Anthony Robinson, a writer and artist who is using his experience in the prison system to empower those who have had negative experiences with criminal injustices. From writing articles that have inspired people internationally, to creating platforms for creatives in California, Anthony has established himself as a force of change. Visit...

Martín Leyva is leveraging his position in academia to change the face of education in higher education. Martín highlights how having a trauma and healing-informed approach to teaching challenges students to think more critically about traditional academic material in order to promote a tradition and legacy of holistic, communal, and transgenerational healing. Tune in to this episode of Our Storie...

“...imagine a world where healed people helped hurt people heal and become whole.” When JC Cavitt found himself facing a prison sentence at age 17, he found refuge and self-expression in poetry and spoken word. His use of words set the stage for him to model, encourage, and champion vulnerability and healing in others.  Join this episode’s Storyteller as he shares how his gift has become an avenue...

“I think that’s the healing agent that Beit T’Shuvah gives. We give people spirit, we tell them we have faith in them, and we give ‘em love.” “And a sense of belonging.” Harriet and Rabbi Mark tag-team to share their collective aspirations for elevating healing of mind, body, spirit, and justice through their marriage and community addiction treatment center, Beit T’Shuvah.  Listen to this episode...

This season our Diverse storytellers focus on HEALING from Incarceration in conversation with our hosts Yehuda (Pryce) and Susan “Susie” Hess. Our Stories Matter promotes a support system and healing process through community care. Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @TraumaInformedLA on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Join us for a conversation with Yehudah Pryce, who sees faith as a liberating and redemptive force to confront trauma in a sustaining way that transcends structural barriers and oppressive forces. Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Join us for a conversation with Salina Gray, a teacher with 24 years in traditional public, charter, and graduate schools. She shares her story and vulnerability on how she has made her way to heal through mindfulness. Salina reveals, “the first step is to sit with yourself.” Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Instagram and sub...

In this special episode of Our Stories Matter, we present the audio recording from our IPV Revolution: Healing the Healer event. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness (October) and in light of the current political moment and global public health context, we joined together for community care and collective healing through an exploration of the imperative to center the healing, transformat...

Join us for a conversation with experienced trainer, coach, advocate, and leader, Ramona Merchan who shares the meaning of anti-racist activism and how we as a community and individuals can heal through it. Ramona offers her impactful story and what brought her to assisting vulnerable and marginalized communities through anti-racist advocacy.  Visit the  Our Stories Matter homepage  to learn more...

Join us for a timely conversation with Sa ú l Sarabia who offers voting as a healing mechanism. He expresses, “Civic participation, owning my civic voice, and taking collective action with other people is healing work.” Listen to affirm how our voices are more than just a vote. Visit the  Our Stories Matter homepage  to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Instagram and...

After a successful Season One, we're back with our second season! Brought to you by Trauma Informed LA ,  Our Stories Matter is a podcast celebrating the complex lived experiences of activists and healers by sharing their inspiring stories. We invite you to learn more here ! As journalist Lauren Gilger profoundly states, “The power of the story will save us all.” For updates on the podcast fo...

Founders of Project Kinship , Steve Kim and Mary Vu join to discuss their healing journey through re-entry activism. They share, ”Vote, vote, get out there and vote for policies that impact our people.”

Join us for a conversation with South LA organizer, LaNaisha Edwards who shares the importance of voting and speaking for the voices that are not heard. LaNaisha shares insight on California propositions that will be voted on this November and reminds us, “There is no way to impact change without voting.” Visit the  Our Stories Matter homepage  to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMa...

Join us for a conversation with Annalisa Enrile who offers poetry as a healing mechanism, a way to work out trauma, express yourself, and find your voice. Audrey Lorde stated, “Poetry is not a luxury” and this episode will explore why that statement is true and how the power of words can bring us closer to our truths. Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @O...

Join us for a conversation with Hugo Gonzalez who discusses art as activism and activism as art. Hugo is an artist and activist committed to dismantling patriarchy through advocacy, diverse community building, and challenging societal norms. Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Instagram and subscribe to our newsletter for the la...

Join us for a conversation with Mike Alcantara who discusses the journey of how he became an entrepreneur through his struggles, setbacks, and now his goal to aspire others to follow him. Mike is passionate about motivating others to always achieve their highest self. Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcast. Follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Instagram and subscribe t...

Join us for a conversation with Unchained Scholars ,  a group of formerly incarcerated MSW, DSW, and Ph. D. students working with ally members to dismantle the barriers faced by people impacted by the criminal punishment system. The Unchained storytellers include Genevieve Rimer, DSW; Heidi DeLeon, MSW; and Fabiola Quijano, MSW.  Visit the Our Stories Matter homepage to learn more about the podcas...

Join us for a conversation with Alexus Rhone- writer, producer, artistic theologian, and revolutionary artist exploring the power of story. Passionately committed to being a “truth-teller,” Alexus offers a strong, compelling voice to people (young and younger) looking for authenticity and transparency. We invite you to learn more about Alexus here .  We also invite you to learn more about our fear...

Brought to you by Trauma Informed LA , in partnership with Lokels Only , Our Stories Matter is a podcast celebrating the complex lived experiences of activists and healers by sharing their inspiring stories. We invite you to learn more here ! As journalist Lauren Gilger profoundly states, “the power of the story will save us all.” For updates on the podcast follow @OurStoriesMatterPodcast on Insta...