We Are Peace Heroes

This inspiring conversation explores the profound impact of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Peace Hero from Vietnam who started a nonviolent social movement in the middle of a war and shows all of us how to be peace in the middle of violence. If you want to share Thich Nhat Hanh's incredible story with the young people in your life, check out our Peace Heroes 101 program about his life! Perfect for classrooms,...

In this special bonus episode, we introduce children (and anyone young at heart) to a tiny country with a huge imagination - a country that dared to dream of peace in a world full of conflict. We tell the remarkable story of Costa Rica, an entire COUNTRY that is a Peace Hero. To learn more about Global Peace Heroes or to support our work, visit https://globalpeaceheroes.org/ Please rate, review, a...

Can a country really exist without a military? Is it actually possible for an entire nation to invest in its people, not its army? Find out, in this remarkable story of Costa Rica, the country that's a Peace Hero! To learn more about Global Peace Heroes or to support our work, visit https://globalpeaceheroes.org/ Please rate, review, and share our podcast with your community. Together, let's build...

In this episode, we share the moving story of Mum Sheryl—an Indigenous Australian woman whose compassion turned personal pain into healing for her community. Through courage and kindness, she became a powerful advocate for Aboriginal rights and a source of hope for those around her. If you want to share Mum Shirl's inspiring story with your students or children, we have a vibrant, interactive onli...

Welcome to the We Are Peace Heroes podcast! In our first episode (recorded in April 2025), hosts Elie Pritz and Kirsten Krymusa share why they started this journey - to tell the stories of real-life peace heroes who prove that courage and compassion still shape our world. Join us as we explore how storytelling can spark hope and resilience, even in the most challenging times. To learn more about G...

In this episode, we dive into the incredible story of Nader Khalili—the Iranian architect who traded comfort for purpose and ended up revolutionizing how people build homes. Through his deep compassion and creativity, Khalili turned mud and fire into hope for struggling communities. His journey reminds us how one person’s passion can spark real change—beyond politics, borders, or systems. If you w...

What does it take to end a war? For Leymah Gbowee, it began with women coming together - across religious and class divides - demanding peace in a time of chaos. This episode tells the remarkable story of how their unity transformed Liberia and inspired the world. If you want to share Leymah Gbowee's inspiring story with your students or children, we have a vibrant, interactive online magazine abo...

In this inspiring new podcast you'll hear the stories we most need right now - stories of real life women and men around the world who faced the most hopeless and despairing circumstances with courage, creativity and hope. Be inspired and empowered to follow in their amazing footsteps. We ALL can be Peace Heroes. To learn more about Global Peace Heroes, visit https://globalpeaceheroes.org/ Theme m...

What happens when a writer refuses to stay silent? This episode tells the story of Václav Havel, the Czech playwright whose words helped bring down a brutal authoritarian regime. It’s a story about the power of creativity, conscience, and standing up for what’s right—without violence. In this episode, we reference Erica Chenoweth's incredible TED talk on nonviolent resistance. It's very much worth...

In this episode, we share the moving story of Mum Sheryl—an Indigenous Australian woman whose compassion turned personal pain into healing for her community. Through courage and kindness, she became a powerful advocate for Aboriginal rights and a source of hope for those around her. If you want to share Mum Shirl's inspiring story with your students or children, we have a vibrant, interactive onli...

This inspiring conversation explores the profound impact of Wangari Maathai, a Peace Hero from Kenya who stood up to the destruction of her country, and changed the world, one tree at a time. If you want to share Wangari's incredible story with the young people in your life, check out our Peace Heroes 101 program about her life! Perfect for classrooms, after school programs, or youth groups, the u...