<description>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 guided her life. As she now faces stage 4A cancer with remarkable grace, Kanya reflects on the meaning of "soft love," the power of community, and her unwavering belief that hardships only polish us to shine brighter.

As Kanya undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatment, we invite you to join us in supporting her journey:
Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kanya-fight-cancer-a-journey-of-strength-hope

And a special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.</description>

In this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, E…

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 guided her life. As she now faces stage 4A cancer with remarkable grace, Kanya reflects on the meaning of "soft love," the power of community, and her unwavering belief that hardships only polish us to shine brighter.

As Kanya undergoes chemotherapy and radiation treatment, we invite you to join us in supporting her journey:
Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-kanya-fight-cancer-a-journey-of-strength-hope

And a special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.

Blooming Through Adversity with Kanya Sim

<description>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 cycles of violence, and finding his true identity within the Freedom Writers family. Through his work as a fourth-generation longshoreman at the Port of Long Beach, Donald honors his trailblazing mother while carrying forward a legacy of union pride and worker solidarity.

We also would like to extend our gratitude to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.</description>

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 cycles of violence, and finding his true identity within the Freedom Writers family. Through his work as a fourth-generation longshoreman at the Port of Long Beach, Donald honors his trailblazing mother while carrying forward a legacy of union pride and worker solidarity.

We also would like to extend our gratitude to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.

Anchored in Compassion with Donald McFee

<description>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 embrace her authentic self.

As Tanya now faces a battle with cancer, we invite you to join us in supporting her:

Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tanyas-brave-cancer-journey
Assist through Lotsa Helping Hands: https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/tanya-payne-healing/select-email

And of course a very special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.</description>

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 embrace her authentic self.

As Tanya now faces a battle with cancer, we invite you to join us in supporting her:

Donate to her GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-tanyas-brave-cancer-journey
Assist through Lotsa Helping Hands: https://my.lotsahelpinghands.com/request/tanya-payne-healing/select-email

And of course a very special thank you to the Port of Long Beach for generously sponsoring this episode.

Finding the Strength to Be You w/ Tanya Payne

<description>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 the beloved "Captain Tolerance" at the Freedom Writers Teacher Institutes, Calvin opens up about how acceptance, love, and a strong sense of family have empowered him to break the cycle of bullying and advocate for mental health awareness. Through his heartfelt story, Calvin highlights the power of community and the importance of turning personal pain into a source of strength. Tune in to hear Calvin’s inspiring journey of overcoming trauma, embracing vulnerability, and fostering understanding in this moving episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast.</description>

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, E…

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 the beloved "Captain Tolerance" at the Freedom Writers Teacher Institutes, Calvin opens up about how acceptance, love, and a strong sense of family have empowered him to break the cycle of bullying and advocate for mental health awareness. Through his heartfelt story, Calvin highlights the power of community and the importance of turning personal pain into a source of strength. Tune in to hear Calvin’s inspiring journey of overcoming trauma, embracing vulnerability, and fostering understanding in this moving episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast.

From Bullied to Brave with Calvin Williams III

<description>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, transforming her pain into purpose. Madaline also discusses her roles as a mother and mentor, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in healing and helping others. Tune in to hear Madaline's powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and her dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health on this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast!</description>

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, transforming her pain into purpose. Madaline also discusses her roles as a mother and mentor, emphasizing the power of vulnerability in healing and helping others. Tune in to hear Madaline's powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and her dedication to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health on this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast!

Writing Her Way Out with Madaline Hentz

Podcast by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers Podcast

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