<description>The third installment of our "Tea with Ms. G" Livestream Series is once again re-broadcast here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. Listen to an enlightening and moving conversation with experts on all aspects of the autism spectrum. Our roundtable features two published Freedom Writer authors who are on the autism spectrum themselves, CarolAnn Edscorn and Jayden Braddock, and one inspiring Freedom Writer Teacher who both works with neurodivergent youth and is mother to child with autism, Nancy Rodriguez. The conversation is hosted by our  own Erin Gruwell, also known as Ms. G. They touch on topics like sensory overload, the importance of allyship, and the unique advantages of seeing the world through a different lens.

Keep listening after the livestream for an excerpt from a wonderful interview out of our archive. We had the pleasure of speaking with renowned autism advocate Temple Grandin in 2021, and you can hear her full interview on episode 72 of the Freedom Writers Podcast. </description>

The third installment of our "Tea with Ms. G" Liv…

The third installment of our "Tea with Ms. G" Livestream Series is once again re-broadcast here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. Listen to an enlightening and moving conversation with experts on all aspects of the autism spectrum. Our roundtable features two published Freedom Writer authors who are on the autism spectrum themselves, CarolAnn Edscorn and Jayden Braddock, and one inspiring Freedom Writer Teacher who both works with neurodivergent youth and is mother to child with autism, Nancy Rodriguez. The conversation is hosted by our  own Erin Gruwell, also known as Ms. G. They touch on topics like sensory overload, the importance of allyship, and the unique advantages of seeing the world through a different lens.

Keep listening after the livestream for an excerpt from a wonderful interview out of our archive. We had the pleasure of speaking with renowned autism advocate Temple Grandin in 2021, and you can hear her full interview on episode 72 of the Freedom Writers Podcast. 

Tea with Ms. G - Autism Awareness Edition featuring Temple Grandin

<description>This is "Tea with Ms. G": a Livestream series hosted by Erin Gruwell and featuring some of the best and brightest minds in the Freedom Writers community. On February 23, 2026, we had a courageous conversation with Freedom Writer Teachers Cameron Lymon and Dr. Robert Hill with original Freedom Writer Latilla Cain. This is that roundtable discussion in honor of Black History Month 2026. Our panelists share pieces of their own complex and beautiful family histories, and we discuss controversial topics plaguing our society today. Topics of discussion include videos released in February 2026 by the current presidential administration that featured highly racist propaganda, as well as the current movement to erase Black History from museums nationwide. We also talk about the power of mentorship in allowing African American kids--and kids of all races--to blossom today, and the importance of taking the time to slow down and let our students be heard. </description>

This is "Tea with Ms. G": a Livestream series hos…

This is "Tea with Ms. G": a Livestream series hosted by Erin Gruwell and featuring some of the best and brightest minds in the Freedom Writers community. On February 23, 2026, we had a courageous conversation with Freedom Writer Teachers Cameron Lymon and Dr. Robert Hill with original Freedom Writer Latilla Cain. This is that roundtable discussion in honor of Black History Month 2026. Our panelists share pieces of their own complex and beautiful family histories, and we discuss controversial topics plaguing our society today. Topics of discussion include videos released in February 2026 by the current presidential administration that featured highly racist propaganda, as well as the current movement to erase Black History from museums nationwide. We also talk about the power of mentorship in allowing African American kids--and kids of all races--to blossom today, and the importance of taking the time to slow down and let our students be heard. 

Tea with Ms. G - Black History Month Edition featuring John Lewis

<description>In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, host Erin Gruwell, affectionately known as Ms. G, launches a new series titled "Tea with Miss G," designed to facilitate courageous conversations on pressing societal issues. The inaugural episode brings together a diverse panel of activists, educators, and original Freedom Writers to tackle the complexities surrounding immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). As the panelists delve into personal anecdotes and experiences, they shine a light on the relentless courage required to face the fears and challenges imposed by current immigration policies. This conversation was originally aired as a livestream across the Freedom Writers Foundation's social media platforms, and is rebroadcast here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. 

Our panelists include three Freedom Writer Teachers: Minnesota Educator Emily Bollinger, Minnesota Principal Dr. Marcia Nelson, and Southern California Assistant Principal Johnny Muñoz. They were joined in conversation by original Freedom Writers Mauricio "Tony" Becerra and Melvin Logan.

To download the ReadyNow! app referenced in this episode, go to readynowapp.org. To get connected with mutual aid efforts in Minneapolis, please contact the Freedom Writers Foundation.</description>

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers P…

In this powerful episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, host Erin Gruwell, affectionately known as Ms. G, launches a new series titled "Tea with Miss G," designed to facilitate courageous conversations on pressing societal issues. The inaugural episode brings together a diverse panel of activists, educators, and original Freedom Writers to tackle the complexities surrounding immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). As the panelists delve into personal anecdotes and experiences, they shine a light on the relentless courage required to face the fears and challenges imposed by current immigration policies. This conversation was originally aired as a livestream across the Freedom Writers Foundation's social media platforms, and is rebroadcast here on the Freedom Writers Podcast. 

Our panelists include three Freedom Writer Teachers: Minnesota Educator Emily Bollinger, Minnesota Principal Dr. Marcia Nelson, and Southern California Assistant Principal Johnny Muñoz. They were joined in conversation by original Freedom Writers Mauricio "Tony" Becerra and Melvin Logan.

To download the ReadyNow! app referenced in this episode, go to readynowapp.org. To get connected with mutual aid efforts in Minneapolis, please contact the Freedom Writers Foundation.

Tea with Ms. G - ICE Edition

<description>In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, something unexpected happens. During a visit to Green Valley High School, what began as a classroom exercise turned into an unscripted podcast—led entirely by students. Original Freedom Writer Melvin Logan responds in real time to their thoughtful questions, reflecting on growing up in Long Beach amid gang violence, navigating loss at home, and the choices that shaped his life. This conversation is shared at the students’ request, capturing a rare moment of trust, curiosity, and courage—where young voices lead, and real learning unfolds.</description>

In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, s…

In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, something unexpected happens. During a visit to Green Valley High School, what began as a classroom exercise turned into an unscripted podcast—led entirely by students. Original Freedom Writer Melvin Logan responds in real time to their thoughtful questions, reflecting on growing up in Long Beach amid gang violence, navigating loss at home, and the choices that shaped his life. This conversation is shared at the students’ request, capturing a rare moment of trust, curiosity, and courage—where young voices lead, and real learning unfolds.

Real Talk with Melvin Logan and the Students of Green Valley High School

<description>In this episode of The Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell sits down with original Freedom Writer Sharaud Moore—the student whose experience of bullying in Room 203 ultimately sparked the movement that would become Freedom Writers. Growing up in Long Beach surrounded by gang violence and hampered by the low expectations placed on young African American men, Sharaud learned early how to protect himself and those he loved. In this deeply personal conversation, he reflects on the moments that shaped him, the mentors who stayed, and how those experiences led him to become a devoted father, award-winning educator, and decorated coach. Sharaud’s story is a powerful reminder that mentorship isn’t about saving kids, but about showing up with the consistency they need to exceed the limits the world set for them.</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 Sharaud Moore—the student whose experience of bullying in Room 203 ultimately sparked the movement that would become Freedom Writers. Growing up in Long Beach surrounded by gang violence and hampered by the low expectations placed on young African American men, Sharaud learned early how to protect himself and those he loved. In this deeply personal conversation, he reflects on the moments that shaped him, the mentors who stayed, and how those experiences led him to become a devoted father, award-winning educator, and decorated coach. Sharaud’s story is a powerful reminder that mentorship isn’t about saving kids, but about showing up with the consistency they need to exceed the limits the world set for them.

Exceeding Expectations with Sharaud Moore

Podcast by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

Freedom Writers Podcast

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