Civil Rights & Social Justice
13 episodes tagged civil rights & social justice.
92. Understanding Eid Al-Adha: A Primer for Beginners // Shahnila Ahmad
In this episode, my guest, Shahnila Ahmad, explains the holy month of Dhul Hijjah and the holiday of Eid al-Adha to those who know little to nothing about it. You can also watch this conversation on Youtube. About Shahnila: Shahnila Ahmad is a homeschool mom of four, parent mentor, and ICF-certified coach who is passionate about helping Muslim parents raise emotionally connected, resilient children. She is deeply interested in broadening education and historical narratives by uplifting diverse voices and minority perspectives, and encouraging a more thoughtful, multi-lens understanding of the world. In a time when societal values are constantly shifting, she is committed to staying rooted in the timeless principles of her faith, passing them forward in a way that cultivates justice, compassion, and goodness for all people. Through her platform @BraveMuslimParents, she supports families with practical, faith-centered guidance for intentional parenting. Shahnila's Resources: Eid Day About Eid al-Adha Explaining Eid al-Adha to non-Muslims The Prophet's Last Sermon Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
90. Human Dignity: The Bedrock of Cultures of Peace // Brett Scharffs
In this episode, I interview Professor Brett Scharffs, the director of the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at BYU. His extensive bio is found here. He joins the show fresh from speaking at the UN Human Rights Council — where he was invited to evaluate a landmark unanimous resolution on building cultures of peace. His central argument is that human dignity is the bedrock beneath all of it — the universal concept that makes human rights, religious freedom, and peaceful pluralism possible across wildly different cultures and ideologies. Brett is one of the most thoughtful guests we've ever had on the show, and I loved learning from him. Transcript for this episode. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction: The UN resolution on cultures of peace and how Brett got involved 03:30 — How Brett's work in religious freedom led him to human dignity as a universal bridge-building concept 05:40 — Defining peacemaking — Brett's perspective alongside definitions from previous guests 07:49 — The UN Human Rights Council resolution on cultures of peace explained 10:31 — The Punta del Este Declaration, Eleanor Roosevelt, and how human dignity made the UDHR possible 23:33 — AI through the lens of human dignity: dignity-enhancing vs. dignity-degrading uses of technology 29:52 — The components of a culture of peace: virtues of the head, heart, and hand 42:01 — What kills cultures of peace — and the leaders who don't want it 53:37 — Why secular institutions overlook religious actors in peacemaking (and why that's a mistake) 1:04:11 — Brett's closing thoughts: none of us are powerless, and where his hope comes from Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
87. Peacemakers Who Changed History: Part 2
Today we explore the stories of five MORE impactful peacemakers throughout the world: Wangari Maathai, José Ramos-Horta, Mohandas Gandhi, Rigoberta Menchú, and Mairead Corrigan. Their stories are inspiring and very human, and I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I did. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
85. Peacemakers Who Changed History: Part 1
Today we explore the stories of five impactful peacemakers throughout the world: Bertha Von Suttner, Nelson Mandela, Eleanor Roosevelt, Óscar Arias, and Leymah Gbowee. Their stories are inspiring and very human, and I hope you enjoy learning about them as much as I did. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
84. The Ambitious Project of Peace: How Humans Built the Infrastructure of Peace
What is the history of peacemaking? In this episode, we trace the origins of diplomacy and international law from the ancient world to the present day. Topics include the Treaty of Kadesh — the world's oldest peace treaty — the Great Law of Peace and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the birth of modern diplomacy at the Peace of Westphalia, the founding of the Red Cross, the Geneva Conventions, the League of Nations, the United Nations, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We also explore what different traditions — Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Confucianism — have taught about peace throughout history. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
82. Lessons from Iran: What Happens When You Suppress a Nation
Five macro-level lessons I have learned from studying Iran's history. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
80. Iran 101 Part 3/3: Theocracy, Conflict, and the Fight for Change (1981-2026)
This is Part 3 of 3 of the Iran 101 series: a foundational history of Iran for those who know little to nothing about it. This episode covers 1981 to early 2026. Sources used in making this episode. Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
75. When a Country is Held Hostage: A Conversation with Diego Vicentini
Today's guest, Diego Vicentini, is a Venezuelan film writer, director & editor. His debut feature film “Simón”—which exposes human rights violations committed by the Venezuelan regime—was able to overcome censorship in Venezuela and was nominated for the 38th Goya Awards (Spain’s Academy Awards) in the Best Ibero-American film category in representation of Venezuela and reached the #6 spot on Netflix's Global Top 10 in its first week on the platform. Since making the film, Diego is not able to go back to Venezuela due to threat of imprisonment. In this episode, Diego shares about the Venezuela diaspora, growing up Venezuela and the United States, his film Simón and the journey he took to have it shown publicly in Venezuela, and his advice for non-Venezuelans when it comes to Venezuelan politics. Learn more about his film, Simón, at simonmovie.com. This episode is sponsored by Surfshark. Go to https://surfshark.com/wiserworld or use code WISERWORLD at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! Find additional resources, ad-free episodes, bonus episodes, and support the podcast at Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. Join us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
73. Venezuela 101 Part 3/3: Maduro, Hyperinflation, and Migration (2013 - 2026)
This is Part 3 of 3 of the Venezuela 101 series: a foundational history of Venezuela. This episode is a concise history of Venezuela from 2013 - early 2026, designed for those who know little to nothing about Venezuela. This episode covers: Chávez’s death and Maduro’s fragile rise to power Oil collapse, hyperinflation, and economic freefall Daily life under shortages, black markets, and repression Mass protests, loss of legitimacy, and historic migration U.S. sanctions, drug accusations, and Maduro’s 2026 capture If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-free episodes for all Wiser World episodes. Sources used in the making of this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter at https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
64. Syria 101 Part 5/5—The Syrian Civil War, Refugee Crisis, & Fall of Assad (2012–2025)
This is Part 5 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 2012 to 2025, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers: How civilian protests for reform turned into a civil war What groups got involved and why (it was not a clear two-sided war) The rise of ISIS The internationalization of the war The Syrian refugee crisis The fall of Assad and the current transitional government If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-free episodes for all Wiser World episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Sources used in the making of this episode. Transcript for this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
63. Syria 101 Part 4/5—Bashar al-Assad, the Arab Spring, & Syrian Civil War Beginnings (2000–2012)
This is Part 4 of 5 of the Syria 101 series: a foundational history of Syria. This episode is a concise, foundational history of Syria from 2000 to 2012, designed for those who know little to nothing about Syria's history, to set the stage for modern Syria. This episode covers: How Bashar al-Assad gained power How corruption, crony capitalism, drought, and inequality led to unrest The Arab Spring and how it came to Syria How civilian protests for reform turned into a civil war Why extremist Islamist and Jihadist groups got involved How the civil war splintered into a multi-faceted war If you'd like a downloadable PDF with a timeline/outline of this episode, go to Patreon.com/wiserworldpodcast. You can pay for it a la carte, or sign up to be a $5 or $10 Patreon supporter and receive the PDF, more resources, and ad-free episodes for all Wiser World episodes. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Sources used in making this episode. Transcript of this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworld.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
32. Palestinian-Israeli Conflict 101 - Part 3
Part 3 of 3: A brief historical introduction to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. This episode covers from 1967 (Six Day War) to 2023. This episode is designed for those who know little to nothing about the conflict and are looking for an approachable way to learn about it. For extra resources to further your study, head to my Patreon. A transcript of this episode is found here. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. Sources used in making this episode. Special thanks for Rachel Cox for her assistance in research for this episode. For more information on Wiser World: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/ To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there. Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15. North Korea 101 (The Last 100 Years in N Korea) - Part 3
A concise, foundational history of North Korea from the the 1990s to present day (2022). What was life like in North Korea during the 1990s for the average person? How do people defect from North Korea and where do they go? How did the current leader, Kim Jong-Un rise to power? How does North Korea’s nuclear weapons program affect the future of the international community? We will learn the answers to these questions in this episode. This podcast is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Visit airwavemedia.com to learn about other fantastic history and education-centric shows that are created for curious, thoughtful people. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com if you would like to advertise on our podcast. You can also support the podcast through Patreon. Sources used in the making of this episode: Source List Transcript for this episode. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiserworldpodcast/ Website (sign up for email newsletter): https://wiserworldpodcast.com/ To join the email list, click on the website link, and it will take you there! Song credit: "Heart of Indonesia" by mjmusics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices