Those who whisper

Afghanistan with Artists-Activists Ariana Delawari and Matin Maulawizada

[Note: This interview was recorded in early October 2023. For many reasons, I delayed its release. When I created this space, I thought maybe five people would listen, but I didn't underestimate their power and the ripple effect it could have. To my surprise, and with zero marketing, far more people are listening in over 45 countries. Thank you. I haven't recorded anything else since, and I don't plan to for a while. Out of the 10 episodes, 2 are about genocide. I suppose I sensed something was going to happen and wanted people to understand how it can occur and how to prevent it. Genocide is the worst thing that can happen to humanity. One day, the world will wake up too late and realize that those children were indeed just children, and those women and men were just like You.] The US has replaced the Taliban with the Taliban, perpetuating a colonial and imperialistic construct that serves capitalist interests. This cycle highlights the contradictions and violence in foreign interventions. My guest Ariana is an Afghan-American multimedia artist.  Joining Ariana is my talented co-host Matin, an Afghan-raised feminist, molecular biologist, and renowned makeup artist who champions equality.  Ariana and Matin remind us that we are all multidimensional—as individuals, countries, and cultures. Afghanistan, despite its humanitarian crisis, gender apartheid, and the scars of numerous foreign invasions, has a seldom-seen beauty that is worth celebrating and preserving. Ariana also shares insights into her poignant documentary, "We Came Home. " We also discuss the release of her last album, her creative process, and how it is woven with Afghanistan.   Documentary: https://youtu.be/D-FNarX5R04?si=zLJ1BWfaP-ZS_cA8 [https://youtu.be/D-FNarX5R04?si=zLJ1BWfaP-ZS_cA8] -Music https://youtu.be/WRLdpRW84eI?si=AwB0En0prGHnolsf [https://youtu.be/WRLdpRW84eI?si=AwB0En0prGHnolsf] https://youtu.be/c-6cM8NA1BM?si=24uDnknXegKRExZo [https://youtu.be/c-6cM8NA1BM?si=24uDnknXegKRExZo] https://youtu.be/BQmN6pn0rWM?si=5jqH1YZOruQBBC6l [https://youtu.be/BQmN6pn0rWM?si=5jqH1YZOruQBBC6l] -Non-profit to Support https://www.afghanhands.org/ https://www.codetoinspire.org/ https://www.upliftafghanistan.org/ https://www.sahareducation.org/ https://aseelapp.com/do-good https://gitstart.com/blog/code-to-inspire This episode was edited by brilliant Zohud https://www.youtube.com/@zohud.m Thank you very much for all your support.

Lakota Nation vs. United States with Directors Jesse Short Bull and Laura Tomaselli

"Lakota Versus United States" stands as a profoundly impactful documentary that masterfully delves into the historical and legal struggles of the Očéti Šakówiŋ nation in their relentless quest for justice. The directors skillfully interweave a narrative that not only illuminates the rich cultural heritage of the Lakota people but also showcases their unyielding resilience in the face of immense adversity. Through meticulous research, interviews, and breathtaking cinematography, the film provides a comprehensive view of Lakota's enduring challenges over centuries and the ongoing legal battles they tenaciously engage in. This documentary serves as a poignant reminder of the broader issues surrounding indigenous rights and sovereignty that continue to persist in contemporary society. Without a doubt, "Lakota Versus United States" is a cinematic masterpiece that demands to be seen. Links https://www.lakotanationvsus.movie/ https://www.lauratomaselli.com/whatsupwithyou Watch here: https://www.lakotanationvsus.movie/watch-at-home/ Get Involved here: https://www.blackhillsjustice.org/ Support the Podcast :  Follow me on Instagram @thosewhowhisper If you feel generous https://ko-fi.com/thosewhowhisper Becca Bernard edited this episode --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/those-who-whisper/support

Respect with Singer Rita L'Oujdia

Rita is a singer, songwriter, and feminist who embodies a range of identities. We explore her journey in the music industry, her unique blend of languages in her music, and her strong connection to her heritage, Morocco. Rita artfully employs her multilingual skills in her lyrics, seamlessly fusing musical elements from diverse cultures. One of her songs, 'Dkhol So9 Rassek,' is a testament to her abilities and an empowering anthem for women fighting street harassment. Here are some numbers: - Over 80% of women across 13 countries reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment in public spaces during their lifetime. (UN Women) - 84% of women reported experiencing street harassment before the age of 17. (Study from Cornell University) It has negative effects; being harassed in a public space can make you worried about your physical safety and creates an environment of fear and intimidation. Links https://youtu.be/bqYW8g4foXs https://open.spotify.com/artist/0bSpJFvBMj4Qo5ziwNVs7w https://www.instagram.com/ritaloujdia/?hl=en Support the Podcast :  Follow me on Instagram @thosewhowhisper If you feel generous https://ko-fi.com/thosewhowhisper A big thank you to sound angel Logan Vollmers

Free Lakeith Smith with Journalist/Producer Mustafa Mirza (Vice)

Mustafa produced a documentary for Vice called “Police Killed a Boy. His Friend Was Charged With Murder”.  In February of 2015, LaKeith, who was 15 years old, and a group of friends were involved in the break-ins of two unoccupied homes in Millbrook, Alabama. The teens were still present in one of the homes when local police officers arrived at the scene. During that encounter, one of the officers shot LaKeith’s 16-year-old friend A’Donte Washington. Although he was the youngest in the group, LaKeith was denied being tried as a juvenile and was charged as an adult. He was convicted of theft, burglary, and felony murder – a charge that held him legally responsible for the death of A’Donte. Alabama’s felony murder rule states: A person commits the crime of murder if he/she commits or attempts to commit [a felony] and, in the course of and in furtherance of the crime that he/she is committing or attempting to commit, or in immediate flight therefrom, he/she, or another participant if there be any, causes the death of any person. Despite A’Donte not being killed by a participant in the crime, LaKeith lost his friend and was charged with 65 years sentence. Important Links: https://youtu.be/FFjFze39Dcc https://justiceforlakeithsmith.com/ Follow https://www.instagram.com/Justice4lakeithsmith/ Support the Podcast :  Follow me on Instagram @thosewhowhisper If you feel generous https://ko-fi.com/thosewhowhisper A big thank you to sound angel Logan Vollmers

"Split at the Root" with Julie Schwietert Collazo from IFT, Part 2

Julie is part of a new Netflix documentary, ⁠"Split at the Root,"⁠ [https://splitattherootfilm.com/]  where a group of women comes together to reunite ⁠migrant families⁠ [https://scrippsnews.com/stories/administration-begins-reuniting-separated-migrant-families/] ⁠separated⁠ [https://scrippsnews.com/stories/inside-search-for-parents-separated-from-children-at-border/] by the Trump administration's zero-tolerance policy.  It all started with Yeni González, an immigrant mother from Guatemala, whose three children were taken by ICE agents and transferred to New York.  Yeni remained alone in a detention center in Arizona, unable to post $7,500 bail. A group of American mothers heard Yeni's story. They moved quickly to raise money for the bond so they could then safely transport her state by state to New York.  This will be the beginning of Immigrant families together. Important Links : https://immigrantfamiliestogether.com/donate-to-a-mom https://youtu.be/8xav0g7T1HQ https://www.cato.org/blog/new-research-illegal-immigration-crime-0 Support the Podcast :  Follow me on Instagram; it really helps @thosewhowhisper If you feel generous https://ko-fi.com/thosewhowhisper Becca Bernard edited this episode