Podcasts about The Freedom Writers Diary

On this episode of the Freedom Writers Podcast, Erin Gruwell is joined by original Freedom Writer Erica Alcaraz for an intimate conversation about courage, empathy, and storytelling. As a teenager in Room 203, Erica penned Diary #62, a raw yet eloquent account of childhood sexual abuse, featured in "The Freedom Writers Diary." Decades later, her words continue to resonate, empowering survivors around the world to reclaim their voices and share their truths. Erica reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped her life, from breaking her silence in Erin's classroom to unexpectedly choosing motherhood and raising her remarkable adopted son, Joshua, now a Freedom Writer scholarship recipient heading to college. She shares the emotional complexity of parenting after trauma, the realities of relapse and recovery, and her profound commitment to mentoring others through their darkest hours. This episode is a powerful reminder that writing can be activism, empathy is essential for healing, and even our most painful experiences can become catalysts for change. It's a tribute to all who dare to speak their truth — and a call to action for listeners to foster compassion, community, and courage.

In the first hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Thursday, November 17, 2022, we talk with Erin Gruwell, a California-based English teacher who initiated the Freedom Writers project.

More than twenty years ago, the world was introduced to The Freedom Writers and teacher Erin Gruwell. Their stories, featured in the #1 New York Times bestseller THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY, captured the hearts of readers everywhere and later became the major motion picture, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank. In 1994, what began in Room 203 with a first-time teacher and 150 “unteachable” high-schoolers, would go on to build a lifelong community of students and educators working together, driven by the purpose of innovative learning. In DEAR FREEDOM WRITER: Stories of Hardship and Hope from the Next Generation, their legacy continues as readers are introduced to a new league of Freedom Writers—fifty students from around the globe—sharing deeply personal and powerful stories in letters addressed to the original Freedom Writers. The originals answer each letter with a message of compassion, understanding, and profound advice as someone of similar plight, but who has come out on the other side. Dear Freedom Writer Get it Here:Amazon US Amazon AUS Pre-order my new book 'The Path of an Eagle: How To Overcome & Lead After Being Knocked Down'.Follow The Story Box on Social Media► INSTAGRAM ► TWITTER ► FACEBOOK ► WEBSITE Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thestorybox. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Hello everyone! Welcome to part two of my talk with Erin Gruwell! Last week, we discussed the power of writing, stories, and teaching honestly. In this episode, we dive into HOW to create a workshop that that is an empowering writing community and why this should be our goal. Backstory: Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell's high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled “unteachable”—but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank's diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary. In Dear Freedom Writer, the next generation of Freedom Writers shares its struggles with abuse, racism, discrimination, poverty, mental health, imposed borders, LGBTQIA+ identity, and police violence. Each story is answered with a letter of advice from an original Freedom Writer. With empathy and honesty, they address these young people not with the platitudes of a politician or a celebrity, but with the pragmatic advice of people who have dealt with these same issues and come out on the other side. You do NOT want to miss this one.   Want to support the podcast and learn how to empower writers? Check out: WRITEFULLY EMPOWERED   Tap into the Transformative Potential of the Writing Workshop The time has come to shift how we think about writing in our schools. In Writefully Empowered, Jacob Chastain calls on educators to embrace the deeply personal, powerful, and transformative potential of the writing workshop by pivoting toward a classroom that honors each student's individual voice. As Chastain argues: “When we let-no, push-for students to use their voices for their own purposes, we give them what is rightfully theirs as human beings: the tools to shape the world in their image.” Writing through this lens is an exercise in agency, empowerment, and self-determination. Chastain outlines key considerations for creating a writing workshop that centers freedom, equity, and equality of opportunity. He begins with what writers need, classroom routines, and how to catalyze creativity through mini-lessons, independent work time, and conferencing. He also addresses how to track growth, advocate for equitable practices, and navigate the trauma that sometimes emerges in student work. A clear-eyed call to action informed by Chastain's years of classroom experience, Writefully Empowered will equip educators with all the tools they need to facilitate dynamic practices in their own spaces.       This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their new classroom resource, Math by the Book by Sue O'Connell and colleagues. Math is everywhere—even in great children's books! Teachers and students love a good story. But those stories can also help elementary students make sense of important mathematical concepts. Math by the Book shows teachers how to use high-quality children's books to teach grade-specific math skills and content. You'll find activities, investigations, and teaching strategies…all paired with lists of carefully chosen K-5 literature. So, if you're looking for a fresh way to bring math teaching to life in your classroom, visit MathByTheBook.com to download a free sample or order a copy. That's MathByTheBook.com.  

Hello everyone! Over twenty years ago, the students in first-year teacher Erin Gruwell's high school class in Long Beach, California, were labeled “unteachable”—but she saw past that. Instead of treating them as scores on a test, she understood that each of them had a unique story to tell. Inspired by books like Anne Frank's diary, her students began writing their own diaries, eventually dubbing themselves the Freedom Writers. Together, they co-authored The Freedom Writers Diary. In Dear Freedom Writer, the next generation of Freedom Writers shares its struggles with abuse, racism, discrimination, poverty, mental health, imposed borders, LGBTQIA+ identity, and police violence. Each story is answered with a letter of advice from an original Freedom Writer. With empathy and honesty, they address these young people not with the platitudes of a politician or a celebrity, but with the pragmatic advice of people who have dealt with these same issues and come out on the other side. In this episode, we discuss the power of writing, stories, and teaching honestly. We discuss legacy. We discuss purpose. You do NOT want to miss this one.   Want to support the podcast and learn how to empower writers? Check out: WRITEFULLY EMPOWERED   Tap into the Transformative Potential of the Writing Workshop The time has come to shift how we think about writing in our schools. In Writefully Empowered, Jacob Chastain calls on educators to embrace the deeply personal, powerful, and transformative potential of the writing workshop by pivoting toward a classroom that honors each student's individual voice. As Chastain argues: "When we let-no, push-for students to use their voices for their own purposes, we give them what is rightfully theirs as human beings: the tools to shape the world in their image." Writing through this lens is an exercise in agency, empowerment, and self-determination. Chastain outlines key considerations for creating a writing workshop that centers freedom, equity, and equality of opportunity. He begins with what writers need, classroom routines, and how to catalyze creativity through mini-lessons, independent work time, and conferencing. He also addresses how to track growth, advocate for equitable practices, and navigate the trauma that sometimes emerges in student work. A clear-eyed call to action informed by Chastain's years of classroom experience, Writefully Empowered will equip educators with all the tools they need to facilitate dynamic practices in their own spaces.       This episode is sponsored by Heinemann—the leading publisher of professional books and resources for educators—and their professional book, Four Essential Studies: Beliefs and Practices to Reclaim Student Agency by Penny Kittle and Kelly Gallagher. Four Essential Studies is based on the belief that secondary students can only be prepared for life after high school when we purposefully shift the decision-making in our classrooms over to them. By reimagining how we teach essay, poetry, digital composition, and sustain talk in book clubs, we can ignite student curiosity, independence, and decision-making skills. Penny and Kelly share the strategies and activities they use in their own classrooms over the course of each unit, and show us what is possible when we expect more than compliance from our students. Learn more about how to transform students' relationship with literacy.  Visit Heinemann.com to download a sample from Four Essential Studies.

Erin Gruwell là một giáo viên. Sẽ chẳng có gì đặc biệt nếu như cô không cùng các học sinh (đã từng là “cá biệt”) của mình lập ra nhóm Những nhà văn Tự do (Freedom Writers) và cho ra đời cuốn Nhật ký của Những nhà văn Tự do (Freedom Writers Diary). Cuốn sách tập hợp 150 câu chuyện do chính các em viết. Tuy đâu đó trong sách có những lời tục tĩu, sự thực phũ phàng về tệ phân biệt chủng tộc và sự chia cắt làm tan vỡ những trái tim do nạn lạm dụng tình dục, nhưng một thông điệp xuyên suốt về niềm hi vọng của con người đã được vang lên.Cuốn sách trở thành một hiện tượng gây chấn động dư luận Mỹ với những tác động mạnh mẽ đối với nền giáo dục nước này. Sau thành công của cuốn sách, Erin Grwell và các Nhà văn Tự do của mình đã tập hợp 150 giáo viên và thành lập tổ chức Freedom Writers Foundation. Người Gieo Hy Vọng tập hợp các câu chuyện của những giáo viên này. Họ đã để ngỏ cuộc sống của mình, thể hiện sự sợ hãi của bản thân, và bày tỏ những sự thực đau lòng đằng sau việc dạy học. Các giáo viên của Những nhà văn Tự do đã hội tụ lại để chia sẻ những câu chuyện chân thực từ lớp học của họ: những thăng trầm, những thảm kịch, những niềm vui, tất cả được thể hiện để tạo dựng một phạm vi hiểu biết mới về ý nghĩa của việc trở thành một người giáo viên.--Về Fonos:Fonos là ứng dụng sách nói có bản quyền. Trên ứng dụng Fonos, bạn có thể nghe định dạng sách nói của những cuốn sách nổi tiếng nhất từ các tác giả trong nước và quốc tế. Ngoài ra, bạn được sử dụng miễn phí nội dung Premium khi đăng ký trở thành Hội viên của Fonos: Truyện ngủ, Nhạc thư giãn, Thiền định, Tóm tắt sách.--Tải ứng dụng Fonos tại: https://fonos.app.link/tai-fonosTìm hiểu về Fonos: https://fonos.vn/Theo dõi Facebook Fonos: https://www.facebook.com/fonosvietnam/Theo dõi Instagram Fonos: https://www.instagram.com/fonosvietnam/Đọc các bài viết thú vị về sách, tác giả sách, những thông tin hữu ích để phát triển bản thân: http://blog.fonos.vn/

Erin Gruwell is a teacher, an education activist, and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation. By fostering an educational philosophy that values and promotes diversity, Erin transformed her students' lives. She encouraged them to re-think rigid beliefs about themselves and others, reconsider daily decisions, and ultimately re-chart their futures. Erin and her students captured their collective journey in The Freedom Writers Diary. Erin founded the Freedom Writers Foundation where she currently teaches educators around the world how to implement her innovative lesson plans into their own classrooms. She created the Freedom Writers Methodology, a progressive teaching philosophy and curricula designed to achieve excellence from all students. Erin continues to fight for equality in education and inspires teachers and students all over the world with her work.

From Today’s Episode: How to overcome rejection and be resilient. Teaching financial literacy to young adults Hope (and advice)  for those in the helping professions Connect with Tiffony: www.tiffonyjacobs.com Join our Private Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/2lPut5A ---   Tiffony Jacobs is an original Freedom Writer. She co-authored the #1 New York Times bestselling book The Freedom Writers Diary with 149 classmates, then graduated from Wilson High School in 1998, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Training and Development from California State University, Long Beach in 2006.  After the book turned into a movie featuring Hilary Swank, Freedom Writers (2007) Tiffony went on to organize and facilitate teacher workshops while coaching, speech writing, and leading a Charted Toastmasters Club to develop members into keynote speakers.  She was integral in training over 600 educators around the world to bring socio-emotional learning and diversity into their classrooms. Tiffony is currently a licensed financial professional and motivational speaker; inspiring audiences to overcome domestic violence, homelessness, and to increase their financial knowledge.   -- You can find financial centers across the US and Canada by going to www.worldsystembuilder.com and clicking on "office locator"  Here are a few offices with great leadership in the Georgia area: Dress code is business professional and let the front desk reception know that Tiffony Jacobs from the Orange County Financial Office referred you to the workshops.     OFFICE NAME: WSB Atlanta ADDRESS: 3235 Satellite Blvd  Duluth, GA 30096 PHONE:  770-335-4550 MEETING / TRAININGS:  Tues 7pm; Sat 10am   OFFICE NAME:  Jimmy Carter Financial Center ADDRESS:  3805 Crestwood Pkwy, Suite 500   Duluth, GA 30096 PHONE:  470-375-7759 WORKSHOP:  Mon, Tues, Thur 7pm; Sat 11am   OFFICE NAME:  Norcross Office ADDRESS:  3079 Crossing Park Road   Norcross, GA 30071 PHONE:  770-242-7163 MEETING / TRAININGS:  Tues 7pm; Sat 10am

On this week's episode, I talked about how we can help the super sensitive struggling student taking cue from the Indian film Hichki and the book The Freedom Writers Diary.

I was 23-years-old when I was first introduced to Erin Gruwell’s story in the 2007 feature film Freedom Writers. I remember being enamored with Erin’s story; how she used writing as a tool for healing and bridge building in a Long Beach, California English classroom filled with at-risk youth and racial tensions in light of the Rodney King riots. Not only did 100% of Erin’s students go on to graduate from high school, but they also became co-authors of the New York Times bestselling book, The Freedom Writers Diary. Following the film, Erin went on to found the Freedom Writers Foundation, dedicated to “provid[ing] educators with tools to empower all students to succeed” (www.freedomwritersfoundation.org). The Foundations’ efforts reach worldwide. Erin is a prime example of authentic beauty, of persevering to bring about wholeness and inspiration in the midst of brokenness. She has grit and fiercely fights to highlight the innate beauty in others. It was a dream come true to meet Erin (via Skype), a mentor of mine for years. I no doubt believe that she will very soon be a mentor of yours as well.

Erin talks with news anchor and renowned reporter Connie Chung about the role of journalism in affecting societal change and how to seek truth in all aspects of our lives. Connie discusses the challenges she faced throughout her career, why curiosity is the key to good journalism, and how journalism should be used to shine a light on truth. Erin and Connie also reflect on the life-changing experiences they shared when Connie covered the Freedom Writers’ story on ABC’s PrimeTime Live in 1998. Show Notes: PrimeTime Live DVD Link: https://amzn.to/2ob8Pgd Buy the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://amzn.to/2oZLv5q Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here:

Discover the Freedom Writers’ impact in the twenty years since the original publication of The Freedom Writers Diary. What is the Freedom Writers’ legacy? How are they passing the torch to the next generation? And what can we do to carry it forward for the next twenty years, and beyond? Find out on the final episode of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveaway: bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

Explore how hearts can mend, how healing can take place after years of trauma, and how Erin and the Freedom Writers created a safe space for wounded healers to write their truths and share their stories with the world. How do the Freedom Writers support each other through sensitive, painful experiences? And how can their examples of unconditional love bring more light to our lives? Find out on Freedom Writer 20/20: Wounded Healers. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveaway: bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Hotlines: Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Erin and the Freedom Writers provide an exclusive sneak peek of their new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. They illuminate the most iconic Freedom Writer moments and reveal how they are still growing and healing. How have the Freedom Writers evolved since Room 203? How do they connect the dots between the original book and their new stories? And what can we learn from their growth? Find out on the latest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Enter the Freedom Writers Diary Giveaway: http://bit.ly/freedomwritersgiveaway Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

On this episode, get an inside look into the collaborative writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. How did Ms. G and the Freedom Writers organize their ideas, decide on topics and authors, and move the puzzle pieces around to find the bigger picture? Can they recreate the magic of Room 203 after twenty years? Find out on the newest installment of Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

In this five-part podcast mini-series, listeners get a front row seat to the writing process for twenty new stories in the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary. You'll hear from Erin Gruwell, the Freedom Writers, and even some of the Freedom Writers’ children, following up on the stories from Wilson High School and shining a light on the Freedom Writers legacy for a new generation. On Episode 1, travel back in time to Room 203 at Wilson High School, where Ms. G first united her students through writing. Through intimate interviews and captivating stories, Erin and the Freedom Writers recount how they became a family and turned their collection of stories into a best-selling book. Now, twenty years after The Freedom Writers Diary was first published, Ms. G and the Freedom Writers are gathering again to write the 20th Anniversary Edition of the book. Where are Ms. G and the Freedom Writers today? And why does the world still need their stories? Find out on Freedom Writer 20/20. LINKS: Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Learn more about Waldorf University’s Master of Education program: www.waldorf.edu/FreedomWriters Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate

Erin Gruwell shares a special announcement about the upcoming 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary, available September 3rd. She also shares exclusive sneak-peeks of the Freedom Writers’ twenty new diary entries and unveils a preview of our special podcast mini-series, Freedom Writer 20/20. Don’t miss this exciting news about all of our upcoming Freedom Writer content! Buy your copy of the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Freedom Writers Diary: tinyurl.com/y5p8w4ut Support the production of the Freedom Writers Podcast by donating here: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/donate Sign up for exclusive emails about Freedom Writer 20/20: https://forms.gle/Pxckj4UNGKPfQwYA8

Our guest Tiffony Jacobs co-authored the #1 New York Times best selling book " The Freedom Writers Diary." The book has since been turned into a movie portraying her story of overcoming homelessness, and abuse as the character "Brandy." Since the movie Tiffony has graduated from California State University - Long Beach, and trained over 600 educators to use the Diary in their classrooms. She currently speaks to audiences around the world about the resilience in humanity, financial literacy, and college planning.

Erin had the privilege of interviewing renowned educator and activist Dr. Pedro Noguera. After serving as a public school teacher for many years, Dr. Noguera served as a professor of education at Berkeley, Harvard, and NYU before taking his current position as Distinguished Professor of Education at UCLA. Dr. Noguera has written numerous books about equity in education and is frequently called upon to speak on the state of public schools. He is particularly interested in addressing the issues of the racial achievement gap and the school-to-prison pipeline. Erin and Dr. Noguera discuss the challenges educators face in 21st century classrooms and Dr. Noguera offers invaluable insight into creating more equitable education for all. Links and Resources Buy a copy of "The Freedom Writers Diary" for a youth in juvenile hall: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/freedom-writers-foundation Dr. Pedro Noguera http://www.pedronoguera.com/ Dr. Noguera on Twitter: @PedroANoguera https://twitter.com/PedroANoguera Dr. Noguera's Books: The Trouble With Black Boys and Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education: https://amzn.to/2LJ8FGO Unfinished Business: Closing the Racial Achievement Gap in Our Schools, co-author Jean Yonamura Wing: https://amzn.to/2LGMd0M Excellence Through Equity: Five Principles of Courageous Leadership to Guide Achievement for Every Student, co-author Alan M. Blankstein: https://amzn.to/2LLzWrV Article about the School-to-Prison-Pipeline https://goo.gl/cLc6kj

This episode covers the difficult subjects of mental illness and suicide, and the importance of awareness and prevention. First, Freedom Writer Teacher Mikael Aringer tells his story of hope and healing after a loved one attempted suicide. Then Erin Gruwell shares her conversation with legendary music producer, Bob Ezrin. Bob has produced some of the most iconic albums of the last forty years and now uses his platform to help those in need. His dedication to suicide awareness and prevention is particularly personal because his son, David, took his own life in 2008 after a long battle with mental illness. Erin and Bob discuss warning signs, how to cope with tragic loss, and ways we can remove stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. They also extend loving support to anyone who may be struggling. Links and Resources: Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 (Immediate contact with crisis workers who can offer support and direct you to local mental health care providers) Suicide Prevention Resource Center www.sprc.org Warning Signs Article from National Institute on Mental Health: https://bit.ly/1t4A7LY Coping with Loss Harvard Medical Group: https://bit.ly/1BdVyAe Mental Health www.mentalhealth.gov www.activemind.org/index.php nami.org Bob Ezrin Credits: https://bit.ly/2pf7BOi Non-profit: musicrising.com Logic's Song 1-800-273-8255 Music Video: https://bit.ly/2xhus08 Logic's Grammy Performance: https://bit.ly/2OwDo8x Bob's Gift for Students Who Are Struggling: For a free copy of the Freedom Writers Diary, write Erin Gruwell at podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Buy Signed Copies of Freedom Writers Books www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop

In this episode, Erin Gruwell takes you along the publishing journey of The Freedom Writers Diary. Through her conversations with Carol Schild Levy, the Freedom Writers' book agent, and Janet Hill Talbert, the editor of The Freedom Writers Diary, Erin gives you a glimpse behind the curtain at how her students' journal entries evolved into a book, and then a movie, and now -- a movement. Links and Resources: Questions, stories, reviews? Contact us: podcast@freedomwritersfoundation.org Buy Signed Copies of Freedom Writers Books www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop "In Defense of the 'Freedom Writers'": https://bit.ly/2OPecJT Penguin Random House Publishing House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/ More On The Power of Journaling "Journaling for Mental Health": https://bit.ly/2yt79j8 "Popular Autobiographies": https://bit.ly/2nPT0Ih "Literature's Emotional Lessons": https://bit.ly/2omumP3

This episode pulls back the curtain on the making of the feature film Freedom Writers, written and directed by Richard LaGravenese and starring Hilary Swank. First, original Freedom Writer Tanya Payne reflects on what it was like to see her experience, her words, represented onscreen in the movie. Then Erin shares her conversation with writer/director Richard LaGravenese, recorded in New York City. Erin and Richard discuss the process of adapting The Freedom Writers Diary into a feature film; the casting choices and the real-life stories behind the talented kids who played Ms. G's students; and those special behind-the-scenes moments that proved to everyone involved that this was more than just a movie. It was a movement. Links and Resources: Richard LaGravanese on Twitter: @RLaGravenese Richard LaGravenese on IMdB: https://imdb.to/2rEOPkj Buy Freedom Writers: https://amzn.to/2XAP9mT Bring a Freedom Writer to Your School or Organization: http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/programs/outreach Buy Signed Copies of The Freedom Writers Diary www.freedomwritersfoundation.org/index.php/shop Richard LaGravenese Bio: Richard LaGravenese is a film & television writer/director/producer. Writer: “Behind The Candelabra”, (Emmy, BAFTA Nomination). “The Fisher King” (AcademyAward®, BAFTA and WGA award nominations), “Beautiful Creatures” “Unbroken”, “Water for Elephants,” “The Bridges of Madison County,” “A Little Princess”, “The Horse Whisperer,” “The Mirror Has Two Faces” “The Ref“. Writer/Director: “The Last Five Years”, “Freedom Writers” (Humanitas Prize winner), “P.S. I Love You”, “Living Out Loud”. With co-creator Tony Goldwyn, LaGravenese wrote and produced the critically acclaimed AMC/WEtv television series,“The Divide”. He co-produced and co-directed (with Ted Demme) the Emmy®-nominated film documentary “A Decade Under the Influence", (National Board of Review's William Everson Film History Award).

Apparently, The Hate U Give turned us into a bunch of swear bears. I would love if a dedicated listener would tally the number of f-bombs dropped in this episode and help us quantify just how inappropriate we got. Also please write to explain to Nate why dance floors clear every time he puts on the 2 Pac Shakur song "Hit 'Em Up." Nate suggests If You Come Softly by Jacqueline Woodson. Kim and Cash Money suggest All American Boys by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds. Kim suggests the March Trilogy by John Lewis & Andrew Aydin and American Street by Ibi Zoboi. Nathan suggests We Are Okay by Nina La Cour. Katie suggests the Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell. Cash Money suggests 2 Pac's Greatest Hits & Kim suggests the Hamilton soundtrack.

Joining us for this special two-part interview is Erin Gruwell. Her teaching story was made into a book, then a movie! By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students’ lives, most of whom were seen as "unteachable". She encouraged them to rethink rigid beliefs about themselves and others, to reconsider daily decisions, and to re-chart their futures. With Erin's steadfast support, her students shattered stereotypes to become critical thinkers, aspiring college students, and citizens for change. Also, Erin shares how the publication of her student's world "The Freedom Writers Diary" came about and became a best seller.   Please share your thoughts at teachersloungeshow@gmail.com or call the voicemail line at 770-322-4160.  

Darrius Garrett, Co-Bestselling Author/Actor/Poet/Motivational Speaker/Freedom Writer amongst other entertainment business ventures, has been writing for some time now. Darrius's major credits are his contributions as co-author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling book entitled “Freedom Writers Diary (1999),” and "Freedom Writers Diary 10th Anniversary Edition (2009)", which was also made into a motion picture entitled “Freedom Writer (2007)” where the character “Marcus” was based on Darrius. To add to his literary credits Darrius has also written two plays for the El Camino College Theatre program working with Dr. Pieter Van Niel. Darrius has a poetry book ready for publishing and he writes scripts for movies & Television. www.darriusonline.com www.northwestprime.com

Darrius Garrett, Author/Actor/Poet/Motivational Speaker/Freedom Writer amongst other entertainment business ventures , has been writing for some time now. Darrius's major credits are his contributions as co-author of the #1 New York Times Bestselling book entitled “Freedom Writers Diary (1999),” and "Freedom Writers Diary 10th Anniversary Edition (2009)", which was also made into a motion picture entitled “Freedom Writers (2007)” where the character “Marcus” was based on Darrius. To add to his literary credits Darrius has also written two plays for the El Camino College Theatre program working with Dr. Pieter Van Niel. Darrius has a poetry book ready for publishing and he writes scripts for movies & Television. http://www.darriusonline.com

Author and Educator Erin Gruwell came to the attention of many when her story was brought to life by actress Hillary Swank in the movie THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY. She talks about what inspires her and what you can learn from her experiences.