Podcasts about sister helen prejean

It's Thursday and that means it's time to catch up on politics with The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate's editorial director and columnist, Stephanie Grace. We hear about the latest clashes between Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the Civil Service Commission, and a millage to support the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. The death penalty has been a major topic in Louisiana ever since the execution of Jessie Hoffman, Jr. one month ago. He was the first person in the state to be killed with nitrogen gas. While many anti-death penalty organizations spoke up against this, there's one Louisianan who's been leading the charge against the death penalty for generations. Sister Helen Prejean is a Catholic religious leader and author of several books, including, “Dead Man Walking,” which captures her experiences serving as a spiritual adviser for two people on death row. She joins us now for more on her life's work, new book, and re-release of “Dead Man Walking,” as a graphic novel. Today's episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Bob Pavlovich. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber. We get production support from Garrett Pittman and our assistant producer Aubry Procell.You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It's available on Spotify, the NPR App and wherever you get your podcasts. Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you!  Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you're at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you'd like to listen to.Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!

Louisiana's first execution in 15 years is scheduled for next month...and not everybody wants it to happen. We spend some time with Sister Helen Prejean talking about the death penalty.

* Sister Helen Prejean on why she fights against the death penalty * What to know about the new Mardi Gras rules and enforcement * What will this second cold snap mean for our crawfish and other crops? * Why this researchers says we should pump the brakes on tax overhaul * Could Russia's war with Ukraine have been avoided?

Today's Talmud page, Sanhedrin 42, begins a lengthy discussion of the death penalty. Sister Helen Prejean, a notable opponent of capital punishment, joins us to discuss what it's like being with a person moments before his execution, and parse the differences between Jewish and Catholic approaches to the death penalty. Why did the rabbis rule that the place of execution must be far away from the court itself? Listen and find out.

Billy Binion speaks to Sister Helen Prejean about her activism to end the death penalty, as depicted in her book Dead Man Walking.

“Blessed are those who care about weak people. When they are in trouble, the Lord saves them.” (Psalm 41:1).   Jesus aptly sums up Psalm 41 when he says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Some of us can learn mercy by reading about it in the Bible. Many more of us learn mercy by taking the plunge and practicing it. Some years ago, the story of Sister Helen Prejean was portrayed in the movie Dead Man Walking. Joining a correspondence program for death row inmates, she begins exchanging letters with Gary. As his execution date approaches, he asks Helen to be his spiritual guide. Helen recoils at the idea of visiting a convicted rapist and murderer, let alone ministering to him. But responding to the nudging within her soul, she overcomes her fear. Gary is cocky and arrogant, refusing to admit his guilt and insists that he is the innocent victim of a corrupt legal system. She is despised and publicly vilified by the victims' parents for spending time with Gary. How could she, a deeply religious nun, befriend this cold-blooded murderer? They are horrified and let her know it frequently. Despite these difficult barriers, Sister Helen risks her name, her reputation, her own safety, to reach across them and embrace Gary with the love of God. The more she perseveres in loving him, the more his defences begin to crumble. Finally on the night before his execution, Gary confesses to his crime and asks for God's forgiveness. She decides to stay for the execution, explaining to Gary, "the last face I want you to see before you die is not one of hatred and vengeance, but one of love and mercy." Some of us learn mercy by reading about it in our Bibles. But most of us, like Sister Helen Prejean, learn mercy by offering it to those who least deserve it, to those who are unclean, who are despised and rejected by society. How have we learned to be merciful? Or should we back up a step and ask, have we learned to be merciful? Mercy is one of God's qualities and thus becomes a characteristic of his followers. Kindness, a similar virtue, makes it into the list of the Spirit's fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). Like Helen Prejean, David experiences deep loneliness in this psalm. Everyone appears to have turned against him, even his close friend. People visit him in his sick bed, acting as companions, but when they leave, they spread slander about him among the neighbours. David can endure the trials because he firmly believes that God will lift those who have "regard for the weak", those who are full of mercy. God stands opposed to the proud but lifts the weak. Peter offers this application, “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble'. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:5-7). This is not a reward system, “do this and God will pay you back in kind”. This is a deep reality of the universe. It is not the proud and self sufficient who win. Mercy and love are stronger and last longer than self aggrandizement. In an age and culture that is deeply divided, in which verbal virtual bombs are launched in all directions, Christians are being called to reach across institutional, cultural, and social walls to have regard for the weak. Ask God to open your eyes that you may see the weak. And ask for a spirit of mercy. As you journey on, go with the blessing of God: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you.May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

Today we talk about the Supreme Court case in Idaho and the Ten Commandments in classrooms in Louisiana.   Sister Helen Prejean, Dead Man Walking, The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate,(Vintage Books, 2013), 218-219.  Michael L. Radelet, Hugo A. Bedau, Constance Putnam, In Spite of Innocence: Erroneous Convictions in Capital Cases, (Boston, Northeastern University Press, 1992).  Glenn L. Pierce and Michael L. Radelet, “Death Sentencing in East Baton Rouge Parish, 1990-2008,” LOUISIANA LAW REVIEW, 71:647-73   Drew Hawkins and Maya Miller, “Book bans are on the rise in the Gulf South. Here's what's being challenged in Louisiana,” October 6, 2023.  Death Penalty Information Center:              “Innocence Database (Louisiana)”                “Louisiana Death Penalty Staggeringly Error-Prone, Racially Biased”                “Facts About the Death Penalty”   

Frank Ostaseski (Buddhist; end-of-life teacher; elder) helps people die best. He has accompanied over 1,000 people through the dying process and trained thousands of healthcare clinicians and family caregivers around the world. He was also a lecturer at Harvard Medical School and has taught at Google and Apple Inc., has been honoured by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and appeared on Oprah and Sam Harris' Making Sense podcast. I asked Frank to join me to talk through his book, The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.Death, grief and loss are always with us, but I feel we are needing moral and spiritual guidance more than ever (every 6-12 months or so I try to cover this issue on Wild, generally aligning with a dialling up in world events). In this chat Frank and I talk through simple techniques for coping with the loss we're feeling watching the carnage in Gaza, witnessing climate destruction and polarisation.SHOW NOTESGet hold of The Five InvitationsHere's Frank Ostaseski's website where you can find a bunch of resourcesYou might like to listen to the interview I did with death walker Stephen JenkinsonAnd this conversation with Clancy Martin about grief and suicideAs well as my glorious chat with Sister Helen Prejean and the other death row episode with Devin Moss--If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it's where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet's connect on Instagram and WeAre8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An interview with Ivan's Spiritual Advisor. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/matt-duff9/support

A jury awards E. Jean Carroll damages of $83.3M in her civil defamation case again Donald Trump. Plus, anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean joins to discuss the first US death row inmate being executed by nitrogen gas in Alabama this week. And, WWE founder Vince McMahon resigns amid sex trafficking allegations. Also, ‘Overtime with Bill Maher': Maher and guests answer topical questions from HBO's ‘Real Time with Bill Maher' viewers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A jury awards E. Jean Carroll damages of $83.3M in her civil defamation case again Donald Trump. Plus, anti-death penalty activist Sister Helen Prejean joins to discuss the first US death row inmate being executed by nitrogen gas in Alabama this week. And, WWE founder Vince McMahon resigns amid sex trafficking allegations. Also, ‘Overtime with Bill Maher': Maher and guests answer topical questions from HBO's ‘Real Time with Bill Maher' viewers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. T. Ford is a venerable elder in San Diego. As part of my series dedicated to documenting elders, we sat down together to discuss her upbringing—how her parents showed her at an early age what black excellence looked like, and how she carries their influence and example in all she does. (Her great-great grandmother, who shared her own wisdom, lived to be 109.) We discussed Dr. T. Ford's contributions to communities both local and nationwide, including her involvement with the Black Storytellers of San Diego; Rite of Passage; and the former Fanno Academy School. In addition to possessing expertise as a grant writer, she has worked as an activist and organizer. She shared about her journey to achieve her Juris Doctor, and the relevance of the law to her other endeavors. Lastly, we touched on her relationship with Sister Helen Prejean, a leading voice for death penalty abolition and the author of Dead Man Walking.

SHOW NOTES  Our texts this week are here  Our prayer this week: “A Liturgy For Those Waiting For A Dream To Come True” - Liturgies For Hope  Browse our curated booklists! Purchasing through this affiliate link generates a small commission for us and is a great way to support the show https://bookshop.org/shop/aplainaccount   Other resources on our website: commentaries, discipleship, liturgics, music. “Light the candle anyway.” – Sarah Bessey   “God didn't show me the whole path, God gave me a flashlight, to see one step ahead of me.” – Sister Helen Prejean 

Margaret (Meg) Wheatley (collapse theorist, global leadership consultant) is something of a legend in her field. She has worked for 50 years helping humans adapt to their world using systems analysis, chaos theory and deep spiritualism (she's good friends with one of my heroes the Buddhist monk Pema Chödrön). Poets, scientists and philosophers quote her writing, she has worked in countless disaster situations around the world and was commissioned to transform the leadership of large institutions such as the US Army and the National Park Service. Plus she's the author of 12 books, including Who Do We Choose to Be? and the forthcoming Restoring Sanity. Meg has also researched the collapse of civilisations throughout history and is a leading voice among a community of scientists, economists, historians and philosophers who are arguing that our civilisation is also currently heading toward collapse. This is a challenging conversation and the subject has its deniers. Meg steers our focus to becoming the leaders we want to see amid the cascading crises facing the world and to create “islands of sanity” amid the despair. In this conversation, we cover the responsibility of the rich, why it's redundant to talk about saving the world, and how to sit in despair and create a meaningful life from it all.Meg and I also recorded a second and even more challenging episode that can be found over at my Substack. In this extra episode we cover how long we've got left (when will collapse occur?), how to cope when others are still consuming and distracting themselves away from the issue, how to raise kids in this knowledge, where to live in coming years… SHOW NOTESMeg references the poet David Whyte who has also been a guest on Wild You can purchase Who Do We Choose to Be? now and preorder Restoring Sanity (coming March 2024)Find out about her workshops and events hereOther Wild conversations with elders: Stephen Jenkinson, Sister Helen Prejean and Margaret Atwood If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it's where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet's connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's question comes from long-time reader, frequent and generous commenter Kei Ikeda, but it's one I've been asked a few times - What goes into producing Wild? My short answer would be: a lot of swirling self-doubt, over-analysis, faking-till-making and ad hoc recording set-ups. Here, I chat (on a cold Paris afternoon) about my recording equipment, how I contact guests, how the costs stack up, how the brand advertising and sponsorship works and more.I flagged a few previous episodes you might want to catch up on with Sheena Iyengar and Sister Helen Prejean.In 15 minutes (OK, 20 minutes) I don't cover everything, so I invite you to ask me anything I missed in the comment section over on Substack. Also, I'll start a thread on Sunday (again, over at Substack), as suggested by a bunch of you, where we can maybe thrash out a few ways to keep Wild going together. See you there.If you need to know a bit more about me… head to my "about" pageFor more such conversations subscribe to my Substack newsletter, it's where I interact the most!Get your copy of my book, This One Wild and Precious LifeLet's connect on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SynopsisAs the 20th century drew to its close, some who followed the development of opera were struck by the number of new American operas on American themes.On today's date in 2000, one of these new operas debuted in San Francisco. Dead Man Walking, an opera in two acts, was based on a 1993 book by Sister Helen Prejean, a book also made into a successful movie. The libretto for the operatic version of Sister Prejean's book was crafted by Terrance McNally and set to music by American composer Jake Heggie.Now, an opera based on eyewitness accounts of American prisoners on death row might seem an unlikely topic for an opera, but Sister Prejean didn't think so.“I love the way the opera captures essential human conflicts: love or hate, compassion or vengeance, redemption or condemnation,” she said. “… From the beginning, I told McNally and Heggie that I'd trust them to compose the opera if they wove into its center the quest for redemption. They got it. And I could tell by the stillness in the auditorium and the tumultuous applause at the end that the audience also really gets it.”Music Played in Today's ProgramJake Heggie (b. 1961) Dead Man Walking - San Francisco Opera; Patrick Summers, cond. Erato 86238

What does redemption mean to a man sentenced to death? Is capital punishment justice or vengeance? Could anyone ever forgive a murderer?These are just some of the questions behind the true story of the nun who became a spiritual adviser to men on death row at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. Dead Man Walking was first a 1993 memoir by the Catholic nun and fervent death penalty abolitionist Sister Helen Prejean; later, it was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie. Sister Helen's story inspired a national conversation around the death penalty — and the opera duo Jake Heggie and Terrence McNally. Their adaptation of Sister Helen's story has become one of the most celebrated operas of the 21st century, and, with the last federal execution taking place as recently as 2021, feels as timely as ever.In her aria “This Journey,” Sister Helen's character reflects on her religious calling as she makes her way to the Angola prison for the first time. In this episode, host Rhiannon Giddens and her guests take us deeper into the true story that inspired the opera and the experiences that continue to inform Sister Helen Prejean's ministry.The GuestsThe Metropolitan Opera's 2023 production of Dead Man Walking marks the fifth time mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato has sung the role of Sister Helen. She describes the role as one that's impossible to emerge from without feeling changed. Having embodied Sister Helen so many times, DiDonato feels “much less comfortable turning a blind eye to things.”American composer Jake Heggie is best known for Dead Man Walking, the most widely performed new opera of the last 20 years. In addition to 10 other full-length operas and numerous one-acts, Heggie has composed more than 300 art songs, as well as concerti, chamber music, choral, and orchestral works. When librettist Terrence McNally proposed adapting Dead Man Walking into an opera, Heggie's “hair stood on end” and he immediately “felt and heard music.”Sister Helen Prejean is a Roman Catholic nun, the author of the memoir Dead Man Walking, and a leading voice in the effort to abolish the death penalty. She's served as a spiritual counselor to numerous convicted inmates on Death Row as well as to families of murder victims and survivors of violent crimes. Despite her wisdom, Sister Helen claims to know “boo-scat” about opera.

In "The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions," author Sister Helen Prejean talks about her first-hand experiences witnessing the execution of Dobie Gillis Williams in 1999 and Joseph Roger O'Dell in 1997, how poor people are primarily affected by wrongful executions, and why the execution of Michael Morales was postponed indefinitely in 2006 and led to a moratorium on capital punishment in California. This third discussion with the author took place on a 2006 episode of "Conversations On The Coast with Jim Foster" originating in San Francisco, California. Photo: sisterhelen.org

In Part 2 of our interview with Sister Helen Prejean, one of the world's most well-known anti-death penalty activists, she discusses her life's work and being a spiritual adviser to Oklahoma death row prisoner Richard Glossip.

In Part 2 of our interview with Sister Helen Prejean, one of the world's most well-known anti-death penalty activists, she discusses her life's work and being a spiritual adviser to Oklahoma death row prisoner Richard Glossip.

On Today's Show: Amid Growing Anti-Immigrant Hate, 8 Killed as Driver Plows Into Group Near Migrant Shelter in Texas The Coronation Not Seen on TV: Anti-Monarchists Arrested; Slavery & Colonization Reparations Demanded Can Anyone Hold Justice Clarence Thomas to Account for Secret Dealings with Billionaire GOP Megadonor? Should Sen. Feinstein Resign? Why Aren't Media, Colleagues Talking Openly About Mental Competence? Sister Helen Prejean on Richard Glossip's Stay of Execution: I Believe He Will Walk Out a Free Man The post Democracy Now 6am – May 8, 2023 appeared first on KPFA.

ABOUT JASON FLOM AND WRONGFUL CONVICTIONSHosted by celebrated criminal justice reform advocate and founding board member of the Innocence Project Jason Flom, and Pulitzer prize-winning podcast host and producer Maggie Freleng, Wrongful Conviction features intimate conversations with men and women who have spent years in prison for crimes they maintain they did not commit. Some have been fully exonerated and reunited with family and friends while others continue to languish, with some even facing execution on death row. Each episode peels back the layers behind the stories of those who have found themselves caught in a legal system gone wrong, with illuminating insights from lawyers and leading experts sharing their in-depth knowledge about each case, from prison visits and courtroom battles to reexamined crime scenes and witness interviews. This gripping series reveals the tragedy of injustice.as well as the triumph that is possible when people step up and demand change.Episodes here:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/267-wrongful-conviction-27797564/ABOUT RIGHTEOUS CONVICTIONSRighteous Convictions features music executive, philanthropist, and activist Jason Flom in conversation with a diverse who's-who of advocates at the forefront of critical issues that will impact our future. Guests include Sir Richard Branson, Ashley Judd, Senator Dick Durbin, Sister Helen Prejean, Seth Godin, Congressman James Clyburn, and many more. His discussions with these thought leaders and change-makers uncover and inspire the most powerful actions we can take for reform, equal justice, and a better world for all.Episodes here:https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-righteous-convictions-79356133/JASON FLOM BIOJason Flom is the Founder and CEO of Lava For Good and Lava Media. Flom previously served as Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records, and Capitol Music Group, and he is personally responsible for launching acts such as Katy Perry, Kid Rock, Lorde, and Greta Van Fleet. He is a leading philanthropist and expert on criminal justice issues and an internationally-recognized and celebrated public speaker. Flom is the founding board member of the Innocence Project and serves on the boards of numerous criminal justice reform organizations.He is the host of the hit podcast, Wrongful Conviction, which features interviews with men and women who have spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit, some even sentenced to death. Flom also hosts Righteous Convictions with Jason Flom, which spotlights social justice leaders such as Senator Dick Durbin, U.S. Representative James Clyburn, and Serial creator and activist Rabia Chaudry - true rockstars of these turbulent times. Flom's love for animals inspired the children's book Lulu is a Rhinoceros, co-written with his daughter Allison Flom and released in June 2018.

Sister Helen Prejean is the founder of the Ministry Against the Death Penalty and the author of "Deadman Walking: The Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty That Sparked a National Debate." She discusses her work with death row inmates and talks about why the death penalty should be abolished. Sister Helen will speak at the UO on October 27, 2022 as a guest of the UO's Prison Education Program.

Helen Prejean is the author of three books, River of Fire, The Death of Innocence and Dead Man Walking. These books are about Helen's compassionate support of men as they prepared for their execution by the state of Louisianan. The Book Dead Man Walking was made into a major motion picture staring Sean Penn, who played the part of Eddie Sonya whose execution was ordered by the state of Louisianan and Susan Sarandon who played the part of Helen Prejean. Sister Helen Prejean has become an outspoken advocate for eliminating the death penalty and an outspoken advocate against wrongful conviction. Helen Prejean has been awarded the Latayre Metal by the University of Notre Dame for her work as a advocate for eliminating the death penalty. Today's Solutions to Violence presentation featuring A Fire Side Chat with Helen Prejean is the first in a two part series of the Fireside Chat with Helen Prejean. The second in the series will air October 17th, 18th and 19th. Professor Jimmy Gulya, director of the University of Notre Dame Exoneration and Justice Project, will introduce Helen Prejean and the Dean of the University of Notre Dame School of Law, Professor Cole, will conduct the Sister Helen Prejean interview.

Despite its fraught history of botched executions, the state of Oklahoma is preparing to begin a 29 month execution spree this week. 25 dates have been set for men with severe mental illness, personal histories of childhood abuse, inadequate legal representation, or claims of innocence. Though these inmates have been deemed "the worst of the worst," activist nun Sister Helen Prejean implores the world to look at fuller pictures of their lives, and seek out an alternative to the death penalty. Guest: Sister Helen Prejean, anti-death penalty activist and author of Dead Man Walking, The Death of Innocents, and River of Fire. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite its fraught history of botched executions, the state of Oklahoma is preparing to begin a 29 month execution spree this week. 25 dates have been set for men with severe mental illness, personal histories of childhood abuse, inadequate legal representation, or claims of innocence. Though these inmates have been deemed "the worst of the worst," activist nun Sister Helen Prejean implores the world to look at fuller pictures of their lives, and seek out an alternative to the death penalty. Guest: Sister Helen Prejean, anti-death penalty activist and author of Dead Man Walking, The Death of Innocents, and River of Fire. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite its fraught history of botched executions, the state of Oklahoma is preparing to begin a 29 month execution spree this week. 25 dates have been set for men with severe mental illness, personal histories of childhood abuse, inadequate legal representation, or claims of innocence. Though these inmates have been deemed "the worst of the worst," activist nun Sister Helen Prejean implores the world to look at fuller pictures of their lives, and seek out an alternative to the death penalty. Guest: Sister Helen Prejean, anti-death penalty activist and author of Dead Man Walking, The Death of Innocents, and River of Fire. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite its fraught history of botched executions, the state of Oklahoma is preparing to begin a 29 month execution spree this week. 25 dates have been set for men with severe mental illness, personal histories of childhood abuse, inadequate legal representation, or claims of innocence. Though these inmates have been deemed "the worst of the worst," activist nun Sister Helen Prejean implores the world to look at fuller pictures of their lives, and seek out an alternative to the death penalty. Guest: Sister Helen Prejean, anti-death penalty activist and author of Dead Man Walking, The Death of Innocents, and River of Fire. If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get benefits like zero ads on any Slate podcast, bonus episodes of shows like Slow Burn and Dear Prudence—and you'll be supporting the work we do here on What Next. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to help support our work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roy Jenkins guest is a nun who is one of the world's best-known campaigners against the death penalty. Sister Helen Prejean came to international fame when she was played by Susan Sarandon in the Academy award winning film Dead Man Walking, based on her best-selling book of the same name. She has had direct dialogue with two popes, and is credited among those who've helped move the Catholic Church into opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances. Helen Prejean has witnessed the trauma of men being executed on six separate occasions, but the willingness to put herself through this, like her worldwide campaigning, required first a revolution in her own thinking - not least in her understanding of her faith. In a new book River of Fire, she describes her spiritual journey, with passion and humour. This programme was first broadcast in February 2020.

Joining our hosts to discuss the racial and class inequalities infecting application of the Death Penalty is Samuel Spital, Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund. They speak with Sabrina Butler Smith, the first woman exonerated from death row, about her experience of being wrongly convicted of murdering her infant and sent to death row in Mississippi. We also get a look from a victim's perspective through a conversation with Jennifer Pinckney, Widow of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, who was murdered by Dylan Roof. Finally, the hosts explore the processes and procedures of putting inmates to death with Lynden Harris, Director of Hidden Voices and Editor of "Right Here, Right Now: Life Stories from America's Death Row" and Sister Helen Prejean, anti-death penalty activist, spiritual advisor to men and women on death row, and author of "Dead Man Walking," "The Death of Innocents," and "The River of Fire."  

  Marcia Franklin talks with leading death penalty opponent Sister Helen Prejean, C.S.J. about her views, as well as the success of the book and film about her life, 'Dead Man Walking.' The two also discuss the potential future of the death penalty, women in the priesthood, and her next project. Originally aired: 05/13/98

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. As the first Hispanic woman sentenced to death in Texas, Melissa Lucio spent 15 years on death row. With other cases that show similarities to Melissa Lucio's story, what might they say about a pattern of prosecution and conviction?  In particular, how are women impacted? Some believe there seem to be structural problems in the criminal justice system and a pattern of poor, abused women getting convicted and sentenced due to discretionary power of prosecutors. Could it be that when it's up to the prosecutors to seek the death penalty, poor people don't get defense? In this conversation, we talk with a spiritual advisor and activist, who has been educating the public about the death penalty for over 30 years and author of  the book “Dead Man Walking”. Also, we hear from an expert from the Death Penalty Information Center. Guests: Sister Helen Prejean Author, spiritual advisor and death penalty activist Ngozi Ndulue Deputy Director, Death Penalty Information Center Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. Audio from today's show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.

To move away from the death penalty as a country, the public needs be able to see inside the process and understand its effects. Sister Helen Prejean has dedicated much of her life to ministering to those affected by the death penalty, from death row inmates to guards to families of murder victims, and has worked to help the public and the church change their thinking on this issue. Michael Semanchik talks with Sister Helen about her keynote address at the conference and the importance of sharing personal stories to unveil the injustice of capital punishment. Host Michael Semanchik is the managing attorney for the California Innocence Project. Sister Helen Prejean is known around the world for her tireless work advocating against the death penalty. She has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping the Catholic Church's vigorous opposition to all executions.

To move away from the death penalty as a country, the public needs be able to see inside the process and understand its effects. Sister Helen Prejean has dedicated much of her life to ministering to those affected by the death penalty, from death row inmates to guards to families of murder victims, and has worked to help the public and the church change their thinking on this issue. Michael Semanchik talks with Sister Helen about her keynote address at the conference and the importance of sharing personal stories to unveil the injustice of capital punishment. Host Michael Semanchik is the managing attorney for the California Innocence Project. Sister Helen Prejean is known around the world for her tireless work advocating against the death penalty. She has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping the Catholic Church's vigorous opposition to all executions.

Griffin Hardy is the Communications Director for Ministry Against the Death Penalty, founded by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Griffin Hardy is the Communications Director for Ministry Against the Death Penalty, founded by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law

Griffin Hardy is the Communications Director for Ministry Against the Death Penalty, founded by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Griffin Hardy is the Communications Director for Ministry Against the Death Penalty, founded by Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/christian-studies

Episode NotesHelen tells the story of how she first became involved in working with inmates on death row. She let's us hear how she got to know her first few clients and how tough it was. At times Helen chokes up thinking about the things she witnessed in her career that brought her to work with many people she would get to know quite well and then have to watch them be put to death in the electric chair.Her experiences on death row lead her to a life mission of trying to abolish the death penalty. It's the old adage that while the crimes people commit are horrendous, two wrongs don't make a right. Furthermore, there is a deep layer of systemic racism, poverty, and mental illness that creates a socio-economic link to those who are likely to end up on death row. The fact the death penalty was such a hot topic, combined with her personal experience, Sister Helen knew it was part of her mission to write a book in order to educate the public. Dead Man Walking was not only a best selling book, but it also went on to become an academy award-winning film, and popular theater play.Helen is a great role model for creating deep, intrinsic meaning in your work. She has been working tirelessly since the 1980's toward educating people about murder, the death penalty, and compassion. She speaks openly in the episode about her struggles while doing this line of work and shares that the most challenging hurdle was figuring out how to support victim's families. While it has been a lifelong seesaw, with many conflicts, no one could argue that she has done absolutely incredible work to remind all of us how we should strive to live our best lives.Sister Helen is an incredible storyteller, inspirational speaker, and teacher. While we spent the majority of time discussing death row and what it takes to have compassion for someone who has committed such terrible crimes, we also touched on a number of other subjects. We talked about the importance of learning, how to help people regain their lives if they're given a second chance after jail, and how similar we are, no matter what people see on the outside.10 Things To Keep In Mind When It Comes To CompassionWe are all 99.9% identical. This connection between people is the secret of life. It is what makes everything hum and come to life.Empathy is an appreciation for others. You can not be “in their shoes”. You haven't been through what they've been through. You can hear what they're saying and feel with you. You can walk with them, and go through things with them.Keep your promises. Most people who require forgiveness in the first place have trouble being trustworthy. Be sure to only make promises that you can keep. Keep your work, show consistency and do not waiver as you build trust.Be unconditional in your forgiveness. The root of “forgive” is the Latin word “perdonare,” meaning “to give completely, without reservation”. There is no need to hold back. Hurtful acts and forgiveness are two separate events.Be patient in waiting for “sorry”. The forgiver chooses when they feel sorry. Everyone heals according to their own timeline. You do not choose when someone forgives you. So be prepared to wait. But you can choose to forgive others and steer toward peace immediately.Every relationship is mutual. We're not the wonderful, generous people, forgiving the poor, weak, wounded human beings. They give us a lot too. All human exchanges provide mutual gifts in some way.Create programs, groups, classes, or partnerships that allow for people to be on a similar playing field. There is so much unlevel ground and unfair advantages in society. Given equal circumstances you would be tested in a way that would lead you to do that too. So level the playing field when you forgive and get to know someone.Rewards and punishment won't change the root cause of behavior. We must strive to keep innocent people safe. And, we must hold people accountable. The question is “what does accountability look like?” How do we define accountability? Remember that the wrongdoing is separate from the best course of action for next steps. Everyone has a reason, but not an excuse for their behavior. Some may have a learning disability, trauma, addiction, mental illness, poverty, lack of sleep, malnutrition, or immaturity. If your brain's ability for effective judgment is impaired. It's impaired, as simple as that.Give everyone a voice and choice. There is dignity simply in being human. Not because of any results, or circumstances. But, simply in being human we should have input into our lives and decision making.Memorable Quotes“Find work and purpose in your life and do what you love. Do what you love. Let what you love be what you do to find purpose and do what you love. Not to try to make a lot of money and all that. Do what you love.”“Over 90% of people on death row were abused as kids. I mean, that's massive. And then one day they take it out on some innocent victim.”“When people rub us the wrong way, always be asking, what am I supposed to learn? What is this life event teaching me? What can I learn from this? That's huge.”Guest BioSister Helen Prejean is known around the world for her tireless work against the death penalty. She has been instrumental in sparking national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping vigorous opposition to stop executions and start societal compassion.In 1982, after moving into the St. Thomas Housing Project in New Orleans in order to live and work with the poor, Sister Helen became the spiritual advisor to death row inmates. After witnessing executions, she realized that this lethal ritual would remain unchallenged unless its secrecy was stripped away.She wrote a book, “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States”. Dead Man Walking hit the shelves when national support for the death penalty was close to 90%. The book ignited a national debate on capital punishment and inspired an Academy Award-winning movie, a play, and an opera.Sister Helen continues her work, dividing her time between educating the public, campaigning against the death penalty, counseling individual death row prisoners, and working with murder victims' family members. She also embarked on a speaking tour that continues to this day.Best Modern Mobile Recording Site: SquadcastFOLLOW Sister HelenSr Helen Prejean Site - Sr Helen Dot OrgFacebook - SisterHelenPrejeanTwitter - @HelenPrejeanInstagram - @helenprejean FOLLOW JUSTIN (JustTries)Website - JustTriesHOMEInstagram - @JustTriesYouTube - Just TriesTwitter - @JustTries_Tiktok - @justtriesPinterest - JustTriesFacebook - Just TriesCONNECT WITH JUST KEEP LEARNINGWebsite - JKLHOMEInstagram - @JustKeepLearning.CaTiktok - @justkeeplearning.caFacebook - Just Keep LearningFree Group -  JKL Goal Setting CommunityWe appreciate you being here! Be sure to leave the podcast, “Just Keep Learning” ratings and reviews because it will help people who need it be better able to find it. Also, if you want a shoutout, simply share an image of the episode, you listening, or your takeaways and share it @JustTries anywhere on social!Reach out anytime! Text your questions to JustTries at +1 (313) 710-5499

From her world-famous book "Dead Man Walking" to a life spent educating the public about the inhumanity of the death penalty, the work of activist nun Sister Helen Prejean is known around the globe. What is less widely known is the story of how Sister Helen came to do this work and, as the description for her latest memoir "River of Fire" notes, how she evolved in her “spiritual journey from praying for God to solve the world's problems to engaging full-tilt in working to transform societal injustices.” In this special conversation for Rattling the Bars, TRNN Executive Producer Eddie Conway speaks with Sister Helen about "River of Fire" and about the deep historical roots of the racist, colonialist violence that is embodied today in America's prison-industrial complex.Read the transcript of this interview: https://therealnews.com/from-dead-man-walking-to-fighting-to-abolish-the-death-penalty-sister-helen-prejeans-journeyPre-Production/Studio/Post-Production: Cameron GranadinoHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer: Donate: https://therealnews.com/donate-pod-rtbSign up for our newsletter: https://therealnews.com/nl-pod-rtbGet Rattling the Bars updates: https://therealnews.com/up-pod-rtbLike us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnewsFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnews

Martin continues the conversation with Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking, about human dignity and the sense of touch in health care.

Sister Helen Prejean is the author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States. She talks with Martin about her experiences that shaped her views on human dignity, and how health care workers can find hope in these times of pandemic.

According to a 2021 survey by the Pew Research Center, even though they have doubts about its administration, fairness, and usefulness as a crime deterrent, most Americans today still support the death penalty. Moreover, while it may seem like a brutal relic of a bygone era, capital punishment is still legal in 24 states, for the federal government, and for the military. As John Gramlich writes, “while state-level executions have decreased” in recent decades, “the federal government put more prisoners to death under President Donald Trump than at any point since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976.”Sister Helen Prejean has spent much of her life as a Catholic nun bearing witness to the violent inhumanity of state executions and campaigning to abolish the death penalty. Her work has been recognized around the world, including by the Pope, and has been instrumental in advancing national dialogue on capital punishment and in shaping the Catholic Church's vigorous opposition to all executions. She is also the author of Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States, The Death of Innocents: An Eyewitness Account of Wrongful Executions, and River of Fire: On Becoming an Activist. In this special episode of Rattling the Bars, TRNN Executive Producer Eddie Conway sits down to speak with Sister Prejean about the barbarous injustice of state-sanctioned executions and her own path to becoming a leading advocate for death penalty abolition.Read the transcript of this interview: https://therealnews.com/the-death-penalty-is-a-barbarous-stain-on-our-humanityPre-Production/Studio/Post Production: Cameron GranadinoHelp us continue producing Rattling the Bars by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer: Donate: https://therealnews.com/donate-pod-rtbSign up for our newsletter: https://therealnews.com/nl-pod-rtbGet Rattling the Bars updates: https://therealnews.com/up-pod-rtbLike us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnewsFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnews

We love doing episodes suggested by our listeners!  Mel wrote to ask us to track down Sister Helen Prejean….a Catholic nun who has spent her life campaigning to scrap the death penalty.  Sister Helen's the nun from the Hollywood film, Dead Man Walking.   It took us four months, but we finally had a chance to sit down to talk with this remarkable woman.  Sister Helen tells us why she took up her life-long campaign…..and why she believes President Joe Biden might just be the man to stop the death sentence, once and for all.   You're going to love our chat with Sister Helen Prejean.   Todays Headlines Commonwealth Future Fuels plan to provide EV charging stations, boost grid Obama warns of Pacific future at COP26 Perth nurse charged over alleged vaccine fraud Darwin remains on alert over super spreader fears Astroworld attendee sues Scott for $1 million Follow The Briefing Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  Facebook: TheBriefingNewsAU Twitter: @TheBriefingAU  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's perhaps no other name in history more ubiquitous with death penalty abolition than Sister Helen Prejean. Her book “Dead Man Walking: An Eyewitness Account of the Death Penalty in the United States” sparked a national conversation around capital punishment and inspired the Academy Award winning film starring Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. A stark ally of the Sinclair's, Sister Helen discusses our current state in American criminal justice with Jodie and Billy and her tireless work to end all executions in the United States. Don't miss this episode. To learn more about Sister Helen Prejean, visit her website and follow her on Twitter. 

Episode 4: know who you areSegments:Words MatterQuotesQuestion of the WeekLocal News Experience the MarketAffirmationSerendipitous Hello and welcome to little decisions. I'm your host Victoria Cooper. For you new folks, This podcast is about kindness, connection and community and today's episode has been my favorite so far to make! Why? Because today's episode is called: know who you are. Today's episode will start with Words Matter, explaining what I mean about being familiar with your authentic self. The quotes this episode will be throughout, setting up some segments, finishing others. We then go to the Question of the Week followed by a new segment: Local news! This is news for the Athens/Winterville, Ga area. Another new segment follows that titled: Experience the Market. I'm excited to finally have mastered audio editing enough to share with you some of my recording from the Marigold Market this past Saturday! I have an affirmation to briefly share and then we head into coming soon and another new segment: serendipitous. I believe this is going to be my best episode yet so stay tuned.     Little list of ways to know yourself:1.       Define your core values and beliefs. 2.       Allow yourself to grow, evolve & change. 3.       Change your environment—not yourself. 4.       Overcome limited thinking problems (perfectionism, overthinking, etc)5.       Challenge your self -image, update the story of you daily (know your real strengths & weaknesses)Core Values & Beliefs Exercise: -----Victoria's Sample Work: -----    “It's important to take stock. See where I am. The only way I know what I really believe is by keeping watch over what I do.” (thank phoebe judge from criminal for introducing me to her quotes through this one)  by Sister Helen Prejean, death penalty abolitionist. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?business=3ETJ2WW4FUWSY&no_recurring=0&item_name=Podcast+fundraising¤cy_code=USD)

Tessie Castillo is an author, journalist and public speaker who specializes in https://tessiecastillo.com/writing/stories/ (stories) on criminal justice, drug policy, prison reform and racial equity. She co-wrote her first book, https://tessiecastillo.com/product/crimson-letters-voices-from-death-row/ (Crimson Letters: Voices from Death Row), with four men serving death sentences in North Carolina, whom she met while volunteering at North Carolina's Central Prison in 2014. While volunteering, Castillo was moved by the wisdom, humility, and accountability of the men in prison. In May 2014 she wrote an editorial to the Raleigh News & Observer advocating for the humanity of people on Death Row. In response, the prison administration canceled her class and revoked her status as a volunteer. Castillo began writing to her former students. The letters and essays they exchanged formed the base for https://tessiecastillo.com/product/crimson-letters-voices-from-death-row/ (Crimson Letters: Voices from Death Row.) After its publication in March 2020, the prison confiscated the book from its co-authors and banned it from NC prisons. https://tessiecastillo.com/product/crimson-letters-voices-from-death-row/ (Crimson Letters) illuminates the complex stew of choice and circumstance that brought four men to Death Row and their search for hope and purpose behind bars. Since its publication, Castillo and her co-authors (who call in from prison) have been speaking on criminal justice issues and sharing their story with universities, faith groups, non-profits, radio shows, and podcasts, including NPR, https://longform.org/posts/longform-podcast-399-tessie-castillo-and-george-wilkerson (Longform Podcast), and the https://greensborobound.com/virtual-events-library/ (Greensboro Bound criminal justice series) featuring anti-death penalty advocate Sister Helen Prejean. They also host a free https://tessiecastillo.com/book-club/ (book club) where co-authors call into virtual discussions to answer questions and converse with book club members. By offering the unique opportunity to listen and interact with people on Death Row, Castillo and her co-authors debunk the assumptions and stereotypes that shape criminal justice policy. Crimson Letters is more than just a book. It is a collaborative project that challenges us to witness and engage with humanity behind bars. https://tessiecastillo.com/contact/ (Reach out) to invite Tessie and her co-authors to speak to your group or support her with a http://www.tessiecastillo.com/donate (donation). http://deathpenaltyaction.org/ (Take action) to help end the death penalty.

In this episode, Mary Clare speaks with Jon Trapp, a wildland firefighter and fire behavior analyst, emergency search and rescue volunteer, and wolf biologist. Jon describes his experience working on wild fires during COVID, being challenged by exposure events, social distancing at fire camps, and increased mental health struggles among his teams and patients. Find out more about Jon's work at https://travelmontana.com/yellowstone-wolf-experience-with-jon-trapp/ (https://travelmontana.com/yellowstone-wolf-experience-with-jon-trapp/) Also, keep an eye out for the release of Full Ecology, the new book from Mary Clare and Gary Ferguson, out on Earth Day, April 22, 2021 from Heyday Books. Attend the virtual launch with Sister Helen Prejean by signing up here: https://www.wildboundlive.com/events/walkinthewild (https://www.wildboundlive.com/events/walkinthewild)

Venezuelan opposition activist Leopoldo López joins Christiane Amanpour from exile in Madrid to discuss what the Biden administration’s next steps should be. He explains how their multilateral approach brings hope of a coordinated effort against Nicolas Maduro. Then renowned anti-death penalty campaigner Sister Helen Prejean speaks out on President Trump's unprecedented spree of federal executions before leaving office, and the need for restorative justice. Our Hari Sreenivasan talks to Chelsea Walsh, a covid crisis travel nurse, about jetting around the country to help those most impacted by this pandemic. She reveals the emotional and physical toll tackling this virus takes on healthcare workers like her. And finally, the multi-talented Kanneh-Mason family reflect on the power of music and play part of their new classical album "Carnival."To learn more about how CNN protects listener privacy, visit cnn.com/privacy

The Purple State Report is back and we begin the new year with a series of podcast episodes analyzing Colorado's death penalty. In this episode, our guest is Sister Helen Prejean, a prominent anti-death penalty activist and author of Dead Man Walking. Public Policy Director, Denise Maes and Public Policy Associate, Helen Griffiths interview. Join ACLU of Colorado on January 14, 2020, for End The Death Penalty Lobby Day. More info at: https://bit.ly/2QzCueS   The Purple State Report is brought to you by the ACLU of Colorado. Our show is produced by Vanessa Michel and Helen Griffiths with original theme music by Pablo Novelas. Additional music by Chilly Gonzalez and Jarvis Cocker. If you have feedback or suggestions for future episodes email us at purplestate@aclu-co.org.