With Muhammad Ali Mojaradi, we explore core Sufi concepts and Rumi's timeless vision of love and unity, while unpacking some Western misreadings and misconceptions. We reflect on how his message transcends faith and culture to inspire clarity and compassion in a divided world.

Muhammad Ali Mojaradi - writer, translator and founder of Persian Poetics, has devoted his work to restoring the authentic voice of Jalal al-Din Rumi and the Sufi tradition to a global audience.

In this episode, Heather Swan- poet, essayist and author of Where the Grass Still Sings speaks about the power of storytelling in a time of ecological crisis. 
Through her writing, Heather invites us to listen more closely to the voices of the more-than-human world, weaving narratives that honor both the beauty and the grief found in earth's vanishing biodiversity.

In this episode we will be exploring the vital topic of peace education with Professor Alicia Cabezudo, a distinguished international and peace educator. With decades of experience as a professor emeritus at the University of Rosario and a UNESCO Chair on Culture of Peace and Human Rights, Alicia has been a pioneering voice in promoting education grounded in human rights, citizenship, and conflict resolution.

World BEYOND War is a grassroots network working to abolish the entire institution of war - not just individual confilcts - by promoting non violent alternatives. Together with John Reuwer, we will discuss how war is not inevitable, the myths that keep it alive, and the practical steps individuals and communities can take to build a just sustainable peace.

John Reuwer is a retired emergency physician and a dedicated peace activist. He serves as Treasurer and a member of the Broad Directors of World BEYOND War. With more than 35 years of practice, study and teaching of nonviolence, John Reuwer has extensive field experience on unarmed peace teams in conflict zones.

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Some argue that in turbulent times, culture becomes a luxury, with mourning and political action taking precedence. But what about culture-why does it still matter? Can it shape public consciousness or influence policy? What responsibilities do artists and cultural figures have in creating and speaking out? How do we understand the role of culture?
I’m joined by Arash Azizi to explore the intersection of social realities and Art. From film and music to literature and visual art, creators have long confronted injustice, elevated marginalized voices, and sparked change through their work. 

Arash Azizi is a historian, writer, and incoming Postdoctoral Associate and lecturer at Yale University. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and is the author of several books. His work spans politics, history and cinema, appearing in major outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post. Arash also produces films and serves on the board of the Nonviolent Initiative for Democracy, bringing a rich perspective on peace, culture, and political change.