Join us as Babs Walters, author of "Facing the Jaguar," shares her transformative journey of overcoming trauma and finding empowerment through storytelling. In this episode of "Break the Silence, Build the Future," Babs reveals how confronting the symbolic jaguar helped her break the silence and embark on a healing journey. Discover the power of memoir writing and the courage it takes to face one's fears. #HealingJourney #Empowerment #OvercomingTrauma Connect with Babs Walters https://babswalters.com https://www.youtube.com/@facingthejaguar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silence is not protection — silence is permission. In this clip from Break the Silence, Build a Future, Fartumo Kusow, author, advocate, and founder of the Sahra Bulle Foundation, explains why silence costs lives and why breaking it is the first step toward ending gender-based violence (GBV). As part of the #IamSahraBulle Campaign 2025, this message calls us to recommit — through the Purple Ribbon Campaign, the Walk to End Silence (Oct 4, 2025), and the 3rd Annual #IamSahraBulle Conference (Nov 26, 2025). 👉 Learn more and take action: wespeake.com/recommitment Because if not now, then when? If not you, then who? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🎙️ Episode Title (specific + SEO) Breaking the Silence: Community Action Against Gender-Based Violence #IamSahraBulle Campaign 2025 In this powerful opening episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, Fartumo Kusow — author, storyteller, and founder of the Sahra Bulle Foundation — emphasizes the urgent need for action against gender-based violence (GBV) and the dangers of silence. Through her personal story, Fartumo illustrates how silence costs lives and why advocacy, empowerment, and women’s rights must remain central to our communities. She connects today’s work to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), reminding us that collective responsibility and community action are essential to lasting social change. This episode also introduces the Purple Ribbon Campaign, a community-driven initiative that raises awareness, honors lives lost, and amplifies survivor voices. By uniting individuals and organizations, it fosters justice and demonstrates how collective action can transform grief into meaningful change. Because if not now, then when? If not you, then who? 👉 Take action today: https://www.wespeake.com/recommitment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Sally McQuillen lost her 21-year-old son in a tragic accident, her world changed forever. In this powerful episode, Sally, author of Reaching for Beautiful: A Memoir of Loving and Losing a Wild Child, joins host Fartumo Kusow for a deeply honest conversation about parenting through fear, the weight of grief, and the journey toward forgiveness and healing. Together, they explore the complexities of loving someone who walks a risky path, the illusion of control that haunts so many grieving parents, and how writing her memoir became both a burden and a balm. As a psychotherapist, Sally brings unique insight into the emotional landscape of loss and how grief reshapes not only our memories but our identities. This is a story of holding on, letting go, and reaching again and again for something beautiful on the other side of heartbreak. 📚 Learn more about Sally's book: Reaching for Beautiful: 🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs this message. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when survivors do everything they’re “supposed” to — and the system still fails them? In this second episode of our 30-day campaign series, host Fartumo Kusow confronts the institutional silence that surrounds gender-based violence. From missed warnings to broken protections, we ask what it really means when silence is built into the structures meant to keep us safe. 🎧 Listen to this powerful reflection and find out how you can join the Purple Ribbon Campaign leading up to the #IamSahraBulle Conference. Because if not now, then when? If not you, then who? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

n this opening episode of a special five-part lead-up to the #IamSahraBulle campaign, host Fartumo Kusow reflects on the grief that changed everything—the grief that came after losing her daughter, Sahra, to intimate partner violence. But this isn’t just a story about loss. It’s about the kind of grief that doesn’t settle down. The kind that asks more of you. The kind that won’t let you stay quiet. This episode sets the tone for what’s coming: a collective call to action rooted in remembrance, resistance, and rebuilding. If your grief has ever asked something more of you—this episode is for you. 🎧 Break the Silence, Build a Future is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief doesn’t move in a straight line—and it doesn’t always soften with time. In this deeply reflective episode, Fartumo Kusow marks the two-year anniversary of her daughter’s death and shares how the pain has not lessened, but deepened. With raw honesty, she explores what it feels like when grief returns like a storm you didn’t expect—and what to do when it settles in and takes the place where love once lived. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they “should” be doing better, only to find the ache has grown louder. It’s a quiet, fierce reminder that time does not always heal—but presence, truth, and compassion can help us carry the weight. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 5, 2023. 10 PM. A knock on the door. And then—a single sentence that shattered everything I knew. In this deeply personal episode, I recount the night I was told my daughter had been murdered. What followed was not just grief—it was a transformation of identity, purpose, and the very shape of my world. This story is about the line between before and after, and what it means to live when everything has changed. If you've ever faced a moment that broke you wide open—this episode is for you. Together, we ask: Now what? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when the dream you built your life around disappears? In this powerful episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, host [Your Name] is joined by writer and advocate Shaimaa Kraba to explore what it means to face the end of a cherished dream—and begin again. Together, they talk about grief, identity, healing, and the courage it takes to reclaim your voice and reimagine your future. ✨ This conversation is for anyone who’s ever asked: Now what? 🔗 Read Shaimaa’s full article: I Had a Dream, I Have a Dream 📲 Connect with Shaimaa: @makeyourmark https://www.facebook.com/LadieShay91/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when the dream you held so tightly begins to fall apart? In Part One of this powerful three-part series, host Fartumo sits down with Shaimaa Kraba to explore the unraveling of a dream once rooted in hope, identity, and purpose. Together, they reflect on the slow realization that what you imagined for your life is no longer possible—and the grief that comes with letting it go. This episode holds space for the silence, the sadness, and the strength it takes to say: this isn’t the life I planned—but I’m still here. 🎧 For anyone who’s ever lost a dream and wondered what comes next—this is for you. Here is the link to the Shaimaa Kraba's article "I Had a Dream. I Have a Dream." for your reference. https://mymonline.org/i-had-a-dream-i-have-a-dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After grief or trauma, you’re not the same. But how do you find yourself again when the person you were feels so far away? In this episode, host [Your Name] explores the quiet, confusing process of identity transformation after loss. Through deeply personal reflections, she speaks to the feeling of being unrecognizable—to yourself and others—and how to gently reconnect with the person you’re becoming. This isn’t about “getting back to normal.” It’s about honoring who you were and who you’re becoming—without shame, pressure, or apology. 🧩 Topics in this episode: – Why you may not recognize yourself after trauma – Grieving your old identity – The courage to evolve without erasing your past – What it means to “become” instead of “return” 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more. New episodes drop weekly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens after the calls stop, the meals end, and the world moves on—but you can’t? In this first episode of Season 3, host Fartumo Kusow reflects on the quiet after loss—the space where grief truly begins. Through personal storytelling and honest conversation, she explores what it feels like to survive a life-altering moment, only to be left asking: Now what? If you're standing in that silence—confused, heartbroken, or unsure how to keep going—this episode is for you. You don’t need to have all the answers. You just need a place to start. 🕊️ Subscribe and listen every week as we explore what it means to move forward—slowly, gently, and honestly—after everything changes. #NowWhat #BreakTheSilencePodcast #GriefSupport #TraumaRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #YouAreNotAlone #LifeAfterLoss #PodcastSeason3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After everything changes, it’s natural to want your old life back. But what if healing isn’t about returning to who you were—but becoming someone new? In this episode, host, Fartumo Kusow, explores the often overlooked grief of losing the life you thought you’d have—and why not being able to “go back” isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. Through personal storytelling and reflection, she speaks to the quiet, painful process of accepting irreversible change and finding strength in the unfamiliar. This episode is an invitation to loosen your grip on the past—and begin honoring the person you’re becoming. 🗓️ Subscribe and listen every week as we navigate identity, grief, and growth after trauma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not all grief is acknowledged, and not all losses are visible. Some grief is carried in silence—unspoken, unresolved, and often overlooked. In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, we explore the quiet pain of grief that isn't tied to death but to loss that goes unrecognized: lost relationships, dreams that never came true, and versions of ourselves that no longer exist. I share my personal experiences, including the grief of the future I imagined after my marriage ended, becoming a single mother in a new country, and the unspoken sorrow of watching my daughter suffer in an abusive relationship. Together, we uncover why we suppress grief? How it manifests in our lives, and ways to honor and carry our losses without letting them consume us. As this season comes to an end, I invite you to subscribe to the podcast so you do not miss Season Three: Justice System from the Victim’s Perspective, launching May 7, 2025. Subscribers will also get a chance to join live recordings, ask questions in real time, and share their own stories on the podcast. 💛 Your grief matters. Your voice matters. You are not alone. #GriefHealing #UnspokenGrief #HealingThroughLoss #BreakTheSilencePodcast #LifeAfterLoss #CopingWithGrief #HealingJourney #RebuildingAfterTrauma #SurvivorStories #EmotionalHealing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief is not just about loss—it is love that still lingers, love that refuses to fade. In this episode, I explore how grief is a continuation of love, a connection that remains even when the person we love is gone. How do we carry grief as a reflection of love rather than as pain? How do we keep their presence alive in our lives? Join me as we explore grief as love remembered. 💛 Listen now and honor the love that never leaves. #GriefIsLove #HealingThroughGrief #RememberingLovedOnes #LifeAfterLoss #GriefJourney #HonoringMemory #BreakTheSilencePodcast #GriefHealing #LoveBeyondLoss #GriefSupport Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holding onto love, memories, and identity after loss—navigating the fear of forgetting while embracing healing. Grief isn’t just about loss—it’s about the fear of losing the memories, the voice, the presence of the person we love. In this deeply personal episode, I explore my struggle with the fear of forgetting my daughter and how trauma can overshadow the memories we desperately want to hold onto. How do we preserve the essence of a loved one beyond their tragic passing? Why do some of us struggle to visualize or dream about them? And how can we honor their memory in a way that brings healing, rather than pain? Join me as I navigate these difficult emotions and reflect on ways to keep their presence alive, even when the grief feels overwhelming. ✨ Tune in now for this powerful and emotional discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joining Fartumo Kusow are Rabbi Adam Chalom and Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld, leading voices in Humanistic Judaism, who bring a unique perspective on grief, healing, and the power of collective action. They share insights from their book, Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices, offering practical ways communities can provide tangible support beyond thoughts and prayers. In this episode, we discuss: 🔹 How grief can feel like an identity shift and why community matters. 🔹 The humanist approach to grief—focusing on action, not just words. 🔹 Practical ways individuals and communities can support those in mourning. 🔹 Breaking the silence around grief and creating safe spaces for healing. About Our Guests: Rabbi Adam Chalom serves as the North American Dean of the International Institute for Secular Humanistic Judaism (IISHJ) and leads Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Chicago. With degrees from Yale University and the University of Michigan, he was ordained by IISHJ in 2001. Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld is the leader of Beth Chaverim Humanistic Jewish Community. She holds a Master’s and Doctor of Science in Jewish Studies from Spertus College and was ordained by IISHJ in 2009. Together, they co-edited Contemporary Humanistic Judaism: Beliefs, Values, Practices, a groundbreaking exploration of modern Jewish identity and community support. Their work has been featured on various platforms, including the New Books Network Podcast. Resources: 📖 Book: Contemporary Humanistic Judaism 📘 Study Guide 🎧 Podcast Interview on New Books Network 🔊 Tune in now for an insightful discussion on how we can build stronger, more compassionate communities for those experiencing grief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text In Episode 13, Rebuilding After Loss: Who Am I Without This?, we dive into the identity shifts that grief demands. Losing someone, a relationship, or a dream often leaves us questioning who we are and how to move forward. This episode explores how to navigate these changes, embrace life again, and find purpose after loss. Together, we’ll discuss the fears, challenges, and small steps that lead to rebuilding a meaningful life—one that honors both our past and our future. #GriefJourney #HealingAfterLoss #RebuildingAfterLoss #GriefSupport #LifeAfterLoss #MovingForward #FindingYourself #RediscoveringPurpose #IdentityAfterLoss #PersonalGrowth #BreakTheSilencePodcast #PodcastEpisodes #ListenAndLearn #YouAreNotAlone #HealingTogether #BuildingCommunity #ShareYourStory #TellYourTruth #GriefAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, I sit down with Molly Booker, a passionate advocate for authenticity, mental well-being, and embracing life's imperfections. We dive into the raw realities of grief, resilience, and how to navigate the messy, unpredictable nature of healing. Molly shares her personal journey of loss, growth, and finding purpose through the chaos. If you've ever felt stuck in your pain or struggled to embrace your own story, this conversation will inspire you to find strength in the mess.To reach Molly Booker: https://www.mollybooker.com/To reach Fartumo Kusow: https://linktr.ee/fkusow 🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation! #GriefHealing #Resilience #Authenticity #BreakTheSilencePodcast #MollyBooker #HealingJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a text Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection. In this episode of Break the Silence, Build a Future, host Fartumo Kusow explores the transformative power of healing in community. Discover why shared experiences foster resilience, how they help break down isolation, and the practical steps to create spaces of connection and support. Whether you’re navigating your own healing journey or supporting others, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement to build stronger, more connected futures.#HealingInCommunity#SharedExperiences#BreakTheSilencePodcast#EmotionalResilience#StrengthInConnection#CollectiveHealing#SupportiveSpaces#GriefAndHealing#EmpowermentThroughConnection#MentalHealthAwarenes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices