In this engaging discussion, best-selling author Shaka Senghor shares his powerful story of transformation after spending 19 years in prison for murder. He emphasizes the journey of self-forgiveness and the creation of a new personal narrative. Shaka explains how solitary confinement led to deep self-reflection and emotional healing, highlighting the importance of mentorship and journaling. He stresses the need for emotional vulnerability, societal compassion, and the transformative power of thoughts in overcoming past trauma.

Brené Brown, a research professor specializing in vulnerability and courage, joins former football player Inky Johnson, who turned adversity into inspiration, and author Shaka Senghor, who transformed trauma into empowerment. They discuss how vulnerability is essential for bravery, the importance of finding positivity in challenges, and the profound effects of forgiveness on personal growth. Each shares powerful stories emphasizing resilience, empathy, and the need for emotional expression in healing journeys.

Original Broadcast Date: September 4, 2020. Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching a resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Original Broadcast Date: September 4, 2020. Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching a resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Conflict is a part of life. But in a polarized world, reaching a resolution is harder than ever. This hour, TED speakers explore creative and extraordinary ways of approaching conflict. Guests on the show include authors Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts, zoologist Lucy King, and radio journalist Jad Abumrad.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Shaka Senghor, a bestselling author and advocate for criminal justice reform, shares his powerful journey from prison to empowerment. Terry Brown, a former police officer in East Palo Alto, discusses his role in reducing crime and fostering community trust. Their conversation digs into the complexities of race relations and the need for transparency in law enforcement. Both guests emphasize empathy, community relationships, and the importance of healing through honest dialogue, all set against the backdrop of recent social movements.

Shaka Senghor and Ebony Roberts are authors and speakers who share their insightful journey of co-parenting after their breakup. They discuss the emotional complexities of maintaining a positive relationship for their son's sake. Shaka reveals how his childhood experiences shaped his perspective on love, while Ebony emphasizes the importance of trust and curiosity in their parenting approach. Together, they highlight the joy of navigating challenges and fostering their child's exploration, demonstrating that a supportive partnership can thrive even after separation.

Van Jones, a CNN commentator and author dedicated to social justice, teams up with Shaka Senghor, a bestselling author and MIT fellow, to delve into the pressing need for restorative justice in America. They discuss the barriers to redemption within the prison system and share powerful stories that highlight the potential for healing through dialogue between victims and offenders. The conversation emphasizes the role of personal narratives and art in promoting understanding and compassion, ultimately advocating for societal change and support for those reintegrating after incarceration.

Shaka Senghor, author and advocate, shares his transformative journey from nearly two decades in prison to becoming a mentor for at-risk youth. He discusses the shocking transition into today's tech-driven world, likening it to 'Fred Flintstone walking into the Jetsons.' Senghor explores the complexity of survival in prison, emphasizing moral dilemmas and the vital role of literature in his redemption. The conversation also critiques the U.S. prison system, comparing it with Germany’s rehabilitative approach, advocating for a more humane and reformative path for inmates.