By Gail Straub*
By Hasna Muhammad *
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In this powerful and wide-ranging episode, authors and visionaries, Hasna Muhammad and Gail Straub -- on her second visit to the show -- engage in a candid conversation that transcends the traditional interview format. Together, they reflect on family legacy, the strength to endure amid societal upheaval, the journey of reclaiming identity, and the art of holding space for complexity. Sharing personal stories shaped by history, social justice, and creative practice, they evoke practical wisdom and deep inspiration for healing, resilience, and honest dialogue—at home and beyond. Moving between poetic readings, memories of civil rights icons, and the everyday practice of hope, the conversation delivers a timely blueprint for courageous connection.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about my guests, visit:
Hasna Muhammad, author of BREATHE IN THE SKY: Poems, Prayers, and Photographs
Gail Straub, author of HOME INSIDE THE GLOBE: Embracing the Human Family and other titles
MAJOR THEMES
- Facing challenging times with hope and solidarity
- The meaning and reclamation of identity and legacy
- Generational wisdom, vulnerability, and mutual encouragement
- Navigating and healing divisions—personal, social, historical
- The restorative power of storytelling, poetry, and community
MOMENTS YOU'LL WANT TO EXPERIENCE FOR YOURSELF
"I am well, I am strong ... There are people around the world, especially those in the war-torn areas, who are starving and dying and bleeding, and they cannot be strong. But I have the opportunity to be strong. ... We must each have our own set of skills, our own ideals and desire to move forward."
— Hasna Muhammad [0:04:49]
"I read an article recently about prisoners of war and how they maintain hope in those dire circumstances. A key thing they found was this paradox of fully facing how bad It is and simultaneously, equally at the same time, knowing that they'll get through this. I'm wanting to do that. [But] it's not hope, because that's a complicated word."
— Gail Straub [0:08:40]
"I admit to feeling conflicted. I have a number of friends who are packing up and planning to leave the country, which I completely understand and support. On the other hand I'm the granddaughter of four immigrants who left relatively privileged circumstances to emigrate to the United States. I would, literally, not exist were it not for their sacrifices."
— Janus Adams [0:13:10]
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Tags: @gailstraub @empowermentinstitute @hasnamuhammad @birthmarkmedia #HomeInsideTheGlobe #BreathInTheSky #ConversationStarter #Wisdom #WisdomKeepers #AuthorsLife #Book #realconversation #holidays #Resilience #Understanding #conflict #universe #environment #HumanSpirit #history #healing #hope #race #courage #usa #npr #publicradio #wjffradio #podcast #LetsTalk #HolidayConversation #Family #Friendship
THREE WOMEN CLICK INTO A ZOOM
OMG. Why Them? Why Now? And, why should anyone care?
A conversation with Hasna Muhammad and Gail Straub
© Janus Adams LLC 2025
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