AwokenWord - Episodes Tagged with “History”

#028: Matt Hoh - "The Fight for Peace"

Anuj Rastogi — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 08:00:00 -0400

Anuj sits down with Captain Matthew Hoh, former US Marine and now Fellow with the Eisenhower Media Network. Matt's personal journey has literally moved through war, to trying to take on the machine of war making. While Matt is prominent as a writer, podcast and media guest for sharing his informed perspectives on current affairs, this conversation is a deeper look into Matt the man, and the personal journey that led him to be who he is today. Recorded in January 2025, this conversation captures many questions that we all should be asking ourselves about the state of the world, our perpensity for war, and what we can do to change the narrative of the future.

EMN Associate Director Matthew Hoh had nearly twelve years experience with the US military and the wars overseas with the United States Marine Corps, Department of Defense and State Department.

Matthew Hoh is the Associate Director of the Eisenhower Media Network.

In 2009, Matthew Hoh resigned in protest from his post in Afghanistan with the State Department over the American escalation of the war. Prior to his assignment in Afghanistan, Matt took part in the American occupation of Iraq; first in 2004-2005 in Salah ad Din Province with a State Department reconstruction and governance team and then in 2006-2007 in Anbar Province as a Marine Corps company commander. When not deployed, Matt worked on Afghanistan and Iraq war policy and operations issues at the Pentagon and State Department from 2002-2008.

From 2010-2024, Matt was affiliated with the Center for International Policy, first as a senior fellow and later as a senior fellow emeritus. He is a disabled veteran.

Special Guest: Matthew Hoh.

#027: Uzma Rizvi - "Living History"

Anuj Rastogi — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:30:00 -0400

Anuj sits down with Uzma Rizvi - an anthropological archaeologist to explore a fascinating journey through her field, and the history of one of the world's oldest civilizations, in the Indus Valley. Uzma shares many stories and insights into the way in which archaeologists study and piece together the past, and how she uniquely works with many contemporary disciplines to both understand the past, and also connect it to our present moment. Uzma also shares unique insights on how decolonization of the field and our use of certain ways of framing conversations are problematic and in need of reflection. Uzma shares her thoughts on the role technology, and in particular, AI, may play in the field of archaeology. Uzma and Anuj also reflect on the situation in Gaza in January 2024, and the place and practice of hope and our current moment in time.

Dr. Uzma Z. Rizvi is an anthropological archaeologist, and currently a professor at the Pratt Institute. Uzma received a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University. She specializes in the archaeology of the first cities, while teaching anthropology, ancient urbanism, new materialisms, critical heritage studies, decolonization/the postcolonial critique, and social practice.

(source: https://www.pratt.edu/people/uzma-z-rizvi/)

Special Guest: Uzma Rizvi.

#026: Dr. Yasser Khan - "Humanitarian in Gaza"

Anuj Rastogi — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 01:00:00 -0500

Anuj sits down with Dr. Yasser Khan - a Canadian opthamologist who was among the first in the world to visit Gaza in the midst of the recent Israel-Hamas war, to help injured civilians and see the dire conditions first hand. Yasser shares his humbling experiences and perspectives on being a humanitarian, in one of the most important conversations yet on AwokenWord.

Dr. Yasser Khan is an internationally renowned ophthalmic surgeon, humanitarian and entrepreneur. He is a leading ophthalmologist in oculoplastics, orbital and cataract surgery with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Khan is devoted to national and global humanitarian medical work. He is a founder and CEO of GIVE − Global Initiative for Vision and Eyecare. GIVE’s primary aim is to develop social and entrepreneurship solutions to empower local populations and treat blindness. He has worked in this capacity in over 40 different countries and in Northern Ontario with the indigenous communities. He is an associate Professor at McMaster University and the University of Toronto. He teaches cutting-edge and innovative surgical techniques to surgeons nationally and globally. In January 2024, Yasser was among the first few people in the world to travel to Gaza in the middle of the war to volunteer as a physician helping to save injured civilians.

Special Guest: Dr. Yasser Khan.

#024: "Analog Intelligence"

Anuj Rastogi — Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500

A special episode where Anuj shares his reflections on 2023, ahead of another impromptu conversation with his son about AI ethics, and the struggle between good and bad.

#022: My Son - "No War"

Anuj Rastogi — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 22:00:00 -0400

A very special & humbling episode. This morning, Anuj cuddled in bed with his 9-year old son, and had the most human, humbling and honest conversation about the situation in that has broken out in Gaza & Israel since October 7, 2023, and what he wants for the world of tomorrow.

#021: Mugabi Byenka - "Beyond Skin"

Anuj Rastogi — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Anuj sat down with poet & author, Mugabi Byenkya. Audio of this conversation was thought lost, however resurrected in the end to share this wide sweeping dialogue.

Mugabi shares key experiences from his life living around the world, how his parents gave him a foundation for strength, and what it's been like to move through life's challenges, adversities and triumphs. Anuj & Mugabi explore biases, assumptions and reflect on the role poetry and art have played in their lives. Mugabi's positivity (and laugh) are infectious, and his travels, both internally and in the world continue.

Special Guest: Mugabi Byenkya.

#020: Shree Paradkar - "Casting Light"

Anuj Rastogi — Mon, 10 May 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Anuj and Shree Paradkar sit down for an unflinching conversation about race and self refection. Shree is a Toronto Star race and gender columnist, and the 2018-2019 recipient of the Atkinson Fellowship in Public Policy. Shree's writing takes on charged issues with a critical and unwaivering approach. Shree shares the role of Black feminism in her own journey, and the debt that we all owe to indigenous and black communities. Shree also raises the question of who defines the "norm" in society, and sheds light on how these challenging forces come into her world as a mother.

Special Guest: Shree Paradkar.

#015: Shantanu Pujari - "Hip Hop India"

Anuj Rastogi — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 20:00:00 -0500

Anuj Rastogi reconnects with Shantanu Pujari, a multi-talented artist and fighter. Shantanu is a professional competitive mixed martial arts fighter, yoga instructor, action director for film, activist, b-boy, beatboxer and hip hop label artist manager. Shantanu is also the host of the "Shakahari Show" on Rukus Avenue Radio. Shantanu shares his incredible personal journey, and a deep respect and knowledge of the history of Hip Hop as well as India. This conversation is an inspiring and exciting journey through the eyes of India's youth which is on course to transform the country and the world in positive ways.

Here, quite literally is how Shantanu and Anuj met...

And here's Shantanu in action...

Special Guest: Shantanu Pujari.

#012: Ali A. Rizvi - "Of Myth & Legends"

Anuj Rastogi — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400

Anuj sits down with Ali Rizvi back in the AwokenWord studio. Ali is an author, speaker, and musician who grew up in Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan before moving to the US, and eventually Canada at the age of 24. Rizvi has been writing extensively about secularism in the Muslim world for several years, contributing to The Huffington Post, Quillette and major media outlets like CNN. Rizvi is also a medical communications professional and a trained physician and oncologic pathologist.

Ali's book The Athiest Muslim has been widely read, translated and acclaimed as an important book in a world increasingly wrestling with religion and secularism, including high profile reviews such as that by Karim Abdul Jabbar. Ali is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular podcast, Secular Jihadists, which tackles issues, events and stories through conversation with people from all over the world.

Anuj and Ali discuss his background, life experiences growing up, the insights Ali gleaned in working with the dead, science, and religion. They dive deep into the challenges and questions unanswered by religion, the history and impact of religion on human cultural evolution, and the role that spirituality may or may not play in our lives, as well as the beauty of wonder and fatherhood and everyday life. The conversation turns to the current US Democratic primaries and the role of politics, identity, populism and social forces shaping the world today.

The Athiest Muslim
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250094445/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

Secular Jihadists Podcast
https://secularjihadists.libsyn.com/

Special Guest: Ali A. Rizvi.

#011: Lisa Fitzpatrick - "Open Your Door"

Anuj Rastogi — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 00:30:00 -0400

Live from SXSW EDU, Anuj Rastogi sits down with Lisa Fitzpatrick, co-founder of the APEX Youth Center based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Lisa shared the stage as the opening keynote in SXSW EDU 2019. Lisa is a past CNN Hero, and her story is a rare glimpse into the mind of someone who overcomes incredible trauma and builds a life of humanity and compassion. Lisa shares her personal journey from tragically falling victim in a random act of violence to devoting her life and efforts to welcoming the community quite literally into her home. Lisa shares the story behind founding a community organization that has changed the lives for over 1,200 youth to date, and how her experience as a pastor, a business executive, and mother has shaped her incredible contributions to the world.

Learn more about Lisa, and the incredible work of her team are doing at https://www.apexyouthcenter.org/

Special Guest: Lisa Fitzpatrick.

#010: Darius Baxter - "Be The Change"

Anuj Rastogi — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 06:00:00 -0400

Live from SXSW EDU, Anuj Rastogi sits down with Darius Baxter, co-founder of GOODProjects based in Washington DC. Darius shared the stage as the opening keynote in SXSW EDU 2019. He is an incredibly inspiring leader, and shares his personal journey from tragically losing his father at age 9, to being raised by a strong mother, and the choices he made between pursuing a Wall Street career and serving the community, modern political life in America, inspiring new generations, and being the change in action.

Learn more about Darius, and the incredible work of his co-founders Troye and Danny and team at https://goodprojects.org/

Video Excerpt

Special Guest: Darius Baxter.

#008: Pardeep Nagra - "The Tiger"

Anuj Rastogi — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode of the AwokenWord podcast, Anuj Rastogi sits down in studio with Pardeep Singh Nagra, championship boxer, athlete, historian, educator, public speaker and human rights advocate. Pardeep is the Executive Director of the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada, and a champion of equity within the public school system. In the 1990s Mr. Nagra was barred from competing in a Canadian boxing championship because of his beard, which is a mandatory article of his Sikh faith. These real-life events would go on to become the basis for the Hollywood movie about Pardeep's life entitled "TIGER", starring Mickey Rourke, Prem Singh and Janel Parrish

Anuj and Pardeep discuss in depth some critical points in 20th century Sikh history, recurrently overlooked contributions made globally by Sikhs, racism, driving actual change in human systems, being an example for our children and making the world a more aware place.

Special Guest: Pardeep Singh Nagra.

#007: Jeff Perera - "Mankind. Kind Men"

Anuj Rastogi — Sat, 19 Jan 2019 01:00:00 -0500

Anuj Rastogi is sits down with Jeff Perera, public speaker, motivator and leading voice in the evolution of our perceptions of manhood, masculinity and empathy. A well-respected voice, TEDx speaker and writer, Jeff has been devoted to the cause long before the #metoo movement, and polarizing ads such as that from Gillette, were in the public consciousness. Anuj and Jeff explore both very personal and collective experiences on issues of self reflection as men, self-love, as well as the related conversations on race, and our current political climate.

Special Guest: Jeff Perera.

#005: IF The Poet - "Renaissance Reincarnated"

Anuj Rastogi — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 15:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the AwokenWord podcast, Anuj Rastogi talks to Ian French, popularly known as "IF The Poet" and finalist in the 2015 World Slam Poetry championship in Paris. Ian has been the subject of a CBC documentary, and is a respected performer whose work spans the breadth of our collective, and individual human experiences. Anuj and Ian talk at length about the state of the world today, poetry, the journey of creativity, masculinity in today's world, being honest, the nuances of identity politics and political correctness, self-love and the importance of knowing your own story.

[*NOTE: Though planned at the time of this recording, Ian ultimately pulled out of present at the 2018 "Men and Masculinity Summit" in Toronto, for specific concerns of his own regarding a decision for this year's sumit. He's continued to be a supporter of the summit, and the cause.]

Special Guest: Ian French.

#001: Anuj Rastogi (Intro) - "Theory of Encumbered Will"

Anuj Rastogi — Tue, 30 Oct 2018 00:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the AwokenWord podcast, Anuj Rastogi introduces himself, the podcast and the reasons behind launching this podcast. Anuj also introduces his hypothesis on free-will, entitled the "Theory of Encumbered Will".