Metamorphosis Dialogues

Join us for a compelling conversation with poet and performer Farah Chamma as we explore the intersections of poetry, language, and identity. Through her powerful live performances, Farah brings her words to life, blending orality, movement, and music into an immersive artistic experience.Farah Chamma is a Palestinian poet and performer acclaimed for her dynamic spoken-word shows that fuse poetry, theatre, and sound. Her work crosses borders, appearing at festivals and cultural events around the world - from Europe and the Middle East to Latin America. In 2021, she partnered with Brazilian music producer Liev to form Chamaeleon, a duo that merges poetry with electronic soundscapes.

Patrick Mégarbané is a translator, philosopher, and author whose latest book, Abraham Rediscovered : A Story Without Superstition, Sexism, or Zionism, delivers a bold re-reading of the Genesis narrative. He reframes Abraham as a firgure of rational hospitality and liberation, challenging traditional interpretations that fueled blind faith, patriarchal oppression, and exclusivist ideologies like zionism.With prior work on Arab poets like Al-Mutanabbi and deep analyses of Quranic verses, he masterfully bridges philosophy and sacred texts to foster interfatith dialogue, extending his vision to ecological stewardship as a divine call to nurture the earth for all people.If you’d like to explore his work further, check the links below :Abraham Rediscovered : A Story Without Superstition, Sexism, or Zionism Other books can be found here.

Join us in this episode as Julia Butterfly Hill shares her lived experience, insights, and advice on ecological awareness and activism. Through her remarkable journey, Julia reflects on the power of non-violent action, personal commitment, and the deep connection between people and the natural world. Her story stands as one of the most iconic acts of environmental activism in recent history.Today, Julia’s message resonates more than ever as forests continue to be cut and burned across the world - from Brazil to India and beyond. Her story reminds us of the urgent need for courage, awareness, and non-violent action in defense of our planet’s living systems.Julia Butterfly Hill is an environmental activist, author, and speaker best known for her historic tree-sit in a one-thousand-year-old redwood tree in Northern California. Her non-violent protest helped bring global attention to forest destruction. She is the author of The Legacy of Luna, which chronicles her experience and ongoing commitment to environmental and social justice.

In this epidsode, we are rethinking the meaning of neocolonialism in our contemporary world with our guest, Samir Aita. While colonial rule still operates in some regions, the forces of globalization, shifting economic power, and rapid technological change have transformed how dependency operate today. What does "neocolonialism" mean in this new context, and how can we better understand its evolving forms ? And the possibilities of resistance ?Samir Aita is an economist, writer, and editor-in-chief of Le Monde diplomatique's Arabic edition. He also serves as the president of the Cercle des Economistes Arabes. His work explores economic policy, regional development, and the complex relations between power, sovereignty, and social justice in the Arab world.

Join us in this episode as Vittorio Parisi offers compelling insights into how urban artists reclaim city spaces, unpack the politics embedded in walls, and navigate the complex balance between institutional recongnition and underground resistance. Vittorio Parisi is a researcher, curator, and art critic whose expertise lies in urban art, street art, graffiti and their intricate relationship with public space and social dynamics. He is currently working as Head of Visual Arts at the Valais School of Art in Sierre, Switzerland.

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 Alicia Cabezudo, a distinguished international 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.

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 politics.