SHIFTING NARRATIVES

Kristine Knutter

This podcast reveals Americans' transformative journeys, sparked by firsthand encounters or impactful experiences, leading to reevaluating their perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America's role. It explores the experiences shaping their views and the actions taken after confronting inconvenient truths, often with significant personal sacrifice. These poignant interviews, recorded in 2012 and 2013, offer enduring insights into a complex issue that remains relevant today.

Episodes

  1. From Dispassionate Observer to Passionate Advocate: Austin Branion's Path to Justice

    04/28/2024

    From Dispassionate Observer to Passionate Advocate: Austin Branion's Path to Justice

    In this episode of the Shifting Narratives podcast, we explore Austin Branion's transformative journey as an Arabic language expert and policy professional. Recorded on September 22, 2012, Austin shares the evolution of his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Initially facing racism while studying in the Middle East, he found himself less sympathetic to Arab causes, which complicated his stance on unjust US policies in the region. However, pivotal experiences and influential writers dramatically altered his views. Discover how his journey led Austin to deeply connect with the Palestinian tragedy and become a passionate advocate for justice and equality. The episode also details Austin's interactions with individuals and organizations in the US, highlighting his fervent advocacy for Palestinian rights.  Music by Lucas Knutter Learning Resources:  The Angry Arab News Service Mondoweiss Al Akhbar NewspaperEvents:  Operation ‘Cast Lead’ in 2008 Syrian Civil War 2012 Penn BDS Conference 2012 Occupy AIPAC Summit 2012 United Methodist Kairos Response Divestment Vote Places:  University of Damascus (Syria) People:  As’ad Abukhalil John Lewis Ahmed MoorPhillip WeissPolicies:  U.S. War Crimes in Afghanistan and Iraq Organizations:  NATO BDS Movement Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP)Code Pink United Methodists for Kairos Response US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Definitions:   Zionism Palestine (British Rule in Palestine Mandate) Pan-Arabism Arab Zionism and Settler Colonialism Lecture: As'ad AbuKhalil Lecture

    32 min
  2. Bo Fauth: A Lawyer's Quest for Justice in Israel-Palestine

    04/05/2024

    Bo Fauth: A Lawyer's Quest for Justice in Israel-Palestine

    Bo Fauth, a lawyer and educator, shares her transformative journey of challenging perceptions and seeking justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through her experiences in Israel and the Palestinian territories, Bo evolved from viewing Palestinians as terrorists to recognizing their humanity and plight under occupation. She discusses shocking incidents she witnessed that shaped her understanding of the conflict. Bo's advocacy focuses on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and promoting peaceful coexistence. Her powerful narrative sheds light on the complexities and injustices in the region.  Music by Lucas Knutter  Events:   Second Intifada  British Rule in Palestine Mandate  1948 War   Desmond Tutu a Speaker at Friends of Sabeel Conference in 2007  Organizations:   Friends of Sabeel North America  Hadassah – The Women’s Zionist Organization of America  Knesset (Israeli Parliament)   Anti-Defamation League (ADL)  J Street  American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)  Code Pink: Women for Peace  US Campaign for Palestinian Rights (Formerly US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation)   Places:  Israeli West Bank Barrier (The Wall)  St. George’s College: Jerusalem  Ben Gurion Airport  Policies:   Closed Military Zone in the West Bank Israeli citizens discouraged from traveling to the Palestinian-controlled area of the West Bank (Area A) A History of the US Blocking UN Resolutions Against Israel  BDS Movement  People:  Reverend Bob (Robert) and Maureen Tobin Former Senator Lincoln Chafee   Donald (Don) E. Wagner – Author and former professor and National Program Director for Friends of Sabeel – North America Jeff Halper – Anthropologist, author, and Head of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD)  Yasser Arafat Other:  Demographics of Israel

    38 min
  3. Reality Check: Pamela Olson's Journey from Oklahoma to Palestine

    02/10/2024

    Reality Check: Pamela Olson's Journey from Oklahoma to Palestine

    Dive into the life-altering journey of Author Pamela Olson as she experiences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first-hand, transitioning from small-town Oklahoma to the Middle East and later to a Washington think tank. Having experienced contrasting stories from the American media and on-the-ground reality, Olson shares her observations on Palestinian life and their dreams. She discusses her book, Fast Times in Palestine, which expounds on her experiences and the obliviousness of American citizens regarding the impact of their country's policies. This episode provides an unconventional glimpse into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with an evolving American viewpoint. Music by Lucas Knutter People: Dr. Mustafa Barghouti Pamela Olson  Organizations: Palestinian National Initiative  Palestine Monitor US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Historical Events: Hamas Since the 2006 Election Gaza Beach Killings in 2006 Books: Fast Times in Palestine by Pamela J. Olson Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter  The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt Articles: Neocons Slither Back, NY Times, By Maureen Dowd Newsweek 'Muslim rage' cover invokes a rage of its own, The Guardian Policies: 2012 Protection of Civilians Weekly Report (Palestinian family injured by Molotov cocktail thrown in a taxi) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs occupied Palestinian territory The Palestinian children – alone and bewildered – in Israel's Al Jalame jail (Stone throwing) The Guardian West Bank demolitions and displacement | January-March 2023 UNOCHA "Economic costs of the Israeli occupation for the Palestinian people: The welfare cost of the fragmentation of the occupied West Bank” UNCTAD

    32 min
  4. Introducing The Shifting Narratives Podcast

    EPISODE 1

    Introducing The Shifting Narratives Podcast

    Introducing the inaugural episode of "Shifting Narratives" with host Kristine Knutter. This podcast delves into transformative journeys of Americans, exploring their profound shifts in understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America's role. These individuals share experiences from the Middle East and the U.S., prompting reflections and actions toward justice and peace amid the complexities of the conflict. Originally recorded in 2012 and 2013, the stories remain relevant today amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and America's involvement. The episode previews upcoming interviews with guests, including Craig Hunter, a Presbyterian preacher delving into the conflict through his interest in the Nazi Holocaust. Pamela Olson, an author, describes how a tourist trip in the Middle East opened her eyes and led her to explore places off the beaten path. Austin Branion, an Arabic language expert and policy professional, shares challenges of racism and personal growth in the Middle East. Bo Fauth, a lawyer, recounts a pivotal moment hearing shocking experiences from Jerusalem. These snippets offer a glimpse into profound transformations and their impact on perspectives. Dive deeper into each upcoming episode with detailed show notes and references for further learning. If you find narratives of transformation intriguing, have a curiosity about this complex issue, or are seeking actionable ideas amid feelings of hopelessness, I invite you to tune into this podcast. Music by Lucas Knutter

    6 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

This podcast reveals Americans' transformative journeys, sparked by firsthand encounters or impactful experiences, leading to reevaluating their perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and America's role. It explores the experiences shaping their views and the actions taken after confronting inconvenient truths, often with significant personal sacrifice. These poignant interviews, recorded in 2012 and 2013, offer enduring insights into a complex issue that remains relevant today.