Episode 10: The Power of Bearing Witness

In this episode, Martina from the Ahimsa Collective takes us into the often misunderstood world of Victim-Offender Dialogue. With deep empathy and insight, she explores the traumatic experiences that shape both survivors and offenders. Her work is rooted in the belief that healing is possible through compassionate listening and understanding, rather than through punishment. Drawing on years of experience, Martina shares with us how she guides individuals through this delicate process, showing us the transformative power of dialogue, healing, and human connection. 

Martina also shares valuable insights on how society can better educate the public about this powerful process. As she emphasizes, punishing individuals for their wrongdoings often doesn’t lead to lasting change. Instead, real transformation comes from showing compassion, listening to pain, and supporting the healing journey. This episode isn’t just about Martina’s work, it’s a call to rethink justice and how we approach healing within our communities. 

This content may be sensitive or disturbing to some listeners.

Executive Producer: Diane Kahn
Producer: Elaine Ferguson
Producer: Emerson Swift
Producer: Laura Hardy
Editor: Josh Latham
Music: Jacob Bloomfield-Misarch
Artwork: Jorge Ramirez

A special thank you to the Ahimsa Collective and the Mend Collective. Ahimsa focuses on restorative justice, fostering healing and accountability through dialogue between victims and offenders, while Mend supports emotional and psychological healing through community-based initiatives. A heartfelt thanks as well to Martina Lutz Schneider and Miguel Quezada, whose dedication to restorative practices and conflict resolution has been vital in advancing these important efforts.