This episode contains explicit language.

In our third episode, host Noura McNelis Mahmoud speaks with Antonio De Jesús López about his poetry book Gentefication. Exploring Antonio's writing and time as an activist and public servant, they touch on language's power to take up space and hold the nuance that labels fail. Their conversation covers the politicization of poets of color, gentrification as a multi-directional process, and much more.

Antonio De Jesus Lopez is the Poet Laureate of San Mateo County, the former Councilman of the City of East Palo Alto, and the Director of Research and Advocacy at Ayudando Latinos a Sonar. He is also an academic and activist. His book Gentefication was published by Four Way Books.The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast are their own personal views and do not necessarily reflect, represent, or constitute the official position, policy, or views of New Global Normal or any associated individuals, sponsors, or partners. Each participant speaks solely for themselves, and no endorsement of any particular viewpoint should be inferred from the participation of any organisation, individual, or other entity in this podcast.

In this episode, host Gabby Green speaks with Geetanjali Dhar, co-founder & chairwoman of Integrated Brilliant Education and founder & CEO of Sanskriti Global. Together, they discuss the importance of language for cultural connection, understanding, and social inclusion with a focus on sustaining the rich multilingual tapestry of Hong Kong.

Geetanjali Dhar is an award-winning educationist, celebrity Hindi coach and a social entrepreneur. She’s the cofounder of Sanskriti and IBEL, two visionary organizations that promote cultural awareness and inclusive education across borders and has inspired cross cultural learning among diverse nationalities. Her work reminds us that when education embraces culture, it becomes a force for unity and transformation.

The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast are their own personal views and do not necessarily reflect, represent, or constitute the official position, policy, or views of New Global Normal or any associated individuals, sponsors, or partners. Each participant speaks solely for themselves, and no endorsement of any particular viewpoint should be inferred from the participation of any organisation, individual, or other entity in this podcast.

In Discourse Over Distance's inaugural episode, host Noura McNelis Mahmoud speaks with Motaz Amer, a young human and refugee rights activist changing the narrative in Scotland. They discuss the power of conversation and curiosity in shaping openness and addressing the underlying political issues that are often labeled as the 'migration crisis.'

Editorial note: Motaz mentions the story of an elderly Irish couple; he misspoke and meant to date the story as being from the 1980s, not 1940s.