In my podcast, A Free Voice with Ruchira Gupta, I talk to storytellers who have overcome tremendous odds to tell stories. Not only have they found their free voice, but they use it to make a difference in the lives of other. Listen to poet Staceyann Chin, Journal keeper Tanya Gould, Kung Fu master Sophia Chang, Child Labour survivor Suleman Masood, Sex-Trafficking Activist Bella Hanoukey, Zine Editor Marcelle Karp, Indegenous women’s leader, Chris Stark, Writer Gayle Foreman, Feminist Gloria Steinem, Novelist Amit Chaudhary and Film-maker Pratibha Parmar. How did they turn oppression into opportunity? How did they turn tragedy into action? Why did they tell their stories?

How did it help?

This podcast series is supported by Bowery Poetry and funded by the Citizen Diplomacy Action Fund which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Global Ties U.S. in partnership with the Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Additional support from New York State Council on the Arts, Governor of New York State and the New York State Legislature. It is produced by Ram Devineni with Rattapallax. Artwork by Harsho Chattoraj.