Podcast Episode #29 - Crisis - A Positive Aspect of Change

Episode # 29 of Xtraordinary Living is out. This podcast interview with Azim Khamisa was recorded on April 9th. It was scheduled for release the week of April 23rd. In the wake of the April 16th Virginia Tech tragedy, where 32 young college students, like Azim's son, senselessly lost their lives, I felt compelled to release Azim's message sooner rather than later.

The topic is Crisis - A Positive Aspect of Change. In this episode I interviewed Azim Khamisa. Azim is the co-founder of TKF or the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. TKF was formed in 1995 after Azim's son, Tariq, a 20-year-old SDSU student, was senselessly shot and killed while delivering pizzas. His assailant was a 14-year-old gang member named Tony Hicks. Believing that there were "victims at both ends of the gun," Azim reached out in forgiveness to Tony's grandfather and guardian, Ples Felix, to begin the process of healing.

TKF is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking the epidemic of youth violence. Through TKF's school-based nonviolence programs, Azim and Ples speak to elementary and middle school children about gangs, violence, revenge, and the importance of becoming "peacemakers."

We could not have anticipated the families' and our nation's grief as this podcast's poignant message is delivered – hopefully bringing light to darkness. Listen with an open mind and heart, as you hear firsthand how a father moved from inescapable grief to compassionate forgiveness.

In our 29th episode, you'll hear:
-- Why Azim felt compelled to meet both his son's assailant and his grandfather.
-- How their relationship grew in stages, to its current state of brotherhood.
-- How the crisis created positive change, TKF programs have touched over 20 million children to date.
-- How violence is a learned behavior.
-- What does it mean to be in a state of "bardo."
-- How our society can begin to be healed through "RJ" or restorative justice.
-- Gandhi and the Dali Lama's succinct quotes on anger and revenge.
-- How you can plant seeds of hope.

The Tariq Khamisa Foundation is helping kids take a new trajectory -- in effect transforming them! If you would like to learn more about the foundation or to donate funds go to: TKF

If you were moved by this podcast, you'll find this book "Azim's Bardo: A Father's Journey From Murder to Forgiveness" hard to put down.

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This episode is approximately 39 minutes long. To listen to it, click on the play button below:


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Technorati Tags: TKF, Azim Khamisa, Tariq Khamisa Foundation, Children's Violence, Crisis, Opportunity, Xtraordinary Living, www.productivelearning.com, Rick Itzkowich