Welcome to the Provoking Peace Podcast! In this powerful debut episode and timely conversation, the hosts speak with award-winning filmmakers Julie Cohen and Mo Husseini about their new documentary The Path Forward. The film gives voice to Jewish and Palestinian individuals who, despite loss and division, choose empathy and dialogue over despair.

Julie and Mo share how storytelling can heal, challenge bias, and remind us of our shared humanity—even amid conflict. This episode invites listeners to see acknowledgment not as agreement, but as a radical act of understanding.

Key Takeaways:

• Empathy builds bridges where politics divide.
• Acknowledgment heals—understanding someone’s pain doesn’t mean surrendering your beliefs.
• Brave spaces allow discomfort that leads to truth and growth.
• Peace is a process, not a destination.
• Small acts matter; one gesture of kindness can start reconciliation.

About the Film:

The Path Forward follows three pairs of Jewish and Palestinian individuals who’ve each lost loved ones to the conflict. Instead of turning toward hate, they choose connection and empathy. Filmed across the U.S. and Europe, the documentary proves that peace begins with people, not politics.

About the Guests:

Julie Cohen – Oscar-nominated co-director of RBG and Everybody, Julie is known for stories that explore empathy, justice, and identity.

Mo Husseini – Palestinian-American filmmaker, writer, and musician whose viral essay 50 Completely True Things and current work bridge cultures through humor and vulnerability.

Notable Quotes:

“You don’t have to agree with me to understand me.” — Mo Husseini

“Acknowledgment is not an apology—it’s respect.” — Julie Cohen

“Peace is not a destination—it’s a path we walk, even when it’s hard.” — Julie Cohen

Resources Mentioned:

Organizations:

• Parents Circle – Families Forum
• Breaking the Silence
• Field Bait (shared community initiative)

Other Works by the Guests:

• RBG (2018) My Name Is Pauli Murray (2021), Everybody (2023) – Julie Cohen
• 50 Completely True Things (essay) – Mo Husseini

The Path Forward is available to rent on Amazon Prime and Grasshopper film: https://watch.grasshopperfilm.com/films/the-path-forward.