In this episode of the Phoenix Generation podcast, Dr. Lua Hancock sits down with Sara Grossman, founder of The Dru Project. Dru was one of the 49 people killed at Pulse on June 12, 2016. He was also the friend who started his high school's first Gay-Straight Alliance in 2002, the one who pulled everyone together, the one whose hugs you could "taste." Out of unimaginable grief, his friends turned his name into a movement: a nonprofit that has given more than $300,000 in scholarships to LGBTQ+ youth and published a GSA guide now downloaded in 15 countries and 47 states. Now, after a decade, The Dru Project is choosing to sunset, a "final transmission" of the work Dru started so young. Sara shares the story of that night, the 33 hours of waiting, the double rainbow over the 10th remembrance, and why she believes community, is what carries us forward. This conversation goes to some hard places, including grief, loss, and the Pulse tragedy, so please take care while listening.

Download the free GSA guide from The Dru Project: thedruproject.org/gsaguide
More from Phoenix Generation Nation: youtube.com/@Phoenix_Generation

#Pulse #Pulse10Years #DruProject #LGBTQ #Orlando #PhoenixGeneration #Community

TIMESTAMP:
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
01:41 Meet Sarah Gman and Her Work
02:55 Remembering the Pulse Nightclub Tragedy
05:54 Personal Experiences and Immediate Impact
07:01 Stories of Loss and Community Response
10:27 Transforming Grief into Action: Birth of the Drew Project
13:33 Impact and Achievements of the Drew Project
16:14 Sustaining Legacy: The GSA Guide and Memorials
17:49 Advice for Youth: Finding Community and Support
18:38 Honoring Victims and Remembrance Ceremony
20:00 Nature's Sign: A Rainbow of Hope
20:59 Reflections on Sunsetting the Drew Project
22:26 Community as the Path Forward
24:08 Final Thoughts on Legacy and Connection
24:54 Closing Messages and Gratitude

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CREDITS:
Host: Lua Hancock
Videographer: Rob Andrescik
Audio Recording: Rob Andrescik
Video / Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music by: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

This episode explores how wisdom from different traditions can deepen empathy, strengthen connections between faith communities, and cultivate pluralism through conversations about emotional and spiritual wellbeing.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Opening Reflections on Hope and Impact
00:30 Introducing Faces of Faith Series
01:04 Meet the Panel: Youth from Different Faiths
02:30 Meaningful Scriptures: Sharing Personal Favorites
05:31 Challenges of Living Spiritual Teachings
07:11 Scripture and Comfort During Hardship
08:08 Seeing Humanity and Spirituality in Others
10:00 How Faith Traditions Integrate Into Daily Life
13:32 Teaching Faith: Lessons from Jonah and Other Stories
15:53 Personal Connections to Prayer and Sacred Texts
18:15 Finding Peace and Justice in Faith as Women
20:17 Interfaith Connections and Shared Stories
21:04 Times When Scripture Guides Us
23:15 Nature, Creation, and Seeing the Divine
26:15 Spiritual Drive and Hope in Community
27:01 Closing Prayers from Each Faith

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Credits:
Host: Dr. Lua Hancock
In-Studio Producer: David L. Yahn
Video Recording: Robert Andresick
Audio Recording: David L. Yahn
Video / Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn

Copyright @ 2026 Phoenix Generation. All Rights Reserved.

What does it take to lead in a deeply divided society?

Rev. Dr. Gary Mason brings firsthand experience to that question. A Methodist minister from Belfast who lived and worked through the decades of conflict known as "The Troubles," he has spent his career building relationships across sectarian lines and facilitating dialogue between communities shaped by violence. In this episode, Dr. Mason reflects on the historical roots of Northern Ireland's conflict, where identity, religion, and politics became deeply intertwined across generations. He examines the significance of the Good Friday Agreement while emphasizing that sustainable peace is not a singular achievement, but an ongoing, relational discipline. For emerging leaders, this conversation offers more than history. It explores ... How trust is built across difference How listening becomes a strategic skill Why unresolved trauma and inequality can quietly undermine institutions. Drawing on John Paul Lederach's framework for sustainable reconciliation, Dr. Mason outlines what it means to cultivate credibility, create neutral spaces, and lead with patience in polarized environments. The lessons extend far beyond Northern Ireland — offering a blueprint for those who hope to build institutions, movements, and communities that endure.

Time:
00:00 Introduction & Passing Down Skills
00:30 Welcome & Guest Background
01:18 Defining Conflict Transformation
02:29 Role of Civic Society in Peace Processes
03:37 Challenges of Societal Healing
04:55 Impact of the Good Friday Agreement & The Next Generation
05:58 Emerging Young Leaders & Global Peacebuilding
07:53 Applying Northern Ireland Lessons to Global Conflicts
08:14 Parallels: Northern Ireland & US Polarization
10:12 Complexity & Legacy of Prolonged Conflict
12:32 Can Conflict Truly Be Resolved?
15:32 Faith, Religion, and Peacebuilding
19:32 Empathy, Humanization & Toxic Histories
21:13 Negotiations & Building Trust Between Opposing Sides
24:34 Transferrable Lessons for Global Peace Processes
27:00 Empowering Young Leaders & Passing the Torch
29:04 Changes Across Generations & Societal Progress
31:13 Making Space for Youth Leadership
32:06 Closing Thoughts & Podcast Wrap Up

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

CREDITS:
Host: Samatha Romero
In-Studio Producer: David L. Yahn
Visual & Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn
Photo 1: AP Photo / Michel Laurent
Photo 2: Garsmeur / Getty Images: Alain Le
Photo 3: Hulton Archive / Getty Images: William Rukeyser
Photo 4: John Paul Lederach / United State Institute of Peace Press

Copyright @ 2026 Central Florida Pledge & Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

What does it take to solve complex problems with lasting results? In part 2 of this two-part series, two local leaders- a college student and a faculty member- share the framework for how to be a successful community organizer. Join us for this master class in how to make impactful, long-term change.

Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro to Community Organizing
00:52 Podcast Welcome & Guest Introductions
01:40 Defining Community Organizing
02:41 Five Steps of Community Organizing
03:50 Why Relationships Matter
05:04 Gathering Leaders & Listening First
07:07 Strategizing: Focusing the Issue
09:01 Derek's Story of Narrowing a Cause
13:02 Choosing Actionable Community Issues
15:00 From Strategy to Effective Action
17:18 Understanding Power & Context
19:44 Protests, Pressure, and Strategic Action
21:52 Working Within Your Limits
22:55 Reflecting & Learning as a Community
23:53 Relationship Building & Reducing Loneliness
26:59 Final Thoughts & How to Get Involved

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Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

What does it look like to build a better community today? Two local leaders- a college student and a faculty member, share the framework for how to be successful community organizers. Join us for this master class in how to make impactful, long-term change.

Time Stamp:
00:00 What is Community Organizing?
03:40 Meet the Guests: Dr. Panadus & Derek Doe
06:39 Why Community Organizing Matters
09:32 Personal Journeys into Organizing
13:07 Nurturing Relationships & Community Trust
15:15 The Five-Step Framework for Youth Impact
17:41 Step One: Gathering More Leaders
21:43 Balancing Joy and Frustration in Communities
23:41 The Power of Listening and Learning
28:06 Building Community through Dialogue
32:01 Why Listening Creates Real Change
35:02 Wrapping Up: What's Next in Part Two?

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
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Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

If you hope to lead — in government, nonprofits, business, or community life — you will eventually face the tension between faith and public responsibility. This episode explores how moral conviction shapes political engagement, and why effective leadership in diverse societies requires restraint, empathy, and credibility. You are not asked to change your beliefs. You are challenged to elevate your behavior.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Welcome & Purpose of Event
03:30 Panelist Introductions
09:00 Origins of Faith and Politics Dialogue
16:00 Defining the Relationship: Faith & Politics
23:00 Multi-Faith Democracy & Pluralism
28:00 Faith Across the Political Spectrum
32:00 Stereotypes in Faith and Politics
39:00 Dialogue Skills & Respectful Disagreement
43:00 Is Religion Linked to Political Ideology?
47:00 Staying Informed vs. Protecting Your Faith
53:00 Responding to Hate & Misuse of Religion
01:00:00 Making Moral Decisions Through Faith
01:10:00 Audience Q&A & Final Reflections
01:14:00 Event Wrap-Up & Acknowledgements

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
On Location Producers: David L. Yahn and James Bruehl
Audio / Video Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

In an era when disagreement often turns into division, a new generation of leaders is experimenting with a different approach: curiosity. Harvard graduate Shira Hoffer has dedicated her work to teaching students how to engage across political, religious, and ideological differences without abandoning their convictions. Through initiatives like the Institute for Multi-partisan Education, she is helping people rediscover the lost art of constructive disagreement — proving that meaningful conversation may still be one of the most powerful tools for strengthening democracy and community.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Introduction & Importance of Dialogue
02:22 Meet Shar: Background & Inspiration
05:55 Constructive Disagreement Upbringing
09:09 Viewpoints Project: Mission & Programs
13:06 Benefits of Difficult Conversations
17:17 Overcoming Fear and Practicing Dialogue
21:23 Sensitive Topics: Language & Mindfulness
25:13 Finding Common Ground & Consensus
29:32 Goals of Conversation & Workplace Skills
34:14 Fellowship Program & Student Opportunities
36:37 Closing Thoughts & How To Get Involved

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lSZW99bo5xLObTLY1fYTG
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Website: https://www.phoenixgeneration.org/
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
Host: Samantha Romero
In-Studio Producer: David L. Yahn
Audio Engineer: David L. Yahn
Audio / Video Editor: David L. Yahn
Music Composition: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.

Join us as we ask local student leaders:
" Why do you fast?" "What do people wonder about your fasting?" "How does it change you?"

For one of the rare moments in a generation, multiple sacred seasons—Ramadan, Lent, Purim, Holi, and the Bahai Fast—are overlapping, with billions of people around the world observing in their own way, including fasting. In this episode, students and young leaders give an honest look at what these traditions really look like day-to-day, how their perspectives have evolved since college, and why these seasons still matter.

Time Stamp:
00:00 Opening Thoughts on Conflict & Humanity
00:43 Introducing Faces of Faith Subseries
02:01 Shared Seasons: Faith Fasting Traditions Aligned
02:45 Big Questions: Living Faith, Choice, and Reflection
03:10 Meet the Panel: Student Introductions & Faiths
03:56 Christianity: Lent Practices & Challenges
05:00 Judaism: Purim and Community Identity
06:10 Islam: Ramadan and Spiritual Connection
08:18 Baha'i Fasting: Meaning & Shared Experiences
10:04 Personal Experiences With Fasting Across Faiths
11:01 Evolving Faith: Practicing as Young Adults
12:27 Judaism: Kosher Practice & Personal Choices
13:37 Yom Kippur: Jewish Fasting and Forgiveness
17:15 Christianity: Lent's Personal Meaning in College
19:59 Building Better Habits: Social Media & Spirituality
20:56 Islam: Growing Understanding and Empathy
22:04 Service and Community Across Faiths
23:31 Service in Practice: Teaching and Leading Youth
24:49 Common Misconceptions: Fasting and Spiritual Intention
26:32 Community and Sharing Faith Practices
27:45 Challenges and Fears: Sharing Christianity Openly
29:48 Stereotypes, Media, and Seeing People as People
32:24 Unity, Dietary Similarities, and The Golden Rule
35:40 Hope for the Future: Humanity, Reflection, and Change
38:02 Personal Growth: Learning and Research Through Faith
41:09 Closing Reflections & Power of Youth

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Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/phoenix-generation-rising-together/id1847692072
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/// FOLLOW US
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568209207587
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/phoenix-generation-conference/about/

Credits:
Host: Dr. Lua Hancock
In-Studio Producer: David L.Yahn
Video Recording: Robert Andrescik
Audio Recording: David L. Yahn
Video / Audio Editor: David L. Yahn
Music: David L. Yahn

Copyright @2026 Phoenix Generation. All rights reserved.