Becoming Flawsome Book Launch with Kristina Mand-Lakhiani

🎧 Listen NowJourney into the heart of activism in Cameroun with Cyrille Rolande Bechon, a fearless human rights defender who stands resilient against systemic injustice and direct threats to her life's work.🧵 Episode OverviewIn this powerful episode of the Women as Agents of Change podcast, Liza Florida connects with the indomitable Cyrille Rolande Bechon, Executive Director of Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme (New Human Rights) Cameroun. Cyrille shares her incredible journey from growing up in a large polygamous family, where she first learned to fight for her voice, to becoming a leading activist for democracy and human rights in her nation. She provides a raw, firsthand account of the pressing human rights violations in Cameroun, fueled by an authoritarian regime and widespread conflict.This is a story of profound courage. Cyrille details the devastating physical and cyberattacks on her organization this year, which resulted in the loss of 15 years of work. Yet, through it all, her spirit remains unbroken. This conversation is a testament to the power of community, the crucial role of data-driven advocacy, and the unwavering passion that fuels activism even in the darkest of times.🔑 Key Topics CoveredA Childhood of Defiance: Cyrille’s upbringing in a traditional, polygamous family and the pivotal moment she addressed her own father in a family meeting to assert her rights as a young girl.Freedom of Speech as Survival: How personal life choices that defied societal norms forced her to develop a fierce commitment to her own voice and autonomy.The State of Human Rights in Cameroun: An inside look at the country's most urgent issues, including a decades-long authoritarian regime, the shrinking of civic space, torture in detention, the Anglophone crisis, and rampant violence against women.Advocacy in Action: Cyrille’s strategy of using individual legal aid cases—like the exoneration of a man after 15 years of wrongful imprisonment—to expose systemic flaws and fuel data-driven advocacy for national reform.Under Attack: A harrowing account of the recent break-in, vandalism, and theft that destroyed her organization's office and 15 years of work, followed by a crippling cyberattack.Unbreakable Resilience: How Cyrille and her team found the strength to return to their mission, motivated by an outpouring of local and international solidarity.The Power of Solidarity: What solidarity looks and feels like on the ground, from messages from the community saying "Never give up" to support from international organizations.A Vision for a New Cameroun: Cyrille’s dream for her country—a place where basic needs are met, justice prevails, and women and girls hold power in every sector of life.🧠 Powerful Quotes from Cyrille Bechon"Freedom of speech... become a matter of survival. You have to fight to have a place, you have to fight to be heard, you have to fight to make people accept my choices.""We are not employees, we are activists. We do this because we have a vision.""They took everything, but they didn't take our passion. They didn't take our heart on what we are doing.""While looking for relief for victim, we use those data to fuel the advocacy work.""Never give up. We need you." (Message from the community after the attacks)"My heart, my hands are open... It is our fight. It's not others. It is the fight for our life."💡 Innovative Projects & Global InitiativesNouveaux Droits de l’Homme (NDH) Cameroun: Cyrille's organization, which promotes and protects the rule of law and democratic principles. It provides legal aid to victims of violence and advocates for systemic reform.Case-Based Advocacy: NDH's core strategy of meticulously documenting individual human rights cases to create an undeniable evidence base, which is then used to pressure the justice system and advocate for legal and policy changes.Community and Youth Engagement: Proactive work in universities, schools, and local communities to educate citizens on their rights and build grassroots support for democracy and justice, engaging with traditional and religious leaders to foster dialogue.🤝 Connect with Cyrille Rolande Bechon💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrille-rolande-bechon-a4425446/?originalSubdomain=cm🌐 Nouveaux Droits de l’Homme Cameroun: https://ndhcameroun.org/ 👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CRBechon/🤝 Connect with Me📷 Instagram: @lizaflorida and @eightbillionproject👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionpodcast/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119🌐 Website: https://lizaflorida.com/🙏 Special ThanksTo Cyrille Rolande Bechon for her incredible bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication to building a more just and democratic Cameroun.To the International Peace Bureau for their partnership and support for this podcast series. You can learn more about their work at https://ipb.org/ and see more on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ipb1910/videos.To human rights defenders everywhere who continue to fight for a more just world, often at great personal risk.To our listeners, may this story inspire you to use your voice and remember the profound impact of solidarity.🔗 About the SeriesWomen as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and Eight Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world.

🎧 Listen NowDive into a powerful conversation on human rights, resilience, and the fight for justice with Randa Siniora, a leading Palestinian feminist and human rights activist.🧵 Episode OverviewIn this compelling episode of the Women as Agents of Change podcast, Liza Florida sits down with the incredibly insightful Randa Siniora, a Human Rights Defender and General Director of the Women's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling in Palestine. Randa shares her deeply personal journey, shaped by a legacy of displacement and a lifelong defiance of patriarchal norms. She discusses the critical intersection of colonial occupation and patriarchal structures, specifically how they disproportionately impact Palestinian women.This isn’t just a conversation about activism; it's a testament to unwavering persistence, the vital importance of global solidarity, and the enduring power of hope in the face of overwhelming odds.🔑 Key Topics CoveredA Legacy of Displacement: Randa's personal story of her family fleeing West Jerusalem in 1948 and how this shaped her worldview and sense of belonging.Defying Patriarchy from Childhood: Her early experiences advocating for girls' equality within her extended family and challenging traditional gender roles, even as a young girl.The Single Mother's Journey: Randa's candid account of being a divorced single mother in a society that stigmatizes such women, and her insistence on independence and self-determination.The Intertwined Oppression: A deep dive into how colonial occupation and patriarchal structures reinforce each other, creating "multilayered oppression" for Palestinian women, including the impacts on family life, legal rights, and experiences of violence.Sexual Violence as a Tool of Suppression: Disturbing evidence and documentation of sexual abuse and threats against Palestinian women kidnapped or arrested by the Israeli military.Reclaiming Global Feminism: Randa's powerful call for the global feminist movement to shift focus from individualistic rights to dismantling systemic patriarchal and colonial structures, emphasizing the need for solidarity from the Global South.Hope in Action: How to maintain hope and action in the face of global injustice, emphasizing the power of the younger generation, social movements, and technological advocacy.Purpose-Driven Life: The importance of finding a "cause" in life, making every action meaningful, and giving dignity and respect to human rights.🧠 Powerful Quotes from Randa Siniora"We need to amplify the voices of Palestinian women because the situation we are living in is a genocidal crime... which should not be accepted by humanity.""We have to keep the energy and the passion and conviction that we can influence change.""Social justice is calling for women's rights. We are mostly affected by absence of equality and social justice.""Being abroad and having the opportunity to study abroad... made me understand the universality of human rights.""We have to work on dismantling these patriarchal structures, which are an obstacle to women enjoying their rights.""Colonial occupation and patriarchal structures reinforce each other in every aspect of Palestinian women's lives.""What we need to do is to reclaim our right to gender equality in the way we think is most relevant in our context.""The future is for social movements... they are more grassroots, they are more linked to the peoples on the ground."💡 Innovative Projects & Global InitiativesWomen's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling (WCLAC): Randa's leadership in advocating for Palestinian women's rights, balancing individual services with impactful advocacy at national and international levels.Evidence-Based Advocacy: WCLAC's crucial work in documenting and utilizing data from individual cases to expose how Israeli policies intertwine with patriarchal structures to create multi-layered oppression for women.Think Tank for Global Solidarity: The vision for developing a strategic think tank to consolidate efforts among women from the Global South and allies to challenge inequality and colonial structures.Digital Advocacy: Encouraging the younger generation to leverage technology and social media for powerful digital advocacy and to become influencers for social justice causes.🤝 Connect with Randa Siniora💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randa-siniora-39b70348/🌐 Women's Center for Legal Aid and Counseling: https://www.wclac.org/🤝 Connect with Me📷 Instagram: @lizaflorida and @eightbillionproject👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionpodcast/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119🌐 Website: https://lizaflorida.com/🙏 Special ThanksTo Randa Siniora for her courage, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to justice and dignity for Palestinian women and all people.To the International Peace Bureau for their partnership and support for this podcast series. You can learn more about their work at https://ipb.org/ and see more on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ipb1910/videos.To human rights defenders everywhere who continue to fight for a more just world.To our listeners, may you find strength in vulnerability and remember that your well-being is essential to the change you wish to see.🔗 About the SeriesWomen as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and Eight Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world.

🎧 Listen NowExplore the powerful intersection of trauma healing, human rights, and social change in this profound conversation with psychologist and poet Esset Samatova.🧵 Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Women as Agents of Change podcast, Liza Florida sits down with the insightful Esset Samatova—a Santo psychologist, human rights strategist, and poet. Esset shares her journey from a ninth-grade fascination with psychology to the front lines of activism, where she pioneers a unique approach integrating trauma healing into the core of social change. She discusses the critical need to address both individual and systemic trauma, the mentors who shaped her path, and her work with the UN Minority Fellowship.This isn’t just a conversation about activism. It’s about building resilient, whole, and effective movements from the inside out.🔑 Key Topics CoveredHealing as Revolution: Why healing is a foundational necessity for any social movement, not a luxury, and how mental health is crucial for sustainable activism.A Journey to Activism: Esset’s personal story, from her early interest in psychology to her impactful work with human rights defenders.Inspiration & Mentorship: The profound impact of female role models and mentors on Esset's personal and professional journey.Human Rights & Well-being: A deep dive into the unique pressures activists face and the importance of tailored, trauma-informed support.Creativity as a Tool for Resilience: How poetry and other creative outlets can be powerful tools for processing emotions and fostering strength.The Transformational Game: An inside look at Esset’s innovative project designed to make challenging topics like burnout and trauma more engaging and empowering for activists.🧠 Powerful Quotes from Esset Samatova"You cannot carry the weight of the world on your shoulders if no one is helping you hold it.""Your wellbeing is a part of the movement, and if we want to build a better world, we need you not just surviving but whole.""Poetry allows me to speak from a place that is raw, emotional, and true.""Care for yourself the way you would care for someone you love. With gentleness, with consistency and belief."💡 Innovative Projects & Global InitiativesTransformational Games: Development of interactive and empowering games that help activists address and navigate burnout and trauma in a constructive way.UN Minority Fellowship: Involvement with the United Nations, highlighting the critical role of institutional support in advocating for human rights and the well-being of defenders, despite systemic limitations.Psychology for Activists: Championing new psychological frameworks and mental health initiatives specifically designed for the needs of those engaged in social justice and human rights work.🤝 Connect with Esset Samatova📷 Instagram: @esset_pro and @isida_project💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esset-samatova-3935b21b9/🤝 Connect with Me📷 Instagram: @lizaflorida and @eightbillionproject👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionpodcast/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119🌐 Website: https://lizaflorida.com/🙏 Special ThanksTo Esset Samatova for her courageous and compassionate work in nurturing the mental and emotional health of activists.To the International Peace Bureau for their partnership and support for this podcast series. You can learn more about their work at https://ipb.org/ and see more on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ipb1910/videos.To the human rights defenders everywhere who continue to fight for a more just world.To our listeners—may you find strength in vulnerability and remember that your well-being is essential to the change you wish to see.🔗 About the SeriesWomen as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and Eight Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world

🎧 Listen NowExplore the intersection of fashion, sustainability, activism, and spirituality in this inspiring conversation with visionary artist Runa Ray.🧵 Episode OverviewIn this extraordinary episode, Liza Florida sits down with internationally renowned fashion environmentalist Runa Ray to explore her journey from an imaginative introverted child in Bangalore to becoming a transformative voice in global environmental and peace activism. Runa shares how fashion can go far beyond aesthetics — becoming a catalyst for sustainability, women’s empowerment, ocean conservation, and nuclear disarmament.This isn’t just a story about textiles. It’s about curiosity, compassion, and creative courage reshaping our collective future. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredThe Seeds of Imagination:Runa’s early love of books, classic literature, and adventure stories — and how her introverted childhood shaped her creative path. A Mother’s Influence:The pivotal role Runa’s mother played in encouraging her to pursue fashion instead of medicine — and how that decision led to awards, honors, and a scholarship to Paris. Environmental Innovation through Fashion:How Runa’s research into seaweed-based dyeing techniques and her discovery of invasive algae led to groundbreaking biomaterials that conserve water and protect marine life. Social Justice for Seaweed Divers:A sobering look into the lives of indigenous women divers in India, their fight against ocean privatization, and how Runa’s work sheds light on environmental and gender justice. Textiles and Geopolitics:Runa explains how the garments we wear — and the water-intensive fashion industry — are deeply tied to global conflict over shared water resources, particularly in nuclear-armed nations. The Global Peace Flag Project:A breathtaking initiative turning discarded cotton prototypes into canvases for peace commitments from around the world — exhibited at the United Nations, and soon the Vatican. Threads of Peace at the White House:An invitation to engage Runa’s event that took place on May 24 in Washington, D.C., featuring fashion for peace, global speakers, and her activism in action. 🧠 Powerful Quotes from Runa Ray“It always starts with curiosity and ends with compassion.”“Why do we need to kill people to find peace? That makes no sense.”“The very shirt you’re wearing could spark a war — if you understand how much water and shared resources are behind it.”“As women, our strength lies in weaving love and intention into everything we create.” 🌎 Global ImpactPeace Flag Exhibits:United Nations (General Assembly – Fall 2025)The Vatican (Tentative – July 2025, for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday)D.C. Ellipse Grounds – May 24, 2025Materials Innovation:Seaweed and invasive algae turned into leather, paper, and biodegradable plastics Solutions bridging Indigenous knowledge and environmental justice 📍 Past Events🧵 Threads of Peace – May 24, 2025📍 The Ellipse, Washington D.C.⏰ 1:00 PM🎤 Peace speakers, fashion show, and Runa’s activism in full display📍 Upcoming Event🕊️ Global Peace Flag Exhibition – Sept 2025📍 United Nations Visitors Center, NYC👣 Walk-in access to witness the flags and read real people’s commitments to peace🤝 Connect with Runa Ray🌐 Website: www.runaray.com📧 Email: [email protected]📷 Instagram: @runarayofficial🙏 Special ThanksTo Runa Ray for her unwavering heart and bold vision.To the global communities and women who continue to weave peace through art, voice, and creative resistance.To our listeners — may your curiosity lead to compassion, and your voice add to the chorus for global change.🔗 About the SeriesWomen as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and 8 Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world.

Join Director Christine Ramos and Executive Producer Rhadem Musawah for a special Thanksgiving episode of Eight Billion Podcast in "The Making of Sama Dilaut." Dive into the untold stories behind the documentary—from concept to filming in a conflict area. Hear our personal journeys, the challenges faced, and the collective effort that brought this film to life. This exclusive episode is a deep dive into the heart of the Sama Dilaut indigenous community in the Southern Island of the Philippines, offering insights not shared on our touring schedule. Don't miss this intimate chat as we express gratitude for the incredible journey of creating Sama Dilaut Film Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eightbillionproject

Delve into the remarkable life of Ben Yeh, a seasoned business and transformation coach whose journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. With a wealth of experience as an investment officer, combined with his unwavering commitment to family life, Ben brings a unique perspective and profound depth of knowledge to his coaching role. Join us as we uncover the key milestones that shaped Ben's life, both professionally and personally, and explore the wisdom he imparts through his diverse life stages.

In this episode, we are joined by the remarkable Kristina Mand-Lakhiani, a renowned teacher, speaker, entrepreneur, artist, philanthropist, and mother of two. With over 17 years of experience in the personal transformation industry, Kristina has had an extraordinary impact on countless lives around the world. Her new book, "Becoming Flawesome," takes us on a profound journey through her own life, from the pinnacle of a personal growth empire to finding her true path by embracing honesty and authenticity.

Tatiana Villarea, a talented hypnotherapist, claircognizant, and coach, discovered her soul's purpose following a life-threatening diagnosis at 21 and a subsequent near-death experience. With a mission to help other purpose-driven women overcome trauma and emotional wounds, she's developed a highly effective modality combining energy work, subconscious exploration, and body memory release. In this episode, you will be able to: Uncover the secrets of Tatiana Villarea's distinct trauma-focused hypnotherapy techniquesExperience emotional release by understanding the significance of body memoryIdentify limitations within conventional therapy methods and energy workDelve into the powerful world of quantum hypnosis therapy for trauma healingEnhance your personal development through nervous system regulation techniques

The future is here, we have a arrived at a pivotal time in human history where the decisions we make determine how our world and society will look. The four pillars Government, Business, Education and Religion are an eco-system that work in harmony to create the New Earth and the brilliant minds and hearts of today will determine that. However, the one thing that hinges on all of that is Mother Earth. Can we come together as unified human race to create the changes necessary to save her? Join me in one of my favorite episodes of Season 5D with Mina Raver, an activist and futurist. As the founder of the National Innovative Business Leaders Society (formerly the 2K Days Project), Mina helps visionary business leaders develop the technological, social, and creative innovations that will shape the future. After surviving childhood homelessness, dropping out of high school, and raising her four younger siblings alone as a teenager, Mina went on to graduate from a Big Ten University, become a sought-after speaker and innovation consultant, and even ran for Congress in 2020. It is this history of perseverance that informs her work with underrepresented fellow visionaries today, as she gathers the best and brightest to challenge the status quo and build a future where there is equitable belonging for everyone.

Join us on Episode 84 of Eight Billion podcast with Shari Reinhart ghostwriter, nonfiction developmental editor and podcast host of The Metamorphosis Monologues If you’re on a personal transformation journey and you want to write about it, this is Shari's gift to the world. Through the power of writing, storytelling and self-healing she is here to articulate the beautiful journey of your transformation. It was through her own personal journey of answering what resonated deeply within her heart and soul, where she found the greatest work and contribution to others. Here to share her own heart warming story of all the experiences and lessons that have gotten her to place of great peace and joy, she now has ignited a passion for helping others share theirs. This is a must listen as her true message to all eight billion souls on this planet....it ALWAYS has been and ALWAYS will be about LOVE!