The Connected Leadership Podcast
'How We Respond When Our Worldview Gets Challenged' with Noa Baum
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Episode notes
In this episode, Andy Lopata speaks with storyteller and author of an impactful book, "A Land Twice Promised," Noa Baum, offers a unique perspective on the power of storytelling and empathy in understanding complex issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This episode explores the theme of how we respond when our worldview gets challenged and reflects on experiences that had a profound impact on Noa's understanding of life and existence.
Noa discusses her unique experiences growing up in Israel, her personal experiences with war, and the shaping of her worldview. She talks about the influence of books she read, and the realisation of the limitations of understanding rooted in one's narrow perspective. Noa delves into the transfer of ancestral trauma through DNA, providing a deep-seated explanation behind some of our responses and behavior. Noa also opens up about her personal confrontations with challenging situations, how she navigates shifts of her worldview, and addresses questions about the perception of Palestinian people as she grew up.
Noa had a transformative friendship with a Palestinian woman in America, which led to a meaningful bond built around their shared experiences as mothers and immigrants. She emphasises the importance of these human connections in acquiring a deeper understanding and empathy for each other's stories. Noa explains how listening to her friend's experiences as a Palestinian living under Israeli occupation caused her to reevaluate her previous beliefs. She realised that the stories she had been told and had accepted as truth were just one side of a complex historical narrative.
This shift in her perspectives, taught her about the importance of listening, empathy, and acknowledging the narratives of others. Through her story, Noa demonstrates that it's possible to challenge and change our perceptions and to move beyond obstacles of misunderstanding and conflict.
Attending her first conference of the National Storytelling Association, inspired her to venture into telling personal stories that shed light on her relationship with complex issues in her home country. This shift marked a turning point in her storytelling journey.
This experience gave birth to a one-woman show The show relayed her real-life conversations and the contradicting narratives of both her and her Palestinian friend’s mothers. Noa acknowledged the challenges and criticisms she faced due to the sensitive nature of her work, but she resolutely continued, recognising the critical need to share these stories to promote understanding and empathy.
Andy and Noa discuss the fluidity of truth, illustrating that framing and media influence often skew public perceptions of reality. Noa reminded listeners of the importance of listening to others' experiences and creating spaces where differing perspectives can safely coexist, emphasising that empathy and understanding are the truest routes towards conflict resolution.
This episode offers important lessons about the power of storytelling, empathy, and listening to build understanding against a backdrop of deep-seated historical and political conflicts.
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