Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and authorMichael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience.

From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide and survival, Michael’s journey is an inspiring testament to the role food plays in connecting us to our roots, telling untold stories, and fostering hope even in the most challenging times. In a world grappling with displacement, injustice, and changing identities, this conversation explores how culinary heritage can be both a form of resistance and a bridge to empathy. We discuss:
How food serves as a lens for understanding conflict and resilience
The impact of family history, migration, and trauma on personal and cultural identity
Why preserving food traditions is vital for refugee and displaced communities
Distinguishing between food security and food sovereignty, and why it matters
The challenges and power of storytelling when holding perpetrators accountable
The healing, hope, and agency that come from sharing meals and recipes across generations

This episode is for anyone who believes that culture endures through the recipes we share, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture.

This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.

At East Coast Credit Union, we’re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don’t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Your host, Mark Brand, sits down with revolutionary journalist and author Michael Sheik, whose work shines a light on conflict, human rights, and the power of food in preserving culture and building resilience.
From facing life-threatening situations in Afghanistan to uncovering stories of genocide and survival, Michael&rsquo;s journey is an inspiring testament to the role food plays in connecting us to our roots, telling untold stories, and fostering hope even in the most challenging times. In a world grappling with displacement, injustice, and changing identities, this conversation explores how culinary heritage can be both a form of resistance and a bridge to empathy. We discuss:
<ul>
<li>How food serves as a lens for understanding conflict and resilience</li>
<li>The impact of family history, migration, and trauma on personal and cultural identity</li>
<li>Why preserving food traditions is vital for refugee and displaced communities</li>
<li>Distinguishing between food security and food sovereignty, and why it matters</li>
<li>The challenges and power of storytelling when holding perpetrators accountable</li>
<li>The healing, hope, and agency that come from sharing meals and recipes across generations</li>
</ul>
This episode is for anyone who believes that culture endures through the recipes we share, the stories we tell, and the communities we nurture.
This podcast is proudly supported by East Coast Credit Union.
At East Coast Credit Union, we&rsquo;re proud to support community voices and meaningful conversations. The thoughts and opinions shared by guests on this podcast are their own and don&rsquo;t necessarily reflect those of East Coast Credit Union.

Mark Brand is your host for BETTER; a podcast about hope & resilience and leaving the planet a better place than we found it. It’s a home for conversations with incredible people who are change makers, disrupters, and experts in their fields. Brand is a social-impact entrepreneur, chef, and systems designer who is committed to ending hunger. By sharing tools for hope & resilience, Brand believes we can empower ourselves and each other to be BETTER.

Mark Brand is your host for BETTER; a podcast about hope &amp; resilience and leaving the planet a better place than we found it. It’s a home for conversations with incredible people who are change makers, disrupters, and experts in their fields. Brand is a social-impact entrepreneur, chef, and systems designer who is committed to ending hunger. By sharing tools for hope &amp; resilience, Brand believes we can empower ourselves and each other to be BETTER.

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