Fierce Vulnerability: A Conversation with Kazu Haga on Trauma and Nonviolence

In this episode of Nonviolence Radio, Michael and Stephanie speak with nonviolence trainer and educator Kazu Haga about trauma healing and nonviolence — what he calls “fierce vulnerability” (also the title of his most recent book). Because, as he insists, all violence stems from trauma, Kazu reminds us that we cannot simply “shut down” injustice. At the same time, we need to bring trauma healing into our understanding and practice of nonviolence at every level.

He says, “But if we can really understand that these [injustices] are all manifestations of a collective trauma, can we respond to even state violence in a way that brings us closer together, in a way that brings us closer to healing?”

In this discussion, Kazu points us toward a paradigmatic shift from harm to healing, where interconnection is as constant as gravity — we really can’t get around it.

Following the conversation with Kazu, Michael and Stephanie speak with Hunter Dunn from the 50501 coalition to debrief on the impact of the “No Kings” rallies and explore, as Dr. King asked, “Where do we go from here?”