What's Really Good - Peace During War

Updated about 1 hour ago

In this episode of 'What's Really Good', host Matthew Lipsey welcomes Michael Wilder, the co-founder of Peace Doing War. Michael shares his compelling story of transformation from a life of crime and prison to becoming a peace advocate. Together with his former enemy they founded Peace During War, an organization dedicated to reducing gun violence in Kalamazoo. Michael discusses their unique approach of working closely with the police to intervene in the lives of young people involved in gun violence. He shares personal anecdotes of how they turned their shared history of conflict into a powerful force for change, emphasizing the importance of self-love and community support. This episode is a testament to how former enemies can unite to make a positive impact, offering hope and intervention to at-risk youth.

Chapters

Introduction to the Podcast (00:00:11)
Matthew Lipsey introduces the podcast and welcomes Michael Wilder, co-founder of Peace During War, as the special guest.

The host, Mr. Matthew Lipsey, opens the podcast titled 'What's Really Good' and introduces the special guest, Mr. Michael Wilder, who is the co-founder of the organization Peace During War.
Michael Wilder's Story of Peace (00:00:19)
Michael shares how he and his partner made peace during a family war, leading to the creation of Peace Doing War.

Michael Wilder recounts the story of how he and his partner made peace during a traumatic and bloody war between their families that resulted in a death. Despite being enemies even after prison, they eventually decided to change their lives and started the Peace During War organization.
A Chance Meeting in College (00:01:08)
Michael and CIO Harris unexpectedly meet in college, leading to a realization that they had no personal conflict.

Michael describes how he and CIO ended up in the same college classroom after their prison terms. Initially unaware of each other's identity, they eventually recognized each other. Despite past enmity, they decided to move past it, leading to a friendship.
Lunch and Reconciliation (00:02:00)
Michael and CIO Harris go to lunch together, realizing they were caught in a conflict not of their own making.

After recognizing each other, Michael and CIO decide to have lunch. During their conversation, they realize they never had a personal beef and were instead involved in a larger conflict involving their families. This understanding led to their reconciliation.
The Professor's Encouragement (00:02:34)
A professor encourages Michael and CIO to share their story, leading to speaking gigs and the spread of their message.

Their college professor, upon hearing their story of reconciliation, encourages them to share it publicly. This leads to speaking engagements where they spread their message of peace and conflict resolution.
Founding Peace Doing War (00:03:31)
Michael discusses the founding of Peace During War and its role in addressing gun violence before it was recognized nationally.

Michael talks about founding Peace During War with CIO, emphasizing their early work in addressing gun violence in Kalamazoo before it became a national issue. They pride themselves on being pioneers in this field.
Role in the Community (00:06:02)
Michael and CIO's roles in the community include working with police to intervene in potential violence cases.

Michael explains his role as the Group Violence Intervention Coordinator for Kalamazoo, working closely with police to identify and intervene with youth involved in gun violence, offering them alternatives before legal action is taken.
Intervention and Mentorship (00:07:51)
Michael describes his approach to intervention, focusing on self-worth and mentorship to deter youth from violence.

Michael discusses his approach when working with young men involved in gun violence. He emphasizes teaching self-love and self-worth, aiming to convince them that their lives are more valuable than the violence they are involved in.
Personal Impact and Beliefs (00:10:15)
Michael shares his personal journey and beliefs, including his Christian faith and commitment to saving lives.

Michael talks about his personal transformation, his Christian faith, and how it underpins his work with Peace Doing War. He emphasizes the importance of saving lives and providing positive alternatives to youth involved in violence.
Community Collaboration (00:14:16)
Michael emphasizes the importance of community collaboration and working with various organizations to reduce gun violence.

Michael highlights the necessity of community partnership in addressing gun violence, mentioning his work with organizations like Urban Alliance and Bent Not Broken, and stressing that reducing violence requires a collective effort.
Funding and Commitment (00:19:30)
Michael discusses funding for gun violence prevention and his commitment to the cause, regardless of financial support.

Michael talks about funding issues in violence prevention, his preference for private funding, and his unwavering commitment to the cause. He believes his work is guided by his faith and has been doing it for years without financial compensation.
Conclusion and Contact Information (00:22:16)
Michael provides contact information and encourages those in need to reach out for help.

Michael Wilder concludes by offering his contact information for those who need assistance or want to talk. He encourages anyone involved in conflicts or needing guidance to reach out to him and his organization for support.