This week’s guest is Wazhma Samizay. Born in the U.S. to Afghan parents, Wazhma has had the unique experience of growing up in Afghanistan, Paris, & the both the east & west coasts of the U.S., finally settling in Seattle as a young adult. For nearly 20 years she has owned & operated Retail Therapy, a retail shop in Seattle’s capitol hill neighborhood that also serves as an art gallery & community gathering space. Recently, Wazhma & her sister have been taking on the task of helping Afghani friends & artists leave Afghanistan following 20 years of U.S. occupation. John Amy & Wazhma discuss why Afghanistan has a territorial history of fighting & the consequence of putting a higher value on resources than human life. Also, Wazhma breaks some stereotypes of women’s freedom in Muslim countries & tells us why conversation & connection are so important to her shop, art gallery & community.
Our episode begins with John’s reflection on his stint as a single parent in New York City & the unexpected stress that it brought. He also shares his divorce experience, why perseverance is important throughout the process & how it changed his perspective on relationships. Amy tells us why divorce is often a good thing & commiserates with John in the early stages of their relationship.
This week’s featured music is by Margo Cilker. Theme music by Michael Lerner. Listen to more podcasts at Ruinous Media
 As always, John & Amy remind us that We’re Not Alone.

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