Talking with Children About Violence with Hannah Rose Martin

Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of violence and weapons, which may be emotionally sensitive for some listeners.

In this episode of Mess Makes Meaning, Joy and Raenelle engage in a thoughtful and at times difficult conversation about the realities of violence in our world. Together with guest Hannah Rose Martin, co-founder of RAWtools and co-author of Sparking Peace, they explore what it means to speak honestly about violence while also holding space for hope, transformation, and peace.

Hannah shares the story and mission behind RAWtools, an organization committed to turning instruments of violence into tools for gardening and life-giving work. Through this powerful work, she invites us to consider how change can emerge from the very places where harm has been present, and how communities can participate in practices of healing and restoration.

Throughout the conversation, Joy, Raenelle, and Hannah reflect on the importance of language, truth-telling, and imagination in shaping a more peaceful world. They explore how naming hard realities does not diminish hope, but instead deepens our capacity to respond with courage and compassion.

This episode offers a grounded and reflective space for listeners to consider violence, peace, and the ways transformation can take root in both personal and collective life.