Provoking Peace Podcast
Bold Conversations Across Faith & Difference
A podcast by the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom
What We're About
Provoking Peace is where assumptions unravel, stories unfold, and the unexpected becomes the conversation. Hosted by one Muslim woman and one Jewish woman, this podcast challenges stereotypes and invites you into honest, sometimes uncomfortable, but always meaningful dialogue. In a world that often pits us against each other, we choose connection. Each episode offers a window into what it means to build trust across lines of difference - not by avoiding the hard stuff, but by stepping into it with curiosity and courage. We explore faith, identity, politics, friendship, and everything in between - with humor, heart, and humility. Whether we're interviewing changemakers, unpacking global events, or sharing moments from our own lives, Provoking Peace is your invitation to listen differently, think deeper, and find common ground where you least expect it. Because disrupting assumptions isn't just possible - it's powerful. And peace? Sometimes it starts with a little provocation. Tighten your bra straps – its going to be a bumpy ride!
Meet Our Hosts
Alyson Freedman and Tahija Vikalo are not afraid to go deep, disagree with grace, and laugh through the hard stuff — and they’re inviting you along for the ride.
Alyson is a communications pro with two decades of experience in government consulting and nonprofit leadership. She's been part of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom since 2018, where she’s served as a chapter co-leader, chaired the Communications Committee, and now sits on the national board. She brings a fierce belief in connection across difference — and a dry wit that keeps conversations real.
Tahija is the Sisterhood’s Executive Director, a Bosnian-born anthropologist, and a longtime interfaith bridge-builder. She’s spent 20+ years working in peacebuilding, education, and international development — and she’s just as passionate about Sufi history as she is about social justice and gender equity in Muslim American communities.
Together, Alyson and Tahija bring humor, humility, and a whole lot of heart to every conversation. Whether they’re talking politics or prayer, Provoking Peace is their shared invitation to step into the mess — and find meaning in it.
