The Lisa Show

Anyone Could Be A Refugee: Stories from Syria | Wendy Pearlman

The Lisa Show

Show Notes

Who are the people behind the headlines? Lisa sits down with political scientist and longtime friend Wendy Pearlman to talk about how personal relationships shape the way we understand conflict. Between reminiscing over “poptarts and politics” in Lincoln, Nebraska, and diving into Wendy’s life work--studying the experiences of Syrian refugees, Lisa and Wendy explore what it really means to see the people affected by political conflict and turmoil. Together, they reflect on blind spots, empathy, and why meaningful change often starts with simple, human acts like listening well, asking questions, and choosing kindness.

For more about Wendy and her books be sure to check out her website: https://sites.northwestern.edu/wendypearlman/

More from The Lisa Show

Oct 20, 2026

What does it mean to surround yourself with greatness, and how can the people around us help us become better? Lisa sits down with former NFL Pro Bowl tight end Chad Lewis to talk about the power of learning from others, building meaningful relationships, and choosing to surround ourselves with people who inspire us to grow. They explore how the right people can shape our perspective, push us beyond our comfort zones, and help us become the best versions of ourselves.

Oct 13, 2026

What do philosophy, faith, and stand-up comedy have in common? More than you might think! Lisa sits down with comedian Pete Holmes for a conversation about God, truth, human nature, and why asking life’s biggest questions can be both meaningful and funny. They dive into philosophy, creativity, and what it means to say "yes, thank you" to everything life throws your way. Lisa and Pete share family memories, plenty of laughs, and even a few thoughts on hot drinks.

Oct 6, 2026

When your kids leave home, everyone talks about how proud you’ll be, but no one really prepares you for how much you might miss them. Lisa is officially an empty nester, and she’s finding this new phase of life much more emotional than she expected. Dr. Rachel Glick joins Lisa to talk about empty nest syndrome, what to expect when your kids become adults, how to navigate the grief and relief that can come with this transition, and how to build a new relationship with your adult children, your spouse, and yourself. Because an empty nest may feel like a loss, but it’s also proof that your kids have learned how to fly.

Sep 29, 2026

Why can it be so hard to accept a compliment? Dr. Marisa G. Franco, a psychologist, researcher, and author, joins Lisa to explore how our sense of self-worth shapes the way we experience friendship, love, kindness, and relationships. She'll explain where worth comes from and how to reclaim it when we don't feel good about ourselves.

Sep 22, 2026

What values do you want your kids to carry with them for the rest of their lives? Gary Dixon, president of the Foundation for a Better Life, joins Lisa to talk about the power of simple values like courage, kindness, gratitude, and compassion. They discuss the stories behind the Foundation’s famous “Pass It On” ads, how values shape our families and communities, and why Gary remains optimistic about the world around us.

See all episodes →