One quiet act of defiance changed the course of history. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Her quiet strength ignited the Montgomery Bus Boycott, sparking a movement that challenged racial injustice and reshaped the fight for civil rights. This Fierce Bit honors Rosa Parks’ unwavering courage and the power of one moment to inspire change.

Harriet Tubman risked everything for freedom—not just her own, but for countless others. Escaping slavery was only the beginning; she returned again and again, guiding over 70 enslaved people to safety through the Underground Railroad. With unwavering faith and fearless determination, she defied the odds and became a beacon of hope. This Fierce Bit honors her extraordinary bravery and the legacy of liberation she left behind.

In this Fierce Flashbacks episode, we take a hard look at the fight for criminal justice reform—unraveling the injustices, the systemic failures, and the voices demanding change. Through past conversations with advocates, formerly incarcerated individuals, and legal experts, we explore the cracks in the system and the movements working to create a fairer, more humane approach to justice.

From sentencing disparities to prison conditions, and wrongful convictions to second chances, this episode revisits powerful moments that shine a light on what needs to change—and how we can be part of that transformation.

Because justice isn't just a concept—it’s a fight worth having.

For nearly three decades, the Berlin Wall stood as a symbol of division and oppression. But on November 9, 1989, the courage of ordinary people demanding freedom shattered that barrier. As protests grew and pressure mounted, the wall finally fell, marking the end of the Cold War and a powerful victory for unity. This Fierce Bit honors the resilience of those who dared to dream of a world without walls.

At just 15 years old, Malala Yousafzai stood up to the Taliban’s oppressive rule in Pakistan, refusing to be silenced in her fight for girls’ education. Even after surviving an assassination attempt, she continued her advocacy, becoming the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Her courage reminds us that one voice can spark global change. This Fierce Bit honors Malala’s unwavering determination to ensure that every girl has the right to learn.

On August 28, 1963, over 250,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to demand civil rights, justice, and equality. This historic march became a defining moment in the fight for freedom, culminating in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Their courage in the face of injustice changed history. This Fierce Bit honors their bravery and reminds us that collective action has the power to transform the world.

Fierce Bits is a production of Fierce Conversations with Toby. Sparks of Inspiration, Under a Minute.

Today, A Sequoia's Strength: Standing the Test of Time

Sequoias stand tall for centuries because they intertwine their roots with others. Strength doesn't come from standing alone; it comes from connection.