506. From the KKK to Judaism: How TM Garret Reversed a Life of Hate.

What makes someone fall for extremist ideas, and what makes them finally stop believing? In this episode of Better Call Daddy, host Reena Friedman Watts sits down with TM Garret Schmid, a former KKK and neo-Nazi member who broke free of hate and converted to Judaism.

TM shares the loneliness, trauma, and need for belonging that pulled him into extremism, the tragedy of his then-wife's kidnapping, and the years of therapy and self-reflection that helped him confront his past. Together, Reena and TM explore forgiveness, why people are drawn to hate groups, and why compassion and real human connection are the most powerful tools against hate.

If you've ever wondered how someone leaves a hate movement, or whether anyone can truly change, this conversation is for you.

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🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

- How a former KKK and neo-Nazi member came to embrace Judaism - The vulnerabilities and unmet needs that push people toward extremism - How trauma shapes relationships, and what healing looks like - Why compassion and community are essential to combating hate - How self-worth and self-reflection make lasting change possible

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Meet TM Garret Schmid: former extremist turned advocate 05:15 – The journey to Judaism 15:30 – Confronting trauma and the kidnapping 25:00 – Why people join hate groups 35:45 – How community helps us heal 45:00 – Love, self-worth, and human connection

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💬 QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"If I can change one person's life with what I'm doing, then I have succeeded." – TM Garret Schmid

"You need to listen to the people around you; it might change your perspective." – TM Garret Schmid

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👤 ABOUT TM GARRET SCHMID

TM Garret Schmid is a former white supremacist who left extremism, converted to Judaism, and now speaks about understanding, compassion, and the humanity in everyone. He works with people struggling with identity and the search for acceptance.

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🎙️ ABOUT BETTER CALL DADDY

Hosted by Reena Friedman Watts with her dad, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman, Better Call Daddy features stories of inspiration, resilience, and hard-earned wisdom.

🔗 bettercalldaddy.com 🔗 LinkedIn | Instagram: @reenafriedmanwatts

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KEYWORDS: former KKK member, leaving the KKK, KKK to Judaism, former white supremacist, neo-Nazi to Jewish, how to leave a hate group, how people get radicalized, why people join hate groups, breaking free from extremism, overcoming extremism, deradicalization, reversing hate, TM Garret Schmid, TM Garret, trauma and healing, forgiveness, Better Call Daddy, Reena Friedman Watts, Big Daddy Wayne Friedman