This episode features an interview with Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks in Camden, New Jersey, an organization that provides technology training, professional development, and real-world work experience to prepare unemployed young adults for living-wage jobs. Dan discusses Hopeworks' unique trauma-informed approach that not only teaches in-demand tech skills but also builds social-emotional readiness for the workplace. He also shares inspiring stories of young people overcoming barriers and excelling through the power of opportunity ..read more

This episode features an interview with Charmaine Bazemore, the Executive Director of the George Washington Carver Community Center in Norristown, PA. Charmaine discusses her vision for the Carver Center, including bringing back the Kid's Cafe program, providing a safe space for local youth, and expanding literacy and learning opportunities. She also stresses the importance of meeting the community's needs when developing youth programs, and provides insights on securing funding, getting community and youth input, and achieving a vision through consistency and intention ..read more

This episode features a conversation with Dave Beal, CEO of Brain Power Wellness, to discuss social-emotional learning and holistic wellness strategies for students, teachers, and families. Dave shares practical tips and activities from the Brain Power Classroom book to promote positive mental health and development in the classroom. They discuss embracing resistance from students as an opportunity and the importance of being present for youth. Dave also highlights research showing academic improvements from social-emotional learning interventions. Listen to learn more about empowering youth ..read more

Kris Breslin, Master Technician at Team Toyota of Glen Mills, joins the program to discuss her career journey and what it is like to be a woman working as an automotive technician. Kris also provides an overview of the work she did with the KB Foundation's overnight girls mentoring camp, and why it is important for girls and young women to be familiar with the fundamentals of car repair, such as changing a tire. She also provides advice for anyone who has an expertise that they would like to share with young people.        ..read more

Vernon Ray Jr., Owner of Creative Mind Productions, joins the program to discuss his own journey of developing a passion for photography and the campaign that he created to combat gun violence. Vernon shares how his campaign is helping give youth a different creative option to pursue and helps youth feel heard and supported. Vernon also shares tips about how to connect and communicate with young people ..read more

Joy Jamerson, Program Manager-Outreach, H-CAP (Healthcare Career Advancement Program, joins the program to discuss her career journey of supporting youth in various roles. Joy shares her thoughts about how to engage youth and how to talk to youth in a way that compels them. She also reveals tips for employers who want to recruit and retain youth, and how to prepare youth for the workforce.  ..read more

Jonathan Alvarez, Founder of 914United Inc., joins the program to provide an overview of the mission and vision of his organization. Discover how 914United emerged in 2020 to serve at the forefront of advocating for the youth and the formerly incarcerated residing within the Lower Hudson Valley.  ..read more

Mike Brown from the Philadelphia Gaming Initiative joins the program to reveal how the organization is using gaming as a way to engage youth and keep them out of harm's way. Mike also shares how the Philadelphia Gaming Initiative uses gaming as a hook to bring young people into their space, and the other life skills instruction that is available to youth. Discover the importance of creating safe spaces for youth within a community, and how to create a gaming initiative in your own city or town.  ..read more

Alexandra Ingram, MSW, joins the program to discuss her organization, Make the Distinction. Alexandra shares the work that her organization is doing to prepare black girls between the ages of 13-18 for the adult world by fostering confidence and self-esteem, connecting girls with Black women as mentors in a professional field, and providing personal and professional development skills.  ..read more

This episode focuses on how to build positive and empowering parent-children relationships. The guest is Noah Coslov, who co-hosts the show "The Follow Up" along with his daughter, Eden. The Follow Up is intended to entertain audiences of all ages, but most importantly to build confidence in young children learning how to actively listen & communicate effectively.  ..read more