Episode 12: Reading Rainbow

This week, Slingshot The Podcast dives deep into the impact of defunding public education and public broadcasting — and how these decisions fuel the school-to-prison pipeline. Inspired by the iconic PBS series Reading Rainbow, we reflect on how stories, voices, and representation shape generations, and what happens when those resources are stripped away.

Joining us for this extended episode is Brent Johnstone, co-founder of FathersRead365, who is using the power of reading and mentorship to uplift Black and brown youth. Together, we explore how to keep young people engaged, motivated, and joyful even in turbulent political times.

💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

✅ The legacy of Reading Rainbow, PBS, and public broadcasting as tools for education and empowerment

✅ How harsh school policies push kids toward the criminal justice system

✅ How defunding public television and schools connects to the school-to-prison pipeline

✅ Brent Johnstone’s mission with Father’s Read 365 and the role of fathers in literacy and leadership

Whether you grew up with Reading Rainbow or are currently advocating for equitable education, this conversation will inspire you to take action on behalf of the next generation.

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