We dig into what kids are facing today, why youth engagement matters, and how we can teach them well then get out the way.

Joining host Kadida Kenner with co-host Charles Gregory is Cory B. Long, Sr. of Making a Change Group, sharing real stories from mentoring, diversion programs, and bringing joy back to childhood. From the school-to-prison pipeline to the youth vote, this episode is a call to listen, support, and let young people lead.

💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:

✅ Gen X to Gen Alpha and how the internet reshaped childhood

✅ The school-to-prison pipeline and proven solutions like diversion and restorative practices

✅ The youth vote in Pennsylvania where only 1 in 4 eligible high school students are registered

✅ How to talk with young people about civic power and actually hear them

Ask the young people in your life: “Are you registered to vote?” Then listen. Help them register and make a plan to vote in every election.

Listen in wherever you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, etc.) or watch it at SlingshotThePodcast.org

📌 Stay Connected

🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org

📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast

📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast

📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast

⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast

📩 Media Contact: media@newpaproject.org

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.

📌 Stay Connected:

🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org/

📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast

📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast

📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast

⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast

📩 Contact: media@newpaproject.org

The revolution will not be televised, but it will be live. In Episode 11 of Slingshot The Podcast, we reflect on Gil Scott-Heron’s timeless words and why they matter just as much today.

Joining host Kadida Kenner is Charles Gregory, bringing a sharp perspective on what revolution really looks like in 2025 from redistricting battles in Texas to the fight for voting rights and the dangerous normalization of authoritarian tactics.

💬 In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
✅ Why Gil Scott-Heron’s message still speaks to today’s democracy crisis
✅ How redistricting and gerrymandering strip power from Black and brown communities
✅ The role of performative politics — from Jasmine Crockett’s clapbacks to Cory Booker’s marathon speech
✅ Trump’s latest executive orders and what they mean for our rights, safety, and democracy

This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a call to action. The revolution won’t be handed to us by TV pundits — it will be lived, organized, and fought for in real time by people like you.

📌 Stay Connected:
🌐 Website: https://slingshotthepodcast.org/
📸 Instagram: @slingshotthepodcast
📘 Facebook: @SlingshotThePodcast
📺 YouTube: @SlingshotThePodcast
⏲️ TikTok: @slingshotpodcast
📩 Contact: media@newpaproject.org