In this episode, co-hosts Kalista Lin and Sofia Ng speak with Pamela Good, CEO and co-founder of Beyond Basics, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating illiteracy and empowering lives through reading. Pamela shares the inspiring journey behind Beyond Basics, how the organization helps students achieve grade-level literacy, and why literacy is the key to breaking cycles of crime and poverty. Tune in to hear about the impact of one-on-one interventions and the success stories that fuel Pamela's passion for her work!

It's February! In this special tribute episode, co-hosts Sofia and Kalista explore the history and culture behind Black History Month, exploring its origins and why it remains crucial to recognize it today. Learn more about civil rights activists and juvenile justice advocates, like Malcolm X and Angela Davis, and their impact on modern-day social movements. Diving into the roots of Black resistance, tune in to listen to powerful stories of Black history and its lasting influence.

This episode was made possible with National Geographic Kids, BlackPast.org, The Harvard Gazette, U.S. Department of Labor, Pew Research Center, and the African American Intellectual History Society.

In this episode, our host Kalista Lin sits down with Michael Mendoza. At just 15 years old, Michael was sentenced to 15-to-life for his involvement in a gang-related murder.

Since his parole in 2014, Michael has dedicated his life to transforming the justice system that once confined him. From advocating for SB 261 and AB 1308 to expanding Youth Offender Parole, to leading the charge for Yes on 17, restoring voting rights to over 50,000 Californians on parole, Michael’s impact is undeniable, helping pass SB 1391 and making California the first state to prohibit transferring 14- and 15-year-olds to adult court.

Appointed by President Biden to the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Michael continues to champion second chances as a consultant on reentry and criminal justice reform. Join us as we explore his journey from incarceration to becoming one of the most influential voices in juvenile justice today.