TA(Y)LK TO ME PODCAST
TA(Y)LK TO ME PODCAST
TA(Y)LK to Me, a podcast that provided a safe and brave space for young people with system involvement to have courageous conversations about the changes needed for system-involved youth to thrive. The aim of this show is to support young people with issues that are commonly encountered in the foster care and juvenile justice systems by offering resources to navigate and overcome those issues.
The podcast was developed and led by young people with lived expertise telling their stories their way, centering youth voices, and partnering with subject matter experts to uplift current resources to mitigate challenges and barriers to positive outcomes. Young people had the opportunity to lead discussions on topics that matter to them and to explore what can be done differently to support young people in these areas.
Reel
Take a sneak peek at what to expect on the TA(Y)LK To Me Podcast. The TA(Y)LK To Me podcast is a youth-led, youth-created project aimed at supporting young people involved the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Each episode will have youth and subject matter experts discussing real-life experiences and practical resources to provide support.
Introduction
Introducing the TA(Y)LK To Me Podcast! Featuring host Sherrie Bradford, an LA County Youth Commissioner, System Impact and Foster Youth Advocate, and Lived Expert. In this short introduction, Sherrie offers an overview of the podcast and an invitation to watch the powerful conversations throughout the series.
EP 1: Arts and Healing
The first episode of the TA(Y)LK To Me Podcast, hosted by LA County Youth Commissioners, Sherrie Bradford and Cristopher Espino, focuses on the theme of Arts and Healing with guests Arlena Ortega (Makeup Artist & Lived Expert), and Elizabeth Nails (LA County Department of Arts and Culture). They explore how art has been a powerful tool for healing, self-expression, and empowerment for youth impacted by foster care and the juvenile legal system. The episode closes with a powerful spoken word performance by Youth Commissioner, Evelyn Karina Rodriguez, showcasing art as a voice for resilience and transformation.
EP 2: Policing
In this episode of the TA(Y)LK to Me podcast, hosts Sherrie Bradford and Cristopher Espino speak with youth advocates and lived experts about policing and the justice system. Guests, Evelyn C. Rodriguez (LA County Youth Commission & Lived Expert), and Walter Finney (Actor, Mentor & Lived Expert) share personal stories of being impacted by incarceration, systemic neglect, and over-policing. They also each reflect on what they would tell their younger selves, centering around love, resilience, and the power of using one’s voice to fight for justice and support others.
EP 3: Foster Youth Bill of Rights (FYBOR)
This episode of TA(Y)LK To Me centers on the Foster Youth Bill of Rights (FYBOR) in California and the critical need for awareness and education among foster youth and those who serve them. The hosts discuss the FYBOR with Michelle Lucarelli Beltran (LA County Ombudsperson for Youth in Congregate Care) and Brian Noelle (Writer, Actor, & Kids in Spotlight Assistant Studio Manager), focusing on the purpose to ensure foster youth are protected and informed.
EP 4: Housing & Concrete Supports for Transition Age Youth
In episode four of the podcast, host Sherrie Bradford, is in conversation with Bishop Ed Smith (The Nehemiah Project), Corey Davis (Skillhouse & Lived Expert), and Alexis Obina (Advocate, Social Worker & Lived Expert) about the importance of concrete supports, especially housing and stability, for transition age youth. Guests share personal stories about how coaches, teachers, and community members helped them navigate the system and gain confidence. They also emphasize the importance of community collaboration and relationship-building.
EP 5: Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
This episode of TA(Y)LK To Me welcomes lived experts, Christopher Hendrix (Actor, Mentor, Social Strategist & Lived Expert) and Jael Nixon (Actor, Singer, Content Creator & Lived Expert) for a conversation on navigating identity, support, and resilience as LGBTQ+ youth. They delve into the challenges and resilience of system-impacted LGBTQ+ youth and highlight the importance of identity exploration, the need for emotional and mental support, and the role of creative outlets in healing and empowerment.
EP 6: Permanency
The sixth episode of TA(Y)LK To Me explores how to create lasting stability for youth in foster care. Guests, Sierelle Steinfield (Software Developer, Mentor & Lived Expert) and Judge Michael Nash (Ret., Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Office of Child Protection), join Sherrie to discuss the importance of family reunification, adoption, and community support. They explore how many youth age out without help, leading to poor outcomes, and the need to act early, support families, and ensure every child has someone they can count on for life.
EP 7: Substance Abuse & Psychotropic Medications
In this episode of the TA(Y)LK to Me podcast Sherrie leads a critical conversation on substance abuse and the use of psychotropic medications in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems with Judge Michael Nash (Ret., Executive Director, LA County Office of Child Protection), Dr. Scott Hunter (LA County Department of Mental Health), and Angelique Russell (Writer, Producer, Advocate & Lived Expert). The conversation emphasizes how trauma is often misdiagnosed, leading to overmedication and a lack of choice, and the importance of trust, proper diagnosis, and individualized care, especially when addressing substance use and mental health.
EP 8: Workforce Development and Higher Education
This episode of TA(Y)LK To Me looks at workforce development and higher education for system-impacted youth. Sherrie is joined by guests Franco Vega (RightWay Foundation), Yanira Mendoza (Kids in the Spotlight), and Joshua Elizondo (LA County Youth Commissioner) to explore challenges like delayed job readiness, lack of networks, and systemic instability that hinder youth self-sufficiency. They highlight innovative programs, such as trauma-informed job training and creative apprenticeships, and the need for community, employer, and policymaker engagement to create real opportunities for young people.
EP 9: Foster Youth, Resilience & System Reform
In the final episode of the TA(Y)LK To Me Podcast Sherrie interviews Johna Rivers (Real to Reel Global Co-Founder & Lea Producer, CASA LA Board Member, Performing Artist & Lived Expert) and Soryoa Leonard (Student, Performing Artist & Lived Expert) about how to improve the child welfare system. They share personal stories of overcoming challenges like housing instability, lack of support, and stigma, emphasizing how mentorship, education, and faith played key roles in their success. They advocate for better pay and training for social workers, consistent federal benefits, and more funding for organizations led by those with lived experience. Their message to professionals is to lead with heart and stay committed to making a difference, and to youth: speak up, know your worth, and don't give up.
