End The Violence

Is it truly possible to break the cycle of violence? What hidden truths lie beneath crime statistics, street culture, and systemic injustice? Join Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba on End the Violence—an unfiltered and eye-opening podcast exploring the complex realities of crime, justice, and urban life. Featuring powerful conversations, real-world experiences, and insights from frontline voices, this podcast reveals the stories behind the statistics and challenges conventional narratives. From examining evolving crime trends and technological shifts, to confronting systemic racism and advocating for community empowerment, each episode delivers actionable wisdom, authenticity, and hope for change. Together, let's start real conversations that inspire lasting solutions. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

Episodes

  1. The Truth About Tulsa | Black Wall Street, Reparations & Historical Erasure | End the Violence

    09/12/2025

    The Truth About Tulsa | Black Wall Street, Reparations & Historical Erasure | End the Violence

    What really happened in Tulsa in 1921? And how has that massacre shaped every generation since? In this powerful Memorial Day episode of End the Violence, Gershon, Atiba, and Pastor Andre dive deep into the legacy of Black Wall Street and the systemic efforts to erase Black progress in America. From architectural genius and economic dominance to bombings, redlining, and psychological warfare, this episode unpacks what was lost, what was taken—and what must be reclaimed. A sobering call to education, reflection, and forward movement. 🔍 What You'll Discover: – The untold truths of the Tulsa Massacre and Black Wall Street – Why Black communities thrived post-Civil War—and why they were targeted – How skilled labor, architecture, and wealth were erased by violence – Why there is no modern Black Wall Street—and what it would take to build one – The truth behind reparations: who owes, what was promised, and what was paid – How systemic racism persists through credit, housing, and education – What young Black children and all Americans should learn from Tulsa 👥 Who Will Love This Episode: – History teachers, students, and lifelong learners – Social justice advocates, equity officers, and cultural scholars – African American families seeking to reclaim lost narratives – Policy makers and civic leaders working for reparative justice – Anyone ready to confront the truth and build toward collective healing 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Discriminatory Lending: A Personal Story 01:00 – What Tulsa Lost: Dominion, Wealth & Autonomy 03:00 – Reconstruction, Skills & Post-Slavery Power 06:00 – The Real Architects of Early America 09:00 – 3,000 Erased Cities & Black Wealth by Design 14:00 – Does Black Wall Street Exist Today? 20:00 – Integration, Gentrification & Systemic Fragmentation 28:00 – Reparations: Government Accountability vs. Personal Blame 34:00 – Informants, Division & Psychological Warfare 40:00 – Final Reflections: What Young Black Americans Must Know 🔔 Stay Connected: – Like this video if it resonated with you! – Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. – Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed. Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversation. 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Documentary on Tulsa Massacre: “Rise Again: Tulsa and the Red Summer” (NatGeo) – Book on reparations: “The Case for Reparations” by Ta-Nehisi Coates (The Atlantic) – Research on Black land loss: arcgis.com (Search: “Where Did the Black Land Go?”) – Ohio Black-owned bank: Adelphi Bank, adelphibank.com – Black banking coalition: greenwoodbank.com 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 8 #EndTheViolence #BlackWallStreet #Tulsa1921

    44 min
  2. Is Crime Really Dropping? | Unpacking Statistics & Street Realities | End the Violence

    09/12/2025

    Is Crime Really Dropping? | Unpacking Statistics & Street Realities | End the Violence

    Are crime rates truly decreasing, or is it just clever manipulation of statistics? What's really happening on our streets today? Join hosts Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation on End the Violence. This episode critically examines reported crime reductions, explores evolving crime trends, and unpacks the street-level realities versus official numbers. Packed with real talk, raw experiences, and actionable insights, this episode dives deep into justice, community, and meaningful change. 🔍 What You'll Discover: – Why reported crime statistics might not reflect street-level realities – How technology is transforming the landscape of crime – The complex dynamics between street culture, crime, and evolving generational shifts – The surprising role social media and AI play in contemporary criminal activities – Insights into cultural differences and their impact on crime perception and response 👥 Who Will Love This Episode: – Advocates for social justice and prison reform – Community leaders, activists, and policymakers – Students of sociology, criminal justice, and law – Researchers interested in technology's impact on crime – Individuals concerned with accurate crime reporting and community safety 🔔 Stay Connected: – Like this video if it resonated with you! – Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. – Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed. Together, we can End the Violence. 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Are Crime Rates Really Dropping—or Just Shifting? 05:00 – Surveillance Capitalism, Cameras & Crime Trends 10:00 – New Crimes, New Tech: The Rise of AI, Scams & Fraud 18:00 – Is It Still “Cool” to Be in a Gang? 25:00 – Generational Shifts: Z, Millennials & Digital Subcultures 32:00 – Violent Culture & Domestic Tech-Related Conflict 40:00 – Can Tech Help You Get Away with Crime? 45:00 – Gender Roles: Are Women Escalating More Street Violence? 54:00 – Cultural Conditioning, Street Loyalty & Unspoken Rules 1:03:00 – Final Thoughts: What We Need to Rethink About Safety 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 7 #EndTheViolence #SocialJustice #PrisonReform

    1h 5m
  3. The Nonprofit Dilemma | Who's Really Ending the Violence? | End the Violence

    09/12/2025

    The Nonprofit Dilemma | Who's Really Ending the Violence? | End the Violence

    Are nonprofits solving the problem—or sustaining it? And why are some of the most dangerous communities still overlooked? In this explosive episode of End the Violence, Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba pull back the curtain on the nonprofit industrial complex. From inflated claims to six-figure salaries, they expose how too many organizations chase funding instead of outcomes. They also share how organizations like ETV—led by justice-involved leaders—are disrupting the model and saving lives. If you’ve ever wondered where your donation really goes, this one’s for you. 🔍 What You'll Discover: – How violence prevention money is spent—and who it really reaches – Why many nonprofits chase funding instead of impact – The uncomfortable truth about race, representation, and credibility – How community trust breaks down when nonprofits align with police – The dangers of snitch culture, surveillance, and false partnerships – Why metrics matter: outcome-based funding vs. padded reports – How to ask the right questions before donating to a nonprofit 👥 Who Will Love This Episode: – Community leaders, city officials, and policymakers – Nonprofit professionals, founders, and funders – Criminal justice reform advocates and public safety organizers – Journalists, donors, and watchdog organizations – Anyone tired of flashy slogans and ready for real results 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Street Stories and Performative Personas 01:30 – Are Nonprofits in It for the Right Reasons? 05:00 – Violence Prevention Budgets vs. Actual Impact 10:00 – The Nonprofit Industrial Complex Explained 16:00 – Police Partnerships, Community Distrust, and Street Cred 20:00 – What Makes ETV Different: Outcomes Over Optics 25:00 – Political Gatekeeping and Silo Wars in Urban Cities 30:00 – The Broken System Was Designed That Way 35:00 – What True Disruption Looks Like in Community Intervention 43:00 – Final Thoughts: Ask the Hard Questions, Follow the Results 🔔 Stay Connected: – Like this video if it resonated with you! – Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. – Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed. Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversation. 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Learn more about End the Violence: endtheviolence.us – Overview of the nonprofit industrial complex: npqmag.org – Criminal justice reform metrics and funding models: vera.org – “The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander – Community-based public safety alternatives: interrupters.org 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 6 #EndTheViolence #NonprofitAccountability #JusticeReform

    48 min
  4. Freedom Without Direction? | History, Media, and the Summer Surge | End the Violence

    09/12/2025

    Freedom Without Direction? | History, Media, and the Summer Surge | End the Violence

    Is freedom still a sentence if it lacks dignity, opportunity, or truth? What happens when media and history are weaponized instead of taught? In this expansive episode of End The Violence, Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba explore the connection between misinformation, economic tension, and rising community violence. From mobile outreach to media manipulation, the conversation moves through Black history, surveillance, stereotypes, and the weaponization of race. This is not just about reentry—this is about reframing what freedom really means. 🔍 What You'll Discover: – How freedom without support often becomes a second sentence – Why End the Violence launched a mobile safe space for community outreach – The real-world signs of a potentially volatile summer ahead – How media narratives manipulate public perception and sow division – Why history—especially Black history—matters for healing and clarity – The truth behind branding, consumer behavior, and systemic targeting – Why understanding the past is the key to preventing future cycles 👥 Who Will Love This Episode: – Community organizers, policymakers, and civic leaders – Historians, educators, and researchers – Social justice and criminal justice advocates – Listeners curious about the real roots of division in America – Anyone grappling with misinformation, stereotypes, and identity 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – Is Freedom Without Direction Still Freedom? 01:00 – Inside ETV’s New Mobile Safe Space Initiative 04:00 – Why This Summer Could Bring a Surge in Violence 08:00 – Media Manipulation and the Illusion of Division 13:00 – Polarization, Policy, and the Disappearance of Dialogue 20:00 – Journalism, Justice, and the Power of Narratives 24:00 – Targeted Marketing, Cultural Spending, and Historical Context 33:00 – Moors, Myths, and Hidden Histories 42:00 – Erasing the Past vs. Learning From It 48:00 – Final Thoughts: Truth, Data, and the Future of Accountability 🔔 Stay Connected: – Like this video if it resonated with you! – Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. – Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed. Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversation. 📚 Resources Mentioned: – ETV Community Outreach: endtheviolence.us – FAST and Project HOPE (Tampa/St. Pete juvenile advocacy): fastpinellas.org, hopetampabay.org – Black history and hidden narratives: “They Came Before Columbus” by Ivan Van Sertima – History and media influence: “Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom” documentary – Economic shifts and digital transformation research: weforum.org 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 5 #EndTheViolence #CommunitySafety #MediaNarratives

    50 min
  5. The Connector - Documentary | From Street Legend to Community Savior | End the Violence

    09/11/2025

    The Connector - Documentary | From Street Legend to Community Savior | End the Violence

    What if the most dangerous people in your city were also the key to saving it? In this powerful 37-minute documentary, End the Violence founder Dr. Sean Stevenson tells his unfiltered story—from a childhood of abandonment and violence to becoming one of the most respected community leaders in America. With firsthand access to gangs, prison systems, and fractured neighborhoods, Sean now uses that same credibility to rebuild what was broken. This is the story of trauma turned into purpose. Of lived experience turned into strategy. And of a man who refused to die before building a legacy. 🔍 What You'll Witness: – The unfiltered rise of Sean Stevenson—from gunplay to federal indictment – What it means to be “validated” by the streets—and then flip that power – The truth behind prison politics, survival, and unexpected transformation – Why traditional systems fail to reach the youth—and what ETV does differently – How End the Violence employs those most feared to protect those most vulnerable – The ongoing battle for community legitimacy, access to funding, and real results – A raw look at healing, parenting, purpose, and building a new street code 🎬 Timestamps: 00:00 – From Foster Care to Gun Violence 03:00 – The Uncle, the Ring, and the Pinky-Promise to Belong 06:00 – From 16ths to Kilos: A Millionaire at 15 09:00 – The Courtroom Twist: From Citation to Federal Time 12:00 – Inside the Feds: Cartel, Connections, and Compound Politics 17:00 – Birth of End the Violence: Vision, Credibility, and Leadership 20:00 – What the Streets Respect—and What They Really Need 25:00 – Influencing the Influencers: Real Peace Through Real Access 31:00 – A Message to the Next Generation: “Believe in Your Dream” 35:00 – Fatherhood, Legacy, and Why the Streets Still Listen 🔔 Stay Connected: – Share this film if it changed how you see leadership – Comment with your reactions, questions, or stories – Subscribe & tap the bell to follow End the Violence Real leadership. Real loss. Real love. 📚 Resources Referenced in Film: – End the Violence official site: endtheviolence.us – Ohio-based Black-owned banking: adelphibank.com – Federal sentencing advocacy: famm.org – Youth reentry programs: crediblemessengerjustice.org – Community-led public safety: interrupters.org 🎧 Available on YouTube and all major video platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com #EndTheViolence #SeanStevenson #CredibleMessengers

    37 min
  6. Born Criminals? | ACEs, Survival Mode & the Truth About Behavior | End the Violence

    09/11/2025

    Born Criminals? | ACEs, Survival Mode & the Truth About Behavior | End the Violence

    Are people born bad—or built by broken systems? Why do some kids survive trauma while others get labeled for life? In this myth-busting episode of End The Violence, Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba tackle the deep roots of criminal behavior. From ACEs and cortisol to cultural mislabels and prison recruitment grounds, this conversation uncovers how childhood environments, brain development, and misjudged intent fuel the cycle of incarceration—and what really keeps people from returning. What You'll Discover: – Why criminal behavior is often a learned survival response – How ACEs and allostatic load affect emotional regulation – The myth of the “born criminal” and the truth about alpha behavior – How culture and communication styles are misread as aggression – Why prison can be both a recruiting ground and a wake-up call – What mentorship and nurturing do that punishment never will – How spiritual outreach and dignity can truly change lives Who Will Love This Episode: – Mental health professionals and educators – Criminal justice reform advocates and policymakers – Faith-based prison outreach and reentry programs – Students of psychology, sociology, and education – Anyone working with at-risk youth or system-impacted communities Timestamps: 00:00 – Debunking the "Born Criminal" Myth 02:00 – Alpha Behavior, School Systems, and Early Labeling 05:00 – ACEs, Trauma, and Emotional Regulation 11:00 – Chronic Stress, Cortisol, and Allostatic Load 16:00 – What Prison Actually Prepares You For 24:00 – Mentorship, Belonging, and the Power of Nurturing 31:00 – Wake-Up Call or Recruitment Ground? 40:00 – Prison as a Business: The Coming Digital Shift 47:00 – Spiritual Outreach and Real Relationships Behind Bars 54:00 – Final Thoughts: Healing, Communication, and Shared Humanity Stay Connected: Like this video if it resonated with you Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversationResources Mentioned: ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) research: cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces Allostatic load and brain science: apa.org/news/press/releases/stress Juvenile justice diversion programs: fastpinellas.org, hopetampabay.org Reentry mentoring app concept: Encourage (NKourage) Pitbull rehabilitation story: Pablo the Pitbull (TikTok viral series) Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 4 #EndTheViolence #BornCriminals #TraumaInformedCare

    57 min
  7. The Hype Machine | Hip-Hop, Hollywood & the Business of Incarceration | End the Violence

    09/11/2025

    The Hype Machine | Hip-Hop, Hollywood & the Business of Incarceration | End the Violence

    Why does Hollywood glorify prison culture? And why is Black and Brown trauma so profitable? In this gripping episode of The Revolving Door series, Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba take on the music and film industries that have turned incarceration into entertainment. From street legends and celebrity cases to algorithms and AI, this episode unpacks the corporate machine behind the prison narrative—and what it means for young people chasing an illusion. What You'll Discover: – How hip-hop and Hollywood turned incarceration into entertainment – The dark connection between capitalism, trauma, and criminal branding – Why some youth wear violence like a badge—and what’s being done to change it – How influencers can redirect communities away from destruction – The hidden gatekeepers shaping poverty and punishment – How false images shape real consequences in young minds – The future of storytelling, content creation, and speaking truth to power Who Will Love This Episode: – Educators, parents, and youth mentors – Advocates for criminal justice reform and media literacy – Students of sociology, media studies, and psychology – Artists, filmmakers, and musicians seeking to create impact – Anyone questioning the true cost of entertainment Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to The Hype Machine: Music, Media & Mass Incarceration 02:00 – How Hip-Hop Shifted from Storytelling to Street Simulation 08:00 – Corporate Control: Violence as an Engine for Profit 13:00 – Why the Streets Follow the Hype—and Who’s Really Leading 20:00 – False Narratives, Real Consequences: Music, Movies, and the Mind 27:00 – ETV’s Approach: Influencing the Influencers for Real Change 35:00 – Social Media, AI, and the Next Generation of Manipulation 45:00 – Cultural Pressure, Street Cred, and the Trap of “Making It” 54:00 – The Global Prison Economy and the Next Exploitation Frontier 1:06:00 – Final Reflections: Truth, Creativity, and Changing the Message Stay Connected: Like this video if it resonated with you Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informedLet’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversationResources Mentioned: Documentary on prison and the 13th Amendment: 13th by Ava DuVernay Clothing and message brand by Pastor Andre: childofgodbrand.com Youth mentorship and intervention work: endtheviolence.us Study on entertainment, influence, and indoctrination: pewresearch.org Neural pathways and learning behavior in youth: apa.org Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 3 #EndTheViolence #HipHopCulture #MassIncarceration

    1h 12m
  8. Not Just Bad People | Poverty, Privilege & the Prison Pipeline | End the Violence

    09/10/2025

    Not Just Bad People | Poverty, Privilege & the Prison Pipeline | End the Violence

    Why do people really go to prison—and are they all just “bad”? What if the system was built to punish poverty, not crime? In this powerful continuation of the recidivism series, Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba unpack the deeper roots of incarceration. From systemic inequality and miseducation to spiritual growth and informal credentials, this episode challenges the labels and exposes the layered realities of justice in America. What You'll Discover: – How poverty, not just behavior, determines incarceration – Why school discipline often becomes a legal sentence – The myth of “bad people” and the power of informal credentials – Generational trauma and cultural conditioning in communities – How contextual intelligence creates real opportunity – Why privilege—not morality—often determines who goes free – How group homes, courts, and corporations profit from “bad kids” Who Will Love This Episode: – Advocates for prison reform and educational equity – Teachers, youth workers, and mentors – Students of sociology, psychology, and criminal justice – Community leaders and faith-based organizers – Parents navigating school discipline and youth development Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Do People End Up in Prison? 02:00 – The Economics of Incarceration and Modern Slavery 07:00 – Poverty vs. Race: Who’s Really Targeted? 13:00 – Defining Social Justice in a Divided System 20:00 – Conditioning, Culture, and the Path to Prison 27:00 – Are We Failing Kids Before Courtrooms? 36:00 – Exposure, Travel, and the Power of Context 43:00 – Education, Standardized Testing, and Lost Opportunity 51:00 – Are People in Prison Just “Bad”? 1:00:00 – Juvenile Justice, Group Homes, and the Cost of Labels Stay Connected: Like this video if it resonated with you Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversationResources Mentioned: Documentary on mass incarceration: 13th (Netflix) Clothing brand by Pastor Andre: childofgodbrand.com Juvenile justice reform advocacy: campaignforyouthjustice.org Historical overview of prison economics: equaljusticeinitiative.org Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 2 #EndTheViolence #SocialJustice #PrisonReform

    1h 10m
  9. The Business of Recidivism | Prison Profits, Systemic Cycles & Human Stories | End the Violence

    09/10/2025

    The Business of Recidivism | Prison Profits, Systemic Cycles & Human Stories | End the Violence

    Why do two-thirds of formerly incarcerated individuals return to prison—and who profits from their return? What does it really take to break the cycle? In this kickoff episode of End the Violence, hosts Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba expose the system behind recidivism, challenge common myths about justice-involved individuals, and highlight grassroots efforts changing lives. Featuring raw personal stories and deep institutional insight, this is the conversation mainstream media avoids. What You'll Discover: – Why recidivism isn’t failure—it’s design – How incarceration became a profit-driven machine – What most people get wrong about justice-involved individuals – The school-to-prison pipeline and youth criminalization – Why community-led intervention works better than policing – How digital surveillance is transforming incarceration – Real-life solutions and systems that give people a second chance Who Will Love This Episode: – Advocates for social justice and prison reform – Community leaders, activists, and policymakers – Students of sociology, criminal justice, and law – Faith-based and grassroots organizers – People seeking redemption, hope, and deeper understanding Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to End the Violence: Why Recidivism Matters 01:00 – Atiba’s Story: From Prison to Court Administrator 06:30 – Pastor Andre’s Story: Missed Court, Mission Work, and Ministry 13:00 – What Is Recidivism? Definitions, Myths, and Human Realities 19:00 – The Economic Trap: Fines, Bail, Extortion, and Exploitation 24:00 – The Street vs. Society: How Acceptance Works on Both Sides 27:00 – The Prison-Industrial Complex: Public Dollars, Private Gain 33:00 – Hiring the “Hitters”: Inside Community-Based Safety Models 36:00 – From Testimonies to Influence: Why Churches Still Matter 42:00 – Breaking the Pipeline: Youth, Labels, and Overcriminalization 47:00 – Final Reflections: Humanity, Hope, and Action Steps Forward Stay Connected: Like this video if it resonated with you Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments Subscribe & hit the bell icon to stay informed Let’s break the cycle. Let’s change the conversation Resources Mentioned: Youth Mentorship for Children of Incarcerated Parents: usdreamacademy.org Faith-Based Policy Advocacy in Tampa: hopetampabay.org Interdenominational Community Organizing in St. Pete: fastpinellas.org Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com Ep. 1 #EndTheViolence #SocialJustice #PrisonReform

    53 min

About

Is it truly possible to break the cycle of violence? What hidden truths lie beneath crime statistics, street culture, and systemic injustice? Join Gershon, Pastor Andre, and Atiba on End the Violence—an unfiltered and eye-opening podcast exploring the complex realities of crime, justice, and urban life. Featuring powerful conversations, real-world experiences, and insights from frontline voices, this podcast reveals the stories behind the statistics and challenges conventional narratives. From examining evolving crime trends and technological shifts, to confronting systemic racism and advocating for community empowerment, each episode delivers actionable wisdom, authenticity, and hope for change. Together, let's start real conversations that inspire lasting solutions. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms. 📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios 📥 Contact: info@pacificlensstudios.com

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