Thursdays in Juvie: A Podcast by Advot

Advot
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  • Documentary

Thursdays in Juvie tells the stories of youth incarcerated in L.A. County juvenile detention facilities. It is about the kids who are labeled as lost causes, yet manage to turn their lives around. Their stories teach us the importance of love, the effect of kindness, and the power of art to create change. Thursdays in Juvie is produced in partnership with Advot. Advot is a non-profit that provides arts education to system-impacted youth in L.A. County. To learn more, visit www.advot.org To contribute, visit www.advot.org/donate

Episodes

  1. The Letter

    06/25/2025

    The Letter

    A young girl in juvie receives a letter from her favorite writer, whose past resembles her own (03:30). Luis Rodriguez, author of Always Running: La Vida Loca Gang Days in L.A, joins us for a very special episode of "Thursdays In Juvie" (09:13). . Luis Rodriguez is an award-winning author and Poet Laureate of Los Angeles. Rodriguez' accolades include: the Carl Sandburg Literary Award, a New York Times Notable Book recognition, a Lannan Foundation Fellowship, a Poetry Center Book Award, the PEN Oakland Josephine Miles Literary Award, and the Paterson Poetry Prize. His children’s books, América Is Her Name (Curbstone Books, 1996) and It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way: A Barrio Story (Children’s Book Press, 1999), were awarded The Paterson Prize for Books on Young People, two Skipping Stones Honor Awards, and a Parent’s Choice Book Award.  (Poetry Foundation) . Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org . . . Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi Ackerman Editor: Brendan Flavin Music: Patrick Burns Audio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista Pineda Special thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory and Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore

    53 min
  2. What's in a Bag

    06/25/2025

    What's in a Bag

    A souvenir from Disneyland makes waves in a juvie classroom (1:58). Eric Castro discusses mentoring incarcerated youth (08:08). .Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org...Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi AckermanEditor: Brendan FlavinMusic: Patrick BurnsAudio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista PinedaSpecial thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory

    38 min
  3. Plans

    06/25/2025

    Plans

    While teaching in juvie, Naomi learns the truth behind a particularly challenging student's attitude (01:59). Esteban Gordon on life after release (11:09). Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org...Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi AckermanEditor: Brendan FlavinMusic: Patrick BurnsAudio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista PinedaSpecial thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory

    32 min
  4. Just Like That

    06/25/2025

    Just Like That

    Change comes when you least expect it (01:59). Gaby Hidalgo shares her path from prison to a new life on the outside (09:32). .Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org...Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi AckermanEditor: Brendan FlavinMusic: Patrick BurnsAudio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista PinedaSpecial thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory

    34 min
  5. Mommy

    06/25/2025

    Mommy

    A story on how our mothers shape our future (03:39). Christy Stillwell Paez, facilitator of Homeboy Industries' Domestic Violence Intervention, reflects on her journey to the program (07:48). . Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org . . . Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi Ackerman Editor: Brendan Flavin Music: Patrick Burns Audio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista Pineda Special thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory

    44 min
  6. Juggling

    06/25/2025

    Juggling

    A teen in juvie prepares for motherhood (03:45). At 15, Charisma Poler's home was raided by a SWAT Team. Today, she is pursuing a career in Child Development. Charisma shares her wisdom on overcoming life's obstacles (12:40). . Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, go to: https://www.advot.org . . . Executive Producers: Sara Acevedo, Naomi Ackerman Editor: Brendan Flavin Music: Patrick Burns Audio Engineers: Kennia Almonte, Calista Pineda Special thanks to the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory

    44 min
  7. Childhood: From Incarceration to Graduation

    11/17/2024

    Childhood: From Incarceration to Graduation

    At 15, Merced Velez was incarcerated. In a few months, she’ll graduate from Cal State Pomona with a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and Politics. In this episode of "Thursdays in Juvie," Naomi Ackerman speaks with Merced about her transformative journey. They discuss Merced’s involvement in theater and how it played a crucial role in her personal development. 00:00 Story from Camp Kenyon Scudder Juvenile Detention 11:30 Merced joins. 13:18 College helped Merced envision a future, learn new things. 15:59 Missing forming long-term friendships due to instability. 19:02 Sharing stories helps people understand and learn. 20:48 How Advot unified diverse individuals; finding peace together. 27:16 How can people support someone's journey effectively? 30:39 Overcoming adversity: Education and family responsibilities. 35:43 Merced’s goals. 39:24 Stay hopeful; good people exist despite hardships. 41:45 Gratitude begins with listening attentively.

    42 min
  8. Best Friends

    11/07/2024

    Best Friends

    At age 20, Miya Reyes gave birth to her youngest daughter. Six days later, she was arrested. Facing a life sentence, Miya fought to turn her life around and began a remarkable journey of transformation. Listen to her story. Plus, a weekly anecdote from inside Camp Kenyon Scudder. Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org/ Timestamps: 00:00 "Best Friends", a Story from Camp Kenyon Scudder 03:19 People perceive events differently; perspectives vary. 08:10 Judgment-free support for a better future. 11:06 Miya Reyes joins. 18:16 Impact of community programs 22:42 Learning trust despite past hurts, mutual support. 24:47 Embrace change, equality, and second chances. 29:04 Loving difficult kids makes a difference. 33:47 Listen, understand, and share: compassion changes lives.

    35 min
  9. Two Truths and a Lie

    10/28/2024

    Two Truths and a Lie

    In this episode, Naomi interviews Garry Powers, a senior staff member at Homeboy Industries. Homeboy Industries is Los Angeles’ largest gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program. Advot, Naomi’s arts nonprofit, is a longtime partner of the Homeboy Youth re-entry program and Homeboy Art Academy. Garry shares impactful reflections on gang life, rehabilitation, and fatherhood. Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit: https://www.advot.org/ Timestamps: 00:00 Advot: Inside the walls at Camp Scudder 09:30 Interview with Garry Powers 12:54 Seeking belonging, adolescents formed a street family. 17:45 How Garry overcame hardships to be a better father. 20:52 Finding community at Homeboy Industries 28:33 Juvenile detention with no rehabilitation leads to decline 32:58 Listen to change; understand, share with compassion. 33:58 Gratitude begins with attentive listening.

    34 min
  10. Chips: From Foster Care to Smith College

    10/10/2024

    Chips: From Foster Care to Smith College

    In this episode, Patty Flores shares her journey from foster care to pursuing a master's degree in clinical social work. Learn how art, education, and kindness can make a difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit https://www.Advot.org⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 A story from inside the walls at Camp Kenyon Scudder 04:40 Bringing snacks to kids in Juvie: why it matters. 09:46 Patty Flores joins; shares her journey from juvenile homes to pursuing a master's degree in social work. 12:06 Your lived experience helps others feel seen. 16:57 Learning to communicate feelings through art. 24:46 Share knowledge and resources, not just money. 27:14 Anyone can achieve greatness despite past mistakes.

    31 min
  11. The Heart: Family & Community in the System

    09/19/2024

    The Heart: Family & Community in the System

    In this episode, we explore the importance of community in breaking the cycle of incarceration. First, a story from inside the walls at Camp Scudder. Then, Naomi Ackerman interviews Maria Lugo, who overcame addiction and incarceration with the unwavering support of her children. Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit https://www.Advot.org⁠ Timestamps: 00:00 Naomi's story from Camp Kenyon Scudder 03:16 A torn heart contrasts with a flawless heart. 06:23 Students share joys and good choices anonymously. 11:25 Find yourself before it's too late. 14:36 Maria Lugo reflects on her youth involving gangs, drugs, and a dysfunctional family background. 17:47 Hitting rock bottom, and having a revelation 21:10 Homeboy Industries provided essential community support and love. 22:39 Breaking the cycle: Overcoming family dysfunction to achieve empowerment. 27:01 Selflessness, humility, and kindness are godly qualities. 31:05 Share experiences to offer hope and resources. 32:56 Embrace others and remember pain is temporary. 35:49 Listen to youth stories; share for compassion.

    37 min
  12. New Beginnings: Raychel’s Inspiring Transformation

    09/05/2024

    New Beginnings: Raychel’s Inspiring Transformation

    In the inaugural episode of "Thursdays in Juvie," Naomi Ackerman shares a story from teaching in juvenile hall. Then, she interviews Raychel, a graduate of her transformative program aimed at empowering youth in juvenile lockup facilities. Together, they explore the journey from rock bottom to self-love and success. Thursdays in Juvie is brought to you by Advot. Advot is a nonprofit that uses arts education to empower system-impacted youth. To learn more, visit ⁠https://www.Advot.org⁠ Timestamps:00:00 First day in juvenile facility, challenges ahead.03:59 Young offender shares challenging family and future. 08:05 Interview with Raychel Valdivia09:24 Learning to surrender and love oneself.12:14 Everyone's experience is unique; mine included.14:27 Support is essential when feeling ashamed.18:21 Don't feel ashamed for trying to provide.20:24 Overcoming shame and finding support at the gym.25:58 Agree on the system, seek positives amidst negativity.30:05 Appreciation for choosing a podcast on youth rehabilitation.31:00 Compassion changes the world; listening is crucial.

    31 min
  • 12 Episodes

About

Thursdays in Juvie tells the stories of youth incarcerated in L.A. County juvenile detention facilities. It is about the kids who are labeled as lost causes, yet manage to turn their lives around. Their stories teach us the importance of love, the effect of kindness, and the power of art to create change. Thursdays in Juvie is produced in partnership with Advot. Advot is a non-profit that provides arts education to system-impacted youth in L.A. County. To learn more, visit www.advot.org To contribute, visit www.advot.org/donate

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