The InCredible Messenger Podcast

Jonathan McMillan

The InCredible Messenger Podcast is where leaders come to think out loud about gun violence, public safety, public health, and Black male achievement. Hosted by Jonathan McMillan, a national strategist who has designed, funded, and led violence prevention systems, the show features candid conversations with mayors, public health leaders, philanthropy, and community executives. Guests come to share their experiences and expertise. Listeners come for practical insight on what actually works—and what fails—when responsibility meets reality.

  1. FEB 1

    The $11 Million Shift: How Newark Replaced Police with Social Workers

    Newark's Violence Prevention strategy has driven homicides to their lowest levels in 60 years, and Deputy Mayor Lakeesha Eure is the architect behind the 70% drop. In this episode, we break down the radical "$11 Million Shift" where Newark reallocated 5% of its police budget to trauma recovery, credible messengers, and a unique "Sunday Brunch" mediation strategy with gang leadership. Whether you are a city leader or a community advocate, this is the definitive blueprint for holding power without losing the trust of the streets. Key Moments [09:01] The $11M Decision: Reallocating 5% of the police budget. [17:39] Sunday Brunch with Bloods and Crips: Mediating active "beefs" . [28:46] The Academy Shift: Why social workers graduate alongside police officers . [38:08] The 7 Lanes of Work: Organizing trauma recovery and high-risk intervention. [51:22] "Show and Prove": Using data to outmaneuver bureaucratic skepticism. TAKE ACTION: THE NEWARK BLUEPRINT 1. Replicate the Model: Don't reinvent the wheel. Access the exact frameworks used by the Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery (OVPTR) and the Brick City Peace Collective to see how Newark coordinates its "7 Lanes of Work." Explore the Newark Peace Collective Hub Access Trauma Recovery Resources 2. Support the Frontline: The Newark Community Street Team (NCST) and the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition (NAVC) are the "Credible Messengers" you heard about in this episode. Support the boots on the ground: Partner with Newark Community Street Team Join the Newark Anti-Violence Coalition Movement 3. Join the National Movement:Newark isn't an island. Connect with the national infrastructure that Lakeesha Eure credits for scaling this work: The HAVI: Hospital-Based Intervention Cities United: Supporting Mayors & Leaders CVI Leadership Academy: Professionalizing the Field

    1h 4m
  2. Beyond Policing: The CVI Strategy Lowering Crime in Philadelphia

    JAN 25

    Beyond Policing: The CVI Strategy Lowering Crime in Philadelphia

    The Incredible Messenger Podcast | Guest: Jaime "Jalil" MeekinsFrom Pain to Policy: A Blueprint for Community-Driven Public Safety This episode provides a masterclass in transforming Community Violence Intervention (CVI) into a city-wide ecosystem. Host Jonathan McMillan and Jaime "Jalil" Meekins leverage lived experience to drive policy and co-produce safety with law enforcement, contributing to Philadelphia’s trend toward a 40-year low in homicides. The Credible Messenger Asset: Credibility is the currency needed to bridge trust gaps. McMillan, marking 25 years post-prison, and Meekins, a former fugitive turned Council appointee, prove that returning citizens are essential for policy leadership. Multi-Sector Ecosystems: Sustainable safety requires an integrated model. Philadelphia’s "PIE" (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement) framework positions enforcement as the final tool, prioritizing community-led prevention. Collaborative Law Enforcement: Moving from adversarial to collaborative postures is vital. Initiatives like a 3-on-3 basketball tournament between officers and "guys off the corner" foster mutual respect and cultural competency. Economic Revitalization as Prevention: Addressing blight is a direct investment in safety. Examples include the Germantown Mosque "buying back the block" to repurpose high-violence properties and Nicetown CDC’s $100M investment in parks and sports complexes. The Necessity of Healing: Staff must engage in their own healing to be effective. Meekins emphasizes that "the work is triggering" and requires trauma-informed support systems to ensure long-term program sustainability. A gunshot survivor and father who lost his 14-year-old son to violence, Meekins blends personal loss with strategic leadership: P3 (Push and Progress, Philly): Workforce development for high-risk young men. FAST (Families Achieving Success Together): Co-founder and Public Safety Lead. Policy Roles: Appointed to the Philadelphia City Council Special Committee on Gun Violence. Training: Graduate of the University of Chicago’s CVI Leadership Academy. Public Safety Fireside Chat (Feb 15): A "chat and chew" connecting policy with practice. Featured panelists include Greg Jackson (former White House Deputy Director), state and city officials, and academic researchers. Community Violence Intervention (CVI), Credible Messengers, Public Health Approach, Urban Revitalization, Trauma-Informed Leadership, and Cross-Sector Partnerships.

    59 min
  3. How Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and Data Save Lives: Dr. Shani Buggs

    JAN 18

    How Community Violence Intervention (CVI) and Data Save Lives: Dr. Shani Buggs

    Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: The Black and Brown Collective for Community Solutions to Gun Violence: thebbcollective.org The HAVI (Health Alliance for Violence Intervention): thehavi.org REDI Chicago: crimelab.uchicago.edu/projects/readi Cure Violence Global: cvg.org Safe Streets Baltimore: monse.baltimorecity.gov/safe-streets Connect with Dr. Shani Buggs: LinkedIn Profile | Email: sabugs@health.ucdavis.edu Timestamps [00:22] Season 3 Kickoff: Professional transitions and returning to the mission. [01:03] Introduction to Dr. Shani Buggs: Why she refused to "pick a lane" in her career. [02:12] The Aurora Shooting: A life-changing moment that led Shani to Baltimore. [04:40] Dealing with Imposter Syndrome: Navigating credentialed spaces as a practitioner. [07:32] The Career Shift: Leaving corporate Atlanta for public health and violence prevention. [10:14] Baltimore vs. Aurora: Witnessing the contrast in how the world views different tragedies. [13:50] Elevating the Narrative: Moving beyond gun control rhetoric to find real solutions. [16:55] Holding the Story: The responsibility of translating community pain into policy. [19:15] Partnership and Resilience: Drawing strength from her partner, D’Angelo Mack. [25:11] The Rise of CVI: How Community Violence Intervention became a codified field. [27:53] The $5 Billion Meeting: Inside the advocacy that secured historic federal funding. [37:21] The First 30 Days: Why the best leadership begins with "getting proximate" and listening. [41:50] An All-Hands Approach: Breaking government silos to coordinate public safety. [45:10] Investing in Hope: The link between financial pressure, the lottery, and recklessness. [47:37] The Endangered Species Narrative: How hopelessness robs young Black men of their future. [51:30] Leadership is Like Milk: Preparing the next generation through the Black and Brown Collective. [56:22] A Message to the Field: Why every story—and every life—has equal value.

    1h 1m
  4. How Violence Prevention Leaders Avoid Burnout and Stay Authentic| With Shawn Dove

    JAN 12

    How Violence Prevention Leaders Avoid Burnout and Stay Authentic| With Shawn Dove

    If you’re leading violence prevention work, community intervention, or serving Black men and boys — this conversation with Shawn Dove is a leadership masterclass built from lived experience. Shawn Dove isn’t just a thought leader. He’s someone who has walked through recovery, grief, identity, failure, and success with purpose intact. He’s the founder of the Campaign for Black Male Achievement and the author of I Too, Am America: On Loving and Leading Black Men and Boys. In this episode, he breaks open the leadership burdens most don’t talk about: the tension between public success and private struggle, the cost of wearing armor, and the invisible labor of staying whole while leading. What you’ll get out of this episode:What you’ll get out of this episode: Why your inner life matters more than your inbox. Shawn lays out why you must work harder on yourself than your job — not as soft talk, but as a survival strategy for sustaining the work. Three pillars every leader should build: a mentor, a coach, and a therapist (or true therapeutic community) — and how these relationships keep you steady in crisis and success. A leadership spectrum you actually need: the difference between showmanship and substance — from “Django” energy to “Butler” strategy — and why emotional intelligence is your competitive advantage. How funding systems pressure competition. Shawn calls out how philanthropy often creates scarcity and why leaders need to own their value and demand collaboration instead of competing for crumbs. A reframing of achievement for young Black men and boys. This goes beyond credentials and programs — toward love, belonging, economic viability, purpose, and narrative power. This isn’t about inspiration. It’s about practical leadership architecture for the people carrying this work on the frontlines. If you’re a nonprofit executive, government leader, CVI director, or funder serious about systemic change, you’ll walk away with a clearer map for leading without losing yourself. Listen now — and share this with one person whose leadership you want to strengthen.

    1h 2m
  5. How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope: A Conversation with Robert David

    05/12/2025

    How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope: A Conversation with Robert David

    How to Replace a Gang’s Ecosystem with Hope – Featuring Robert David What happens when you try to pull someone out of gang life without giving them something equally valuable to hold onto? It doesn’t work. In this episode, Jonathan McMillan sits down with Robert David, a community violence prevention expert and consultant, to unpack how gangs function as ecosystems – providing structure, identity, and belonging. Robert shares his insights on why effective intervention isn’t just about removing youth from a harmful environment but about creating new, supportive ecosystems that address the same needs. Robert also discusses his journey from probation officer to community advocate and how he uses jobs, community connections, and behavioral science to shift young people from survival mode to success mode. He breaks down the role of credible messengers, the power of cultural connections, and why duplicating a gang’s structure with positive alternatives is essential for real change. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to Robert David 02:21 – Robert’s Personal Journey and Motivation 07:08 – The Role of Community in Violence Prevention 10:19 – Recruiting Youth to Change the Narrative 12:16 – Understanding Gang Culture and Community Engagement 17:41 – Creating Ecosystems for Change 21:06 – From Probation Officer to Community Advocate 25:09 – Integrating Behavioral Science in Community Work 27:05 – The Multifaceted Role of Robert David 32:31 – Personal and Professional Evolution in the Field 36:04 – The Importance of Roles and Principles in Community Work 38:08 – Understanding Motivations: Money, Ego, and Turf 40:44 – Entering the Field: Advice for Newcomers 42:57 – The Importance of Respect in Community Work 45:11 – Beyond Mentorship: Being a Conduit for Resources 51:11 – Building Community Ecosystems: Starting at the Grassroots 01:01:08 – System-Level Solutions: Connecting Resources Effectively 01:08:30 – The Heart of the Work: Passion and Authenticity Takeaways: Gangs function as ecosystems, providing essential needs like belonging, identity, and protection. Removing youth from a gang without replacing those core elements leaves them vulnerable. Real intervention requires creating new systems that meet those needs through positive, structured support. Community-based strategies that include credible messengers can help bridge the gap between survival and opportunity. Programs that duplicate the structure of gangs with positive alternatives can effectively shift young people out of criminal life. Connect with Robert David: Website: https://www.robertdavidconsulting.com/ Email: Robertdavidlifecoach@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-david-sr-ms-6ab58b45/ Books: https://amazon.com/author/robertdavidlifecoach

    1h 1m
  6. What A Day In The Life of A CVI Worker REALLY Looks Like: A SECOND conversation with Preston Adams

    04/20/2025

    What A Day In The Life of A CVI Worker REALLY Looks Like: A SECOND conversation with Preston Adams

    About the Guest(s): Preston Adams is the founder and director of a youth-serving organization dedicated to gun violence prevention, youth violence prevention, and suicide prevention. With extensive experience in working with at-risk young people, Preston has been at the forefront of innovative community safety strategies. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of trauma-informed care and collaborative efforts across sectors. Prior to establishing his own organization, Preston gained robust experience within the juvenile justice system and other outreach programs, which has given him rich insights and practical expertise in violence prevention and youth outreach. Episode Summary: In this insightful episode of the Credible Messenger Podcast, host Jonathan McMillan revisits a compelling conversation with Preston Adams, a respected figure in youth violence prevention and intervention. This episode dives deep into the gritty realities and rewarding moments of being a youth outreach worker, exploring the intricacies of the daily work with at-risk young people. By sharing first-hand experiences, Jonathan and Preston offer a candid look into how intervention efforts unfold on the ground and provide valuable insights for those interested in the field. Focusing on the dual aspects of direct service and organizational leadership, Preston discusses the challenges and strategies involved in running a successful community-based organization. Highlighting the necessity of strong collaboration and perseverance, Preston provides an in-depth analysis of navigating funding avenues, operational logistics, and team management while maintaining a steadfast focus on serving young individuals effectively. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge with strategies for building sustainable interventions and engaging communities in impactful ways, touching on key SEO topics such as "youth violence prevention strategies," "community safety measures," and "trauma-informed care." Key Takeaways: Flexibility in Outreach: Approaching young people in adverse situations requires constant adaptation and presence, with daily operations varying greatly to meet dynamic needs. Collaboration is Key: Building strong relationships with system professionals enhances advocacy efforts for young people and empowers community safety work. Business Acumen in Nonprofits: Building a nonprofit organization involves strategic financial planning and operational management akin to running any business. Empowering Voices: Elevating young people’s voices in advocacy helps them navigate systems effectively, fostering self-confidence and resilience. Sustainable Growth: Successful organizational leadership requires clearly defined roles and understanding when to delegate and bring in expertise to drive a mission forward. Notable Quotes: "A day in the life is really varied… It's highly varied." – Preston Adams "It has to be collaboration and it takes a certain type of individual that can juggle schedules." – Preston Adams "Running a nonprofit is just like any other business." – Jonathan McMillan "You start here and then you get momentum and you start and you keep going and snowballs onto each other." – Preston Adams "Don't go at it alone. That's the wisdom and advice I have for people wanting to start their own thing." – Preston Adams Resources: Fly Organization: Insight into Preston’s approach to youth outreach and community safety. Second Chance Center: A mention of collaboration and advocacy. Tattoos on the Heart by Father Gregory Boyle: A book that inspired Preston in his work. QuickBooks: Highlighted as a tool for nonprofit financial management. By synthesizing the essential threads of this episode, listeners are invited to delve into the full conversation to uncover more of Preston's insightful perspectives on effective violence prevention and organizational leadership. Continue tuning into the Credible Messenger Podcast for more content that shapes our approaches to community safety and transformation.

    1h 3m

  7. 04/07/2025

    From the Streets to the Solution: Real Talk on CVI with Marcus McAllister

    EPISODE TITLE:Why Credibility Is Your Best Tool in Violence Intervention: A Conversation with Marcus McAllister DESCRIPTION:If you’re serious about understanding Community Violence Intervention (CVI), this episode is a must-listen. Marcus McAllister doesn’t just teach CVI—he’s lived it. After nearly a decade of incarceration, Marcus transformed his life and is now a nationally recognized trainer and thought leader in violence intervention. In this candid conversation, he shares personal stories, career-defining insights, and hard-earned truths about what makes CVI work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:– The real difference between prevention, intervention, and interruption– Why empathy is a frontline skill, not a soft skill– How credibility earns trust and creates lasting impact– The importance of structured training and professional development for outreach teams– Why many CVI programs fail—and how to avoid it Whether you’re a CVI worker, nonprofit leader, policymaker, or just passionate about community transformation, this episode delivers practical wisdom and powerful perspective. Guest: Marcus McAllisterHost: Jonathan McMillan Resources Mentioned: https://www.mcallisterconsult.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marcusmcall/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-mcallister-b2b75537/

    1h 7m
  8. What Most Cities Get Completely Wrong About Violence Prevention - And How to Fix It: A Conversation with Dr. Monique Williams

    04/02/2025

    What Most Cities Get Completely Wrong About Violence Prevention - And How to Fix It: A Conversation with Dr. Monique Williams

    What Cities Get Wrong About Violence — and How to Fix It with Dr. Monique Williams, Executive Director at Cure Violence Global In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Monique Williams—one of the sharpest minds in public health and violence prevention—to talk about why so many cities keep getting this work wrong. We get into the root causes of violence: structural, cultural, and direct. We talk about why public safety alone can’t fix what’s broken, and how public health strategies offer real solutions. Monique shares her journey from grassroots public health work to leading Cure Violence Global, and what it really means to invest in community-led change. If you care about making your city safer—or you’re doing this work on the ground—this conversation is for you. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro 2:30 – Monique’s journey 10:00 – Public health vs. public safety 14:20 – What cities get wrong 17:00 – Breaking down types of violence 30:00 – Rethinking leadership in public safety 36:00 – What real youth engagement looks like 43:00 – Final thoughts Connect: I’m Jonathan McMillan – LinkedIn Guest: Dr. Monique Williams – Cure Violence Global (cvg.org)

    50 min
See All (17)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The InCredible Messenger Podcast is where leaders come to think out loud about gun violence, public safety, public health, and Black male achievement. Hosted by Jonathan McMillan, a national strategist who has designed, funded, and led violence prevention systems, the show features candid conversations with mayors, public health leaders, philanthropy, and community executives. Guests come to share their experiences and expertise. Listeners come for practical insight on what actually works—and what fails—when responsibility meets reality.

Information