Juvenile Justice || What I Know Now

The Delta Project
  • 5.0 (4)
  • NON-PROFIT

To share compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities, so that listeners are inspired to take meaningful community action and support the advocacy work of the Delta Project.

  1. Episode 35: Rewriting the Narrative - Michael Buxton’s Path from Prison to Business and Community Empowerment

    6D AGO

    Episode 35: Rewriting the Narrative - Michael Buxton’s Path from Prison to Business and Community Empowerment

    In this unique episode of What I Know Now, host Cole Williams sits down with Michael Buxton—Grand Rapids business owner, film director, and formerly incarcerated man—for an unfiltered conversation about growing up in poverty, navigating the realities of the juvenile and adult justice systems, and rebuilding a life after incarceration. Michael Buxton shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by single-parent households and street influences to becoming a young father and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He opens up about the impact of absent family support, the challenges of re-entering society after ten years behind bars, and the flaws in a system that claims to rehabilitate but often leaves people unprepared for life on the outside. Listeners will hear candid reflections on healing, hope, and the importance of relationships and community in breaking the cycle of incarceration. Michael Buxton also discusses his entrepreneurial path, the lessons learned from failure, and how he uses his lived experiences to invest in the next generation through mentorship, business ownership (shoutout to Loaded Spud!), and community leadership. Whether you're interested in juvenile justice reform, personal transformation, or the human stories behind America's justice system, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for insights into accountability, the power of a good name, and why changing the narrative matters—for individuals, families, and whole communities.

    1h 2m
  2. Episode 34: The Kid in the Courtroom - Why Youth Perspectives Matter in Justice Reform

    APR 13

    Episode 34: The Kid in the Courtroom - Why Youth Perspectives Matter in Justice Reform

    What if young people had a real voice in the justice system? In this moving episode of "What I Know Now," host Cole Williams sits down with Cayden Brown, a 19-year-old advocate, TEDx speaker, and author who’s transforming juvenile justice across the nation and world. From serving as a teen court defense attorney at 17 to addressing the United Nations and writing a powerful children’s book, Cayden has devoted his life to reimagining how youth are treated in legal systems. Discover the human impact of juvenile justice reform as Cayden shares his inspiring journey—from navigating the court system as a child to leading the Trespass Project, a nonprofit making legal information accessible to youth everywhere. Hear in-depth insights on restorative justice, the power of lived experience, and why it’s time for young people's voices to shape the policies and decisions that define their lives. There is also a surprise in this episode about Cayden's most recent project - you won't want to miss it. Whether you’re a parent, advocate, educator, or simply passionate about creating a fairer world, this episode will challenge assumptions and spark critical conversations about youth empowerment, trauma, and how true change happens when we listen to those most affected. Don’t miss this heartfelt, eye-opening interview that will leave you rethinking what justice and voice really mean for the next generation. Keywords: juvenile justice, teen court, restorative justice, youth empowerment, legal reform, TED Talk, children’s rights, trauma, advocacy, lived experience, Michigan, The Delta Project, Trespass Project, young voices

    1 hr
  3. Episode 33: Respect, Basketball, and Becoming a Father: Coach O’s Wisdom for Young Men

    MAR 23

    Episode 33: Respect, Basketball, and Becoming a Father: Coach O’s Wisdom for Young Men

    In this powerful episode of "What I Know Now" by The Delta Project, hosts Cole Williams and Nick Williams sit down with Grand Rapids legend Derrick "Coach O" Owens, a basketball coach, mentor, and father figure whose journey epitomizes resilience and self-discovery. Dive into Coach O's remarkable story as he reflects on overcoming adversity, growing up in the foster care system in Detroit, and finding purpose through mentorship and a lifelong love of basketball. This episode explores essential themes like self-love, fatherhood, community impact, and the vital role of respect in connecting with youth. Coach O shares hard-won lessons about discipline, accountability, and the generational cycles within America's justice system. You'll hear inspiring insights about coaching as a ministry, supporting young fathers, the importance of using names over numbers, and redefining what it means to be both a parent and a friend. Whether you're interested in juvenile justice reform, youth empowerment, mentorship, black fatherhood, or authentic leadership, this heartfelt conversation offers wisdom, practical advice, and hope. Tune in for Coach O’s seven rules for life, his transformative work with the Delta Project, and personal stories that will resonate far beyond the basketball court. Perfect for parents, educators, mentors, and anyone passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people. Don’t miss this honest, no-holds-barred look at the human stories behind the justice system—and what it truly means to change the world, one relationship at a time.

    38 min
  4. Episode 32: Community-Based Change: Liz Frederick on Safe Spaces and Alternatives to Incarceration

    MAR 9

    Episode 32: Community-Based Change: Liz Frederick on Safe Spaces and Alternatives to Incarceration

    Welcome to What I Know Now, a Podcast by The Delta Project. In this episode, we dive into the realities of reimagining the juvenile justice system with special guest Liz Frederick, Executive Director of Avenues for Justice. Hosted by Cole Williams, this conversation explores the transformative impact of community-based alternatives to incarceration, the importance of wraparound support for youth and their families, and the power of lived experience in advocacy. Through personal stories and deep insights, Liz Frederick shares her nearly 20-year journey at Avenues for Justice, highlighting how the program not only serves court-involved youth but also their siblings and at-risk peers. Together, Cole Williams and Liz Frederick tackle tough questions about systemic barriers, trauma, and the need for true safe spaces—both physical and virtual. They discuss breaking the cycle of generational incarceration, investing in holistic services from education to job readiness, and why lasting change means supporting both young people and their families. If you’re passionate about justice reform, mentorship, and grassroots solutions, this episode will challenge, inspire, and inform you. Tune in to hear how resilience, leadership, and community drive meaningful progress for youth in the juvenile justice system,and what more we can do moving forward.

    58 min
  5. Episode 31 -Reimagining Justice: Renee Cummings on Algorithms, Data Activism, and Youth Empowerment

    FEB 24

    Episode 31 -Reimagining Justice: Renee Cummings on Algorithms, Data Activism, and Youth Empowerment

    What happens when artificial intelligence meets the world of justice and youth reform? In this thought-provoking episode, host Cole Williams welcomes renowned criminologist and data activist Renee Cummings for a deep dive into the intersection of technology, civil rights, and justice for young people. Together, they explore the power—and dangers—of data and algorithms in shaping identities, opportunities, and futures. From the history of predictive policing to the untapped potential of AI for rehabilitation and reentry, Renee Cummings breaks down complex issues like data justice, algorithmic bias, and the importance of imagination as a tool for change. The conversation covers everything from practical advice for parents and young people navigating social media to radical ideas for rethinking prisons and using tech for immersive, trauma-informed interventions. Whether you’re a mentor, nonprofit leader, parent, or just curious about technology’s growing impact on society, this episode is packed with must-know insights on ethical technology, civil liberties, and what real justice reform could look like for our most vulnerable communities. Tune in for powerful stories, practical takeaways, and a forward-thinking vision for justice in the AI age.

    41 min
  6. Episode 30: Mentors Matter - Nala Barlow’s Story of Resilience and Hope

    JAN 28

    Episode 30: Mentors Matter - Nala Barlow’s Story of Resilience and Hope

    In this episode of "What I Know Now" from The Delta Project, Host Cole Williams sits down with Nala Barlow, a clinical mental health professional working inside a juvenile detention center. Together, they unpack how childhood experiences shaped Nala Barlow's journey from surviving instability, homelessness, and parental addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for youth impacted by America's justice system. Nala Barlow shares raw, unfiltered memories of growing up as a "parentified kid," struggling in environments filled with chaos, and longing for adult support. Through powerful storytelling, the episode explores themes of trauma, generational cycles, and the impact of undiagnosed mental health issues in families. Listeners will discover how relationships—like those with Nala Barlow's grandfather, basketball coaches, and mentors—provided essential lifelines and helped foster resilience, belonging, and a sense of purpose. This episode addresses tough questions around how society labels “bad kids,” underscoring the importance of seeing past behaviors to the pain and stories underneath. Cole Williams and Nala Barlow challenge listeners to reconsider their assumptions about youth in the juvenile justice system, highlighting the transformative power of unconditional love and consistent, caring adults. Whether you’re a parent, educator, mentor, or someone passionate about social justice and youth advocacy, this episode offers moving insights into trauma, healing, and the critical power of compassionate relationships. Tune in for candid conversations on redemption, accountability, and how one person’s journey can shine a light for countless others. Listen now to discover what Nala Barlow knows now—and why love is the answer to healing our communities.

    37 min
  7. Episode 29: Seeing Kids First: Building Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice with Indu Wilson

    JAN 5

    Episode 29: Seeing Kids First: Building Trauma Informed Juvenile Justice with Indu Wilson

    Welcome to "What I Know Now," a podcast by The Delta Project, where we dive deep into the realities and reimagination of the juvenile justice system. In this episode, Cole Williams, Nick Williams, and special guest Indu Wilson—the Deputy Director of Youth Experience at the Wayne County Juvenile Detention Facility in Detroit—shine a light on what it truly means to serve, support, and love young people in detention. Through powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts, you'll discover how Indu Wilson and her team are moving away from old models of punishment, choosing instead a trauma-informed and empathetic approach that sees detained youth as children in need of care, dignity, and opportunity. From creative initiatives like barbershop libraries and music labs, to the transformative impact of lived-experience mentors and robust staff training, this episode challenges stereotypes and highlights innovative practices that foster healing and connection. Join us as we explore how community, compassion, and visionary leadership are making a difference for young people who find themselves locked up—and what we can all learn about hope, change, and the possibility of second chances.

    51 min
  8. Episode 28: Beyond the Walls: Youth Voices on Hope, Healing, and Change in Juvenile Justice w/ Marshall Mansfield & Jordan Lyle

    11/26/2025

    Episode 28: Beyond the Walls: Youth Voices on Hope, Healing, and Change in Juvenile Justice w/ Marshall Mansfield & Jordan Lyle

    Welcome back to "What I Know Now," a podcast by The Delta Project where real stories spark real change. In this episode, host Cole Williams sits down with guests Marshall Mansfield, Nick Williams, and Jordan Lyle to pull back the curtain on life inside Michigan's juvenile justice system. As young men who’ve experienced detention firsthand, our guests speak candidly about what it’s like to walk into a facility, the impact of simple kindness from staff, and the lifelong effects of being treated as less than human. They share how trauma, loss, and labels can follow youth long after release—and what true support and mentorship look like for someone coming home and trying to break old cycles. If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to have hope in tough circumstances, what is lost in those years behind the wall, and how crucial youth voices are in shaping a better system, this episode delivers honest answers. Whether you’re a professional working in juvenile justice or a young person trying to find your path, there’s something here for everyone. Listen in for reflections, advice, and powerful reminders that it’s never too late to change your mindset or your future.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

To share compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities, so that listeners are inspired to take meaningful community action and support the advocacy work of the Delta Project.

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