Juvenile Justice || What I Know Now

Hosted by The Delta Project

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Oct 2026

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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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36 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 159 min

Visibility in the System: Nicholas Dean on Fatherhood, Adversity, and Advocacy | S3E1

Season 3 of "What I Know Now" kicks off by spotlighting the power of visibility—how being seen, heard, and valued shapes lives and communities. In this episode, Nicholas Dean opens up about his transformation from a 16-year-old in juvenile detention to a father, mentor, and advocate for young dads at The Delta Project . Guided by host Cole Williams , Nicholas shares intimate moments of heartbreak, loss, and triumph, revealing what it takes to navigate intimidating legal systems while never losing hope. Nicholas’s story unfolds across battles with child custody, the challenges of Friend of the Court, and the daily struggle to prove himself as a father—and as a person worthy of support. He discusses how raw authenticity, hard-earned knowledge, and resilient community ties became his sources of strength. This episode is not only a story of one man’s journey but a call for systems and leaders to recognize every individual’s humanity and potential. Listen in for honesty, hope, and practical wisdom that lifts up fathers, families, and everyone searching for their place in the world. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review on Spotify, iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Find more resources and connect with The Delta Project at www.thedeltaproject.co.

June 12, 2026Episode 221 hr 5 min

Episode 37 - Community, Culture, and Comebacks: Adam Hoeksma’s Lessons on Legacy After Hard Times

In this season finale episode of What I Know Now by The Delta Project, host Cole Williams sits down with Adam Hoeksma, owner of Shiny Diamond Auto Detailing & Hand Wash , Grand Rapids native, father, grandfather, and dedicated community mentor. Together, they explore real stories of resilience, second chances, and the transformative impact of support systems on youth navigating the juvenile justice system. Adam Hoeksma shares how a family’s encouragement turned a childhood passion for cars into a thriving business, sustaining him for over 37 years. He opens up about the journey from youthful mistakes—including a life-changing experience in prison—to building legacy through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and mentorship for youth with juvenile justice involvement. Listeners will discover the importance of supporting young people to discover their passions, the realities of returning home with a felony record, and the challenges and opportunities for personal and community growth in Grand Rapids. This episode dives into topics like generational wisdom, fatherhood, overcoming societal stigmas, the power of community-driven events, and what it means to genuinely uplift the next generation. Whether you’re interested in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, breaking cycles of incarceration, or reimagining the juvenile justice system, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and motivation to get involved and make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about legacy, identity, and finding purpose—no matter where you start.

May 22, 2026Episode 2149 min

Episode 36 - Healing After Incarceration: How Taylor Made Re-Entry Changes Lives in Michigan

In this powerful episode of What I Know Now , host Cole Williams welcomes Dee Dee Taylor, founder and president of Taylor Made Re-Entry, for a candid conversation about the realities of reentry after incarceration. Together, they dig deep into the urgent need to reimagine the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, exploring the human stories often hidden behind statistics. Dee Dee shares her inspiring journey as a national leader, shaped by personal experience with incarceration in her family—including the tragic loss of her sister, Breonna Taylor. She reveals what it’s really like for men and women returning home after jail or prison, highlighting barriers like poverty, lack of resources, and gaps in support and community understanding. This episode tackles tough questions: Why is reentry work still dominated by men? How does incarceration impact not just individuals but entire families? What does healing and forgiveness look like for people affected by the justice system? Hear stories of resilience, the importance of second chances, and the behind-the-scenes work happening in Michigan to empower returning citizens through housing, employment, mental health support, and more. Whether you have a loved one in jail, work in criminal justice, or just care about building safer, more humane communities, tune in for eye-opening insights, practical solutions, and hope that real change is possible. Don’t miss this moving talk about compassion, accountability, and seeing the humanity in everyone touched by incarceration.

April 29, 2026Episode 201 hr 2 min

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.

April 13, 2026Episode 191 hr 0 min

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

March 23, 2026Episode 1837 min

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.

March 9, 2026Episode 1757 min

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.

February 24, 2026Episode 1640 min

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.

January 28, 2026Episode 1537 min

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.

January 5, 2026Episode 1451 min

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.