LOS ANGELES - June 26, 2025 - PRLog -- Advot.org, a self-advocacy group dedicated to empowering at-risk and incarcerated youth through artistic exploration, is excited to announce the second season of its podcast, Thursdays in Juvie.
Watch Podcast Trailer : https://youtu.be/BqZJc_DJwXs
This season includes six episodes featuring one-on-one discussions between Advot founder Naomi Ackerman and various individuals connected to the Advot program. Guests will include former Advot students, mentors, and even the former Poet Laureate of Los Angeles.
"I created Thursdays in Juvie because I was profoundly changed by the transformation I witnessed in the youth I work with. I needed the world to hear their stories—and mine. Stories matter. They help us make sense of pain, healing, and the hope that comes with it. When we listen, we begin to understand. And when we understand, we open the door to compassion. Compassion changes the world. Listening is the first step."
— Naomi Ackerman.
Season 2 of Thursdays in Juvie begins with the harrowing redemption story of a former Advot student, who experienced a SWAT raid on her home when she was just 15. The season concludes with a unique opportunity to learn from the esteemed poet, novelist, journalist, and activist, Luis Rodriguez. He serves as an inspiration to everyone, especially the Advot students and staff who see reflections of his past in their own experiences. Each episode of Season 2 provides listeners with powerful motivation to overcome obstacles in their lives, encouraging them to become agents of positive change within their communities.
Following is a synopsis of each episode of Thursdays in Juvie season 2
- 2.1 "Juggling" Charisma Poler: 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.
- 2.2 "Mommy" Christy Stillwell Paez; How our mothers shape our future. Christy Stillwell Paez, facilitator of Homeboy Industries' Domestic Violence Intervention, reflects on her path to the program.
- 2.3 "Just Like That" Gaby Hidalgo: Change comes when you least expect it. Gaby Hidalgo shares her journey from prison to a new life on the outside.
- 2.4 "Plans" Esteban Gordon: While teaching in juvie, Naomi learns the truth behind a particularly challenging student's attitude. Esteban Gordon on life after release.
- 2.5 "What's in a bag" Eric Castro: A souvenir from Disneyland makes waves in a juvie classroom. Eric Castro discusses mentoring incarcerated youth.
- 2.6 "The Letter" Luis Rodriguez: A young girl in juvie receives a letter from her favorite writer, whose past resembles her own. Luis Rodriguez, author of "Always Running" (1993) (Carl Sandburg Literary Award, Chicago Sun-Times Book Award, designated a New York Times Notable Book), joins us for a very special episode of "Thursdays in Juvie".
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thursdays-in-juvie/id1800947295
Youtube: https://youtu.be/KO06p4HLn6E?feature=shared
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.
ABOUT ADVOT
Advot uses the power of artistic exploration to empower young people to find their voice and grow into courageous and effective self-advocates.
Meaning ripples in Hebrew, Advot uses their ground-breaking Ripple Method to teach thousands of young people vital communication and relationship-building skills, inspiring them to overcome the barriers in their lives and to create ripples of change in their communities.
To learn more, visit www.advot.org
To contribute, visit www.advot.org/donate
Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)
Source: Vesper Public Relations
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