Send us a text Tashmica Torok joins David Ryan Barcega Castro-Harris to talk about joy as an organizing strategy, why we should plan for care over chaos, and her decades long efforts to end child sexual abuse. In this conversation, Tashmica shares how joy and community care have sustained her activism, what it takes to build hope in the midst of gr…

Send us a text What happens when you speak out for justice and its costs you everything? In this raw and intimate conversation, Michelle MiJung Kim (author of The Wake Up and host of I Feel That Way Too) joins us to explore the aftermath of speaking up for Palestine in a world that often punishes courage. We explore: Losing clients and credibility …

Send us a text A new dad joked that parenting has been “pretty easy,” and the comedian clapped back—calling him a scumbag for leaving the mom at home. The internet celebrated it as a powerful “callout.” But was it really accountability? In this episode of Restorative Justice Breakdown, I sit down with Kori (the dad and owner of https://hiveclimbing…

Send us a text Ruth Ifakemi Jeannoel returns to share the intimate journey behind her new book, Restorative Justice Practices: Circlekeeping for Community Healing. This conversation is rooted in grief, ancestry, and the deep practice of restorative justice as both strategy and spiritual path. We explore what it means to be a practitioner, a mother,…

Send us a text Can a youth basketball team be a site of healing, justice, and joy? In this episode, David is joined by youth sports expert, educator, and restorative justice practitioner Carolyn Sideco for a conversation about the role of youth sports in shaping identity, belonging, and community. As David begins coaching young kids, he asks: How c…

Send us a text This conversation with Carolyn Sideco will be released in two parts this week. In part 1, we catch up on life, identity, and community. Carolyn is a youth sports professional, grandmother, and founder of Coaching Kapwa, bringing a restorative, justice-driven lens to athletics. But beyond sports, we dive into her journey embracing eld…

Send us a text This episode is specifically for the white folks who listen to this podcast, and especially white women, because Hillary has written a powerful invitation to her own community to step into deep, ongoing reparative work. We talk about what it means to be in right relationship, with the land, with ancestors, with communities of color, …

Send us a text In this episode, I’m joined by the newest Amplify RJ intern, Kylie Chen to check in about how we're navigating the heaviness of ICE raids happening in my city, to the overwhelm of polycrisis, to the exhaustion of being a young parent trying to balance it all, and how we both wrestle with showing up for justice in ways that are sustai…

Send us a text What can a Star Wars show teach us about organizing, resistance, and healing? In this episode of the Amplify RJ Podcast, I sit down with strategist, therapist, and writer Gabes Torres to talk about Andor—yes, that Star Wars show—and what it reveals about real-life revolution. We dive into how Andor de-romanticizes rebellion and refle…

Send us a text Last week, I spent 24 hours supporting teachers in running restorative justice classroom circles, and the impact was powerful. In this episode, I’m sharing what I witnessed—the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the small but meaningful shifts that happen when teachers commit to building relationships, not just managing behavior. 🔹 H…

Send us a text Tap in for an important conversation about the election, community care, and building a more just and equitable world, no matter who wins, through a restorative justice lens. Voting ends in about 24 in most spaces so its not too late, especially if you're considering casting a protest vote. Vote Harris in a swing state to defeat Trum…

Send us a text This episode pays tribute to the late Ted Lewis, a remarkable figure in restorative justice, whose life and work provide profound insights into this balance. We explore how his bicultural upbringing and Mennonite roots led him into mediation and facilitation. We also reflect on Ted's legacy, balancing systemic change while addressing…

Send us a text Eric Butler passed away this summer. We're re-airing this conversation in his honor. He was internationally recognized for his impactful work as a restorative justice practitioner, activist, and educator in Oakland and beyond. He went on to found the “Talking Peace” model of Restorative Justice, a set of practices and philosophy aime…

Send us a text After a long break, I'm back! I'll be back next week with more info and new content, but for the next few days I'm sharing 3 episodes from the archives. (Today) 10/31/24 You'll here the very first episode of This RJ Life with Cheryl Graves my mentor, elder, OG! She had a stroke this summer and it's important for me to make sure that …

Send us a text (Today) 10/31/24 You'll here the very first episode of This RJ Life with Cheryl Graves my mentor, elder, OG! She had a stroke this summer and it's important for me to make sure that those who didn't get to hear from, learn from her directly get the opportunity to. Our conversation covers her start in the work, her famous "Aaron" stor…

Send us a text My friend and mentor Shedrick Sanders passed a way last weekend. To honor his memory we're revisiting our conversation from Fall 2020 detailing his journey from standing up to bullies as a young boy to becoming an esteemed peacemaker and problem solver. He shared his transformative experiences ranging from teaching math in Ghana to f…

Send us a text Our conversation with Saniah Brown Jones is the last in our series highlighting Restorative Justice in South Florida. She shares her wisdom and experiences as a young person who's been impacted by the RJ work and programing of our previous contributors. This episode is not just about Saniah's growth, but also about how restorative ju…

Send us a text Jose Dominguez is a youth organizer at Power U, focusing on campaigns against the school-to-prison pipeline and advocating for restorative justice practices in schools. Our conversation touched on contentious topics like police presence in schools, queer liberation, and homophobia in the church. Jose emphasized the power of grace and…

Send us a text Cindy Mahendar is a Training and Operations Manager for the Healing and Justice Center and an alumni of Dream Defenders. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as Cindy discusses the alternative initiatives implemented by the Healing and Justice Center. From a mobile crisis unit to a peacemaker team, Cindy and her team paint a pic…

Send us a text Ruth Ifakemi Efungbemi Ajewole Ajeleti Ifaloro Jeannoelis a Haitian American, cultural organizer, holistic healer and writer. She is also a mother and wife. Currently, Ruth serves as the Founder and Director of the growing non-profit, Fanm Saj, Inc based in Miami, FL. Fanm Saj in the Haitian Kreyol language means, Midwife, we’ll say …

Send us a text "Q" is an experienced facilitator, rooted in restorative practices, who is an expert in crafting containers for community to listen, reflect, create, and witness each other with presence and depth to inspire what is possible. Quincie has collaborated with a myriad of communities, organizations, and universities/colleges to develop an…

Send us a text JoHanna "J" Thompson is the Co-Director of the Florida Restorative Justice Coalition. Her career has been dedicated to creating collaborative spaces across an intersection of networks, fostering relationships, and maintaining a vision to increase the capacity of influencers, community organizations, programs and campaigns working tow…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice when navigating career transitions, being vulnerable with students, and figuring out what it means to be a good teacher? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elemen…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice when you have to "lead" your leaders, sacrifice your own interests for the good of the community, and compromise values to get the job done? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lesson…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice in navigating personal & professional life as a queer educator, creating space for dialogue when students misbehave? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice in building good relationships teacher to teacher, teacher to student caregivers, and within your own family? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice in incorporating dance into education, the struggles of working collaboratively, and building relationships with colleagues? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott El…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice in setting boundaries with co-workers, life as a black male educator, and connecting with students before getting to content? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott E…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to bring quality arts education, hold power with people instead of over, and more? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.cc/AR…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to implement new technology, new programs, collaboration, and adaptive change? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.cc/ARJabb…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice when dealing with students with behavior problems, taking criticism, and much more? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.cc/A…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to implement new technology, new programs, collaboration, and adaptive change? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.cc/ARJabb…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to create welcoming, nurturing classroom communities with limited budget and resources? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tiny.…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to combat senses of urgency, prevent burnout, and navigate tension between parents and school staff? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31:…

Send us a text See our beautiful faces and the video clips on YouTube. How can you use Restorative Justice to help new teachers adapting to a new school and navigate power struggles with students? Find out on this episode of Restorative Justice Reflections! Join our LIVE “Restorative Justice Lessons from Abbott Elementary” event July 31: http://tin…

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what it's like to embrace self-empowerment and create transformation through the restorative justice journey? Ashley Shanice Ellis, a black, queer woman from the West side of Chicago shares her enlightening journey of self-discovery. She takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as she navigates her transition ont…

Send us a text How do we create meaningful learning opportunities and foster a sense of belonging in the classroom? Join us as we dive into the inspiring world of restorative justice with our guest Kathy Evans, a passionate educator and advocate for creating just and equitable learning environments. In our conversation, we delve into Kathy's person…

Send us a text Contact, Learn More, Support Mia! Website: https://www.soiltjp.org/ Blog: https://leavingevidence.wordpress.com/ How can we navigate the complexities of Transformative Justice (TJ) while addressing the intersectionality of our identities? Join us for a powerful conversation with our guest, Mia, a queer disabled woman of color, a Kore…

Send us a text Joe has been the victim of two separate violent anti-gay hate crimes and what began as a personal healing response to the trauma, he has transformed into professional involvement in the field of community and restorative justice. Since 2010, Joe has actively helped schools implement peer mediation programs and school-wide restorative…

Send us a text How can restorative justice initiatives support the LGBTQ+ community? In this powerful conversation, I had the honor of speaking with Rami El-Hirib, a restorative justice practitioner and founder of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance. Rami, a Lebanese gay man who experienced a society that criminalizes homosexuality, shares his inspiri…

Send us a text Have you ever caught yourself making snap judgments based on a video or news story without understanding the full context? Join us as we discuss the recent incident involving His Holiness of the Dalai Lama and a young boy, and examine the need to pause and educate ourselves before making judgments. Our guest, Sujatha Baliga, brings a…

Send us a text Sujatha’s work is characterized by an equal dedication to crime survivors and people who’ve caused harm. A former victim advocate and public defender, She was awarded a Soros Justice Fellowship in 2008 which she used to launch a pre-charge restorative juvenile diversion program. Contact Sujatha The Education News Comedy Quiz -- Some …

Send us a text Angel McKissic is a daughter, mother, partner, student, organizer, and advocate for the non-human, living world. She is encouraged, challenged, and nourished by her children, community, and members of the MDRJN. Angel is a psychotherapist by training and is currently completing a PhD in gender and sexuality at the University of Birmi…

Send us a text Julia Ramirez is a restorative justice practitioner, social worker and community organizer from Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. She is the alderperson-elect for Chicago City Council's 12th ward, and will take office on May 15, 2023. Listen in to hear how she's bringing Restorative approaches to anti-violence, community, and pol…

Send us a text Tashmica Torok is a nationally recognized survivor activist working to end child sexual abuse. She is a powerhouse fundraiser and movement maker who has raised thousands of dollars and countless volunteer hours in support of her work. Firecracker Foundation Contact Tashmica The Education News Comedy Quiz -- Some of the Above Play alo…

Send us a text Brittany Jefferson she/they (@climatejusticeteachermom) is a teacher and climate justice advocate from Los Angeles. Through advocacy and education, Brittany helps caregivers and educators have critical conversations about identity, social justice, and environmental justice with their kids and students. Brittany has curated and create…

Send us a text Learn more and connect at tiny.cc/ARJlearn Connect with us! SUPPORT by sharing this podcast and leaving a rating or reviewBy David Ryan Castro-Harris

Send us a text Crystal Whiteaker (pronouns: she/her) is the Founder and CEO of Crystal Lily Creative, and the Author of Brave Leadership is a Choice: An Inclusive Guide to Creating Belonging. Crystal is an Inclusive Branding and Leadership Development Consultant who helps mission-driven brands and leaders create human-focused messaging and environm…

Send us a text DW is an Interdisciplinary Artist & Creative Leadership Consultant. Growing up they often dissociated themselves from their Blackness, Queerness, and gender non-conforming spirit, believing their self erasure would create better opportunities for career growth. DW's Instagram DW's TikTok Email DW: [email protected] The Edu…

Send us a text DW Send us feedback at [email protected] Join our Mighty Networks platform to connect with other people doing this work! Rep Amplify RJ Merch You can connect with Amplify RJ: Email list, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Website, Reading list, YouTube, and TikTok! SUPPORT by sharing this podcast, leaving a rating or review, o…