Shows
Young People to the FrontFrom Foster Care System to Storytelling - A Conversation on Youth Homelessness and Systemic Change with LoeIn this emotional and unflinchingly honest episode of YP2F, host Tonny St. James welcomes writer, filmmaker, and journalist Loe Renee for a conversation about what it means to survive—and thrive—after the foster care system.From early experiences in group homes to a professional journey through film, journalism, and advocacy, Loe shares their story with striking vulnerability and clarity. Together, they unpack what it means to be a “shadow youth,” the unspoken gaps in the system, and how reclaiming childhood joy—through bouncy balls, Connect Four, and creativity—can be a radical act of healing.This ep...2025-06-181h 10
Young People to the FrontDr. Seth Pickens Talks the Importance of Building People, Not Just BuildingsIn this latest episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny and Robin sit down with Dr. Seth Pickens; a pastor, researcher, and Managing Director of the Homelessness Policy Research Institute (HPRI) at USC and explore the powerful intersection of spirituality, data, and homelessness policy. From his journey in ministry to launching trauma-informed, human-centered pilot programs for housing-insecure youth, Dr. Pickens unpacks why building people up is just as vital as building housing. The conversation dives into systemic gaps, the role of equity in research, and how personal empowerment can change the narrative around homelessness in LA and beyond.2025-05-271h 08
Young People to the FrontThe Power of Lived Experience: Sage Johnson's Impact on Youth HomelessnessLearn about the impact of Sage's advocacy work on a local, national, and statewide level in the fight against youth homelessness and how Sage is using their expertise to shape policies and initiatives aimed at addressing youth homelessness in California.In this episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by guest Sage Johnson. They discuss Sage's personal journey of experiencing homelessness as a young person and their transition into advocacy work. Here are the main topics discussed:- Sage's entry into the youth homeless system and their experience of c...2024-08-2058 min
Young People to the FrontKnow Your Rights: The Role of Legal Observers with Di BarbadilloDiscover the power of knowing your rights and staying safe at protests with Di Barbadillo from the National Lawyers Guild. Learn about the challenges faced by legal observers and gain valuable insights into protecting yourself and others during demonstrations.In this episode of YP2F, hosts Tonny, Robin and Fatine are joined by guest Di Barbadillo. They discuss a variety of topics related to activism, protests, and knowing your rights. Here are a few key points covered in the episode:- Di's background and how she got involved in community organizing and activism.2024-08-061h 03
Young People to the FrontTransforming Lives: Elvira Laguna's Mission to Support Former Foster YouthYP2F hosts, Tonny and Robin are joined this week by special guest Elvira Laguna. Elvira shares her experience as a former foster youth and discusses her work at A Sense of Home, a nonprofit organization that provides fully furnished apartments for former foster youth.In this episode:- Elvira shares her challenging experience in the foster care system, including multiple placements and the impact of trauma.- She emphasizes the importance of community support during her time in care and highlights the positive impact of a supportive group home....2024-07-2359 min
Young People to the FrontYP2F After Dark Ep 1 Ft. Cowboy Carter predictionsWe can end youth homelessness Every year, one in ten young people between the ages of 18-25 experience homelessness in the United States. In order to end the experience of homelessness, our society need to embark on drastic change by prioritizing young voices and building systems that support the needs of young people. With every purchase, a shirt will be donated to a young advocate with lived experience of homelessness. #YoungPeopleToTheFront If you would like to donate a shirt to a young advocate. Please ship to: LACEYH 4308 Burns Ave, Los Angeles CA...2024-03-2928 minYoung People to the FrontWe are back Ft. YP2F Main CastWe can end youth homelessness Every year, one in ten young people between the ages of 18-25 experience homelessness in the United States. In order to end the experience of homelessness, our society need to embark on drastic change by prioritizing young voices and building systems that support the needs of young people. With every purchase, a shirt will be donated to a young advocate with lived experience of homelessness. #YoungPeopleToTheFront If you would like to donate a shirt to a young advocate. Please ship to: LACEYH 4308 Burns Ave, Los Angeles CA...2024-03-0516 minYoung People to the FrontYP2F Live!Our first ever LIVE episode of YP2FPod, recorded at the California Endowment during the opening of the YP2F Policy Summit held August 8th, 2023. Please understand that there were audio issues in the live recording. We did our best to resolve it but our editing magic only goes so far. We thought it was most important to share the voices of our youth panelists Iziiah, Perla, and Ken.2023-08-2945 minYoung People to the FrontIntroducing YP2F PodSign on to the campaign at YoungPeopletotheFront.org Audio Editing and Sound Design by Revision Sound
2023-05-0201 min