Curious with Jake Heilbrunn

Today’s episode I believe is of the most important conversations I’ve recorded to date. I sat down to interview Garry Thorton, who has more than thirty years of experience as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator in both public and private education. Garry also used to be my HS Principal. Garry is a black man who grew up in a very different world than I did, however he has spent well over the last decade living and teaching in North County San Diego, which if who aren’t familiar, it is an affluent, predominantly white community. I wanted to sit down with Garry because due to the recent protests and the murder of George Floyd, there has rightfully been a huge light shed on the systemic racism that is rampant in our country today in 2020.

As things have been escalating, I’ve been asking and wondering myself “What can I do as a white privileged person to help?” There are so any other questions and topics I wanted to ask Garry, however the lens of what can privileged white people do to help the black community is the main guiding star for the conversation today, as well as how white people of privilege can better educate themselves in order to take empowered actions in creating a just society, starting with you and I. So without further ado, today’s episode with Garry Thoron.

Show Notes / Links

Garry Thorton’s Website: http://www.gwthornton.com/

Garry Thorton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwthornton/

The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Man-Ralph-Ellison/dp/0679732764/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+invisible+man&qid=1591122855&s=books&sr=1-1

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0060935464/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25D0YCZFQS8CH&dchild=1&keywords=to+kill+a+mockingbird&qid=1591122834&s=books&sprefix=to+kill+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C228&sr=1-1

A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League by Ron Suskind https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Unseen-American-Odyssey-League/dp/0767901266

Brian Branks Story (CA Innocence Project) https://californiainnocenceproject.org/read-their-stories/brian-banks/

Rachel Cargle’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgufOtRq488

California Innocence Project: https://californiainnocenceproject.org/

Just Mercy Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4916630/

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, book by Bryan Stevenson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYWVYLY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Today’s episode I believe is of the most important conversations I’ve recorded to date. I sat down to interview Garry Thorton, who has more than thirty years of experience as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator in both public and private education. Garry also used to be my HS Principal. Garry is a black man who grew up in a very different world than I did, however he has spent well over the last decade living and teaching in North County San Diego, which if who aren’t familiar, it is an affluent, predominantly white community. I wanted to sit down with Garry because due to the recent protests and the murder of George Floyd, there has rightfully been a huge light shed on the systemic racism that is rampant in our country today in 2020.

As things have been escalating, I’ve been asking and wondering myself “What can I do as a white privileged person to help?” There are so any other questions and topics I wanted to ask Garry, however the lens of what can privileged white people do to help the black community is the main guiding star for the conversation today, as well as how white people of privilege can better educate themselves in order to take empowered actions in creating a just society, starting with you and I. So without further ado, today’s episode with Garry Thoron.

Show Notes / Links

Garry Thorton’s Website: http://www.gwthornton.com/

Garry Thorton’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwthornton/

The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Man-Ralph-Ellison/dp/0679732764/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+invisible+man&qid=1591122855&s=books&sr=1-1

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee, https://www.amazon.com/Kill-Mockingbird-Harper-Lee/dp/0060935464/ref=sr_1_1?crid=25D0YCZFQS8CH&dchild=1&keywords=to+kill+a+mockingbird&qid=1591122834&s=books&sprefix=to+kill+a+%2Cstripbooks%2C228&sr=1-1

A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League by Ron Suskind https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Unseen-American-Odyssey-League/dp/0767901266

Brian Branks Story (CA Innocence Project) https://californiainnocenceproject.org/read-their-stories/brian-banks/

Rachel Cargle’s TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgufOtRq488

California Innocence Project: https://californiainnocenceproject.org/

Just Mercy Film: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4916630/

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption, book by Bryan Stevenson: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JYWVYLY/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Today’s guest is Jason Reid. And this episode covers arguably the most important conversation we all need to be having.

Jason is the founder of ChooseLife.org, whose mission is to end teen suicide by 2030. This movement was birthed after Jason’s 14 year old son tragically died by suicide in March of 2018, flipping Jason’s world on his head. Now Jason is determined to reach every parent and family about the most important conversation we need to be having.

Jason has given 2 TEDx talks and spoken to various schools and organizations on the topics of teen suicide prevention and mental health. He produced a full length documentary called Tell My Story, which documents Jason’s journey as a father to understand the suicide crisis, and voices the radical shift that needs to happen about our culture’s stance on mental health and teen suicide prevention.

Jason is also a highly successful entrepreneur, a renown coach and consultant on leadership, and an author of multiple business books and children’s books. The companies that Jason has started employ thousands of people, and we dive into how Jason has stepped up to lead his companies through the radical shifts happening through Covid-19..

This interview is packed with valuable lessons, important insights and emotional stories that I know are going to really resonate with a lot of people. So without further ado, here is today’s episode with Jason Reid.

Today’s guest is Jason Reid. And this episode covers arguably the most important conversation we all need to be having.

Jason is the founder of ChooseLife.org, whose mission is to end teen suicide by 2030. This movement was birthed after Jason’s 14 year old son tragically died by suicide in March of 2018, flipping Jason’s world on his head. Now Jason is determined to reach every parent and family about the most important conversation we need to be having.

Jason has given 2 TEDx talks and spoken to various schools and organizations on the topics of teen suicide prevention and mental health. He produced a full length documentary called Tell My Story, which documents Jason’s journey as a father to understand the suicide crisis, and voices the radical shift that needs to happen about our culture’s stance on mental health and teen suicide prevention.

Jason is also a highly successful entrepreneur, a renown coach and consultant on leadership, and an author of multiple business books and children’s books. The companies that Jason has started employ thousands of people, and we dive into how Jason has stepped up to lead his companies through the radical shifts happening through Covid-19..

This interview is packed with valuable lessons, important insights and emotional stories that I know are going to really resonate with a lot of people. So without further ado, here is today’s episode with Jason Reid.

Today’s guest is Brady Silverwood. And guys and gals, Brady’s story is unbelievable. The first time I heard it, I thought it could literally be straight out of a movie. But it’s not because it’s real, and you’re about to hear it.

Brady Silverwood is the cofounder of Sunny Supply Co, which is the clothing company behind the viral red bathing suit phenomenon that was shared by millions of people on social media and featured in TIME, Vogue, Buzzfeed and Yahoo. In 2019, Brady ran 3,311 miles by foot across America in 2019, a feat he accomplished in 218 days, raising $42,000 for various charities along the way. Brady is also the host of the Start Start Start podcast and is quickly becoming a rising personality on TikTok. He just announced he is running across the United Kingdom!

Show Notes / Links

Brady’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlforrestgump

Brady’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlforrestgump/?hl=en

Sunny Co Clothing Website: https://sunnycoclothing.com/

Brady’s Podcast, “Start Start Start”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-start-start/id1466384529

Yahoo Article on Sunny Supply Co and Viral Red Bathing Suit: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/red-bathing-suit-went-viral-may-arrived-people-love-130054313.html

KUSI News clip on Brady’s run: https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-native-brady-silverwood-completes-3311-mile-run-across-america-at-powerhouse-park/

ABC News Feature on Brady’s run: https://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/real-life-forrest-gump-62871143

Today’s guest is Brady Silverwood. And guys and gals, Brady’s story is unbelievable. The first time I heard it, I thought it could literally be straight out of a movie. But it’s not because it’s real, and you’re about to hear it.

Brady Silverwood is the cofounder of Sunny Supply Co, which is the clothing company behind the viral red bathing suit phenomenon that was shared by millions of people on social media and featured in TIME, Vogue, Buzzfeed and Yahoo. In 2019, Brady ran 3,311 miles by foot across America in 2019, a feat he accomplished in 218 days, raising $42,000 for various charities along the way. Brady is also the host of the Start Start Start podcast and is quickly becoming a rising personality on TikTok. He just announced he is running across the United Kingdom!

Show Notes / Links

Brady’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rlforrestgump

Brady’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rlforrestgump/?hl=en

Sunny Co Clothing Website: https://sunnycoclothing.com/

Brady’s Podcast, “Start Start Start”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-start-start/id1466384529

Yahoo Article on Sunny Supply Co and Viral Red Bathing Suit: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/red-bathing-suit-went-viral-may-arrived-people-love-130054313.html

KUSI News clip on Brady’s run: https://www.kusi.com/san-diego-native-brady-silverwood-completes-3311-mile-run-across-america-at-powerhouse-park/

ABC News Feature on Brady’s run: https://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/real-life-forrest-gump-62871143

Today’s guest is Sky Cowans. Sky is an LA based video creator and founder of SkyLife, a media company dedicated to exploring wellness so we can live our happiest, healthiest lives. She has an amazing YouTube channel that features literally every health trend and topic you can imagine, from juicing celery, taking medicinal mushrooms, kundalini yoga, Wim Hof Method, & so many more. I don’t really watch much YouTube, but Sky’s content is truly high quality.

She has a unique style that fuses journalism, research and storytelling in a way that shows you the actual data and research behind what she’s doing, yet also keeping you entertained. Sky has a wealth of knowledge and experience with all things health and wellness, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and I’m really excited for you guys to hear this one.

Show Notes / Links

Sky’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakmCJOK1gJFZS-lUF6xEiQ

Sky’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skycowans

Sky’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skycowans/?hl=en

SkyLife Website: http://www.skylife.tv/

Today’s guest is Sky Cowans. Sky is an LA based video creator and founder of SkyLife, a media company dedicated to exploring wellness so we can live our happiest, healthiest lives. She has an amazing YouTube channel that features literally every health trend and topic you can imagine, from juicing celery, taking medicinal mushrooms, kundalini yoga, Wim Hof Method, & so many more. I don’t really watch much YouTube, but Sky’s content is truly high quality.

She has a unique style that fuses journalism, research and storytelling in a way that shows you the actual data and research behind what she’s doing, yet also keeping you entertained. Sky has a wealth of knowledge and experience with all things health and wellness, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and I’m really excited for you guys to hear this one.

Show Notes / Links

Sky’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCakmCJOK1gJFZS-lUF6xEiQ

Sky’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skycowans

Sky’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skycowans/?hl=en

SkyLife Website: http://www.skylife.tv/

Today’s guest is Jennifer Myers. Jennifer’s story is straight out of a Netflix series, especially if you’ve ever seen Narcos or Ozark. As a recent and innocent college grad, Jennifer soon found herself involved in one of the biggest Marijuana drug trafficking operations in the United States. After her wild journey of illegally moving millions of dollars of marijuana and eventually getting caught and being sentenced in prison, a new calling and life trajectory was being birthed.

After Jennifer learned about our country’s massive incarceration problem, especially with nonviolent offenses, her passion to be an advocate for women in prison and youth with incarcerated parents led Jennifer to co-found R.I.S.E. to Empower, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and women to make positive choices. Their work with at-risk, teen girls led to their program being accepted into San Diego U.S. Federal Probation’s reentry initiative, where they facilitate high-risk women recently released from Federal Prison.

Jennifer is a TEDx Speaker, ghostwriter, federal prison consultant, and author of the award-winning memoir, “Trafficking the Good Life.” Jennifer is incredibly inspiring and I’m so excitd for you guys to hear this one. So without further ado, today’s episode with Jennifer Meyers.

Show Notes / Links:

Jennifer’s website: http://jennifermyers.co/

Jennifer’s Nonprofit: http://www.risetoempower.org/

Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmyers198/

Jennifer’s Book: http://jennifermyers.co/book/

Jennifer’s TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_myers_don_t_tell_me_what_you_did_wrong_tell_me_what_you_do_right_jan_2017

28:00 - What life is like in prison

28:50 - The shame of being in prison and the human indecency

31:00 - sex and companionship in female prison

36:00 - what it’s like being freed from jail

40:00 Why changing our sentencing policies are the key to changing nonviolent crime sentences

Today’s guest is Jennifer Myers. Jennifer’s story is straight out of a Netflix series, especially if you’ve ever seen Narcos or Ozark. As a recent and innocent college grad, Jennifer soon found herself involved in one of the biggest Marijuana drug trafficking operations in the United States. After her wild journey of illegally moving millions of dollars of marijuana and eventually getting caught and being sentenced in prison, a new calling and life trajectory was being birthed.

After Jennifer learned about our country’s massive incarceration problem, especially with nonviolent offenses, her passion to be an advocate for women in prison and youth with incarcerated parents led Jennifer to co-found R.I.S.E. to Empower, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and women to make positive choices. Their work with at-risk, teen girls led to their program being accepted into San Diego U.S. Federal Probation’s reentry initiative, where they facilitate high-risk women recently released from Federal Prison.

Jennifer is a TEDx Speaker, ghostwriter, federal prison consultant, and author of the award-winning memoir, “Trafficking the Good Life.” Jennifer is incredibly inspiring and I’m so excitd for you guys to hear this one. So without further ado, today’s episode with Jennifer Meyers.

Show Notes / Links:

Jennifer’s website: http://jennifermyers.co/

Jennifer’s Nonprofit: http://www.risetoempower.org/

Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenmyers198/

Jennifer’s Book: http://jennifermyers.co/book/

Jennifer’s TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jennifer_myers_don_t_tell_me_what_you_did_wrong_tell_me_what_you_do_right_jan_2017

28:00 - What life is like in prison

28:50 - The shame of being in prison and the human indecency

31:00 - sex and companionship in female prison

36:00 - what it’s like being freed from jail

40:00 Why changing our sentencing policies are the key to changing nonviolent crime sentences