In this episode of the My Simplified Life podcast, host Michelle Glogovac welcomes back Louis L. Reed to discuss his new children's book, Deuce's First Step. The conversation explores the impact of parental incarceration on children, the inspiration behind the book, and the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing the needs of these children. Louis shares his personal experiences and aspirations for the book, aiming to reach a million children affected by parental incarceration and to create a cultural connection through storytelling.

What We're Talking About...

• The book is aimed at children with incarcerated parents.
• Louis L. Reed's personal experience as a child of incarcerated parents inspired the book.
• There are over 6 million children in the U.S. with incarcerated parents.
• The First Step Act has released over 45,000 people from federal prison.
• 87% of those released under the First Step Act did not recidivate.
• The book aims to foster empathy and understanding among children.
• Conversations about incarceration need to start early in children's lives.
• The goal is to distribute the book free of charge to impacted children.
• An animated series based on the book will be released on YouTube.
• The book is culturally representative and aims to reflect the experiences of affected children.

Chapters

00:00 Reintroduction and Personal Connection 07:49 Inspiration Behind Deuce's First Step 13:53 Goals and Aspirations for the Book 19:30 Future Plans and Broader Impact 27:13 Building Empathy Through Literature

Links Mentioned

Deuce’s First Step by Louis L. Reed

https://amzn.to/41vJbUa

Louis L. Reed’s Instagram

https://instagram.com/heinspires4real

Louis L. Reed’s Website

https://www.louislreed.org/

My Simplified Life Episode #79 with Louis L. Reed

https://themlgcollective.com/ep79