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Dr. Karen Underwood opens a window into education's past, present, and uncertain future in this thought-provoking conversation. Drawing from three decades of teaching experience across multiple states, she offers rare and valuable insights into how our educational systems function—or dysfunction—across different cultural and geographical contexts.

The stark contrast between New York City's education system and those in southern states reveals how politics infiltrates classrooms. In New York, administrators could "move education forward without stumbling blocks," while southern school boards often include members who "have never been inside a school system," creating barriers to effective teaching and learning.

Her multicultural experience in New York—where she celebrated holidays with Jewish families, received homemade wine from Italian parents, and enjoyed meals prepared by Latino families—stands in stark contrast to the cultural limitations she's encountered in southern schools. "I feel culturally deprived in a sense being here," she admits, highlighting education's critical cultural dimension.

Most alarming is Dr. Underwood's assessment of today's students' mental health. Where classrooms once routinely held 30+ students without issue, today's generation struggles with unprecedented anxiety and social challenges. "It's unbelievable," she says, describing the dramatic increase in diagnoses from bipolar disorder to various social anxieties that weren't present when she began teaching.

Beyond diagnosis, Dr. Underwood points to technology's isolating effects, social media pressures, and the loss of community support systems. "You can't say anything to anyone nowadays because there's not that sense of community any longer," she explains, remembering when neighbors helped discipline neighborhood children.

Her parting wisdom carries urgency: "You can't depend on the education system to take care of your kids." Parents must invest more time and effort as educational systems face growing political pressure and curriculum restrictions. For anyone concerned about education's future, this conversation offers essential perspective from someone who's witnessed its evolution firsthand.

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Behind every successful community support system stands someone who understands what it means to need help. For Sabrina Davis, founder of Reset Inc, this understanding comes from personal experience. As a child, she once attempted to steal a Lunchable because she wanted what other kids had—not because she was starving, but because her hardworking single mother couldn't afford extras. Seeing her mother's tears after being called from work left an impression that would eventually inspire a revolutionary approach to food insecurity.

Reset Inc (Restructuring Education, Social development, Economics Together) has transformed how community support functions with their 24/7 food pantry at the intersection of Norfolk, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach. Unlike traditional pantries that provide pre-selected boxes during limited hours, Reset's pantry operates around the clock with a "people's choice" philosophy. Community members can select exactly what they need—name-brand cereals, fresh produce, meats, and even treats like popsicles—without restrictions or judgment. As Sabrina puts it, "You don't have to steal what we give for free."

The nonprofit's impact extends beyond food. They provide 50 diapers per child monthly to families, maintain a computer lab with internet access, offer tutoring services, and even have shower facilities where homeless individuals can clean up. Their outreach team, led by coordinator Honesty, delivers food to homeless encampments and families without transportation across Southeastern Virginia and into North Carolina.

What makes Reset truly special is the philosophy behind it. "Sometimes in life everyone needs a reset," Sabrina explains. The organization isn't just about giving handouts but providing hands up—helping people understand their situation doesn't define them. Despite receiving no government funding and relying entirely on grants, donations, and their own resources, Reset continues to expand their services. They're currently fundraising for a refrigerated truck to reach more communities in need.

Want to be part of this inspiring mission? Visit resetvirginia.org or find them at 1109 South Military Highway. Whether you can donate food, funds, or simply volunteer your time, Reset Inc shows that when compassionate people come together, positive transformation happens. Subscribe to hear more stories of community heroes making a difference where it matters most.

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Patrick McKenna pulls back the curtain on America's hidden human trafficking epidemic, revealing how this modern form of slavery operates within our own communities. As an attorney with over 35 years of experience and the Director of the Virginian Coalition Against Human Trafficking, McKenna provides eye-opening insights into why Virginia has become what he calls "a perfect storm" for trafficking operations—with its international airports, large ports, military presence, and extensive tourism creating ideal conditions for exploitation.

The conversation shatters common misconceptions about who becomes trafficked. McKenna shares the story of a licensed clinical social worker with a master's degree who fell into trafficking through an abusive relationship, demonstrating that education and status offer no protection against sophisticated predators. While young people, LGBTQ+ youth, and foster care children face heightened vulnerability, McKenna emphasizes that traffickers are "master manipulators" who exploit any vulnerability they find—or create one where none exists.

Most powerful is McKenna's explanation of how survivors become trapped in a legal system that punishes them for crimes they were forced to commit. Criminal records for prostitution or other offenses effectively bar survivors from housing, education, employment, and even victim services. His coalition's legislative work to implement "vacatur" laws allows these convictions to be removed, giving survivors a genuine chance at freedom. McKenna also provides practical guidance for recognizing trafficking situations, from the online grooming of teens to labor exploitation in sales crews, construction, and hospitality.

Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's online safety, a professional working with vulnerable populations, or simply a concerned citizen, this episode equips you with the knowledge to recognize trafficking and take action. As McKenna powerfully states, "No one can do everything, but everybody can do something." Listen now to discover how your awareness could help break the chains of modern slavery.

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Cheryl Smith brings a refreshing perspective to politics after dedicating 38 years to educating Virginia's children. In this candid conversation, she shares what compelled her to run for Virginia's 98th District Delegate seat after decades in the classroom.

Growing up in a military family during the Vietnam War shaped Smith's worldview profoundly. While her father served overseas for nine months at a time, she was raised by what she calls "a community of women" who supported each other through difficult times. This early experience of solidarity forms the foundation of her political philosophy today—rebuilding community connections in an increasingly divided society.

Smith's decision to challenge incumbent Barry Knight came after learning about three critical constitutional amendments needing protection: reproductive rights, marriage equality, and restoration of voting rights. "No one was running," she explains, "so my family told me, 'Mom, you need to do it.'"

Throughout our discussion, Smith articulates her six-plank platform with passionate clarity. Her advocacy for veterans stems from her own family's military service, while her commitment to education addresses not just classroom issues but the family stability essential for learning. When discussing reproductive freedom, she moves beyond polarized abortion debates to highlight women's healthcare access as a fundamental right.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Smith reveals what she's learned from firefighters on the campaign trail—including inadequate cancer screenings despite constant exposure to carcinogens and limited mental health support despite high suicide rates. "They keep our cities alive," she says with visible emotion, "and we're not doing better by them."

Whether discussing affordable housing, environmental protection for flood-prone Virginia Beach, or her unequivocal support for marriage equality, Smith speaks with the practical wisdom of someone who's spent a lifetime helping others thrive. "A donation to my campaign," she concludes, "is not a gift to me—it's an investment in us."

Join us for this eye-opening conversation with a candidate who brings decades of community service to her first political campaign.

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Comedian Kells Morton steps away from her 25-year military career to pursue her original dream of entertainment in this fascinating conversation about second acts and finding your voice. As she prepares for retirement, Kells reveals how she's transforming decades of leadership experience into comedy gold on stages across the country.

With refreshing candor, Kells shares the surprising truth about her battle with severe performance anxiety before shows. "I was at Marietta Martin Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh... 600 plus people, and I was dying inside. I didn't eat a morsel that day," she confesses. This vulnerability behind the confident persona adds depth to understanding her journey from military officer to rising comedian.

The episode explores Kells' comedy inspirations, from Richard Pryor and Red Foxx to Dave Chappelle (whom she flew to Charlotte just to see perform). Her appreciation for female trailblazers like Wanda Sykes and Luenell reflects her understanding of comedy history and those who've paved the way. Kells also discusses her approach to handling hecklers, the therapeutic value of comedy in society, and how she used humor as a leadership tool during military deployments.

Beyond stand-up, Kells is expanding into acting with roles in short films and the upcoming feature "Deadly Obsession 2." Her ambitious goals include performing at legendary venues like Laugh Factory LA and Second City Chicago, driven by her philosophy of competing only against yesterday's version of herself. Through family stories, military experiences, and a refreshingly positive outlook on the changing comedy landscape, Kells demonstrates why she's quickly gaining attention on the comedy circuit.

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When politicians fall in love with money instead of people, what happens to the dreams and aspirations of ordinary citizens? Merle Rutledge Jr., a Norfolk State University graduate and former gubernatorial candidate for Virginia, joins us to share his vision for a political system that prioritizes people over partisanship.

Rutledge doesn't mince words about what he sees as the fundamental problem in today's political landscape: leaders who are more concerned with fundraising and special interests than addressing the struggles of everyday Virginians. "I can't talk to politicians that no longer speak to me unless I pay $1,000 for a plate," he observes, highlighting the growing disconnect between elected officials and their constituents.

With refreshing candor, Rutledge outlines his innovative solutions to revitalize Virginia's economy and communities. His "Family Business Act" aims to cut red tape for home-based entrepreneurs and create pathways for talented young people—especially in underserved communities—to build wealth through business ownership rather than being forced exclusively into traditional educational routes. He passionately argues that academically gifted students who receive substantial scholarships should have the option to invest in their own businesses, potentially becoming "millionaires on the day of graduation."

Most boldly, Rutledge proposes eliminating state and local taxes entirely by tapping into Virginia's natural resources, expanding its ports to create thousands of jobs, and establishing more direct supply chains to reduce consumer costs. "We have so many different sources of revenue that don't have to come off the taxpayers' back," he explains, positioning himself as a champion for working-class Virginians struggling with inflation and stagnant wages.

Whether you lean left, right, or somewhere in between, Rutledge's message challenges listeners to look beyond party affiliations and consider which candidates actually address the economic realities facing ordinary families. Follow Rutledge's continuing political journey as he runs a write-in campaign offering Virginians an alternative to what he calls "legacy politicians" from both major parties.

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What does it take to transform a community from the ground up? Councilman Michael Berlucci opens a window into local governance that few get to see, sharing the daily work that shapes Virginia Beach's District 3 and beyond.

After nearly six years serving his diverse community, Berlucci reveals how his journey from passionate volunteer to city councilman has shaped his understanding of effective public service. "We all need to be represented. We want to see ourselves in the government that serves us," he explains, highlighting the importance of diversity in leadership. As both an elected official and the newly appointed CEO of Arts Alliance, Berlucci brings a unique perspective on how creative expression can revitalize neighborhoods and bridge divides.

The conversation takes us behind the scenes of city management, from budget priorities (with education claiming half the city's resources) to constituent services that rarely make headlines but profoundly impact residents' lives. Berlucci's pride in helping underserved communities like Scarborough Square and securing improvements at the Animal Control Center reveals how seemingly small victories create meaningful change.

Perhaps most inspiring is the story of Mount Trashmore—the world's first municipal waste dump converted to a public park—located right in District 3. "If we can turn this dump into a park that becomes all this, there's no limit to what we can achieve," Berlucci shares, capturing the transformative spirit that guides his approach to public service.

Want to get involved in shaping Virginia Beach's future? Berlucci encourages citizens to attend upcoming budget hearings on April 16th and 22nd, or consider serving on one of the city's many boards and commissions by visiting virginiabeachgov.com to learn more about these opportunities.

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RamIn Fatehi, Commonwealth Attorney for the city of Norfolk in Virginia, shares his unique journey from a privileged upbringing as the son of Iranian-American parents to becoming a prosecutor dedicated to reforming a flawed system. His contrarian nature and experiences with prejudice from both sides led him to pursue a career where he could address the inequality he witnessed firsthand.

• Son of a neurosurgeon and nurse who emphasized service as a family value
• Left a high-paying civil law career to become a public defender because he felt he was "increasing human misery"
• Witnessed firsthand how wealth and connections create two different justice systems
• Openly acknowledges historical issues including slave patrol origins of policing and prosecutor misconduct
• Uses data rather than fear to drive prosecution decisions
• Reduced Norfolk homicides from 63 to 37 and cut jail population by nearly half
• Views successful criminal justice reform as addressing root causes through education, jobs, and neighborhood investment
• Concerns about potential crime increases if social investment decreases and mass incarceration returns

Vote in the primary election on June 17th, with early voting beginning on May 2nd. The work of progressive prosecution is too important to go backwards to the old ways.

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Al Neely and Tina Jenkins explore how immigration discourse disproportionately focuses on Latino immigrants while ignoring significant migration from countries like China and India, and how fear-based policies threaten America's economic stability.

• Media coverage of immigration overwhelmingly focuses on Hispanic immigrants crossing the Mexican border
• Chinese immigration and property purchases receive different political framing and treatment
• Mass deportation would severely impact housing, healthcare, agriculture, and construction sectors
• Only 1-3% of undocumented immigrants are criminals, despite political rhetoric painting them as threats
• Legal immigration pathways are prohibitively complex, expensive, and time-consuming 
• Fear-based campaign tactics exploit racial and economic anxieties to gain political support
• Indiscriminate detention methods have resulted in American citizens being detained simply for speaking Spanish
• Different protest approaches among minority communities reflect varying relationships with American identity

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