My Cotton Patch Moment

In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sit down with retired Florida Circuit Judge Tonya Rainwater, a trailblazing leader who presided over every division of the 18th Judicial Circuit from 1991 to 2019 and helped establish Brevard County's first drug court. Twice elected chief judge, Rainwater spearheaded programs like the Rainwater Center for Girls, offering a lifeline to juvenile girls in crisis and reshaping approaches to justice with compassion.

She reflects on the moment she chose law as her path and how years on the bench taught her that listening with empathy can be a judge's most powerful tool. From witnessing children torn between unsafe homes and the hope of adoption, to celebrating the joy of "forever families," her stories reveal both heartbreak and healing. She speaks candidly about addiction and incarceration, sharing why drug courts and education offer a way forward when prison alone cannot. And she recalls the powerful moments when former juveniles returned years later to thank her—proof that compassion, second chances, and community support can truly change lives.

This episode dives deep into justice reform, equity, family bonds, and the human side of the court system. Whether you're passionate about juvenile justice reform, drug court innovation, or community mentorship, Judge Rainwater's wisdom and heart will inspire you to see the humanity behind the headlines.

Three Key Takeaways

Compassion and Listening Matter

Judge Rainwater's career shows that every case is unique, and true justice begins with hearing each person's story with fresh ears. Her approach to listening with empathy reminds us that fairness isn't just about the law—it's about humanity.

Support Systems Change Lives

From mentoring programs to relative adoptions and diversion courts, Rainwater highlights how community support can break cycles of trauma and crime. Providing resources and guidance gives individuals and families the chance to build stronger, safer futures.

Community Action Is Powerful

Rainwater emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in creating a more just society. Whether volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters or mentoring children of incarcerated parents, small, local efforts can create lasting change.

Why Listen

If you care about criminal justice reform, youth advocacy, family resilience, or restorative practices, this conversation offers actionable hope and a rare, compassionate look into the courtroom.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" and when her new book, The Hope Club, publishes here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

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Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sit down with Antonio Brown, entrepreneur, activist, and the first LGBTQ person of color elected to Atlanta's City Council. From growing up with parents cycling in and out of prison to dropping out of high school at 15 to support his siblings, Antonio's story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of possibility.

He opens up about surviving childhood trauma, carrying adult responsibilities far too young, and transforming pain into purpose. Antonio went on to build a nationally recognized fashion brand, raise millions in investment, and step into political leadership—using his platform to champion equity and justice for marginalized communities.

This conversation dives deep into the intersections of poverty, incarceration, identity, entrepreneurship, and public service, offering lessons in grit, faith, and self-belief.

Three Key Takeaways

• Resilience Through Adversity

Antonio's early years—marked by incarceration, abuse, and poverty—shaped his drive to overcome obstacles and refuse the label of "statistic."

• Faith as a Foundation

He shares how faith, even as small as a mustard seed, fueled his determination to build businesses, uplift communities, and keep going when the odds were stacked against him.

• From Survivor to Trailblazer

Antonio's journey from Kroger bagger to fashion brand founder, and ultimately to City Council, illustrates how lived experience can be transformed into leadership and advocacy.

Why Listen

If you care about justice reform, breaking cycles of generational hardship, LGBTQ leadership, or the power of faith and perseverance, this episode will move and inspire you. Antonio's life proves that no matter your beginnings, you can rise to leadership and create lasting impact.

Find Antonio Brown in these places:

Website: https://www.stirhouse.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stirhouseatlanta/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" and when her new book, The Hope Club, publishes here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sat down with Robyn Hasan-Simpson, Executive Director of Women on the Rise GA and co-founder of HOAPE (Helping Others Achieve Power and Equity). From serving 10 years in prison to becoming a leading voice for criminal justice reform, re-entry advocacy, and women's empowerment, Robyn shares her powerful journey of resilience, faith, and leadership.

She opens up about the emotional toll of incarceration, raising her daughter from behind prison walls, and how she turned her sentence into a mission to uplift women inside and fighting for systemic change outside. From launching a prison newsletter to co-authoring laws that protect survivors of domestic violence, Robyn embodies what it means to rise, lead, and liberate.

This conversation dives deep into the intersection of mass incarceration, motherhood, re-entry, faith, and advocacy, offering both personal truth and actionable hope.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Resilience is Revolutionary

   Robyn's story proves that even in the most dehumanizing systems, purpose and community can blossom. Her leadership began behind bars—helping women earn GEDs, creating a newsletter, and mentoring others.

2. Motherhood and Incarceration

   Robyn reflects on raising her daughter from a distance, the painful role shift from "mother" to "sister," and how honesty and open communication kept their bond alive.

3. Advocacy Creates Change

   Today, through Women on the Rise GA and HOAPE, Robyn is reshaping laws, addressing mass incarceration in Georgia, and restoring voting rights for thousands of formerly incarcerated citizens. Her work is a testament that storytelling and advocacy can transform entire communities.

Why Listen

If you care about justice reform, women's empowerment, faith through struggle, or the healing power of storytelling, this episode will inspire and challenge you. Robyn's rise from prison bars to national leadership is proof that redemption and resilience are possible—and necessary—for building a more just society.

Find Robyn Hasan-Simpson in these places:

Women on the Rise GA: https://www.womenontherisega.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womenontherisega/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-on-the-rise-ga/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" and when her new book, The Hope Club, publishes here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moment, I sit down with Amy Ard, the executive director of Motherhood Beyond Bars. This organization is rewriting the narrative for incarcerated mothers, their children, and caregivers. Amy's journey into this work began with one unforgettable—and heartbreaking—moment: witnessing a woman give birth while shackled to a hospital bed. That image sparked a mission that would change laws, build support networks, and offer real hope to families facing unthinkable challenges.

Amy shares how Motherhood Beyond Bars provides holistic family support, from childbirth education inside prisons to supplying diapers for caregivers on the outside. We talk about the reality that every baby in their program is born with two adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): an incarcerated parent and separation from their primary caregiver within days of birth. Through advocacy, education, and direct aid, her team works to preserve and strengthen those fragile parent-child bonds.

We also explore Amy's wish list for systemic change, which starts with diverting mothers from prison into treatment—addressing the root causes of incarceration, such as trauma and substance use disorders, rather than simply punishing. From anti-shackling legislation in Georgia to groundbreaking research with Harvard on the impact of incarceration on infants, Amy's story is a testament to the power of action, compassion, and relentless advocacy.

This conversation will open your eyes to the hidden ripple effects of imprisonment—and inspire you to see justice not as punishment, but as restoration.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Justice Must Be Restorative: We need alternatives to incarceration for mothers, especially when root causes like trauma and addiction go unaddressed.

2. Connection Is Survival: Maintaining the bond between incarcerated mothers and their children is essential for breaking generational cycles of incarceration.

3. Support Changes Outcomes: From diapers to legal advocacy, targeted support can stabilize families and protect children from lifelong trauma.

Find Amy Ard in these places:

Motherhood Behind Bars

Website: https://www.motherhoodbeyond.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodbeyondbars/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodbeyondbars/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@motherhoodbeyondbars3544

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" and when her new book, The Hope Club, publishes here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome to Season Four of My Cotton Patch Moment. I've spent the summer reflecting deeply—on healing, justice, and the stories we rarely tell. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's quote about knowing a nation through its prisons, I knew I had to begin this new season with the voices and stories that are too often ignored: the children of incarcerated mothers.

This episode is one of the most personal and powerful I've ever shared. As I worked on my upcoming children's book, The Hope Club, I kept thinking about the ripple effects of parental incarceration—especially when it's Mama who is missing. What happens when the woman who sings lullabies and packs lunches is suddenly gone? The silence that follows isn't just emotional—it's structural, societal, and generational.

In this episode, I introduce you to children like Adam and Ava—bright, imaginative three-year-old twins who had their world turned upside down when their mother was arrested for trying to steal diapers and formula. They didn't understand sentencing; they only knew no one was there to kiss them goodnight.

We'll also look at the staggering truth: over 150,000 women are incarcerated in the United States, and nearly 80% of them are mothers—many of whom were the primary caregivers when they were arrested. Most are in prison for nonviolent offenses tied to poverty, addiction, trauma, or survival.

This episode is my Cotton Patch moment. I don't just want to inform—I want to invite you into reflection and action. I believe we must redefine justice—not simply as punishment, but as restoration. We must stop treating these women as disposable and start recognizing their need for healing, support, and dignity. And we must hold space for their children—because they deserve stability, connection, and love.

This season, we'll hear from counselors, nonprofit leaders, family court judges, and the people who have been behind the bars. We'll explore trauma, resilience, and the sacred work of storytelling. Whether you're walking this journey yourself or standing beside someone who is, this space is for you.

Three key takeaways from this powerful beginning:

1. Justice Should Be Restorative, Not Just Punitive: Incarcerated mothers are often survivors themselves. They don't need more punishment—they need paths to healing, rehabilitation, and reconnection.

2. Children Deserve More Than Silence: Kids don't wait for justice—they wait for their mama. We must advocate for policies and practices that keep families connected and supported.

3. We All Have a Role in This Work: From making visits possible to supporting reentry programs, each of us can make a difference. Let's stop letting children fall through the cracks and start building bridges of hope.

If today's episode touched your heart, I invite you to share it, rate it, and subscribe. And always remember: Just because you were born in the cotton patch doesn't mean you have to stay there.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In Season Four of My Cotton Patch Moment, host Mildred J. Mills returns with a powerful new arc exploring the ripple effects of parental absence. What happens when a mother or father is no longer home? How do families rebuild? Where does healing begin?

This season honors the voices of survivors and lifts the veil on stories once buried in silence. From childhood wounds to generational scars, each episode reveals a map of resilience, hope, and the ongoing journey toward healing.

✨ What to Expect This Season:

• Stories of trauma transformed into purpose

• Conversations on family separation and emotional resilience

• Reflections on childhood, legacy, and loss

• Tools for healing across generations

Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, this podcast offers space to listen with your soul.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

Mildred recently completed her manuscript, a memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots." You can be the first one to know when it is available for purchase by following her here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from royalty free music from Epidemic Sound. The intro and outro music is called We Win (More than Able) by AFTR . Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In honor of my anniversary, I am re-sharing one of my favorite episodes dedicated to my husband, Darryl Mills. The episode is He Showed Me Who He Was! This was episode 3 of Season 1.

Thank you Darryl for your support and your encouragement. Your love changed my life.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In honor of Father's Day, I am re-sharing one of my favorite episodes dedicated to my Daddy: Things My Father Taught Me! This was episode 8 of Season 1.

If your father or the man who raised you is still alive, this episode is a reminder to tell him that you love him and you appreciate all the things he taught you.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In honor of Mother's Day, I am re-sharing one of my favorite episodes dedicated to my Mama: Things I'm Glad I Asked My Mama! This was episode 5 of Season 1. If your mother or the woman who raised you is still alive, this episode is a reminder to talk to her and let her share her stories with you. Pull out your phone and record her sharing these moments. They will be cherished memories when she is gone.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In this episode, we're celebrating the grand finale of Season Three—a season filled with transformative conversations that explored the intersection of healing, purpose, and personal growth.

Throughout this season, we've delved into stories that reflect the journey from silence to self-expression, the impact of generational healing, and the courageous act of facing internal fears with faith. Listeners were invited into vulnerable moments—from navigating motherhood and mental health to reinventing oneself later in life. We also examined the sacred role of storytelling as a tool for liberation and community healing.

We explored the emotional layers of masculinity, the complexities of racial reconciliation, and the strength it takes to show up as your full self—especially in the face of societal expectations. Whether through poetry, publishing, psychology, or ministry, each conversation revealed the powerful ways we can honor our truths and move forward with intention.

This season finale episode is a reflection of everything we've uncovered: how vulnerability can be divine, how faith can carry us through the unknown, and how stories—when shared—become bridges to deeper understanding and connection.

Here are three key takeaways from this powerful journey:

1. Embrace Vulnerability as Strength: This season taught us that vulnerability is not a weakness but a powerful strength. Our guests opened up their hearts, showing us that embracing vulnerability leads to growth and deeper human connections.

2. Faith Over Fear: Throughout the episodes, we learned that choosing faith over fear doesn't mean we never experience doubt. Instead, it means embracing belief despite uncertainties, reminding us of the courage required to take that first step forward.

3. Stories as Catalysts for Change: From Bethany Hawkins amplifying unheard voices to Monique Franz using storytelling as a sacred act of healing, our guests demonstrated how sharing personal narratives can spark transformation and inspire change.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father's farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.