When Jasson Howell Sr. was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for heroin distribution, his incarceration upended the lives of his four children. Our Brief But Spectacular team first spoke with the Howell family in 2019. Seven years later, they return to reflect on the toll of that separation, the years they lost and how they've rebuilt their lives together. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

For generations, theater programs have given young people a place to find community and discover their voices. For Jasmine Amy Rogers, those experiences helped launch a remarkable career. At just 26 years old, she earned a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut as Betty Boop in "Boop! The Musical." Jasmine shares her Brief But Spectacular take on growing up a theater kid. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Adam Met is best known as the bassist of the multi-platinum band AJR. But offstage, he's a climate scholar, educator and advocate. His recent book, "Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World," explores how connection drives action. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on building fan-based movements. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Playing sports teaches more than just the game, it helps kids build confidence and navigate challenges both on and off the field. Mason Thomas brings that philosophy to Harlem Lacrosse in Compton, California, where he mentors students on and off the field. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on changing the lineup in lacrosse. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

From Michelin-starred kitchens to guest starring on Sesame Street, chef Melissa King has done it all, including breaking records on "Top Chef." She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on food, identity and the family recipes behind her debut book, "Cook Like a King." PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Actor and comedian Lyric Lewis discovered her love of performance through improv. She went on to make history as one of the first Black women in The Groundlings, the Los Angeles troupe celebrating its 50th anniversary. She reflects on finding her authentic voice in comedy and gives her Brief But Spectacular take on why life is a play. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Wendy Red Star is a multimedia artist who grew up on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Her work spans photography, sculpture, fiber arts and performance to celebrate Native identity and remind us why art matters in how we're remembered. She shares her Brief But Spectacular take on channeling identity through art. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Beka Ntsanwisi is working to empower older women in South Africa, where the average life expectancy is in the early to mid-60s. She started a soccer league with a mission to introduce women over 50 to the sport. Ntsanwisi shares her Brief But Spectacular take on empowering 'soccer grannies.' PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Edgar Ramirez is an LA-based artist who transforms street signs. Inspired by the industrial landscape where he grew up, he turns the signs into striking pieces of art that highlight the realities of his community. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on the signs of exploitation. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Julian Shapiro-Barnum is the creator and host of "Recess Therapy," an online series where he talks with kids about everything from friendship to the meaning of life. He shares his Brief But Spectacular take on what adults can learn from the clarity and compassion of children. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy