In this episode of the James Inc. Podcast, host Ayane' Trout speaks with Mattece Mason, a prolific multi-hyphenate professional who shares her journey from young motherhood to managing multiple businesses, including Butterfly (A) Effect and Jewel's Place. Mattece discusses the vital role of childcare, the necessity of combining grassroots methods with modern techniques, and the importance of providing holistic support to families. Covering her 22-year experience in the industry, she highlights the challenges and rewards of childcare, emphasizing collaboration between parents and providers, and the critical need for systemic advocacy and integrity.

Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Ebony Johnson, a lifelong educator and transformational leader who shares her remarkable journey from North Tulsa to becoming a dedicated advocate for young lives in education. Dr. Johnson opens up about her initial aspirations of being a sports broadcaster and how her path shifted towards education, driven by her desire to make a meaningful impact. With an unexpected talent as a matchmaker, Dr. Johnson's narrative underscores the importance of reshaping perceptions of women, particularly Black women, in leadership roles. She discusses the challenges and triumphs within Tulsa Public Schools and the crucial need for accurate representation of their achievements.

We explore the essential support systems for expecting and parenting teens within Tulsa Public Schools through the Strong Tomorrows program. The evolution of these support initiatives, alongside the contributions of community organizations like James Inc., highlight the importance of mentorship and tailored educational pathways. Through personal stories and shared experiences, we emphasize the collective effort required to empower young parents, educate them about the socio-political landscape, and ensure their success.

Listen in as we tackle the critical issue of teacher compensation in Oklahoma, the implications of low salaries on teacher retention, and the urgent need for legislative action. We also discuss the resilience needed for first-generation college students to succeed, sharing effective study strategies and the concept of educational doulas. Our conversation touches on the alarming trend of preschool expulsions and the collaborative efforts to support families using small daycare centers. This episode is a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and authentic communication in fostering educational success and reform.

Carla's story blossoms as she narrates the shift from managing a local garden center to sprouting her own company, born from a health scare and a burning desire to be more available for her family. Listeners will harvest the fruits of Carla's wisdom as she details how she cultivated a business that not only aligns with her personal values but also contributes to the health and sustainability of her community. These shared experiences are packed with nutrients for thought, inspiring anyone looking to plant their own seeds of change in the business world.

Join the conversation with Regina Goodwin, State Representative for House District 73, as we unearth the treasures of Tulsa, Oklahoma's storied Greenwood District. Through Regina's eyes, we traverse the landscape of her family's profound legacy, from the entrepreneurial pursuits of her grandfather, E.L. Goodwin Sr., to the impactful narratives preserved in the Oklahoma Eagle newspaper. Our episode is a tapestry of tales emphasizing integrity, the valor in questioning norms, and the vital role of authenticity in both personal growth and societal contribution. As Regina shares the counsel she would impart to her younger self, we are reminded of the invaluable lessons from our forebears and the importance of excellence and intergenerational wisdom.

Discover the remarkable tale of Kim Jackson's ascent from teen mom to media maven in our latest podcast episode. Kim's incredible journey of transformation serves as a beacon of hope and a powerful example of how unwavering determination can turn life's trials into triumphs. From the halls of Central High School in Tulsa to the bustling corridors of the broadcasting world, we explore the pivotal moments that shaped Kim's life and career. This episode isn't just a story—it's a master class in perseverance, showcasing the importance of community support and the life-changing power of education.

As Kim peels back the layers of her life, we examine the profound implications of our decisions, not just for ourselves but also for the futures of our children. We delve into the nuanced experiences that come with young motherhood, the complex interplay between personal growth and parenting, and the resilience required to thrive against the odds. Kim's candid reflections on her own path illuminate the extraordinary potential within every young mother to rise above societal expectations and craft a fulfilling life rich with achievement and purpose.

Wrapping up, we shower young women everywhere with encouragement, laying out a roadmap to harness their inner strength and chase after their dreams no matter the obstacles. Kim shares her insights on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, offering a glimpse into future conversations about wellness. This episode is more than a narrative—it's an uplifting call to action for continuous growth, an empowering message that reverberates with each word, and a warm invitation to join us for a journey that could very well redefine your own understanding of what it means to succeed.

The Young Parents podcast returned with a follow-up episode featuring Marquess Dennis, the executive director and founder of Birthright Living Legacy. Alisa Bell and Jesse Ulrich, co-hosts of the podcast, welcomed Marquess back and then get right into the debate. They discuss a specific Youtube video (Trigger warning, this video contains a multitude of swear words and yelling) and debate the idea of where certain values come from, do they have to come from a father, can they come from a mother, what role gender plays in parenting a child, and all the other great topics where the answer is always...it's complicated!

Alisa and Jesse are joined by Marquess Dennis Sr., the executive director of Birthright Living Legacy. Birthright Living Legacy creates a community for fathers to meet and connect while having a safe place to be a part of their children’s lives. We discuss the history behind the organization, what drives Marquess not only to be a good father to his children, how he wants to help all fathers, and what children need from both parents to be their best selves.

Check out Birthright on the web at: https://brlivinglegacy.com/

In this episode of the Young Parents podcast, Brianna speaks with "Victoria." Victoria tells her and her families tragic story of arrest by ICE officers, having to move to Africa to be with her husband, and their long journey back to the United States.

Please support the work James Inc. does by donating on their website: https://jamesinc.org/

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In this episode of the Young Parents Podcast, Brianna is joined by Tulsa World editorial writer Ginnie Graham to talk about a series of upcoming bills from the Oklahoma Legislature that parents should know about. SB 1647, the Oklahoma Empowerment Act; SB 1142, prohibiting certain schools and libraries from maintaining or promoting certain books; and SB 1470, which would create the Students' Religious Belief Protection Act.

Make sure to follow Ginnie Graham at the Tulsa World, Ginnie Graham | tulsaworld.com.

Make sure to subscribe to the Young Parents podcast, anywhere you get your podcasts!

The Young Parents Podcast is joined by Kurt Sterling, Health Education and Prevention Coordinator for Tulsa Youth Services. Kurt talks about his passion for helping the youth of Oklahoma, what people need to know, and where you can go for help.

Check out all that Tulsa Youth Services offers at their website, https://www.yst.org, and follow J.A.M.E.S. Inc. and the Young Parents Podcast on Facebook and anywhere you get your podcasts!