In this inspiring episode of the After School Podcast, hosts Ajani and Byron sit down with Giovanni Hernandez, a graduate of Bard College's prison initiative and a passionate advocate for education behind bars. Giovanni shares his incredible journey from incarceration to becoming a leader in nonprofit work, helping others gain access to higher education.

Discover how Giovanni transformed his life through critical thinking, self-reflection, and the power of community support. He discusses the challenges he faced while pursuing his education, the role of dedicated professors, and the importance of civic engagement in disenfranchised communities.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of education, the value of critical thinking in everyday life, and Giovanni's vision for a nonprofit that will empower individuals to navigate and challenge the systems around them. Tune in now!

Join us in this inspiring episode of the After School Podcast as we sit down with Gryff Tate, a talented dancer and choreographer from Elizabeth, New Jersey. With a background in theater and a passion for storytelling through movement, Gryffin shares their journey from a young dancer in Arizona to making waves in the New Jersey arts scene.

In this candid conversation, Gryff discusses the importance of being radically honest and authentic in every space, the transformative power of dance, and the unique challenges faced in the competitive dance industry. Listen as Gryff reflects on their experiences with community engagement, navigating auditions, and the significance of creating inclusive spaces in performance art.

Whether you're a dancer, an aspiring artist, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable insights on self-expression, resilience, and the beauty of embracing one's true self.

Join us in this exciting episode of the After School Podcast as we dive deep into the making of the fan film "Earth Infinite" with directors Shamar and Lucas! Discover the challenges and triumphs they faced over three years of production, from unexpected community support to the creative use of practical effects like Silly String for webs. Listen to hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, including improvised scenes that brought their characters to life, and learn about the unique editing techniques they employed to create stunning visuals.

Get an insider's look at their journey, from the initial concept to the powerful emotional moments in the film, and find out how they managed to keep the joy in filmmaking despite the stress. Plus, hear their advice for aspiring filmmakers and the importance of collaboration in bringing a vision to life. Don't miss out on their plans for bloopers and a sneak peek at what’s next for the duo!

Watch "Earth Infinite" on YouTube and experience the love and passion that went into every shot! 🎥✨

Link Here — https://youtu.be/xrEd0n_8fYU?feature=shared

In this eye-opening presentation, Karen Scott, Community Educator for the YWCA of Union County, dives deep into the alarming realities of teen dating violence (TDV). With shocking statistics revealing that 1 in 3 adolescents experience abuse from a dating partner, Karen highlights the critical signs of unhealthy relationships and the importance of recognizing red flags. From emotional manipulation to physical violence, this informative session sheds light on the various forms of abuse and offers vital tools for young people to navigate their relationships safely. Discover how knowledge is power and learn essential safety planning tips that could save lives. Don’t miss this crucial conversation about love, respect, and empowerment for today’s youth.

Join us for an insightful and engaging episode of the After School podcast as we sit down with Officer Gomez from the Elizabeth Police Department. In this candid conversation, Officer Gomez shares his journey to becoming a police officer, the rigorous training he underwent at the Police Academy, and the critical role of mental and physical preparation in law enforcement. He discusses the importance of integrity, de-escalation techniques, and the unique challenges faced by officers on the job. Learn about the surprising aspects of police work, from handling parking complaints to using drones in crime prevention. Officer Gomez also reflects on the public perception of police officers and the rewarding moments that make this career fulfilling. Whether you're considering a career in law enforcement or just curious about what it’s like to be a police officer, this episode offers valuable insights and personal anecdotes you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, Ajani sits down with Detective Chris Jackens from the Union County Prosecutor's Office. Chris dives into the complexities of modern law enforcement, challenging the media’s portrayal of police and revealing the day-to-day realities of his work. He also shares an eerie account of the infamous "Watcher" case from Westfield, a story that gained worldwide attention through Netflix. Discover how Chris navigates the ups and downs of his career, from dealing with intense public scrutiny to uncovering bizarre and unsettling criminal cases.

In this episode, Cris sits down with Detective Nora Berrio, who opens up about the harsh realities of working in law enforcement. From the adrenaline rush of chasing cases to the emotional toll of dealing with gun violence and the mental strain of balancing work and home life, Detective Berrio shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a detective. Listen in as she reveals the challenges of her career, why she chose to pursue law enforcement in her 30s, and how she manages to leave work at work—even when the job is never truly done.

In this compelling episode, Cris sits down with Detectives Shameko Greene and Natasha Ruiz to tackle the heated debate around gun use and police involvement in mental health crises. The detectives share their personal journeys, the emotional toll of the job, and why they believe police should play a role in situations that challenge the justice system.