The Young Parents Podcast: Recent Episodes
James Inc.
One can talk about parenting and one can talk about what it takes to raise a child while still a teenager, the best way to learn and be educated about this subject is to hear from those parents themselves and the experts who are helping them. About J.A.M.E.S Inc: The product of Alisa Bell-Davis’ insights and experiences, J.A.M.E.S., Inc. (Just About Mothers Excelling in School) was established in 2006 to encourage and support higher educational aspirations among expecting and parenting teens and adolescents (up to age 24). An early parent herself, Ms. Bell-Davis recognized that completion of secondary education alone was unlikely enough to provide young parents with the opportunities they desired for their children.
Certified trauma support specialist, and grief coach Kimberly Vaughn Daniels discusses her story as a teen mom. Daniels shares growing up as the oldest of four in a loving two-parent home, feeling sheltered before entering public high school at 14, and becoming a mother at 17. She reflects on the sadness and fear of telling her parents, the family impact, and the importance of fathers being engaged beyond providing. Daniels explains how she stayed in her high school, took only two weeks off after giving birth, and relied on trusted church childcare to continue her education. She recounts being treated unfairly as an unmarried mom during delivery in 1984, and explains why she volunteers at James Inc to help young parents, emphasizing that no one has to do it alone and that stories can keep changing with support and community.
Former Tulsa City Councilor Connie Dodson became a mother at 16 and expresses how it reshaped her goals, support systems, and education. Connie shares how family help and the Margaret Hudson program enabled her to stay on track and graduate, discusses recovering from an emergency C-section, and emphasizes postpartum depression awareness as a hormonal issue. She reflects on raising five children, maintaining individuality through creative pursuits, reading, and writing, and offers advice for young parents to build a trusted support team. Connie talks about co-parenting, boundaries, and today’s added challenges for kids due to phones and social media, including toxic relationships and domestic violence. She also announces her run for Tulsa school board District 4 and encourages lifelong learning and early dual-language exposure.
Crystal Scarborough, a former career coach and certified life coach now pursuing a master’s in therapy, to discuss her story as a young parent. Crystal shares becoming “parentified” around age eight while her nurse mother worked and stepfathers entered the home, and how losing childhood freedom contributed to overwhelm and anxiety in adulthood. She describes a rape-related abortion at 14, having her first child at 15, placing another child for adoption, and later having the son who is living. Crystal explains marrying at 16, later becoming a single mom after her husband’s death in 2004, and credits the Margaret Hudson program with education, counseling, daycare support, and helping her graduate early. She discusses stigma, the need for ongoing open conversations, and advises young parents to seek support, journal, pray, and get wise counsel with boundaries.
Colleen McCarty, a lifelong Tulsan, prosecutor-trained attorney, wife and mother, and founder of Oklahoma Appleseed (currently on leave while campaigning) who is running for Tulsa County District Attorney. McCarty shares her background from the Bama Company to law school as a young mom, her prosecution and policy experience, and her work growing Appleseed. She explains what a district attorney does, case timelines, and where the justice system is improving (alternative courts) versus failing (repeat violent offenders and a mental health competency crisis tied to the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health). McCarty discusses the Oklahoma Survivors Act and one successful resentencing, advises young parents about boundaries and choosing relationships carefully, argues Tulsa is less safe than before, and emphasizes public safety, victim support, fairness, and transparency as her priorities.
Paula Marshall, CEO of Bama Companies and founder of the Paula Marshall Foundation, to discuss how becoming a teen mom at 19 shaped her life, leadership, and goals. Marshall shares a tumultuous upbringing marked by her father’s alcoholism, her early relationship struggles, domestic violence, and later a second marriage impacted by addiction and abuse. She explains how motherhood altered her education plans, how she balanced parenting with work and college, and why financial independence and education are key to escaping cycles of poverty and “spiritual poverty.” She emphasizes counseling, learning to set boundaries and say no as a parent, and advocating for supervised visitation when needed. Marshall also describes global travel experiences that changed her perspective on women’s rights and explains how a Ghana mission trip inspired her school-building foundation to combat child trafficking through education.
Former Oklahoma House District 71 Representative Amanda Swope, now Director of Tribal Policy and Partnerships for the City of Tulsa, to discuss being raised in a family impacted by a young parent and growing through related stigmas. Swope shares her upbringing in East Tulsa after her parents divorced, frequent school changes, and how her family relied on WIC, SNAP, Section 8, free and reduced lunch, tribal support, and GI Bill benefits. She explains how those experiences shaped her interest in social psychology, policy, and mediation, and describes how therapy helps her manage stress, build boundaries, and reframe family dynamics. The conversation also covers making politics more digestible, civic engagement, the idea that public offices should be accessible to all, and a need for a school for teen mothers with childcare in Tulsa.
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/ Please rate and review this episode on Apple Podcasts, and subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts.
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, https://tulsaworld.com/users/profile/ginnie%20graham/ (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/ (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!
In this fantastic episode, we talk with Jennifer Moss of BabyNames.com, the BabyNames.com Podcast and the author of the Baby Names Workbook. Jennifer walks us through the waves of baby name changes, whats in now, whats out now, and what certain names mean. Check her out at the links below: https://babynames.com/ https://babynames.com/podcast/
Brianna and Jesse are joined by executive director of Impact Tulsa, Carlisha Williams Bradley. Carlisha walks us through the current debate concerning Critical Race Theory. What it is, what it means, where it is actually taught, and where we go from here. Carlisha is also the only Black member of the state Board of Education and the only appointee who has ever worked as a classroom teacher. She recently took a principled stand against House Bill 1775. House Bill 1775 bans teaching that might cause any students to feel “discomfort,” “guilt,” “anguish” or “any other psychological distress” on account of their race or gender. It would intimidate teachers from addressing important events in U.S. and Oklahoma history, such as the Trail of Tears and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, because some children might feel discomfort because of the actions of their ancestors. Join us for a fascinating conversation. Find out more about JAMES Inc. and the Young Parents Advisory Council at https://jamesinc.org/.
We were honored to be joined by Catherine Betances, Education and Outreach Manager of the Take Control Initiative, and Jenny Briggs, MSW, the Program Director from Amplify Tulsa, to help us work through all of the different myths, legends, and unknowns of pregnancy and what we can do to help educate others about them. Find out more about JAMES Inc. and the Young Parents Advisory Council at https://jamesinc.org/.
Brianna and Jesse are joined by Alden Maynard. Alden talks about what it is like to be a father without having the knowledge, the memories, or the burden of being raised or really knowing his father. Find out more about JAMES Inc. and the Young Parents Advisory Council at https://jamesinc.org/.
Brianna and Jesse are joined by Tenesha Williams, former teen mother, business woman, and mother to an autistic child. She tells us about her journey as a teen parent, as a college age parent, and all the lessons learned and joy she has found raising her youngest son Joshua, who has autism. Please like https://jamesinc.org/ (James Inc.) on https://www.facebook.com/JAMESincorporated (Facebook) as well and subscribe to this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.
T Deloceano, YLC Program Coordinator for Amplify Tulsa joins the Young Parents Podcast to talk about the issues that issues that affect both young parents and young parents who are LBGTQ+. T Educates us on personal pronouns, what to do if you make a mistake, and how to bring more love into the world. Amplify Tulsa can be found on the https://amplifytulsa.org (web), on https://www.facebook.com/amplifytulsa (Facebook), and on https://www.instagram.com/amplifytulsa/ (Instagram) Please like https://jamesinc.org/ (James Inc.) on https://www.facebook.com/JAMESincorporated (Facebook) as well and subscribe to this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.
Marcus Anderson, Clinic Director and Instructor at Northeastern State University's Speech-Language Pathology Program, joins Alisa Bell and Jesse Ulrich to talk about how the laws and policies (like FERPA) that are designed to protect the privacy of students and children affects all of us, both positively and negatively. If you have ever wondered what happens to your children's or your records when you turn 18, what an IEP is, and what you can and not find out about a student in school, this is the episode for you. To find out more about J.A.M.E.S. Inc. visit their website: https://jamesinc.org/Please subscribe to this podcast, anywhere podcasts can be found! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Alisa and Jesse are joined by Paula Marshall, CEO of the Bama Companies. Paula tells us her story of being a young mother, her journey becoming the CEO of Bama Companies, and what she has learned along the way. Listen to her fascinating story help support J.A.M.E.S. Inc. as it continues to help young and adolescent parents during the Covid-19 Pandemic by donating here:https://jamesinc.org/donate/Please subscribe to the podcast anywhere podcasts can be found. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Alisa and Jesse are joined by Amber England, campaign director for Yes on 802. She tells the story of how State Question 802 came to be, the story of the fight over healthcare in this country and in this state, and her personal journey into political advocacy.To find out more about SQ802 before the vote on June 30th and to get involved check out their website: https://yeson802.org/To find out more about J.A.M.E.S Inc. and to support them, check out their website: https://jamesinc.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Donna Ross and Jocelyn Payne, two lifelong educators and organizers of J.A.M.E.S. Inc. Summer Parent Academy join Alisa and Jesse to discuss the history of the Summer Parent Academy, what they have learned from past years, what they have changed to meet the needs of the participants, and how the SPA will work this year during the Coronavirus Pandemic.To find out more about the SPA or to sign-up for the SPA, check out J.A.M.E.S. Inc. website here: https://jamesinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Summer-Parent-Academy-flyers.pdf See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In a very special, and remotely recorded episode, Dr. Runako Whittaker (pediatrician) joins Jesse Ulrich, Alisa Bell, as well as members of the Young Parent Advisory Board (Leah Blevins, Shaquanda Lewis, Sarah Cook, and Linda Ledesma) to answer questions about how to mentally and physically take care of your children, and yourself, during our current pandemic.To find out more about J.A.M.E.S. Inc., check out their website: https://jamesinc.org/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
For Women's History Month, Jesse and Alisa are joined by Dr. Marilyn Troupe. Dr. Marilyn Troupe was a teacher at the Margaret Hudson Program, and was a teacher to Alisa Bell while she was there. She talks about her experience as a teacher there, how teen pregnancy changed over time, what worked, what helped, and what can be done going forward.To keep up to date with J.A.M.E.S. Inc., follow them on Facebook here.To subscribe to this podcast, this link will help! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Leah Blevins, one of the success stories from Episode 1 returns. She tells us more of her story, how James Inc and their educational doulas continue to help her and how she is getting more involved helping others by starting a new group within James Inc.You can support James Inc by donating on their website: https://jamesinc.org/To keep up with all the amazing things James Inc. does, follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JAMESincorporated/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Alisa James and Jesse Ulrich talk with Jane Hill, one of the longtime teachers at the Margaret Hudson program and one of Alisa's former teachers. She discusses what the daily routine was like there, the challenges, the successes, and where we can go from here.Remember you can support James Inc here:https://jamesinc.org/donate/Produced by Rant9 Productions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
We at the James Inc. Podcast are very lucky that Alisa Bell recorded lunch conversations with Lois Gatchell, the first Executive Director of the Margaret Hudson program. Alisa and Lois talk about where the program came from and all the other great work that Lois Gatchell accomplished in her life.Remember you can support James Inc here:https://jamesinc.org/donate/ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In the first Podcasts for Good cross-over episode, Chris Miller and Jesse Ulrich from Pod 4 Good interview Alisa Bell from James Inc, and co-host of the James Inc Podcast to discuss teen pregnancy in Oklahoma. We talk about the changing demographics on teen and adolescent pregnancy, why those numbers are decreasing, and how we can help.You can support James Inc. here: https://jamesinc.org/You can become a patron of Pod 4 Good here: https://www.patreon.com/podcastsforgood See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Rebecca Fine, Education Policy Analyst and KIDS Count Coordinator for the Oklahoma Policy Institute discusses how Oklahoma's education policy affects not only teen pregnancy but all aspects of life.Rebecca mentions Making the Unequal Metropolis: School Desegregation and Its Limits (Historical Studies of Urban America) that book can be found here or anywhere books are sold.We also talk about the 1619 Project and the podcast and curriculum that goes with it. You can listen and subscribe to the podcast here and access the curriculum here.If you like podcasts like this and want to help Podcasts for Good produce podcasts for other worthy nonprofits, please support us on our Patreon page, https://www.patreon.com/podcastsforgood. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
In our first episode we hear from three women who had children as teenagers and, with a lot of energy and passion on their part, and a little help from James Inc, were able to stay in school and go on to lead rewarding and fantastic lives.If you like podcasts like this and want to help Podcasts for Good produce podcasts for other worthy nonprofits, please support us on our Patreon page, https://www.patreon.com/podcastsforgood. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.