Lived-experience advocate unveils ‘Talk to Me’ podcast for system-involved youth

Sherry Bradford, a lived-experience advocate, introduced the "Talk to Me" podcast — a youth-led series aimed at helping young people who have been involved in foster care and the juvenile justice system — during public comment at a Los Angeles County meeting.

Bradford said the podcast is designed to “provide a safe and brave space to have courageous conversations” and to connect listeners with resources. She said the project was developed and led by young people and pairs those youth voices with subject-matter experts to highlight topics such as the foster youth bill of rights, policing, LGBTQIA+ issues, secondary education and workforce development, and permanency.

"The aim of this podcast is to support young people with issues that are commonly encountered in the foster care and juvenile justice systems and give them resources to navigate and to overcome these issues," Bradford said. She added the series centers youth voices and allows young people "to lead discussions on topics that matter to us and to explore what can be done differently to support young people in these areas."

Bradford credited several partners and funders for helping bring the season to life. She thanked the Office of Child Protection and Trauma Informed LA for coordinating and funding the project; Castilla Consulting Partners for learning and development support; the Los Angeles County Youth Commission for partnership; and Kids in the Spotlight for providing space and expertise. Bradford said the season includes nine episodes and encouraged listeners to "watch, share, and support the Talk to Me podcast."

The remarks were an informational announcement during the meeting’s public comment period; no formal county action or vote on the podcast was reported at the meeting and no funding amounts were specified.

For follow-up or to hear the series, Bradford invited the public to engage with the podcast and its upcoming episodes.