Change Agents The Podcast

The Foundation of Freedom: Maria Garza on Housing, Healing & Change

After over a decade behind bars, Maria Garza returned to a world with little support and even less stability. Facing housing insecurity and emotional strain, she saw firsthand the failures of a system that promised rehabilitation but delivered barriers. Determined to break the cycle, she co-founded Challenge II Change, a reentry organization that centers stable housing and mental health as the foundation for real second chances.Produced by Cary Robbins, with Noble Thompson and Noah Tomko-Jones  for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with Maria Garza and Challenge II Change @challengeiichange Donate to Reparations Media & Change Agents Production Lab Follow us online: Reparationsmedia.org changeagentsthepodcast.com changeagents@reparationsmedia.org

Harry Peña: From Prison to Purpose

When a rash decision changed the course of his life, Harry Peña spent decades behind bars. But prison didn't break him — it revealed his purpose. Determined to turn his painful past into a force for good, Harry founded the Life Impacters Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to disrupting the incarceration and recidivism cycle that traps so many formerly incarcerated people. 

Wendell Robinson: Life Sentence to Reentry Reform

Sentenced to life in prison at just 19 years old, Wendell Robinson drew his own map to freedom. Now, through his work at Restore Justice, Robinson uses his experience and knowledge to help other formerly incarcerated people navigate the reentry system and find their place in society.Produced by Skylah Martinez, Bing Wang, and Eliza Westhusing for Reparations Media NFP | In collaboration with Wendell Robinson and Restore Justice Foundation Donate to Reparations Media & Change Agents Production Lab Reparationsmedia.org changeagentsthepodcast.com changeagents@reparationsmedia.org

Struggle to Serve: Larry Sapp and the push for political inclusion

“Struggle to Serve: Larry Sapp and the push for political inclusion”Larry Sapp has dedicated the past 30 years to serving his community. In 2021, he was elected to the Sauk Village Board of Trustees, promising to get the community thriving again after years of decay.  His dream was deferred when he was removed from the Board for a decades-old felony drug conviction that he had openly disclosed during his path to elected office. Now, Sapp is fighting for the rights of returning citizens to serve their communities without limitations, including holding local public office.Produced by Ruchi Nawathe and Vivienne Madsen for Reparations Media NFP In collaboration with Larry SappDonate to Reparations Media & Change Agents Production Lab Follow us online: Reparationsmedia.org changeagentsthepodcast.com changeagents@reparationsmedia.org

Shimere Love-Shanklin: From Struggle to Strength

“Shimere Love-Shanklin: From Struggle to Strength”Finding employment and opening doors that seem permanently closed is a barrier that people with felony records continually face. Shamere Love-Shanklin knows this reality all too well. In this episode, Love-Shanklin shares her reentry journey—navigating the challenges, embracing the triumphs, and reclaiming her identity after years of incarceration—and how her criminal justice reform advocacy work transforms the system designed to hold people like her back.Produced by Aaliyah McFadden and Isabella Salinas [PRODUCER CONTACT/HANDLE] for Reparations Media NFP Donate to Reparations Media & Change Agents Production Lab Follow us online: Reparationsmedia.org changeagentsthepodcast.com changeagents@reparationsmedia.orgKeywords: Illinois, Incarceration, systems impacted, justice reform, Chicago, Rockford, Activism, housing rights, employment discrimination, felony disenfranchisement, family separation, restorative justice, recovery, domestic