
Welcome to Season 6 of the WE GOT US NOW PodcastHosted by Ebony UnderwoodMental Health Awareness Series: 7 Unspoken RealitiesEPISODE 3 of 7: Child ParentificationIn this episode, Ebony and Dr. Ron-Li Liaw explore what happens developmentally when children are pushed into adult roles long before they’re ready. They discuss the profound loss that occurs when childhood is replaced by survival, and the quiet, often invisible weight these children carry.No child should have to grow up that fast. Many lose the safety, play, and emotional space they need to simply be kids. The impact can ripple through their sense of self, relationships, and well-being for years to come.##########Our annual WE GOT US NOW Podcast takes a thematic twist this year with the launch of our SPECIAL EDITION: Mental Health Awareness Series: 7 Unspoken Realities. This season, Ebony is joined by Dr. Ron-Li Liaw, Children’s Hospital Colorado’s inaugural Mental Health-In-Chief, Chair of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, and a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist whose work advances mental health integration, family engagement, clinician well-being, design innovation, and systems-level transformation in youth mental health.POWERED by: Chicago Beyond, RWJFTo learn more, go to: WEGOTUSNOW.org#BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthStigma #ChildMentalHealth #TraumaInformed #DrRonLiLiaw #EbonyUnderwood #WeGotUsNowPodcast #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CYAIPI #WEGOTUSNOW
May 27
5 min

Welcome to Season 6 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast.Hosted by Ebony Underwood.Mental Health Awareness Series: 7 Unspoken RealitiesEPISODE 2 of 7: Impact of Stigma: In this episode, Dr. Ron-Li Liaw & Ebony explore the fear of judgment and stigma that stops children from seeking help, and what it actually means to normalize mental health support for young people.##########Our annual WE GOT US NOW Podcast takes a thematic twist this year with the launch of our SPECIAL EDITION: Mental Health Awareness Series: 7 Unspoken RealitiesThis season, Ebony is joined by Dr. Ron-Li Liaw, Children’s Hospital Colorado’s inaugural Mental Health-In-Chief, Chair of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, and a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist whose work advances mental health integration, family engagement, clinician well-being, design innovation, and systems-level transformation in youth mental health.POWERED by: NBA Foundation, Sony MusicTo learn more, go to: WEGOTUSNOW.org#BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthStigma #ChildMentalHealth #TraumaInformed #DrRonLiLiaw #EbonyUnderwood #WeGotUsNowPodcast #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CYAIPI #WEGOTUSNOW
May 20
4 min

Welcome to Season 6 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast.Hosted by Ebony Underwood.Our annual WE GOT US NOW Podcast takes a thematic twist this year with the launch of our SPECIAL EDITION: Mental Health Awareness Series: 7 Unspoken RealitiesThis season, Ebony is joined by Dr. Ron-Li Liaw, Children’s Hospital Colorado’s inaugural Mental Health-In-Chief, Chair of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, and a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist whose work advances mental health integration, family engagement, clinician well-being, design innovation, and systems-level transformation in youth mental health.Together, Ebony and Dr. Liaw engage in a weekly conversation exploring important realities that shape the lives of children separated from a parent by incarceration — from the trauma of witnessing a parent’s arrest to the impact of separation on the body, nervous system, and developing mind.Over the next seven weeks, Ebony guides a powerful conversation rooted in lived experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to centering children and young adults impacted by parental incarceration, with Dr. Liaw bringing clinical expertise and systems-level insight to help illuminate each reality.This series invites us to listen more deeply, understand more fully, and respond more compassionately to one of America’s most invisible populations.Season 6 begins now. Episode One is live.POWERED by: Chicago Beyond, RWJFTo learn more, go to: WEGOTUSNOW.org#ChildMentalHealth #TraumaInformed #DrRonLiLiaw #ParentalIncarceration #EbonyUnderwood #WeGotUsNowPodcast #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #CYAIPI #WEGOTUSNOW
May 13
8 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by NBA FoundationHOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodFor our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!S5 | EP6: JOEL AUSTIN ~ Educating & Equipping the World with Tools for Engaged, Informed and Empowered FatherhoodJoel Austin is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of DADDY UNIVERSITY, INC.® and Vice President of nonprofit, School of Parent Education (SPE) . At these organizations, Mr. Austin has uplifted fathers, transformed families, and rewritten what parent education can and should look like. As a father of four, his passion for this work is both personal and professional. He serves as a strong, force pushing male parenting and positive fatherhood to the forefront of family and community conversations, and is deeply committed to educating—and re-educating—the world about the importance of engaged, informed and empowered fatherhood. For the past 21 years, his leadership has grown Daddy University Inc. into a nationally recognized authority on fatherhood education, training, and support. In this episode, Joel breaks down the science, research & data on fatherhood and gives insights & expertise from his 21 years of experience training Dads inside and outside of prison. He believes, "Every father deserves the tools to succeed, and every family deserves the benefit of his success." So many educational gems & lessons in this episode!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on ApplePodcasts , Spotify and all podcasts platforms. #WEGOTUSNOW #FathersDay #DaddyUniversity #JoelAustin #Dad #Daddy #Father #Family #Children #Daughter #Son #Boy #Girl #Fatherhood #GirlDad #ParentEducation #PaternalHealth #MaternalHealth #MensMentalHealth #FamilyEducation #KeepFamiliesConnected #WeGotUsNowCommunity
Jun 15, 2025
56 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by Chicago Beyond HOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodFor our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected. S5 | EP5: MIKO UNDERWOOD ~ Fashion as a Bridge: Catalyzing Healing, Sustainability & Creative ExpressionMiko Underwood is the award-winning Founder / Designer of OAK & ACORN ~ Only for the Rebelles, the first sustainable brand in Harlem, NY. A denim expert and innovator, with nearly twenty years of wash, product and brand development, Miko has become a leading voice in the sustainable denim space. She is committed to propelling the fashion industry into a more sustainable era where empowerment, cultural responsibility & accountability are at the forefront. She is passionate in telling a more inclusive American Denim story by shining a light on the UNTOLD HISTORY of the Indigenous American and the enslaved Africans contributions that have shaped American manufacturing and American Denim. Miko noticed firsthand the devastating environmental effects of manufacturing denim, inspiring her to research and innovate sustainable alternatives.Her work in Denim has won her industry accolades including a feature in VOGUE & other global recognition. The CEO of Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Stephen Kolb, recommended Miko as WGSN Future Designer 2021. And she was voted as one of the most influential people in denim for the Rivet 50 2021, an annual index of the most influential people in denim globally. Miko is also the 2021 WINNER of RIVET + PROJECT AWARDS: Best Men Collection. She garnered support from fashion organizations like Harlem's Fashion Row, RAISEfashion & is a CFDA/Bethann Hardison Designer Hub Grant Recipient and Designer Hub Founding Member. OAK & ACORN was one of 6 brands featured in Nordstrom NYC’s Black Founders x Center Stage Pop-Up in February 2020. The brand made history in Nordstrom as the first Black Designer Brand on the Designer 4th Floor in their New York City Flagship. OAK & ACORN ~ Only for the Rebelles has been listed as “Label to Watch” by The SPINOFF, HIGHSNOBIETY, HYPEBAE and most recently was highly recommended by Essence Magazine's, EssenceGu "Look to Shop" for BEYONCE's Cowboy Carter Tour. In this episode, Miko takes us along her personal journey and shares who and what sparked fashion and denim design for her. She gives insights into the creative process of fashion design, the importance of sustainability, and how her passion for art & design has been a healing catalyst for spiritual, transformation and creative expression.This insightful episode is deeply introspective and inspiring!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on ApplePodcasts , Spotify and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW #Fashion #Artist #Sustainability #Denim #History #OakandAcorn #OnlyFortheRebelles #ArtistisTheHealer #Designer #MikoUnderwood #Craftsmanship #Creative #CreativeExpression #Incarceration #Daughter #Father #Mother #Family #WeGotUsNowCommunity
Jun 11, 2025
52 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by Libra Foundation HOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodFor our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected. S5| EP4: J. MARK EDDY ~ Bridging Interdisciplinary Perspectives to Inform Research on the Issue of Children with Incarcerated ParentsDr. J. Mark Eddy is a Senior Scientist and Licensed Psychologist. He is also a professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Kinesiology and Health Education within the College of Education at The University of Texas at Austin. As a prevention scientist, he develops and rigorously tests prevention and intervention programs intended to benefit children and families, and particularly those who are living in stressful circumstances. His recent work centers on the conduct of randomized controlled trials of multimodal interventions in partnership with school systems, the juvenile justice system, the adult corrections system, the child welfare system, and the military, as well as with nonprofits that work with these and related systems. His research has focused on communities in the U.S. and in Central AmericaIn this episode, Dr.Eddy shares insights into his career journey, from his initial inspirations to his fundamental research. He discusses his work developing family-centered interventions and the crucial role of interdisciplinary approaches in shaping research. This conversation highlights Ebony Underwood's collaboration as a co-author of a chapter in the Handbook on Children with Incarcerated Parents: Research, Policy, and Practice, Second Edition, and Dr. Eddy provides important historical context and clarity on the harmful and persistent myth surrounding children with incarcerated parents. This important discussion offers a glimpse into Dr. Eddy's scholarly leadership, personal reflections, and his anticipated future contributions. A very informative episode NOT to be MISSED!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on SPOTIFY, ApplePodcasts and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW #Family #Children #ParentsBehindBars#IncarceratedParents #Incarceration#JMarkEddy #Psychology #Science #Research #WellBeing #WeGotUsNowCommunity
Jun 4, 2025
1 hr 13 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by Satterberg FoundationHOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodFor our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected. S5| EP3: JENNIFER JONES ~ Beauty Marks for Girls: Addressing Trauma for Girls With Incarcerated Mothers through long-term Mentorship, Care & CommunityJennifer Jones is an award-winning educator, entrepreneur, and young professional dedicated to leaving an indelible mark on the globe. She is a graduate of Columbia College and the founder of nonprofit organization, Beauty Marks for Girls. Beauty Marks for Girls is an organization geared towards empowering the lives of girls whose mothers are incarcerated. In this episode, Jennifer shares what it is like growing up with an incarcerated mother and her quest to heal her childhood trauma. In 2019, Jennifer founded Beauty Marks for Girls, a 501(c)(3) long-term mentorship program for girls that uses leadership to empower elementary, middle, and high school girls whose mothers are in prison in South Carolina. Before launching Beauty Marks for Girls, Jennifer traveled back to her hometown to volunteer at Greenwood, SC's Leath Correctional Institution. She admits teaching women empowerment in the institution changed her life and is where she found her calling. Jennifer has several years of management experience in the public and private sectors and has overseen the development and implementation of over six effective programs at Beauty Marks for Girls geared towards ages 8–18. Since Beauty Marks for Girls was founded, the lives of countless underrepresented girls have been changed for the better, and they have overcome significant social and emotional challenges. Beauty Marks for Girls has helped four girls get back on track and graduate from high school, and has helped them with entering college on partial or full-ride scholarships. Jennifer's goal is to establish trauma-sensitive communities where every girl with an incarcerated parent is given the tools they need to face challenges, heal, develop, and flourish to realize her full potential and end intergenerational incarceration. This is an episode NOT to be MISSED!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on SPOTIFY, APPLE Podcasts and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW#Girls #Women #Mothers #Family #Trauma#BeautyMarksForGirls #Mentoring #Mentorship #Mentor #WellBeing #Incarceration #ChildrenwithIncarceratedParents #Childrenofincarceratedparents#WeGotUsNowCommunity
May 29, 2025
52 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by RWJFoundationHOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodFor our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected.S5 | EP2: FOX & ROB RICHARDSON ~ TIME II: Unfinished Business ~ A TIMELESS LOVE STORYSibil Fox and Robert Richardson, affectionately known among their peers as FoxandRob, are a popular New Orleans-based couple who endured and survived twenty-one years as an incarcerated family. In 1997, Rob Rich, a first offender in Louisiana, was sentenced to 61-years as a result of overzealous prosecution. Not to be denied, after her release from prison in 2002, Fox Rich led a valiant charge to regain her husband’s freedom. In June 2018 Governor John Bel Edwards granted clemency to Rob. Ninety days later he was released. Their story is told in the acclaimed, award-winning documentary TIME, and the forthcoming sequel, TIME II: Unfinished Business.In this episode, Fox and Rob give us an inside look into their timeless love story. Together a total of 38 years total and survived 21 of those years as an incarcerated family. They share their story of love, surviving the criminal justice system and raising six successful sons. Their work continues through their advocacy for incarcerated families through the NOLA chapter of Participatory Defense Movement, an initiative of Rich Family Ministries, which they founded with the vision of “changing lives and laws through love” and dedicated to empowering families and marriages to thrive. Take a moment to absorb this Unforgettable Journey of Love, against all odds!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on SPOTIFY, APPLE Podcasts and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW#FoxAndRob #Mother #Father #Children #Justice #Freedom #Sons #Family #Reunification #Love #Marriage #Partnership #Incarceration #ChildrenwithIncarceratedParents #WellBeing #TIMEIIWATCH #UnfinishedBusiness #JusticeForGenerations#WeGotUsNowCommunity
May 21, 2025
49 min

WELCOME to Season 5 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by NBA FoundationHOSTED by Ebony UnderwoodHAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!For our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected. S5 | EP 1: BREE ANDERSON: A Mother's Love ~ Reproductive Justice ChangemakerBree Anderson is a WE GOT US NOW Actionist and the Co-Founder & Executive Director of A'sani Heartbeat Foundation. As a New Orleans, Louisiana native, her journey into social justice started as a daughter impacted by the wrongful conviction of her father, Robert Jones. This led her to empower women and girls as the Co-Founder of Daughters Beyond Incarceration. However, her passion and mission transformed to Reproductive Justice, fueled by her own direct experience of parenthood, preterm birth, prematurity, maternal health and infant mortality.Today, Bree and her loving partner, Andre Apparicio, are co-founders of A'sani Heartbeat Foundation and Dad-A-Port dedicated to creating laws that will support infant mortality, maternal & paternal health, and neonatal infancy. Bree has served on several boards and transition teams dedicated to providing restorative healing to communities. Through her dedication to social justice, she has been called a Millenium Changemaker making a positive impact on the lives of countless children and families. She is the author of the book, In My Own Words, which has sold over 1000 copies and her work has been recognized and featured in The New York Times, Forbes 30 under 30, BBC, BET and other national outlets.In this episode, Bree shares her story and gives our audience an up close and personal insight into what ignited her to become a Reproductive Justice Changemaker dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of families and communities. She shares her continued motivation to support children of incarcerated parents through WE GOT US NOW with mentorship, policy, and advocacy towards the goal of dismantling unjust systems and providing healing to those affected by them.Bree continues to strive to make the world a better place. This Episode is Not to be Missed!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram | LinkedInLISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW #10MillionInspired #BreeAnderson #BreeofNola #ActionistinAction #ChildWellBeing #Community #Allies #Wellness #ChildrenwithIncarceratedParents #WeGotUsNowPodcast
May 11, 2025
1 hr 1 min

WE GOT US NOW #KeepFamiliesConnected campaign series
WELCOME to Season 4 of the WE GOT US NOW Podcast series POWERED by The Just Trust
HOSTED by Ebony Underwood
For our 6th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected.
Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, MD, MBA | MSc | FAAP is a pediatrician and a physician-investigator at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and in the Department of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She examines the influence of social adversities experienced in childhood and subsequent child and adolescent health. Dr. Heard-Garris is also interested in the factors that contribute to thriving and resilience despite these experiences. Dr. Heard-Garris completed a prestigious Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholars Fellowship at the University of Michigan. She earned her Master of Science in Health and Healthcare Research. She received her Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Howard University College of Medicine and helped to launch the student-run free clinic serving DC residents. Dr. Heard-Garris earned her Bachelor of Science in biology at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Heard-Garris is also an active member in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Heard-Garris has had numerous media appearances, including CNN/Sesame Street, NPR, NBC, and numerous others.
In this episode, she takes our listeners on a deep dive about the impacts of structural racism on the lives of children with incarcerated parents. She believes in using research to better inform clinical practice and policy that supports youth, their families, and their communities to become their healthiest selves and thrive. Don't Miss This Insightful Discussion!
FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: WEGOTUSNOW.org | Instagram | Twitter
LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on SPOTIFY, APPLE Podcasts and all podcasts platforms.
#WEGOTUSNOW #10MillionInspired #ChildWellBeing #Community #Allies #ChildrenwithIncarceratedParents #WeGotUsNowPodcast
Jun 16, 2024
50 min
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