Brandon Steppe: “Shoulder to Shoulder” Mentorship That Changes Lives

Brandon Steppe left a corporate career to start a recording studio in his garage—never imagining that a few persistent neighborhood kids would change his life. Those early studio sessions grew into the David’s Harp Foundation, a nonprofit where justice-involved and opportunity youth in San Diego discover their voices and chart a path forward through music, media, and mentorship. This Episode Can rhythm and relationship change a young person’s life? Brandon shares how vulnerability and honesty became cornerstones of his organization’s culture, starting with a simple practice he calls flashlight first: mentors shine the light on themselves before asking youth to open up. From those early lessons grew a creative community that helps youth connect to support, record songs behind detention walls, and build micro-enterprises that pay real wages and teach real skills. Together with Grant, Brandon explores how art heals, how relationships transform justice, and how community-rooted workforce programs can help young people thrive. Key Moments: [4:05] How one determined teenager changed Brandon’s path [8:28] “Flashlight first”—earning trust through vulnerability [22:54] The importance of relational support [32:52] Creating access and opportunity in the creative economy [43:35] Turning a $1M gift into transformational community-based housing Resources Mentioned in This Episode: David’s Harp Foundation – Empowering youth through music, media, and mentorship Brandon Steppe TEDx Talk – On honesty and human connection Prebys Foundation Workforce Initiative – Supporting career pathways for youth Take Action: Listen First – Practice “flashlight first” in your own conversations. Invest in Creativity – Support programs that give young people tools to tell their stories. See Youth as Talent – Hire, mentor, or collaborate with local young creators. Value Relationship – Support programs that center relational care, not control.  Credits:This is a production of the Prebys FoundationHosted by Grant OliphantCo-Hosted by Crystal PageCo-produced by Crystal Page and Adam GreenfieldEngineered by Adam GreenfieldProduction Coordination by Tess KareskyVideo Production by Edgar Ontiveros MedinaThe Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove.Download episodes at your favorite podcatcher or visit us at StopAndTalkPod​cast​.orgSpecial thanks to the Prebys Foundation TeamIf you like this show, and we hope you do, the best way to support this show is to share, subscribe