E38: Sophia Laurenzi, Writer & Journalist

Meet Sophia Laurenzi, a dedicated journalist who covers health and policy, with a special focus on mental health and the criminal legal system. Sophia believes in the transformative power of words and humanity, and she is an ardent advocate for changing harmful systems into ones that are kinder, healthier, and more equitable for everyone. Sophia's journey into journalism took a profound turn four months after her father’s suicide when she left her family in New Jersey to become an investigator on death row. At just 23, she was driven by a quest for answers—why do people make the choices they do, and what could be done to alter the paths of those choices? The answers she uncovered, both within her own family and within the death penalty system, were far from what she had anticipated. In her subsequent work as a writer, Sophia has continued to delve into challenging questions and explore spaces where easy answers are elusive. Her reporting on mental illness within the prison system and her poignant essays on grief and loss have resonated deeply with many. Sophia's insightful work has been featured in prestigious publications such as TIME, The Washington Post, Slate, and more. She's currently working on her first book. Join us as we dive into Sophia’s compelling stories and insights, uncovering the intricate connections between personal experiences and systemic issues. Sophia Laurenzi official ⁠website⁠ and ⁠Instagram⁠. Follow Larry GIlbert on ⁠Instagram⁠. Follow the My Fame, Explained podcast on: ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YouTube