Turning Tragedy into Purpose: The Story Behind Live Like Braun

In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Jennifer Levi, founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, to share the story of unimaginable loss, love, and legacy.Jennifer opens up about losing her 18-year-old son, Braun, to a drunk driver — just months after their family lost their home in the California wildfires. Rather than let grief consume her, she and her family chose action. The Live Like Braun Foundation was born to honor Braun’s life — one defined by kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and a magnetic spirit that inspired everyone he met.Jennifer discusses her mission to raise awareness about DUI reform, launch scholarships for students pursuing higher education or trade programs, and spread Braun’s message of living boldly and leading with love. She also shares her advocacy work with MADD and efforts to implement AI-powered car technology that could prevent impaired driving.This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, one person’s story can spark a nationwide movement for change.Learn more and support: www.livelikebraunfoundation.orgFollow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundationTimestamps00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Jennifer Levi01:30 – The California wildfires and family displacement03:00 – Losing Braun to a drunk driver05:00 – Choosing action over isolation06:30 – “The worst day of my life became my life’s work”08:00 – How the Live Like Braun Foundation began10:00 – Scholarships, awareness, and impact12:00 – The problem with lenient DUI laws in California15:00 – AI and technology to prevent drunk driving18:00 – Education and defensive awareness for teens21:00 – Partnering with MADD and law enforcement23:00 – How Live Like Braun is inspiring kids nationwide25:00 – Scholarships for trade schools and college students27:00 – Healing through service and purpose30:00 – Where to follow and get involvedPowerful Quote“The worst day of my life has now become my life’s work.” – Jennifer LeviGuest BioJennifer LeviFounder, Live Like Braun FoundationJennifer Levi is the founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, an organization created to honor her late son, Braun, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at 18 years old. The foundation promotes kindness, inclusivity, and courage — values Braun embodied — while also raising awareness around impaired driving and providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education, trade, or vocational programs.Jennifer’s advocacy includes working with MADD and state leaders to strengthen DUI laws, introduce AI-powered prevention technology in vehicles, and provide educational programs in high schools. Through her work, she continues to turn unimaginable pain into a movement of hope and purpose.Website: www.livelikebraunfoundation.orgInstagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundationResources Mentioned• Live Like Braun Foundation – www.livelikebraunfoundation.org• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – www.madd.org• HALT Act & AI Vehicle Technology• “Defensive Living” Education Programs for TeensFollow Finding New WatersInstagram: www.instagram.com/newwatersrecoveryFacebook: www.facebook.com/newwatersrecoveryLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recoveryTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_ncListen & WatchWebsite: www.findingnewwaters.comSpotify: open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5GjwApple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXwYouTube Music: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn#JenniferLevi #LiveLikeBraun #DUIAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #GriefToPurpose #ScholarshipFoundation #ImpairedDrivingPrevention #BraunLeviLegacy #MADD