InnerViews

In this episode of InnerViews, Ivory Bennett sits down with Nesta N. Johnson to explore what it means to reach an “It Gets Better” era after surviving systems and trauma. Together, they unpack the slow, nonlinear journey toward healing, the power of storytelling as both release and responsibility, and what it means to hold hope for the next generation. This conversation is honest, grounding, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating life after survival.Guest Bio:Nesta N. Johnson is a lived expert and storyteller whose work centers on healing, reflection, and the power of narrative. With a deep commitment to honesty and growth, Nesta uses their voice to explore the complexities of surviving systems, processing trauma, and stepping into a new chapter where hope and possibility begin to take root. Their perspective offers both grounding and inspiration for individuals navigating their own journeys toward healing.

In this episode of InnerViews, Ivory speaks with Tishon Sudlow and Sarah Robinson about youth voice, credible messengers, and community-led change in Brooklyn. Through artivism and coalition-building, they explore how young people transform lived experience into advocacy, healing, and action. This conversation highlights the power of storytelling as both resistance and restoration.

InnerViews is trying something new. In this special episode, we bring you the audio from Youth Voices Rising’s powerful webinar, Love Shouldn’t Hurt. Panelists with lived child welfare experience reflect on how trauma, housing instability, and system involvement can shape beliefs about love and safety. This honest conversation explores survival-based relationships, healing, and what it takes to build emotionally safe connections. Listener discretion advised.

In this restorative Season 3 premiere, host Ivory Bennett reunites with Dr. Alison Davis for a soulful conversation on renewal, emotional safety, and intentional becoming. Together, they reflect on the lessons of the past season, explore what no longer serves them, and name what deserves to be carried forward. This episode invites listeners to pause, breathe, and consider how healing, boundaries, and self-compassion can shape the life they’re building next.

In this powerful season finale, Ivory reflects on a transformative year—motherhood through kinship adoption, buying her first home, navigating love, and preparing for preventive surgeries after testing BRCA2+. Joined by spiritual healer and author Lorna J. Hines, she explores faith, ancestry, and healing beyond appearance. This conversation offers gentle truth: you can struggle and still be sacred. You can ache and still be anointed. And you, too, deserve good things.

In this episode of InnerViews, Ivory sits down with Realtor Joy Hill and Mortgage Banker David McGowan to discuss her journey to becoming a first-time homeowner—while navigating adversity, foster care advocacy, and single motherhood. Together, they unpack the realities of accessible homeownership, financial literacy, and breaking generational cycles. This episode is both informative and deeply personal, reminding us that building a home isn’t just about property—it’s about planting roots for possibility.This special episode celebrates a major milestone in Ivory’s story: becoming a first-time homeowner. Joined by her realtor, Joy Hill, and loan officer, David McGowan, Ivory reflects on what it meant to buy a home as a new foster mom overcoming systemic challenges. Together, they discuss the importance of financial readiness, community connections, and redefining stability on your own terms. Ivory also shares how she was introduced to Joy and David through lived expert Donnie Black, who hosted a free first-time homeownership seminar. The trio emphasizes that buying a home doesn’t mean you’re “stuck”—it’s a tool for empowerment and financial freedom.

In this powerful episode of InnerViews, Destiny Jackson shares her journey of navigating foster care, homelessness, and life with Type 1 diabetes—all while pursuing her dreams at Spelman College. From overcoming systemic barriers to advocating for healthcare equity and child welfare reform, Destiny’s story is one of courage, resilience, and unapologetic hope.

In this episode of InnerViews, we sit down with Lakievia to explore her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. From navigating the juvenile justice system to becoming a fierce champion for youth, she reveals how cycles can be broken through restorative justice, trauma-informed care, and community support. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on healing, hope, and rewriting the narrative for the next generation.

In this deliciously deep episode, we sit down with Nancy Konjo—author of From Jollof to Sweet Potato Pie and a faith-rooted justice advocate. We talk food as healing, faith as resistance, and what it means to build bridges across the African diaspora. Nancy shares how her Cameroonian roots, her spiritual journey, and her cultural creativity have shaped her commitment to community and justice. Resources Mentioned:Digital Cookbook – From Jollof to Sweet Potato PieBook a 1:1 Cooking ClassWebsite: nancygoesdigital.comInstagram: @nancy.konjo

In this deeply personal and profoundly moving episode, host Ivory Bennett is joined by mental health professional Dr. Alison Davis for a candid conversation about the emotional toll and transformative lessons of caregiving. From the complexities of single motherhood and fostering to the importance of emotional regulation, healing, and support systems—this conversation will resonate with anyone navigating life, loss, and love in the margins of care.Guest Bio:Dr. Alison Davis is a licensed mental health professional with plenty of experience supporting families, children, and youth impacted by trauma. With a deep understanding of grief, attachment, and systemic inequities, she brings a trauma-informed and heart-centered lens to everything she does. Dr. Davis is a sought-after speaker, consultant, and community leader passionate about breaking generational cycles through accessible, holistic mental health care.

In this powerful episode, changemakers Isabel Stasa, Erica Hickey, and Lily Colby share how they transformed personal pain into public purpose through advocacy. They discuss the founding of the National Network for Fostering Sibling Connections and their fight to preserve sibling bonds in foster care. This is a masterclass in lived expertise, policy change, and healing.Guest Bios: Isabel N. Stasa is the Head of Community Engagement & Public Affairs at Foster Greatness. A former foster youth, Isabel channels her seven years in the system into bold advocacy. She’s served on the National Foster Care Youth & Alumni Policy Council, contributed to federal legislation, and leads digital initiatives to elevate lived experience.Erica Hickey is a seasoned policy strategist with over a decade of impact across research, legislation, and community organizing. Her lived foster care experience fuels her mission to create family-first policies—especially around preserving sibling bonds in adoption and beyond.Lily Colby, Esq. is the founder of the National Network for Foster Sibling Connections. A Yale and Berkeley Law grad, Lily blends legal expertise with lived experience to drive national reform around sibling rights. She co-founded advocacy orgs like With Lived Experience and is a force for justice, empathy, and change.

In this episode, Ivory Bennett and special guest Theron Ogedengbe, a licensed therapist and powerhouse lived expert, unpack the delicate balance between healing, advocacy, and humanity. Together, they spill the tea on national advocacy, accountability, and why healing must come before hustle. Tune in for real talk, restorative wisdom, and a celebration of Black excellence in action.

In this powerful episode of InnerViews, Ivory Bennett sits down with Chaplain Dr. Kay Kizer — a trailblazing advocate and author — to discuss the realities of growing up in foster care, overcoming childhood trauma, and embracing the healing journey. Dr. Kizer shares her personal experiences navigating multiple foster homes and how those experiences led her to establish K's Carry On, a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring foster youth receive essential items and emotional support during transitions. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, faith, and the transformative power of purpose.

In this episode of InnerViews, host Ivory Bennett sits down with Montina Myers-Galloway, a licensed clinical mental health counselor, TEDx speaker, and advocate for Black women healing from parentification. Together, they explore the impact of adultification and emotional burdens placed on Black youth in foster care and juvenile justice. Montina shares how professionals can create trauma-informed spaces, support mental well-being, and empower youth to reclaim their narratives. This conversation is a must-listen for those committed to breaking cycles and fostering emotional healing in child welfare.Guest Bio: “Montina Myers-Galloway is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, speaker, workshop facilitator, and consultant for women who have carried the weight of parentification throughout their lives. Her notable TEDx talk, “Why Black Women Should Stop Being Responsible,” has challenged the silence around parentification and mental health within the community, opening up essential conversations. She has been featured on Fox46 Charlotte, appeared on various podcasts, and partnered with organizations to provide attendees with relatable yet transformative experiences. As the owner of Myers-Galloway Counseling, she specializes in educating and empowering women to take charge of their mental health and well-being.”

In this episode of InnerViews, Sensei Dave shares his journey from foster care and juvenile detention to becoming a mentor, author, and advocate for at-risk youth. Discover how his transformative "Inspire to Aspire" program equips young people with hope, skills, and resilience while empowering caring adults to create lasting change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about breaking cycles, fostering equity, and building brighter futures for youth impacted by the child welfare and juvenile justice systems.

In this special "Best of Season 1" episode of InnerViews, host Ivory Bennett revisits powerful moments from this year’s episodes. From healing generational trauma to empowering resilience in the face of adversity, Ivory highlights transformative insights from each guest. Join us for a reflection on themes of healing, self-discovery, and empowerment, celebrating the voices that made Season 1 unforgettable. Tune in for an inspiring recap and a glimpse of the exciting 2025 season ahead!

On InnerViews, Ivory Bennett speaks with Jose A. Perez, winner of the 2024 Youth Voices Rising New York Op-Ed competition, for his poignant essay, When Help Hurts: Foster Care vs. My Mom. In a powerful conversation, Perez shares his journey from New York’s foster care and prison systems to becoming an acclaimed poet, actor, and advocate. Listen as Jose reflects on a system that separated his family, the art that saved him, and his current role advocating for justice and opportunities for system-involved youth. Don't miss this impactful dialogue on resilience, transformation, and the power of family.

In this compelling episode of InnerViews, host Ivory Bennett talks with Christina Abraham about her journey as she aged out of the foster care system at 21. Christina shares her struggles navigating life in a group home and the challenges of finding stable housing in New York City. Through her story, Christina sheds light on the harsh realities faced by youth aging out of care and the urgent need for systemic change. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, hope, and the fight for security in adulthood.

In this powerful episode of InnerViews, host Ivory Bennett sits down with Brittney Lee, who endured 17 foster homes over 17 years. Brittney shares her inspiring journey of resilience, community engagement, and her mission to fight racial inequality within the child welfare system. With a passion for giving back, Brittney is committed to being a role model and creating positive change for youth in foster care, drawing from her own experiences and deep compassion. Don’t miss this episode on empowerment, healing, and breaking down systemic barriers.Guest Bio: Brittney LeeBrittney Lee experienced 17 foster homes in the span of 17 years of her childhood. Brittney’s current aspiration is to utilize her growth and knowledge gained from resilience, community involvement and employment opportunities with youth who have experienced foster care. She consistently involves herself in community conversations on child welfare and engages in opportunities where she can increase her understanding on how to best leverage her experience and meet her goals. One of those major goals is to become more educated on the subject of racial disproportionality in the child welfare system. Brittney hopes to work from the inside to come up with simple solutions to counteract racial inequality and institutionalized, structural racism that affects all youth in foster care today. Having grown up living with other children in the system from various backgrounds and at all kinds of emotional, mental and spiritual levels, Brittney has unconditional compassion in her heart to give back to the youth in the communities similar to those in which she grew up in as well as on a national and global level. She wishes to be a role model and source of support to youth experiencing foster care; to help them navigate all of the ups and downs; to be the someone that Brittney needed when she was younger.

In this episode of "InnerViews," join host Ivory Bennett in a real, raw conversation about reclaiming one’s narrative with New Yorker, Nathali Feliz. The two discuss the impact of storytelling and narratives in the development of child welfare engaged youth. Nathali discusses her life before, during, and after her time in the NY child welfare system. Together, we affirm the importance of empowering youth through positive narratives of healing and triumph. 

In this impactful episode of "InnerViews," join host Ivory Bennett in a candid conversation with Mike Ostien as they delve into the vital realm of men's mental and emotional health. Explore the intersections of identity, societal expectations, and holistic well-being, as Mike shares his insights and lived experiences. From confronting trauma and grief to fostering self-care and resilience, discover empowering strategies for navigating life's challenges. Together, let's break barriers and pave the way for a healthier, more supportive society for boys and men to thrive.

Embark on a transformative journey with Jas Snell on "InnerViews," as we delve into the empowering realm of healthy emotionality amidst trauma. Explore how Jas, a black woman with lived child welfare experiences, navigates the intricacies of mental and emotional health, cultivating resilience and empowerment. Uncover the transformative power of embracing emotions, fostering well-being, and advocating for holistic healing in oneself and the community.Content Warning: Sensitive topics will be discussed.

Join host Ivory Bennett in an insightful conversation with Saunya Jones as they explore the complexities of healing from trauma, neglect, and abuse within the foster care system. From mental,  emotional, and sexual health to the well-being of Black women, they delve into topics such as generational trauma, the intersection of past trauma and foster care, and societal stigmas hindering sexual assault survivors' paths to joy and agency. Discover empowering anecdotes and practical steps towards fostering healing, empowerment, and resilience for people with lived child welfare experiences.Find Saunya Jones at www.fullylovingyourself.co.

Join host Ivory Bennett on InnerViews as she delves into the complex intersections of trauma, health, and empowerment with special guest Dalyce Wilson. From the societal protection of predators to the health of Black women, Ivory and Dalyce explore topics such as sexual assault, trauma's impact on diseases like T1D, mental and emotional well-being, and the healing journey. Discover the power of forgiveness, the resilience of the human spirit, and actionable steps toward reclaiming self after trauma.Show Notes: National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Join us in an illuminating episode of "InnerViews" as we delve into the profound topic of healing trauma through the lens of re-parenting, guided by the wisdom of Deborah D. Denzel. Drawing from her lived expertise and career in improving the child welfare system, Deborah shares transformative insights into her personal journey of resilience. Explore the pillars of re-parenting and discover empowering strategies for self-nurturing and growth. Through candid reflections and empowering moments, Deborah reveals how embracing the concept of re-parenting has paved the way for healing, joy, and personal empowerment. Show Notes: Guest Bio: Deborah D. DenzelDeborah D. Denzel spent thirteen years in the Connecticut foster care system and aged out after graduating with her Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from Bennett College. Deborah has her Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and has dedicated her career to improving the child welfare system. Deborah has direct service experience as a state foster care worker, foster parent recruiter, trainer, program manager and mentor.Deborah also has experience as a program evaluator and researcher. She's conducted numerous research studies on child welfare at the University of Massachusetts, University of Michigan and Think of Us. Deborah’s currently the Business Development Manager of Fostering Media Connections. Deborah currently lives in Los Angeles and in her spare time enjoys crossfit, hiking, going on adventures and traveling. During the pandemic, she completed her goal of visiting all 50 states by her 30th birthday! Follow Deborah D. Denzel's journey:Contact Information: [email protected] or [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdenzel 

In the inaugural episode of "InnerViews," join host Ivory Bennett in a profound exploration of trauma, healing, and the well-being of Black women with esteemed guest Dr. Alison Davis. Delve into crucial topics such as generational trauma, misogynoire, and the significance of culture in mental and emotional health. Discover empowering insights on parenting, re-parenting, and the transformative journey towards intentional living. Together, let's embark on a path of healing and understanding, where courageous storytelling paves the way to a softer, more empowered life.Content warning: subjects discussed on InnerViews may include trauma, abuse and neglect.Show Notes: Guest Bio: A. K. Davis, Ed.D., LMHC, NCC, BCPC, LPC, ACS, SMEDr. Alison Kennedy Davis is an Assistant Psychology Professor at Miami Dade College; she also teaches as an Adjunct Professor for the Masters Counseling Education Programs at Trinity International University, Florida International University and St. Thomas University.  Before devoting her passion to the pathway of Higher Education she enjoyed a full career as a United States Postal Letter Carrier.  Dr. Davis provides services to South Florida Communities as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for diverse populations, the foster care program inclusive of all stages and ages as well as A Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. Dr. Davis is registered with Florida and Georgia as a Qualified Supervisor for postgraduates seeking licensure.Dr. Davis is a native Floridian; her academia includes Early Childhood Education, Interpersonal Communications, Psychological Studies and Counselor Education and Supervision. In addition to being a provider of public service, Dr. Davis has written a children’s book, “But I Can’t See It”, inspiring an early message of self-empowerment and critical thinking. Dr. Davis enjoys the great outdoors, family time, gaining and sharing knowledge, embracing community and the simple pleasures of life.

Welcome to InnerViews! We have an incredible season ahead that we can't wait to share with you.