Mr. Felix Garcia, a father who was engaged with the child welfare system discussedthe challenges faced while working to obtain full time custody of his daughter, despite facing several obstacles. Segments from this episode are featured in all of the episodes to capture a father’s voice as he goes through the child welfare process and provides listeners with an understanding of how fathers are impacted.

This episode explored bias, inequities and the impact of systemic racism from a historical context and provided concrete solutions to these challenges. This episode featured nationally recognized Fatherhood Champion, Kenneth Braswell, Chief Executive Officer of Fathers Incorporated. This widely recognized national and international nonprofit organization supports fathers, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers and provides capacity-building services to thousands of organizations working to ensure that fathers contribute to the health and well-being of their children. Mr. Braswell brings 30 years of collective work experience managing and leading fatherhood and community programs.

This episode explored how trauma, specifically ACEs, impacts fathering, providinglisteners with an understanding of the impact on children and families. The discussion provided strategies to support overall well-being and healthy connection through a trauma-informed lens. This episode featured Dr. Brian Freidenberg a clinical psychologist at the University at Albany's Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) and private practitioner.

All too frequently, when faced with court proceedings, fathers are often unaware of their rights and responsibilities as parents. This episode featured Statewide Coordinating Judge Richard Rivera, who discussed the importance of educating fathers and empowering them to have an active role in their children’s lives. In addition to Judge Rivera, Felix Garcia, shared his experience with the child welfare system and his ability to successfully gain custody of his daughter despite several obstacles.

In celebration of Pride month, this podcast explores a personal story of becoming an ally to the queer community. Special acknowledgment goes to the New York State, Office of Children’s Services employees who contributed to this podcast.

This episode illuminates the lived experience of Daniel Dobies, first time recipient of the NYS Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Edie Windsor fellowship, placed at Executive Chamber within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. This episode aims to increase awareness and normalize individuals who identify as part of the transgender and nonbinary community.

This episode focuses on mental health and visibility amongst other topics within the AAPI community.

This episode focuses on an interview between Albert, an Empire Fellow and Angelica, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Officer. They discuss identity and the model minority myth amongst other topics within the AAPI community.