The Fallout Chronicles

When Healing Becomes a Calling with Stacey Burgess

In this final episode of season one of The Fallout Chronicles podcast, co-hosts Michelle and Marta reflect on the season’s journey and introduce their special guest, Stacey Burgess, a licensed clinical social worker with over two decades of experience in trauma therapy. Stacey discusses her impactful book 'Empowering Children of Incarcerated Parents,' which provides practical exercises for children aged 7-12. She shares personal experiences and professional insights on trauma, including the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children, and therapeutic approaches like EMDR and somatic therapy. Stacey also opens up about her own challenges and strategies adopted while raising and adopting children from foster care, one of whom is currently incarcerated. Her dialogue offers educators, parents, and therapists valuable strategies for helping children navigate trauma and envision a hopeful future.

"You Are Not Alone": Megan Sullivan’s Journey of Hope and Advocacy

In this poignant episode on The Fallout Chronicles, we delve into the often overlooked impact of parental incarceration. Our guest, Megan Sullivan—a respected associate professor at Boston University and author of 'Parental Incarceration, Personal Accounts and Developmental Impact'—shares her personal journey and academic insights. Megan discusses her father's incarceration, the emotional and financial toll it took on her family, and her mission to create inclusive classrooms. This episode underscores the complex nuances of incarceration's impact on children and families, offering valuable perspectives for educators, policymakers, and those affected by similar experiences. Join us for an enlightening discussion that blends personal narrative with professional expertise to shed light on a critical social issue. You can find Megan Sullivan's books here: Parental Incarceration: Personal Accounts and Developmental Impact: https://amzn.to/4hcMSmm [https://amzn.to/4hcMSmm] Clarissa’s Disappointment: https://amzn.to/40u5FUG [https://amzn.to/40u5FUG] jrxrD5fTlkYjzCB405j6

Wajahat Ali - When the American Dream Becomes a Nightmare

In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles, hosts Marta Masferrer and Michelle Becerra welcome celebrated author and commentator Wajahat Ali. Ali shares his deeply personal narrative about his parents' sudden arrest in 2002, in the wake of 9/11, under Operation Cyberstorm for alleged software piracy involving Microsoft. He recounts the traumatic experience of handling his parents' incarceration as a 21-year-old, the financial and emotional fallout, and the community betrayal. Ali highlights the broader implications of criminal justice on immigrant families and the stigma associated with incarceration. Despite these hardships, Ali discusses how these events shaped his career in writing and commentary, offering a nuanced perspective on the American dream and incarceration. To learn more about Wajahat Ali: Book: Go Back to Where You Came From [https://www.wajali.com/] Substack: lefthook.substack.com [http://lefthook.substack.com/] @WajahatAli facebook.com/wajali http://www.thelavinagency.com/speakers/wajahat-ali

Capturing Family, Love, and Loss: The Art of Niko Krivanek

In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles, we delve into the emotional and artistic journey of Niko Krivanek, a young photographer whose work is deeply influenced by his mother's 20-year incarceration. Niko, a recent graduate of Tufts University and Rhode Island School of Design, shares his experiences and the essence behind his poignant photographic series such as Dear Sally, Love Mom and Natural Life. Through these projects, Niko captures the emotional landscapes of life touched by incarceration, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. The conversation covers Niko's artistic evolution, the supportive dynamics of his family despite the challenges, and his ongoing efforts to amplify voices of those impacted by the carceral system. Join us as we discuss art, family, and the profound effects of incarceration on personal and collective lives. To learn more about Niko visit: https://www.nikokrivanek.com/ [https://www.nikokrivanek.com/]

Turning Wounds into Purpose: The Road to Dharma

In this episode of The Fallout Chronicles podcast, hosts introduce Denise Druce, a certified yoga therapist, Schwinn master trainer, yoga teacher trainer, and TEDx keynote speaker. Denise shares her journey from fitness coach to yoga instructor, her battle with stage four cancer, and how she founded Yoga Forward to bring yoga to underserved communities, including inmates at the Utah State Correctional Facility. She discusses the transformative power of yoga, both physically and mentally, for herself and her students. Denise also reflects on her personal history, including her father's incarceration and how it inspired her nonprofit work. The episode delves into the impact of yoga on inmates and correctional officers, the importance of living in the present, and Denise's plans for future programs to support children of incarcerated parents.