What I Know Now

About What I Know Now

To share compelling stories about system-impacted youth, their families, and their communities, so that listeners are inspired to take meaningful community action and support the advocacy work of the Delta Project.

Publisher

The Delta Project

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

8 Nov 2023

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

38 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Oct 2026

   Visibility in the System: Nicholas Dean on Fatherhood, Adversity, and Advocacy | S3E1

   Season 3 of "What I Know Now" kicks off by spotlighting the power of visibility—how being seen, heard, and valued shapes lives and communities. In this episode, Nicholas Dean opens up about his transformation from a 16-year-old in juvenile detention to a father, mentor, and advocate for young dads at The Delta Project (www.thedeltaproject.co). Guided by host Cole Williams , Nicholas shares intimate moments of heartbreak, loss, and triumph, revealing what it takes to navigate intimidating legal systems while never losing hope. Nicholas’s story unfolds across battles with child custody, the challenges of Friend of the Court, and the daily struggle to prove himself as a father—and as a person worthy of support. He discusses how raw authenticity, hard-earned knowledge, and resilient community ties became his sources of strength. This episode is not only a story of one man’s journey but a call for systems and leaders to recognize every individual’s humanity and potential. Listen in for honesty, hope, and practical wisdom that lifts up fathers, families, and everyone searching for their place in the world. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review on Spotify, iTunes, or your favorite podcast platform. Find more resources and connect with The Delta Project at www.thedeltaproject.co.

2. 

   12 Jun 2026

   Episode 37 - Community, Culture, and Comebacks: Adam Hoeksma’s Lessons on Legacy After Hard Times

   In this season finale episode of What I Know Now by The Delta Project, host Cole Williams sits down with Adam Hoeksma, owner of Shiny Diamond Auto Detailing & Hand Wash (https://www.facebook.com/SHINYDIAMOND1600/), Grand Rapids native, father, grandfather, and dedicated community mentor. Together, they explore real stories of resilience, second chances, and the transformative impact of support systems on youth navigating the juvenile justice system. Adam Hoeksma shares how a family’s encouragement turned a childhood passion for cars into a thriving business, sustaining him for over 37 years. He opens up about the journey from youthful mistakes—including a life-changing experience in prison—to building legacy through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and mentorship for youth with juvenile justice involvement. Listeners will discover the importance of supporting young people to discover their passions, the realities of returning home with a felony record, and the challenges and opportunities for personal and community growth in Grand Rapids. This episode dives into topics like generational wisdom, fatherhood, overcoming societal stigmas, the power of community-driven events, and what it means to genuinely uplift the next generation. Whether you’re interested in youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, breaking cycles of incarceration, or reimagining the juvenile justice system, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and motivation to get involved and make a difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about legacy, identity, and finding purpose—no matter where you start.

3. 

   22 May 2026

   Episode 36 - Healing After Incarceration: How Taylor Made Re-Entry Changes Lives in Michigan

   In this powerful episode of What I Know Now, host Cole Williams welcomes Dee Dee Taylor, founder and president of Taylor Made Re-Entry, for a candid conversation about the realities of reentry after incarceration. Together, they dig deep into the urgent need to reimagine the juvenile justice and criminal justice systems, exploring the human stories often hidden behind statistics. Dee Dee shares her inspiring journey as a national leader, shaped by personal experience with incarceration in her family—including the tragic loss of her sister, Breonna Taylor. She reveals what it’s really like for men and women returning home after jail or prison, highlighting barriers like poverty, lack of resources, and gaps in support and community understanding. This episode tackles tough questions: Why is reentry work still dominated by men? How does incarceration impact not just individuals but entire families? What does healing and forgiveness look like for people affected by the justice system? Hear stories of resilience, the importance of second chances, and the behind-the-scenes work happening in Michigan to empower returning citizens through housing, employment, mental health support, and more. Whether you have a loved one in jail, work in criminal justice, or just care about building safer, more humane communities, tune in for eye-opening insights, practical solutions, and hope that real change is possible. Don’t miss this moving talk about compassion, accountability, and seeing the humanity in everyone touched by incarceration.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

23

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

68

Contact What I Know Now

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.