Every young person deserves someone who still sees possibility.

This week’s "What I Know Now" episode launches Season 3 with an unfiltered look at visibility for young people and families affected by the justice system. Nicholas Dean’s story begins inside juvenile detention at 16, but this is not a tale about incarceration—it’s about reclaiming voice, agency, and dignity. Through adversity and loss, including heartbreak over child custody and navigating Friend of the Court, Nicholas became determined not to be defined by systems designed to keep him invisible.

Now a mentor with The Delta Project, Nicholas stands beside new generations of young fathers. He demonstrates that being present, honest, and persistent—showing up even when the odds seem impossible—is a form of radical visibility. His approach to mentorship isn’t about talking at others, but walking alongside them—making space so they can own their stories and shape their futures.

Season 3’s focus on visibility means honoring the experiences that shape us, and challenging systems to do better. This episode sets the tone for stories that don’t just expose hardship, but lift up hope, resilience, and real-life tools for navigating change. Nicholas’s journey is visibility in action—a blueprint for others to not give up, to try, and to be seen.

The episode explores Adam Hoeksma’s journey from a young car enthusiast in Grand Rapids to owner of Shiny Diamond Auto Detailing, highlighting his deep-rooted passion for detailing, shaped by family support and personal drive. Adam Hoeksma reflects on fatherhood across generations, sharing how his roles as a father and grandfather, combined with his diverse upbringing, inform both his business philosophy and commitment to legacy. The discussion addresses the realities of reentry after incarceration, as Adam Hoeksma candidly recounts his own experience with the justice system, challenging stereotypes about returning citizens and offering practical advice on rebuilding through resilience, community networking, and communication. The episode also delves into the importance of mentorship, community engagement, and creating supportive spaces for young people navigating the juvenile justice system. Through personal anecdotes, Adam Hoeksma and Cole Williams underscore the value of balance, rest, and listening—both in business and life—as essential lessons for anyone seeking to create lasting change for themselves and their communities.

The episode explores Dee Dee Taylor's personal journey and her commitment to reimagining reentry support for those leaving incarceration. She shares how her early exposure to the criminal justice system, shaped by her father's incarceration, influenced her to found Taylor Made Re-Entry, a nonprofit focused on tailored resources for returning citizens in Michigan. The conversation delves into the systemic gaps in reentry services, the importance of individualized support, and the roles of poverty and access in recidivism. Dee Dee Taylor also reflects on the deep impact of her sister Breonna Taylor’s death and her unique approach of collaborating with law enforcement for systemic change. Throughout, the discussion emphasizes the collective burden incarceration places on families, the power of healing, and the courage it takes to seek help, advocating for compassion and community-driven solutions for successful reintegration

Michael Buxton shares how growing up between poverty, instability, and the streets led him from promising student-athlete to incarceration at a young age. In conversation with Cole Williams, he reflects on accountability, fatherhood, and the relationships that helped him rebuild his life—and why authentic mentorship and opportunity matter for youth trying to break the same cycles.

Cayden Brown reflects on going from a child unheard in the courtroom to a national advocate for youth voice and juvenile justice reform. In conversation with Cole Williams, he shares how lived experience shaped programs like Teen Court and why empowering young people to be seen, heard, and trusted can change the direction of their lives.

Coach O reflects on growing up in Detroit surrounded by instability, foster care, and incarceration—and how mentorship and basketball helped shape a different future. In conversation with Cole Williams and Nick Williams, he shares why accountability, respect, and authentic connection are essential for young people and fathers trying to break generational cycles.