Episode 28: Beyond the Walls: Youth Voices on Hope, Healing, and Change in Juvenile Justice w/ Marshall Mansfield & Jordan Lyle
What I Know Now Podcast by The Delta Project – Episode 28: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Support for Justice-Involved Youth
In Episode 28 of "What I Know Now," Cole Williams welcomes guests Nick Williams, Marshall Mansfield, and Jordan Lyle to share powerful personal stories about life inside Michigan’s juvenile justice system and the transformative journey beyond it. This candid conversation offers an authentic look at the realities faced by young people in residential treatment programs and detention facilities, emphasizing the need for empathy, genuine connection, and youth-driven change.
From exchanging simple greetings that restore humanity (Nick Williams, Marshall Mansfield), to the lifelong effects of institutionalization—like coping with closed doors and confronting triggers in daily life (Nick Williams, Jordan Lyle)—the episode sheds light on how small actions and compassionate listening impact incarcerated youth more than most people realize.
The guests reflect on their experiences at the Michigan Juvenile Detention Association Conference, where their voices were heard by facility professionals statewide. They discuss how sharing their stories—and seeing their insights taken seriously by staff—signaled a shift toward more youth-centered approaches and real reform.
Key topics covered include:
The impact of simple kindness and acknowledgment on detained youth’s outlook and mental health
The ongoing struggle to be seen as fully human, not just a “case” or “label”
The vital importance of tailored support and the life-changing effect of meaningful mentorship, counseling, and guidance
Challenges youth face when transitioning from facility life to independence, highlighting gaps in practical life skills and time management
How community support, opportunities, and understanding pave the way for successful reentry
The episode concludes with messages of hope and resilience, encouraging listeners—inside and outside the system—that “it’s never too late to change your mindset.” The guests urge staff and mentors to look deeper, recognize trauma, and provide real support—not just directives. Their lived wisdom calls for a juvenile justice system that sees youth as complex individuals with potential, not problems to be managed.
For organizations and professionals working with justice-impacted youth, this episode is a must-listen resource full of actionable insights for building trust, offering guidance, and fostering authentic transformation.
Learn more about The Delta Project’s youth programs and listen to the full episode on Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. For updates on restorative justice, reentry, and youth empowerment in Michigan, visit thedeltaproject.co.
