Today we’re diving into a topic that intersects reproductive rights, incarceration, and systemic inequities. It’s heavy, but trust me, it’s a discussion we need to have.

If you thought life behind bars was tough, imagine navigating pregnancy, giving birth, or even thinking about abortion access in those conditions. Spoiler alert: it’s an uphill battle.

Remember Dobbs? That 2022 ruling rocked the nation by overturning Roe v. Wade, shifting the power to regulate abortion to individual states. Suddenly, states became the referees of reproductive rights. The results? Some states banned abortion almost entirely, while others doubled down on protections. This legal patchwork has affected millions, and while we’ve heard much about what this means for the general public, incarcerated women often get left out of the conversation. So today, we’re putting them front and center.

We have an incredibly inspiring guest who is breaking barriers and rewriting the rules, all before even getting a high school diploma.

Joining us is Armani—a 15-year-old advocate from Florida who’s already making waves in justice reform. Armani is the founder of Fresh Start Advocate, a youth-led organization creating opportunities for people impacted by the criminal justice system. Today, Armani’s here to share their journey—from growing up with brothers who were incarcerated to pursuing a legal career as a high schooler.

But wait—Armani’s also leading change on the policy front. We’ll dive into their involvement with The Culturally Competent Hair Care Act, a groundbreaking bill addressing racial equity in correctional facilities, and how they’re proving that young people have the power to turn big ideas into real-life impact.

So whether you’re dreaming of becoming a lawyer, starting a nonprofit, or just wondering how to make your voice heard, this episode is packed with all the inspiration and actionable tips you need.

Joining me today is Kaseba Chibweth, co-founder of Youth for Juvenile Justice Reform and recent college graduate who’s in the middle of the journey many of you are curious about.

They’re navigating their gap year with intention, building experiences that are not only making them a stronger law school applicant but also shaping the lawyer—and human—they want to be. We’re going to dig into the why, the how, and the OMG what am I doing moments of taking time off before heading to law school.