What Most Cities Get Completely Wrong About Violence Prevention - And How to Fix It: A Conversation with Dr. Monique Williams
What do most cities get wrong about violence prevention/intervention?
More than you might realize.
What does it really mean to lead with purpose — not just passion — in the community violence intervention space?
In this week's episode of The InCredible Messenger Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Monique Johnson , Executive Director of Cure Violence Global and she masterfully answered those questions and many more.
We covered a lot:
The difference between direct, structural, and cultural violence — and how they all show up in our work
Why treating violence as a public health issue is more than just a slogan — it’s a proven strategy
The complexity (and necessity) of truly engaging youth who are directly impacted by violence
What leadership should look like in this space — and why it matters who’s in the role
This episode isn’t just for people “in the field.” It’s for anyone who believes that equity, healing, and safety aren’t mutually exclusive — and wants to understand how to move from rhetoric to results.
You'll see it was a conversation that left me feeling seen, challenged, and deeply affirmed.
Listen, share, and let’s keep this conversation going.
Running An Office of Violence Prevention: A Conversation with Will Pinkney
We've been on a bit of a break—and for good reason. The work of standing up a new statewide Office of Firearm-Related Harm and Violence Prevention in Colorado has demanded a level of time and focus that made it hard to keep up with editing and publishing episodes.
But we’re back, and I’m glad to drop you into this conversation. Last year when before I got swamped with other A LOT of other tasks, I sat down with Will Pinkney, Director of the Office of Violence Prevention in St. Louis, to talk about what’s actually working to keep communities safe. We went deep on how public health approaches can shift the game, why collaboration matters more than ego, and how mental wellness ties into everything we’re trying to do.
With Will’s journey from law enforcement to systems-level policy, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and strategies that center the people most impacted.
Evidence-Based Strategies: Effective Youth Violence Prevention through Community-University Collaboration
Dr. Beverly Kingston, Director of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence at the University of Colorado, joins host Jonathan McMillan to discuss the importance of community-led violence prevention efforts. Dr. Kingston shares her personal journey and how it led her to work with communities to evaluate the effectiveness of their violence prevention strategies. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive, evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of violence. Dr. Kingston also highlights the importance of partnerships between academia and communities, and the role of young people in shaping the future of violence prevention.
Community Violence Intervention Solutions for Gun Carrying Youth: A Conversation with Joe Aragon
"The Incredible Messenger" always provide stories that dive deep into the complexities of youth and gun violence, offering insights and solutions that go beyond the surface.
In this week’s episode you’ll be blown away by guest, Joe Aragon’s story of Abraham, a young boy who, in fourth grade, had already attempted to kill his mother and threatened others. What does Joe do when this kid brandishes a gun on Joe? Give up on him? Turn him in?
The answer will surprise you.
Joe Aragon, also known as Pastor Joe or Brother Joe, is a seasoned outreach worker and gang intervention specialist with an extensive history of engaging with at-risk youth and individuals affected by gang culture. A resident of Denver and a U.S. Navy veteran, Pastor Joe's journey into community safety and wellness work began with his unique approach in gang outreach, which led him to develop profound relationships within his community through his faith-based nonprofit organization, The Mix. His work involves direct interaction with vulnerable populations, providing them with guidance, mentorship, and resources for positive life changes.
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode of the InCredible Messenger Podcast, host Jonathan McMillan introduces us to a figure synonymous with grace and authenticity in the realm of community safety and youth outreach: Joe Aragon. Known affectionately as Pastor Joe, Brother Joe, or simply Hermano Joe, this veteran outreach worker shares his riveting journey from military service to becoming an inspirational community leader.
Through intimate stories and reflective moments, Pastor Joe delves into the gritty reality of gang culture, the power of presence, and the grace required to shift the narrative for young people at the brink of life-altering decisions. With a focus on long-term relationships and an individual's potential for change, the conversation unravels the profound impact one can have by being a steady beacon of support and understanding.
Key Takeaways:
Authenticity and presence are crucial components in building trust and fostering change among at-risk individuals.
Identifying as a consistent, caring role model in someone's life is key to effective youth violence prevention.
Emphasizing the importance of long-term relationships, Pastor Joe stresses the lasting impact one can have well beyond short-term interventions.
The episode highlights the complexity of identity and the significance of helping individuals uncover, shape, and embrace their true selves.
Pastor Joe's concept of "Five Roads of a Gangster" is used as a motivational tool to guide individuals towards a path of change and life.