Episodes

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The Unexpected Power of Faith in Reducing Violence in Chicago: Gemali Ibrahim

The Unexpected Power of Faith in Reducing Violence in Chicago: Gemali Ibrahim

Episode 20 · · 59:33

In this episode, Gemali Ibrahim from the Inner City Muslim Action Network shares how a childhood in Roseland, Chicago, shaped his understanding of community, violence, and faith. Gem...

The Importance of Credible Mentorship: Javon and Semaj

The Importance of Credible Mentorship: Javon and Semaj

Episode 19 · · 55:03

In this episode of the LTO Podcast, we listen into a conversation with Javon and Semaj from Chicago CRED, exploring their journeys from growing up in Chicago to community leadership....

Nate Driggers's Journey: From Aspiring Athlete to Community Advocate

Nate Driggers's Journey: From Aspiring Athlete to Community Advocate

Episode 18 · · 01:01:52

In this episode of LTO, Nate Driggers shares his extraordinary life journey from childhood hardship in Roseland to professional basketball, and ultimately to his impactful work in co...

The Hidden Power of Community Roots in Shaping Education - Liz Dozier

The Hidden Power of Community Roots in Shaping Education - Liz Dozier

Episode 17 · · 01:01:16

On this episode of LTO, join us as Liz Dozier, founder and CEO of Chicago Beyond, shares her inspiring journey from Chicago's schools to leading with transformative philanthropy. Dis...

From Wrongful Conviction to Community Leader - Amir Bowman's Journey

From Wrongful Conviction to Community Leader - Amir Bowman's Journey

Episode 16 · · 55:43

Amir Bowman’s journey from wrongful imprisonment to leading community change is nothing short of inspiring. After being exonerated, he dedicated himself to healing who he once was an...

Transforming Violence - "The Peace Doctor" Erica Ford

Transforming Violence - "The Peace Doctor" Erica Ford

Episode 15 · · 01:00:24

In this episode, Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Erica Ford, widely known as the "Peace Doctor," to explore her groundbreaking work in community violence intervention (...

Transforming Lives: The Journey of William Juju Brown

Transforming Lives: The Journey of William Juju Brown

Episode 14 · · 49:40

In this episode, William Juju Brown shares his journey from a troubled upbringing in Englewood, Chicago, to becoming a life coach with Chicago CRED. He discusses the challenges faced...

Mental Wellness Through Paintball - Jarrell Sweet

Mental Wellness Through Paintball - Jarrell Sweet

Episode 13 · · 55:24

In this conversation, Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham talk with J. Sweet, a community violence intervention specialist, discussing the innovative use of sports, particularly paintbal...

Season 2 Premier - Kanoya Ali & Peter Cunningham

Season 2 Premier - Kanoya Ali & Peter Cunningham

Episode 12 · · 01:04:10

In this episode, Peter Cunningham and Kanoya Ali discuss the significant decline in gun violence in Chicago in 2025, attributing it to community efforts and collaboration among vario...

Scholarship of the Streets: Dr. Lance Williams

Scholarship of the Streets: Dr. Lance Williams

Episode 11 · · 46:02

Dr. Lance Williams, scholar and author of several books on Chicago's street organizations, brings a unique perspective to understanding gang culture through academic research combine...

Roots in the Ground: Aaron Rivas

Roots in the Ground: Aaron Rivas

Episode 10 · · 37:22

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Aaron Rivas, an outreach leader with New Life Centers, serving Chicago's Little Village community. Aaron shares how a life-changing mome...

Living Where You Serve: Vivian Williams

Living Where You Serve: Vivian Williams

Episode 9 · · 50:11

In this episode of License to Operate, hosts Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with former Chicago Police Sergeant Vivian Williams about her transformative 30-year career serv...

The Righteous Path: Sadiq Ali

The Righteous Path: Sadiq Ali

Episode 8 · · 35:30

In this episode of License to Operate, hosts Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Sadiq Ali, co-founder of Muslimatic University and owner of Baahir Imports. After convertin...

Professionalizing Peace: Chico Tillmon

Professionalizing Peace: Chico Tillmon

Episode 7 · · 37:29

In this episode of License to Operate, hosts Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Dr. Chico Tillman, Executive Director of the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Aca...

Content with Purpose: Lil Cuz

Content with Purpose: Lil Cuz

Episode 6 · · 47:25

In this episode of License to Operate, hosts Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Lil Cuz, a 28-year-old content creator and psychology graduate from Chicago's South Side.Th...

When I Met Forever: Cleopatra Cowley

When I Met Forever: Cleopatra Cowley

Episode 5 · · 34:22

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham are joined by Cleopatra "Cleo" Cowley, founder of Hadiya's Promise and mother of Hadiya Pendleton, the 15-year-old honor student who was shot and kill...

Faith, Family, and Second Chances: Dontay "Big Durk" Banks

Faith, Family, and Second Chances: Dontay "Big Durk" Banks

Episode 4 · · 43:07

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Abdul Haqq, also known as Dontay Banks or Big Durk, who served 26 years of a life sentence before becoming a life coach and curriculum s...

Wrongful Conviction to Community Healing: Bilaal Evans

Wrongful Conviction to Community Healing: Bilaal Evans

Episode 3 · · 26:35

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Bilaal Evans, founder of Restorative Project in Englewood, who has been doing gun violence prevention work since 2007.Bilaal shares his ...

The Making of a Peacemaker: Billy Moore

The Making of a Peacemaker: Billy Moore

Episode 2 · · 46:55

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham sit down with Billy Moore, site manager for Chicago CRED and author of "Until the Lion Speaks." Billy shares his remarkable journey from making a trag...

From Two Worlds: Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham

From Two Worlds: Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham

Episode 1 · · 40:31

Kanoya Ali and Peter Cunningham prove that the most unlikely partnerships can drive real change on Chicago's streets. While Chicago saw a 30% drop in shootings compared with last yea...