Episode Details

In this episode, I sit down with Anthony Cooper Sr., Executive Director and CEO of Focused Interruption, an organization dedicated to gun violence and violence prevention that is celebrating its 10th anniversary. We discuss how communities can find common ground through communication, dialogue, and early intervention before tragedy occurs, including lessons from the killing of Corey Ruiz here in Madison. Anthony shares what elected officials and community leaders can do to bridge the gap between decision-makers and residents by creating more opportunities for meaningful conversation. We talk about the importance of humility—recognizing that none of us has all the answers and being willing to listen, learn, and consider different approaches. We also discuss alternatives to incarceration, expanding access to mental health and other health services, removing the stigma around young people asking for help, and creating stronger support systems to keep youth from entering the school-to-prison pipeline.