Barz Unlocked
Illinois Youth and Family Services proudly presents Barz Unlocked, a weekly podcast created by our Street Outreach and Violence Prevention Team. Barz Unlocked is a powerful platform where real stories meet real solutions, dedicated to elevating the voices of those directly impacted by gun violence, street life, incarceration, and the cycles of trauma that silence our communities. Each week, Barz Unlocked unlocks authentic, unfiltered conversations with survivors, former street-involved individuals, credible messengers, and frontline advocates who are working to break barriers and build safer, stronger communities. From stories of survival and second chances to community-driven solutions and personal transformation, Barz Unlocked gives voice to those who have lived through it—and are now leading the change. We are seeking weekly guests who are ready to join the conversation, including: Survivors of street violence, gun violence, or justice involvement with stories of hope, healing, and change. Former gang members or individuals with street experience who have transitioned to advocacy, outreach, or violence prevention work. Families impacted by community violence, including parents or loved ones affected by loss or trauma. Street outreach workers, credible messengers, and violence interrupters who are actively working in the community to prevent violence. Community leaders, advocates, and professionals in law enforcement, mental health, or youth services working to build safer neighborhoods.
Roles For This Project
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Podcast
Real Person Who was Arrested for a Racially Charged Crime
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Man, Woman, Non-Bina...
Gender:
Man, Woman, Non-Binary Person, Trans Man, Trans WomanSeattle
18 - 40
No Union Affiliation
Podcast
Submissions Due: 07/11/2025
On Barz Unlocked we are looking for someone who was arrested for a racially charged crime to talk about their experience and how they were able to work through the experience whether it be suing the police, fighting for justice reform, and/or any other way you went through the experience
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Podcast
Real Formerly Incarcerated Person Who Turned Their Life Around
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Man, Woman, Non-Bina...
Gender:
Man, Woman, Non-Binary Person, Trans Man, Trans WomanSeattle
30 - 50
No Union Affiliation
Podcast
Submissions Due: 07/11/2025
We are looking for any ex-con who managed to turn their life around to talk both about their life story about what led them into prison in the first place and then what they did to turn their life around after leaving prison. If you are interested we would love for you to apply.
More Roles For This Project
-
Submissions Due: 07/11/2025
On Barz Unlocked we are looking for someone who was arrested for a racially charged crime to talk about their experience and how they were able to work through the experience whether it be suing the police, fighting for justice reform, and/or any other way you went through the experience
-
Podcast
-
Seattle
No Union Affiliation
Submissions Due: 07/11/2025
We are looking for any ex-con who managed to turn their life around to talk both about their life story about what led them into prison in the first place and then what they did to turn their life around after leaving prison. If you are interested we would love for you to apply.