ABOUT THIS EPISODE
In this episode of the Intrepid Storytelling podcast, host Deanna Powell sits down with Leilani Wells to explore complex family secrets, teenage homelessness, and corrupt juvenile justice systems.
Leilani Wells opens up about growing up amidst volatile domestic altercations, hidden paternity truths, and a search for cultural identity in Southern California. Driven to run away as a teenager to escape a toxic home environment, she navigated street life and couch surfing before being handed over to a corrupt judge who jailed non-violent runaways. From facing 30 days in juvenile hall and the trauma of being shackled at age 14 to uncovering systemic corruption and advocating for prison reform, Leilani candidly shares the raw realities that shaped her resilience.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Intrepid Storytelling
02:10 The Journey of Leilani Wells
04:05 The Importance of Sharing Stories
07:10 Childhood Experiences and Family Dynamics
15:50 Discovering Identity and Belonging
22:19 The Impact of Parental Relationships
27:10 Navigating Complex Family Relationships
34:51 Childhood Sports and Friendships
36:48 Influences and Observations in Early Life
38:24 Navigating Privilege and Hardship
40:20 The Decision to Run Away
42:36 Experiences of Running Away
46:36 Teenage Rebellion and Experimentation
49:43 Spiritual Connections and Near-Death Experiences
55:06 Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
01:00:05 Judicial System and Its Impact on Youth
01:08:17 Friendship in Adversity
01:11:15 Reflections on Trauma and Resilience
01:12:55 Understanding PTSD and Its Impact
01:14:51 The Journey of Healing and Accountability
01:17:03 The Power of Storytelling and Public Opinion
01:20:53 Finding Strength in Vulnerability
01:23:02 The Importance of Advocacy and Reform
01:28:40 Corruption in the Justice System
01:35:59 The Path to Healing and Empowerment
Video of Judge Robert Dorn Sentencing Kids to Jail for Running Away or Missing School: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAHyzWnvZFB/?igsi=YmhsNHM1dzhxOW9l
Article of Mayor Robert (Roosevelt) Dorn Pleading Gulity to Corruption: https://www.google.com/search?q=judge+robert+dorn+inglewood&client=ms-android-tmus-us-rvc3&hs=WGCB&sca_esv=c18f865cebe507ff&source=android-browser&sxsrf=APpeQntCcoAn52j6L0zxoBf71Hpa7BHFJA%3A1787944071227&ei=h9yRau6kDfqLruEP2sm12QI&biw=384&bih=742&oq=judge+robert+dorn+ingl&gs_lp=EhNtb2JpbGUtZ3dzLXdpei1zZXJwIhZqdWRnZSByb2JlcnQgZG9ybiBpbmdsKgIIAjIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABMgUQIRigATIFECEYoAEyBRAhGKABSOk8UPcOWL4xcAF4AJABAJgBlAGgAdUHqgEDMC43uAEByAEA-AEBmAIHoALsBsICBRAhGKsCwgIFECEYnwXCAggQABiJBRiiBJgDAIgGAZIHAzEuNqAH7B2yBwMwLja4B-gGwgcHMC4xLjUuMcgHJYAIAQ&sclient=mobile-gws-wiz-serp
Follow Leilani
Website: https://leilaniwells.com/
Agency website: https://leilanimedia.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leilanimwells/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lani.m.wells
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leilanimwells/
X: https://twitter.com/leilanimwells
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leilanimwells
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-zaS1i4e0BUvX7vDoHt6Q
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/leilanimwells/
Podcast: https://leilaniwells.com/podcast/
Support Intrepid Storytelling: https://buymeacoffee.com/intrepidstorytelling
Submit Your Story: Email us at IntrepidStorytelling@gmail.com
Listen to the show on your favorite podcast platform:
PodBean: https://www.podbean.com/pw/pbblog-fszhv-14b03c1
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C37HrHnzXKGDTQjCeWxOZ
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/intrepid-storytelling/id1855383579
iHeartRadio: https://iheart.com/podcast/315837199
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0a99babd-2a33-4d25-8bc8-4ec909428e9e
#IntrepidStorytelling #LeilaniWells #JuvenileJustice #TeenHomelessness #SystemicCorruption #PodcastYouTube #StorytellingPodcast
