#2096 - Josh Dubin & Sheldon Johnson

Feb 1, 2024

Sheldon Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate and mentor to at-risk youth at Queens Defenders, shares his journey overcoming challenges as a Child of Deaf Adults. Josh Dubin, a civil rights attorney, dives into systemic racism in the judicial system and the need for empathy in reform. They discuss the transformative power of education and mentorship in rehabilitation, address mass incarceration, and advocate for community-driven change. The conversation emphasizes personal accountability and the importance of providing support for reintegration into society.

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ANECDOTE

Fire Extinguisher Incident

Sheldon sprayed his fifth-grade teacher with a fire extinguisher after repeated abusive punishments.
This event led to his placement in a psychiatric ward, marking a turning point in his life.

INSIGHT

Detention's Negative Impact

Sheldon's time in juvenile detention exposed him to criminal behavior and warped his sense of morality.
He views this period as a lost opportunity for real help and therapy.

ANECDOTE

Prison as a Rite of Passage

In Sheldon's community, prison was a rite of passage, earning respect and admiration.
He even lied about his age at 15 to be sent to Rikers Island, seeking validation from older inmates.

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Thinking, Fast and Slow

Daniel Kahneman

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

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Belly of the Beast

Kiese Laymon

Da'Shaun Harrison

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