The RightWay Podcast
Hosted by Executive Director Franco Vega, The RightWay Podcast explores the challenges former foster youth encounter. Each episode features conversations with guests about their experiences and insights. The show also highlights the work of the RightWay Foundation in breaking the cycle of trauma. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the systemic issues and the support needed for young people transitioning out of foster care.
Episodes
Pain To Power - That One Summer
By popular demand, Styles & Eric Jones join us on the Pain to Power Podcast to share the story behind the making of That One Summer.
They open up about the creative process behind the film, how it sheds light on the struggles many foster youth face while growing up, and how those challenges helped shape the characters and storyline. They also share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives
Pain To Power - Arieana Episode 2
Arieana, an alumni of The RightWay Foundation, joins us to share her powerful story of turning pain into power. Through healing, growth, and resilience, Arieana opens up about her past and how she's choosing to break the cycle to build a better future for herself.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in
Pain To Power - Arieana Episode
Arieana, an alumni of The RightWay Foundation, joins us to share her powerful story of turning pain into power. Through healing, growth, and resilience, Arieana opens up about her past and how she's choosing to break the cycle to build a better future for herself.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in
Pain to Power - Daniel
Daniel, an alumni of The RightWay Foundation, joins us to share his powerful story of turning pain into power. Through healing, growth, and resilience, Daniel opens up about his past—and how he’s choosing to break the cycle to build a better future for himself and his son. This is a story about fatherhood, perseverance, and transformation you don’t want to miss.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Pod
Pain to Power - Andraya Episode 2
Andraya dives deeper into the issue of men not receiving therapy and shares how her team at The RightWay Foundation is working to change that reality for transition-age foster youth in Los Angeles.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast
Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming t
Pain to Power - Andraya Episode 1
Andraya, our COO and Lead Therapist at The RightWay Foundation, joins us on the Pain to Power Podcast by popular demand. As the backbone of our mental health pillar, she breaks down how trauma-informed care, therapy, and community support are changing outcomes for foster youth in Los Angeles.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain int
Pain to Power - Gabriella Episode 2
An inside look at how foster youth aging out of care can access housing, resources, and community support. Housing Director Gabriella shares real solutions and what it takes to prevent youth homelessness in Los Angeles.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to ta
Pain to Power - Gabriella Episode 1
Gabriella is the new Director of Housing for The RightWay Foundation. Her role is pivotal to support our mission to end the foster care to homelessness pipeline!
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, an
Pain to Power - Johna Episode 3
Johna, an alumni of The RightWay Foundation, joins us on the podcast and talks about how she was able to turn her pain into power and updates us on what she is up to now!
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast
Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foste
Pain to Power - Johna Episode 2
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast
Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, and building a better future.
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therightwayfoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRightW
Pain to Power - Johna Episode 1
Johna, an alumni of The RightWay Foundation, joins us on the podcast and shares her powerful story as she talks about the dark ins and outs of her time in foster care.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care
Pain to Power - Watson's Celebrity Softball Event
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast
Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, and building a better future.
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therightwayfoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRightW
Pain to Power - Neftaly Episode 2
Neftaly, a former foster youth, shares her inspiring story of overcoming the foster care system and battling mental health challenges. Today, she’s a thriving young woman who turned her pain into power. Watch her journey of resilience, healing, and hope.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we s
Pain to Power - Neftaly Episode 1
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast
Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, and building a better future.
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therightwayfoundation/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRigh
Pain to Power - TyTy
TyTy, a proud RightWay alum, is proof that pain can be transformed into power.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, and building a better future.
📲 Follow Us on Social Media:
Instagram: https://www.
Pain to Power - Adrian Episode 2
Adrian Veliz, Director of Workforce Development at The RightWay Foundation, shares his powerful journey of turning pain into power. In this episode, he opens up about resilience, hope, and how he’s inspiring transition-age foster youth to build brighter futures.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in
Pain to Power - Adrian Episode 1
Adrian Veliz, Director of Workforce Development at The RightWay Foundation, shares his powerful journey of turning pain into power. In this episode, he opens up about resilience, hope, and how he’s inspiring transition-age foster youth to build brighter futures.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as
Pain to Power - How RightWay Plans on Ending the Foster Care to Homelessness Pipeline
On today's episode, Franco Vega talks about some big news that is going on here at The RightWay Foundation, and how this is one large step to ending foster care homelessness.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, fost
Pain to Power - Omar Episode 2
Omar, a participant in The RightWay Foundation, comes on to talk about his childhood, his upbringing, and his time in foster care.
🎙️ Welcome to the Pain to Power Podcast Brought to you by The RightWay Foundation — where we turn pain into purpose and power. Tune in as we sit down with incredible guests to talk about overcoming trauma, mental health, foster care, and building a better future.
🔗
Pain to Power - Episode 1
Omar, a participant in The RightWay Foundation, comes on to talk about his childhood, his upbringing, and his time in foster care.
Pain to Power - Jimmie Episode 3
In this episode, Jimmie opens up about his 36 years in prison, sharing raw, powerful stories that paint a vivid picture of life behind bars. From survival to self-reflection, his journey is one of resilience and redemption.
Pain to Power - Jimmie Episode 2
After serving 36 years in prison, Jimmie is now a Job Developer at The RightWay Foundation, helping opportunity youth find jobs and stability. In this episode, he shares about his childhood and traumatic experience changed his life.
Pain to Power - Jimmie
After serving 36 years in prison, Jimmie is now a Job Developer at The RightWay Foundation, helping opportunity youth find jobs and stability. In this episode, he shares how he turned pain into power!
If you want to see how The RightWay Foundation helps and supports transition-age foster youth, you can check us out at: www.therightwayfoundation.org
You can also follow us at:
Instagram: http
Pain to Power - Juan Episode 3
In this episode of Pain to Power, we wrap up our conversation with Juan. We see how he was able to turn his own pain into power in his own personal life! If you want to see how The RightWay Foundation helps and supports transition-age foster youth, you can check us out at: www.therightwayfoundation.org You can also follow us at:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therightway...
Facebook: / th
Pain to Power - Juan Episode 2
In this episode Juan talks about his time in prison and his experience after he got out. Listen to how he was able to turn his PAIN INTO POWER!
Juan - Part 1
In this powerful episode, Juan, an alumni turned staff member at The RightWay Foundation, shares how he turned his pain into power. From being separated from his family to finding purpose in his healing journey, Juan opens up about the experiences that shaped him and how he's now helping others do the same.
Joseph Burton - Hearts For Sight Foundation Pt.1
This Men's Mental Health Month, on the Pain to Power Podcast, Franco chats with Joseph Burton, Founder and Director of Hearts For Sight Foundation.
Joseph's journey from foster care to becoming a wellness advocate for the visually impaired is truly inspiring. Despite the challenges of Retinitis Pigmentosa, he transformed his life through health and wellness, and higher education.
Now, he leads Hea
Ari..
In this episode of RightWay’s #PaintoPower podcast, we speak with Ari, who shares her inspiring journey from being adopted at age 7 to living in a shelter at 18 after making career decisions against her parents’ wishes. Ari’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of healing from trauma and learning how to regulate emotions.
Listen to how she’s transforming her experiences into positiv
Andraya Slyter
Mental Health is a pillar at The RightWay Foundation. In this episode our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay's COO and Lead Therapist.
To find our more about our programs visit therightwayfoundation.org
Juan.
Listen to Juan's powerful story on this episode of the RightWay Foundation's Pain to Power podcast. From incarceration to internship, Juan shares how his relationship with his father drove him to turn his life around. Now, he's on a path of positivity and growth!
To learn more about The RightWay Foundation visit therightwayfoundation.org
Manaweea
In this inspiring episode of Pain to Power! Manaweea, a remarkable alumni, shares her journey. Listen to how she achieved her educational goals and is now making a difference by fundraising for a project in Hawaii. Manaweea's story is a testament to resilience and determination, making her a true role model for us all.
Visit therightwayfoundation.org to learn more about our programs
@thrightwayf
Nyier
This week our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay Alumni Nyier.
Nyier recently spoke at our 'Home For The Holiday's' event sharing his story of pain to power. Nyier is an inspiration for younger generations and beyond his years.
To find out more about our programs visit therightwayfoundation.org
Darlene
This week our Founder Franco Vega sat down with RightWay alumni Darlene.
Darlene recently shared part of her story at our 'Home For The Holiday's' event in December 2023 and she gave a speech highlighting her journey as a TAY overcoming homelessness.
In this episode we hear more about Darlene's experience in foster care and transitioning into adulthood. She's a mother of 1 and a true inspiring
Welcome 2024!
In the first episode of the year, we hear from our founder and CEO, Franco Vega. Get ready to be inspired as Franco reflects on the milestones of 2023 and shares his exciting vision for The RightWay Foundation in 2024!
Visit therightwayfoundation.org to discover more about our mission and impact.
Dr Danisha Keating pt.2
On this week's episode (part 2 of 2), our Founder Franco Vega had the pleasure of connecting with the remarkable Dr Danisha Keating.
Danisha's incredible journey from being a former foster youth to becoming a guardian for her five siblings is inspiring to say the least. Despite growing up in a challenging and neglectful environment in Southgate, LA, she selflessly cared for her siblings while stri
Dr Danish Keating pt.1
On this week's episode (part 1 of 2), our Founder Franco Vega had the pleasure of connecting with the remarkable Dr Danisha Keating.
Danisha's incredible journey from being a former foster youth to becoming a guardian for her five siblings is inspiring to say the least. Despite growing up in a challenging and neglectful environment in Southgate, LA, she selflessly cared for her siblings while stri
Jessica
On this episode we hear from Jessica a RightWay Alumni sharing her story of pain to struggle! Jessica is determined to turn her life around and build a life of success for herself and siblings.
To learn more about our programs visit https://www.therightwayfoundation.org/
Brittany Walker - Butterfly’s Haven
In this episode, we hear the inspiring journey of Brittany Walker, Executive Director of Butterfly's Haven. Brittany shares the story behind her transformation from homelessness and sexual abuse to becoming a beacon of hope for young women and their children.
With Butterfly's Haven, the Treehouse Impact Group's anchor program, Brittany provides a vibrant community and support system, empowering r
Jaz..
In this episode, our Founder Franco Vega sits down with Jaz. At just 22 years old, Jaz shares her inspiring journey through the foster care system, how she is gracefully navigating the loss of her daughter's father and her experiences transitioning into adulthood. Jaz's story is one of personal empowerment.
Jaz hopes to inspire others with story and plans to host a podcast of her own one day!
To
Ernesto
On this incredible episode, our Founder Franco catches up with RightWay alumni Ernesto, a true inspiration who overcame adversities. From foster care to prison to gang life, Ernesto's journey is nothing short of remarkable. And now, having graduated with a degree in sociology, he's ready to make a difference and give back to his community. Get ready to be inspired by Ernesto's resilience, strength
Martine
Martine's incredible journey from foster care to empowerment is truly inspiring. As an ambitious RightWay alumni and Youth Commissioner, she has dedicated herself to advocating for other young individuals. Martine's insatiable thirst for knowledge has also been instrumental in overcoming her obstacles during the transition to adulthood. Martine's story serves as a reminder that education can be th
Kali.
Kali, an alumna of RightWay, has overcome incredible obstacles to become the inspiration she is today. From navigating the foster care system to prioritizing her emotional well-being, Kali's journey is a testament to resilience!
Through her artistry, she openly shares her life experiences, and empowers others with uplifting messages.
Learn more about how The RightWay Foundation supports transition
Johna
Johna's journey in the foster care system was unique. Her mother had a discreet pregnancy and after a weekend of birthday celebrations she went into labor and doctors found traces of marijuana in their systems. Authorities classified her as an unfit mother. So Johna's grandmother took legal guardianship over her and her siblings.
This was only the beginning of Johna's journey within the system.
Welcome back!
Welcome back to The RightWay Foundation Podcast - Pain to Power!
Join us in this episode our Founder and CEO Franco Vega, shares the compelling journey behind why we started this podcast. This series we will dive deep into into the transformative stories of youth impacted by the childcare and legal system.
We're happy to be back!
Delmi Pine
Franco sits down with Delmi Pine on the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast. An advocate of representing that woman can be high achievers, leaders and provide for themselves, Delmi is an Afro-Latina raised in south central Los Angeles driven to make a difference in the black and Latino community. She shares her pain to power story with Franco and discusses how she has been able to thrive despit
TyNisha ”Ty” Lewis
Franco sits down with TyNisha “Ty” Lewis, a former homeless youth and first generation college student who has a bachelor’s in Journalism and Public Relations from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), as well as an African Studies minor. Ty shares her pain to power story, including how searching for her father was a precursor to her career.
Ty has helped launch and develop local profes
Former and current foster youth Shanti
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with RightWay alum and foster youth Shanti. Shanti is from South Los Angeles, and at age 18, is facing homelessness. She shares her pain to power story with Franco.
Tuesday English of Family Post
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with Tuesday English, founder and CEO of the non-profit organization Family Post, a non-profit organization that teaches minority non-profits how to create agency within the communities they serve. As a former foster youth who grew up in South-Central Los Angles, Tuesday understands the plight of minority families and their involvemen
RightWay Program Director Maya
Franco sits down with Maya, program director and the newest member of The RightWay Foundation family. Maya grew up in Los Angeles and was in nonprofit at the West Angeles Community Development Corporation during the downturn of the economy. She went to college in Texas, came back to LA and worked in Hollywood, took her talents to law school, and then after working in the legal field, decided to re
Ms. Candi Marie
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with Ms. Candi Marie: TV host, actress, producer, Felix Junior Board Member, and former foster youth. Candi uses her voice to uplift the voices of current and former foster youth and provide them a platform to reclaim their narratives. She shares her pain to power story and explains how she was able to use the trauma of the foster car
Marcos
In the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with the newest member of The RightWay Foundation family: Marcos, who will handle PR. He shares his pain to power story with Franco, from the trauma he faced in the foster care system and the domestic abuse he suffered to the work he does in his community with various community leaders and organizations.
”Mind Attacks” Author Sheena McCullough
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Franco sits down with author Sheena McCullough, who wrote Mind Attacks: A Journey From Hurt To Healing. She shares her pain to power story, talks about her book, and discusses how she is able to thrive despite the trauma she has faced.
Vanessa, ”The PR Muse”
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Vanessa stops by The RightWay Foundation offices to talk to Franco about her pain to power story, her journey from St. Louis to Los Angeles, and what being a freelance PR professional is all about.
RightWay Alumna Krystal
On the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, one of The RightWay Foundation's own, alumna Krystal, sits down with Franco to discuss her pain to power story, including how she is able to thrive despite the trauma she has faced.
ACSW Alex
On the first RightWay Podcast of 2022, The RightWay Foundation's newest social worker Alex sits down with Franco to discuss why she works in the field, what led her to serve transition-age and foster youth, and how she became part of RightWay's family.
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from all of us at The RightWay Foundation! We look back at the first year of The RightWay Podcast, with clips from various guests from throughout 2021, including Franco's look ahead to his and RightWay's goals for 2022 and beyond.
Franco Vega
The RightWay Foundation Executive Director and host of The RightWay Podcast Franco Vega sees the tables get turned, as he moves from interviewer to interviewee! He discusses what 2021 was like for RightWay, and what the future holds in 2022 and beyond.
Caleb aka CapeSnape
The RightWay Foundation Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with Caleb, who shares his pain to power story, how he went from Danville, Alabama to LA, and why he's able to stay optimistic no matter what obstacles get thrown in his path.
Felicia Michelle
This week's episode features an interview with Felicia Michelle, a South Jersey-born television host, producer, and media consultant based in Los Angeles, who helps aspiring hosts, reporters, and other talent learn how to use the power of their voice. Felicia shares her philosophy, "nothing happens if you don't show up," as well as how she was able to leave an abusive relationship and thrive despi
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alum Marquise
Franco sits down with former foster youth and RightWay alum Marquise, who shares his pain to power story. Currently a case worker, Marquise discusses what he had to learn about himself and how his path helps him as he works to give back to those currently in the foster care system.
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alumna Precious
Franco sits down with Precious, an alumna of The RightWay Foundation and a future registered nurse. Precious shares her pain to power story and how her love for her family keeps her spirits high.
The RightWay Podcast - Former Foster Youth Tasha
In the latest episode of The RightWay Podcast, Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with Tasha. Tasha, an educator of special ed students, shares her pain to power story, talks about her experience in the foster care system, and how she has been able to rise above the trauma she has faced.
The RightWay Podcast - Former Foster Youth Sandra
The RightWay Foundation Executive Director Franco Vega meets and talks to Sandra, who also went through the foster care system. Sandra shares her pain to power story, explains why going into the foster care system was not a bad experience for her, and how she is able to remain positive despite the trauma she has faced.
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay alum Ernesto
Franco sits down with Ernesto, one of the first former foster youth to go through the The RightWay Foundation program. Ernesto shares his pain to power story, explains how he became an advocate for foster youth, and what his philosophy is towards life.
The RightWay Podcast - Former Foster Youth Nehanda
A chance encounter brought former foster youth Nehanda to The RightWay Foundation's offices, where she sat down with Franco to share her pain to power story. She discusses her past, present, and future, as well as her life philosophy: "my road to success has not been easy, but if life knocks me down 9 times, I’m surely going to get up 10!”
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alumna Latrice Marie
Latrice Marie, a RightWay alumna who is also involved with the Real to Reel Global Youth Film Festival and Better Youth, sits down with Franco to discuss her pain to power story.
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alumna Johna Rivers
Franco sits down for a 'pain to power' conversation with another RightWay alum in Johna Rivers, an immensely talented performer, poet, and artist who currently works as a production assistant at Jimmy Kimmel Live, serves on the Board of Directors at CASA LA, and is cofounder of Real to Reel Film Festival.
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alum Dominique
Dominique, an alumnus of The RightWay Foundation who is not only a professional photographer but also an employee at the organization, shares his pain to power story with Franco.
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alumna Cali
Franco Vega of The RightWay Foundation sits down with RightWay alum Cali to hear her pain to power story, as well as how she came to be known as 'Cali.'
The RightWay Podcast - RightWay Alumna Shamyia
Franco sits down with RightWay alumna Shamyia, who shares her pain to power story and the advice she has for current foster care youth on how they can work through the trauma they face on a daily basis.
The RightWay Podcast - LA County Youth Commissioner La'Toya Cooper
Franco sits down with La'Toya Cooper, a RightWay alum who was recently appointed to the position of Youth Commissioner by the LA County Board of Supervisors as part of the county's first-ever Youth Commission.
According to its website, the Youth Commission is the official youth advisory body to the County. We are a youth-led organization that promotes youth participation in County affairs and pol
The RightWay Podcast - Keith Johnson, co-founder of Falcons Youth and Family Services
Franco Vega sits down with Keith Johnson, co-founder of the Falcons Youth and Family Services. Keith shares his story and how his life experiences shaped him and the work that he does to empower disadvantaged and under-served youth to excel in life.
The RightWay Podcast - Andraya Slyter, RightWay COO and Therapist
The RightWay Foundation founder and Executive Director Franco Vega sits down with RightWay COO Andraya Slyter to discuss the foundation, her experience as a therapist, and the work she does with transition-age foster youth.
The RightWay Podcast - Franco Vega and The RightWay Foundation
Executive Director Franco Vega discusses the history and mission of The RightWay Foundation.
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