Episode Title: "Live life to the fullest, excel despite challenges, and never let those who wish you harm dictate your path."Season 3, Episode 43In this raw and transformative episode of Resilient Voices & Beyond Podcast, host Michael D. Davis-Thomas is joined by Maegan “Mae” Mason, a resilient advocate, mentor, and lived experience expert who shares her powerful story of survival, self-discovery, and growth.Mae opens up about her early life—navigating a turbulent home environment that led her into the juvenile justice system by the age of 13. Through 12 years of personal turmoil, system involvement, and institutionalization, she encountered abuse, neglect, and the emotional weight of being misunderstood. Her story reflects the harsh realities many youth face when systems fail to meet their needs with compassion and care.But Mae didn’t let that become her final chapter. She speaks openly about the turning points in her journey—missing key family moments while incarcerated, the comfort of institutionalization, and how writing, therapy, and mentorship helped her begin healing. Mae found her voice through poetry and began giving back, mentoring girls in similar situations, and building genuine relationships with youth at her job site.In this episode, Michael and Mae discuss:The emotional impact of growing up in the systemThe importance of having even just one supportive adultThe healing power of writing, poetry, and creative expressionHow mentorship and lived experience shape better youth servicesReintegration challenges after incarceration and aging outThe urgency of community-based alternatives to institutional settingsSelf-care and coping strategies for those working within youth-serving systemsMae's message is one of radical truth, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her story reminds us that no matter how deep the wounds, growth is always possible—and that no one’s past should define their future. Mae is living proof that you can excel despite challenges, heal through expression, and build purpose from pain.

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