Gun violence has become commonplace in America. People directly and indirectly affected by it are increasingly finding it tough to cope with mass shootings.

Dana is a teacher who sees the effect that school shootings have on students, educators and staff. She describes the stress felt inside school buildings where active shooter drills are as important as learning English and math. 

See photos for this episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

We talk about addiction and substance abuse more readily today as overdose deaths continue to rise. 

Betty Jo started drinking and using drugs in middle school to deal with a mental health issue that she was unaware of for years. She's in recovery now and hopes that sharing her story will be of benefit to more addicts who are struggling.

Photos for this episode are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

World Champion Bull Rider Charlie Sampson talks about being a kid from Watts who became the first African American to reach the pinnacle of his sport. His many championship rides paved the way to his induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Charlie attributes his success to hard work, determination, and the unsung Black cowboys who blazed the trail before him.

See photos of Charlie at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Also visit https://charliesampson.com

Educator, community activist and cultural leader Rick Waters, Executive Director of the Denver Indian Center, talks about growing up in Oklahoma, Indian terminology, important moments in Native history, appropriate land acknowledgements, and more.

See photos for the episode at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Denver Indian Center website is https://denverindiancenter.org

First Americans Museum website is https://famok.org

While Caitlyn Jenner, Elliot Page and RuPaul may be accepted, many more trans people are ridiculed, attacked and murdered over their gender expression. Activists say transphobia is being codified in some states by the growing number of anti-trans laws. Jo Ann explores gender expression and trans rights with Sable Schultz and Mia Yamamoto.

This episode is dedicated to those killed and injured at Club Q and The Pulse, and everyone who has suffered because of gender identity or gender diversity.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Fred and Linda and Brian and Joanne celebrate The 1967 Landmark Supreme Court ruling, Loving v. Virginia, which struck down state laws that prohibited interracial marriage. The couples talk about their lives over the past 50 years, including raising mixed race children and dealing with closed-minded people. They also offer advice to young couples about being true to themselves.

Photos of the couples and their families are at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com 

Jo Ann talks with William, a man who lives on the streets of Denver, about what his day-to-day life is like. And she speaks with Johnny, a man who works to provide services to homeless people.

Jo Ann also offers ideas for helping, without judgment, people in dire need.

Episode photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com.

Marc joins Jo Ann on the premiere of Season 4 to talk about how he became a podcasting pioneer, why stand-up comedy remains his first love, where acting fits in his world, and how he's living his best life as a person and a performer.

See photos at https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

A preview of Jo Ann's conversation with comedian Marc Maron about the success of WTF and why he enjoys being a podcaster.

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com

Encounters with police officers too often turn deadly for Black people in America. This is the story of a Denver resident who was stopped by a deputy sheriff for carrying what looked like a rifle on a suburban street in Colorado, a state where open carry is allowed by law.

See photos for this episode at

https://beentheredonethatpodcast.com