Welcome to another episode of Gang Culture. This week we are joined by Konta Copeland and Robert Betts Jr of Network Connect. Before joining the Network Connect, Konta and Robert had their own journeys growing up on the street and getting into trouble. They took their negative experiences as teens and turned it around working with Network Connect which is a nonprofit that takes a community connection, resource building, and information awareness approach to youth and family development with community at its center. We are thrilled to have Robert and Konta with us today and make sure you subscribe to Gang Culture to make sure you don’t miss out on our next episode!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to Gang Culture. This week we are joined by musician, barber and student advocate, Anthony Floyd. Anthony is on the ground floor dealing with today’s youth and being an advocate for various school systems in the Delaware area. We are thrilled to have Anthony joining us this week and make sure that you subscribe to Gang Culture on your favorite podcasting app to not miss the next installment!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to Gang Culture. This week we are joined by Penny Rogers who is the Co-Founder and Executive Director for Face the Facts Delaware. Face the Facts is a grassroots nonprofit Penny created after the loss of her 23-year-old son, Vincent, to a heroin overdose. Penny joins us to discuss how that loss changed the course of her life and made her stand up for the rights of other mothers who are suffering. We are thrilled to have Penny on this week and make sure that you subscribe to Gang Culture on your favorite podcasting app to not miss the next installment!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome back to Gang Culture. Today we are talking to Ronald Handy Senior who is a Leaders in Transition Coordinator for the state of Delaware. Ronald has served the community since 1986, working with Boys & Girls Club of Delaware and currently assists returning citizens back into society and setting them up for a productive future. On today’s episode him and Ellis Rouse discuss the negative meanings behind the word Gang and maybe why we need to recontextualize that as well as how his career as a coach helped him better prepare to assisting people to transition out of gang life and prison to get back to society. Make sure you subscribe after this episode to not miss the next episode of Gang Culture!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome back to Gang Culture. Today we are talking to Scott Michaels, the founder of The Cause. Without Scott, this podcast may not exist! The Cause is a non-profit organization that strives to inspire people to embrace the responsibility of improving their lives and their community through Peer-to Peer Leadership. It’s through the Cause that we’ve built our youth run production crew and provides us the space to record the Gang Culture Podcast. Scott discusses the importance of Alternative Activities as a way to dissuade youth from joining a gang, as well as the importance of listening to what kids are saying if you want to find out what THEY want. We are thrilled to have Scott on this week and make sure that you subscribe to Gang Culture on your favorite podcasting app to not miss the next installment!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to Gang Culture Season 3. This week we are joined by Podcasters Tiffany “Tee” Morman & Rasheed “Sheed” Pernell. Their friendship goes as far back as high school where they met, partied together and lived adjacent to gangs. The duo reunited after they both went through their own recovery journeys. Now with their podcast Convo from the Throne they strive to help others get and stay free from toxic lifestyles. We are thrilled to have Tee \& Sheed on this week and make sure that you subscribe to Gang Culture on your favorite podcasting app to not miss the next installment!

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

A new season of Gang Culture starts tomorrow!

Every Monday during Season 3, we spotlight our upcoming guest as they share a positive, real-world alternative for young people - highlighting opportunities, activities, and pathways that empower youth to choose growth, connection, and purpose over gang involvement.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Season 3 of Gang Culture is coming in 2026.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On this bonus episode, a member of The CAUSE Production Crew asks a few questions the crew wanted to ask her about her interview.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode, our host, Ellis Rouse, is joined by community activities and gun violence prevention advocate Traci Murphy. They will be discussing the correlation between gun violence and gangs highlighting the importance of youth voices in legislation and policy driven change.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode, our host, Ellis Rouse, is joined by youth from the Wilmington community. We encouraged these youth to come forward with questions for Ellis about his involvement as a Blood member. Join us as the youth of our future ask the questions we need to hear most! Brought to you by The CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). 

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

With 26 years of law enforcement experience under her belt and a member of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association (ECGIA), Nancy will explain her time investigating women in gangs through an analytical perspective enhancing the understanding of female roles and share valuable insight on the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode, our host, Ellis Rouse, is joined by John Scaduto, a retired law enforcement officer and gang investigator of over 40-years. They will discuss Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) and the large role they have in gang culture. They look to unpack this notorious structure and its various sets/clubs that are located within. Join us to highlight John Scaduto’s efforts in educating on the endless rankings, leaders, symbols, and patches of motorcycle gangs all over the United States. Brought to you by the CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). 

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode our host, Ellis Rouse, is joined by Mark Bucci, a retired veteran and law enforcement officer of over 40 years. He looks to discuss the role gangs play in human trafficking and child exploitation. Having worked within the Airforce for a special unit that targeted exploitation, he brings a variety of knowledge about the military culture and gang influence within such an environment. Join us to highlight Mark's efforts to combat the exploitation of youth as he shares personal stories spanning his entire career. Brought to you by the CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). 

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today's episode our host, Ellis Rouse, is joined by William Schmid, a 35 year veteran of law enforcement in Delaware and the President of the East Coast Gang Investigators Association (ECGIA). He comes with an abundance of information spanning decades of experience to provide information on street gangs and strategies for prevention and intervention along the East Coast.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today's episode our host Ellis Rouse continues his discussion on gangs with his good friend Jah, an active high ranking BLOOD. He expands on his inspiring messages and looks to motivate youth to find other avenues beyond gangs. Join us as we further the discussion on youth and gangs, providing the perspective of someone currently within. Brought to you by The CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF).

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode our host Ellis Rouse is joined by a long time friend and brother Jah. He is a current high ranking member of a section of the BLOODs organization located in Brooklyn New York. He has given us permission to interview him and gives his perspective of being an active gang member while describing what it truly means to be a part of an organization like the BLOODs. He brings insightful knowledge of the effects both negative and positive that gangs can have on youth and young adults. Join us as we share Jah’s deep passion for helping others as he details the trials and tribulations of his own personal experiences. Brought to you by The CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF).

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

On Today’s episode our host Ellis Rouse is joined by esteemed professor Dr. Creasean Hughes, from the University of Delaware. Together they will be discussing the influence of social media and music on gangs, what it means to join a gang, and Dr. Hughes research that intersects with youth and gangs. Having taught many classes on juvenile delinquency and researched within school systems Dr. Hughes brings a variety of information to the table. Join us as we delve into his research and unpack more of the pathways in which lead youth to join gangs. Brought to you by The CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF).

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

**On today’s episode our host Ellis Rouse will be interviewing the current president National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), Rob Matteo. In his retirement he comes with over two decades of experience in law enforcement, as a gang investigator, he aims to spread his knowledge on gang involvement and pathways while also sharing a law enforcement side of gang related work. Bringing both worlds together this episode looks to expand your thinking of gangs and law enforcement in ways you may not have been exposed to before. Join us as we delve into the vital role that law enforcement officers play in responding to instances of gang violence and explore ways in which you and your community can come together to prevent street violence. Brought to you by The CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). **

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Join Rob Mateo, current president of the  National Alliance of Gang Investigators Association (NAGIA) and president of the Florida Gang Investigators Association (FGIA), as he delves into the lingo of gang culture to help you, our listeners, better understand the topic.

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Today's episode is all about our new host, Ellis Rouse. He will discuss growing up in Brooklyn New York, joining a gang, being a current and non-active gang member, and everything in between. He hopes to spread educational awareness about gang culture giving insight into his current work as a community outreach specialist. Bringing a different perspective of gangs and expanding on his episode from last season, Ellis hopes to heighten attention towards the misconceptions of gang involvement. Join us as we delve into conversations of gang culture and help us share the knowledge to prevent and bring awareness to street violence. Brought to you by the CAUSE and the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families (DSCYF). 

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome to today's episode, where we have the privilege of sitting down with Jason Pires, a true jack of all trades in law enforcement. With a diverse background that spans from SWAT to the drug task force, and even serving as deputy chief of police at University of Delaware, Jason brings a wealth of experience to our discussion.

In this riveting conversation, Jason opens up about his time working undercover, offering unique insights into the world of undercover operations and what it's like to walk in the shoes of those on the other side of the law. Drawing from his experiences on the gang task force, he shares firsthand accounts of his encounters with gang members and the challenges of combating gang-related crime. But our conversation doesn't stop there—Jason also delves into the difficult topic of dirty cops, offering his perspective on how law enforcement agencies can address issues of corruption and misconduct within their ranks. And for those who find themselves mistakenly identified as gang members, Jason offers practical advice on how to navigate these challenging situations with integrity and resilience.

Join us as we explore the highs and lows of law enforcement with Jason Pires, gaining valuable insights into undercover operations, gang culture, and the importance of integrity and accountability in policing. This episode promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the complexities of law enforcement and the pursuit of justice.

Brought to you by The CAUSE and The Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families (DSCYF).