S1E1 The Call
In this episode of the Joy and Justice podcast, host Takema Robinson recounts the tragic murder of her sister’s best friend, Ajike “AJ” Owens, and the subsequent fight for justice. Joined by Takema’s sister Kimberly Robinson-Jones and close cousin Nikon Kwantu, they reflect on the night of the tragedy, the impact on their lives, and the community’s response. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of grief, the importance of advocacy, and the commitment to ensuring Ajike ‘s story is not forgotten. Through their shared experiences, they highlight the need for systemic change and the power of love and support in the face of violence.
S1E2 The Heartbreak
In this episode of the Joy in Justice podcast, host Takema Robinson sits down with Pamela Dias (advocate and mother of Ajike “AJ” Owens) and Gwen Carr (mother of Eric Garner) for a deeply personal conversation about loss and grief after the tragic deaths of their children due to violence. They discuss the initial shock and confusion they experienced, the ongoing journey of grief, and the importance of community support. Both women emphasize the need to remember their loved ones not just as victims, but as vibrant individuals with dreams and aspirations. They also highlight the hidden costs associated with losing a loved one and the activism that has emerged from their pain, aiming to support other families facing similar tragedies.
S1E3 Narrative Power
In this episode of the Joy and Justice podcast, Takema Robinson and Soledad O’Brien engage in a profound conversation about the role of media in shaping narratives around justice and truth. The discussion highlights the evolution of media coverage, the impact of body cam footage on public consciousness, and the importance of storytelling in understanding racial violence. The conversation also delves into the Standing in the Gap initiative, which aims to provide healing resources for families affected by racial violence, and the significance of impact campaigns in extending the reach of important stories. O’Brien emphasizes the need for transparency in journalism and the power of community in fostering change.
S1E4 Behind the Scenes
In this episode of Joy & Justice, host Takema Robinson sits down with Geeta Gandbhir (Director), Nikon Kwantu (Producer), and Alisa Payne (Producer)—the team behind The Perfect Neighbor—for an honest behind-the-scenes conversation about what it takes to turn art, grief, and truth into movement.
They reflect on the first phone calls and text messages after Ajike “AJ” Owens was killed, what it meant to show up in those early hours, and how their creative partnership became a form of care. From there, the conversation widens into the bigger “why”: the purpose of Message Pictures, the responsibility of documentary storytelling, and how immersive films can shift hearts, minds—and sometimes even policy.
The team also breaks down one of the boldest creative decisions in The Perfect Neighbor: committing to an immersive, vérité approach rooted in body-camera footage—trusting audiences to bear witness and draw their own conclusions. Ultimately, this episode is about storytelling as a tool for truth, humanization, and change—and what it looks like to keep showing up for one another when the world is watching, and after it stops.
S1E5 The Fund
The Fund is the closing chapter of the first season of Joy & Justice—and the most personal. Founder Takema Robinson sits down with Pamela Dias (advocate and mother of Ajike “AJ” Owens) share how they came to know each other in the earliest days after Ajike’s death, and how that connection turned grief into a decision: we are going to build something that outlasts the headlines.
This episode takes you behind the name Standing in the Gap Fund—why it exists, what families are up against in the first hours and weeks, and what it looks like to create real support when life changes overnight. If you’ve followed this season, this is the episode that answers “what now?” Watch and listen, then tell us what line stayed with you.
The Podcast
Follow Our Journey
Joy & Justice is the official podcast series from Standing in the Gap Fund—an impact campaign created to strengthen community response to racial violence in the United States.
This season follows the gap between public attention and real-life need, while spotlighting the role of art, media, and community care in the pursuit of justice. Each episode offers a place to reflect, learn, and share—because silence and isolation are not the answer.
Continue to follow our podcast journey on YouTube and be the first to know about our next episode and guests on Instagram.
