Count Time Now Podcast Ep. 13: Gang Leader Turned Youth Leader

In today’s episode of 'Count Time Now, host Fred Ward sits down with Dante Ferguson, also known as Iceberg Ferg, to discuss his remarkable transformation from a gang leader to a youth violence intervention advocate. They delve into their initial meeting, Dante's challenging past and gang affiliations, and the profound personal growth he has undergone over the years. Dante shares his harrowing experiences, the adverse childhood events that shaped his life, and his newfound mission to guide at-risk youth away from a path of violence. The conversation also introduces an innovative curriculum, ACE to ACEs, aimed at addressing adverse childhood experiences and reshaping young lives.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:44 First Meeting and Initial Impressions
01:47 Challenges in Violence Intervention Work
02:38 Gang Affiliation and Its Impact
04:12 Growth and Transformation
06:05 Adverse Childhood Experiences
07:42 The Making of Iceberg Ferg
12:04 Reformation and Realizations
15:32 Understanding the Impact of Trauma
16:48 A Life-Changing Experience
16:59 The Turning Point
17:45 A New Perspective on Life
18:46 Introducing the ACE to ACEs Curriculum
20:31 Personal Reflections on Adverse Childhood Experiences
22:27 The Reality of Trauma
24:50 The Path to Transformation
27:36 A Message of Hope and Dedication