Perkins for the People

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Perkins for the People , host and attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Detroit Chief of Police Todd Bettison for an in-depth conversation on the city’s evolving approach to public safety. From his personal journey through law enforcement to the strategies driving Detroit’s recent crime reduction, Chief Bettison shares how community collaboration, data-driven pol...

Send us Fan Mail Attorney Todd Perkins speaks with Alexis Ramsey, Executive Director of We Care Foster Care, about the foster care crisis, the foster-care-to-prison pipeline, and how education, mentorship, and housing can help vulnerable youth build self-sufficient futures. What happens when children in foster care age out of the system without the support they need to succeed? In this episode of...

Send us Fan Mail In this compelling interview, Hartford Smith Jr. shares his inspiring life journey, from Alabama to Detroit, highlighting the systemic challenges faced by Black Americans and the ongoing fight for justice. Drawing from history, politics, and firsthand community activism, he offers powerful insight into the roots of inequality and presents practical strategies for meaningful social...

Send us Fan Mail This Black History Month, Perkins for the People honors a living chapter of Detroit Black history with Judge Joseph Norvell Baltimore, retired former Chief Judge of Detroit’s 36th District Court. Judge Baltimore takes us from the Virginia farm where he started working at seven years old to the courtrooms of Detroit, sharing the discipline, faith, and determination it took to build...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Perkins for the People, Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen for a real, unfiltered conversation about leadership, justice, and the fight for community power. Mayor Nolen shares his journey from attorney to public servant, explaining what pushed him to step up when his community needed a voice. Together, they unpack the real issues—skyr...

Send us Fan Mail In this urgent episode of Perkins for the People , Todd Perkins delivers powerful legal guidance in response to rising fears in our communities—from ICE raids to surprise visits from law enforcement. He answers real questions from his producer, Connie Smith about the follow: What are your rights if someone knocks on your door? What should you tell your kids? How do we protect each...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and timely conversation, Detroit City Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo joins host Attorney Todd Perkins to discuss community leadership, education, justice, equity, and political accountability—and why all of it matters now more than ever. As Detroit’s Ombudsman, Sherry Gay-Dagnogo serves as an advocate for residents, working to hold city departments accountable while...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Perkins for the People , Detroit Attorney Todd Perkins sits down with Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido to unpack Michigan’s $312 million child support crisis—and a bold new vision to fix it. Lucido outlines a first-of-its-kind child support specialty court , designed to help parents behind on payments get jobs, avoid felonies, and support their families....

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Attorney Todd Perkins and  Wayne County Executive Warren Evans discuss the importance of community service, collaboration, and effective governance. Evans reflects on the financial turnaround of Wayne County, the significance of regional transit, and the challenges in healthcare. The county executive also shares insights on the recent election, perso...

Send us Fan Mail In this inaugural episode of 'Perkins for the People' , Judge Sean B. Perkins shares his journey from a family man and lawyer to a judge in Detroit's 36th District Court. He discusses the importance of community engagement in the legal system, the role of unions, and the challenges facing Detroit today. The conversation also touches on his viral moments including th...