Gilbert Goons: How Youth Mentorship Can Stem Teen Violence

In this episode of the Modern Arizona Podcast, host Billie Tarascio talks with Motivational speaker and Life Coach Marcus Timmons, also known as Big Herc, a community activist from Gilbert, AZ, about the troubling rise in youth violence in the area tied to the so-called Gilbert Goons or their copy cats. The discussion offers his insight into the underlying issues contributing to youth violence in Gilbert and offers practical advice for parents and community members to help steer these young individuals towards a more positive and productive path.

For instance, Marcus has spent time in the juvenile and adult correctional systems for when he got into trouble as a youth. He believes many of the Gilbert youths, despite being from highly privileged, are seeking identity and validation through dangerous activities. Marcus highlights the irony of these kids engaging in "goon" behavior in a community as peaceful and resource-rich as Gilbert.

He blames parents for the problems. Marcus shares his concerns about the potential escalation of this violence and the allure of street credibility, which is often fueled by social media. He says these behaviors can attract real gangsters from nearby cities, posing severe risks to the community. 

Marcus underscores the importance of early intervention by parents and community leaders to redirect the youth towards positive activities and away from criminal behavior. He also stresses the need for parents to be vigilant and proactive in curbing these negative influences before they escalate.

He also talks about the critical role of rehabilitation and mentorship in preventing youth violence. His own initiative, "Fresh Out," aims to educate young people about the harsh realities of prison life through interviews with former inmates.
For more about Big Herc and his Fresh Out Initiative, check out his website at FreshOutSeries.com