Chapter 31 - "I Will Overcome"
On today's episode, the roles are reversed. I, Randal Wells, am being interviewed by my Season 3 guest (and best friend), Teagen Rose. From 3 seasons of doing this podcast, there are so many questions that you all had about who I was, and while I have shared some of my story throughout, some of you requested to learn more about me.
Randal Wells is a remarkable individual who has triumphed over immense adversity to become a singer, songwriter, entertainment professional, and a passionate advocate for Foster Care.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, Randal's early life was marked by hardship as he, along with his mother and grandmother, had to flee their home to escape his abusive father's battle with alcoholism. Tragically, at the tender age of 6, Randal lost his mother to breast cancer and was thrusted into the child welfare system, leading to a tumultuous adolescence filled with frequent moves from one foster home to another.
Throughout these challenging years, Randal faced the unjust label of a juvenile delinquent and found himself in multiple correctional facilities, never residing in one place for more than two years. Even his grandmother, who cared deeply for him, felt she was unable to provide the stability he needed. In the midst of this turbulent journey, Randal discovered solace in the art of creating and writing music.
At the age of 15, Randal found himself in a low-security group home, where he would eventually age out of the foster care system and embark on his mission to advocate for foster youth. The living conditions were deplorable, forcing Randal to take medication to suppress his appetite. Undeterred, he would travel long distances, enduring a three-bus commute to school while working part-time jobs. Remarkably, he maintained a stellar 4.4 GPA and emerged as a leader within various school organizations.
Randal's advocacy journey began when he volunteered as a local representative for Florida's State Youth Advisory Board, a coalition of foster youth from every county in the state. These young advocates participated in initiatives and projects that informed and impacted Florida's government and political leaders. Randal's dedication and leadership skills led to his election as the President of the State Youth Advisory Board of Florida. In this role, he tirelessly represented every foster youth in the state during congressional and legislative sessions. During his tenure, Randal played a pivotal role in lobbying for and ultimately passing Florida's "Road to Independence Act," which extended foster youth benefits from age 21 to 23, impacting thousands of foster youth every year.
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Randal's passion for advocacy led him to launch the Foster Tales Podcast. Collaborating with guest speakers and fellow advocates, he brought the foster care experience to a global audience. Foster Tales resonated with people worldwide, streaming in over 27 different countries and earning recognition as one of the top podcasts in its genre. Randal's dedication did not go unnoticed, as Foster More honored him with the title of Content Creator of the Year for his impactful online presence and advocacy work on behalf of foster youth around the globe.
Today, Randal holds a prominent corporate position in the entertainment industry, a testament to his unwavering determination and resilience. He continues to create and release inspiring music, all while serving as a content creator, mentor, and a passionate community activist. Randal Wells embodies the spirit of overcoming adversity and using one's journey to inspire and uplift others on their path to success.
To learn more about me:
@IamRandalWells on all social media account
Randal Wells on Apple Music, Spotify, and Alexa
@FosterTalesPodcast on FB and Instagram
