The Hero Within: Rashad Patterson on Storytelling, Representation & Resilience

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rashad Patterson—Southwest Atlanta native, Georgia State University graduate, and celebrated children’s book author—to explore how storytelling can empower the next generation. With a background in sociology and a deep commitment to representation, Rashad weaves community, identity, and hope into every page he writes.

We dive into his latest book, Santiago, Waylon, and Legend , a heartwarming tale that’s winning the hearts of kids, parents, and educators alike. Rashad shares his mission to help children see themselves as heroes, his thoughts on diversity in children’s literature, and the lessons he hopes young readers carry with them long after the last page.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just passionate about the transformative power of stories, this episode is a celebration of resilience, imagination, and the importance of being seen.