Tom Shepard is the Founding Executive Director of Youth Documentary Academy, a program that I wish I’d had access to growing up. Entering its 13th season, YDA is close to premiering its latest flight of short films by underprivileged and at-risk youth with sincere stories to tell. You can still get tickets for the November 9th, 2025 premiere at https://www.youthdocumentary.org/2025worldpremiere/
In this episode I get to talk with Tom about his time growing up, leaving and returning to Colorado Springs, the importance of the YDA program locally, Sundance in Colorado and how YDA can expand in these troubling times.
Mentioned in this episode:
Independent Film Society of Colorado – Ralph Giordano
Colorado Springs Homeless Union
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Season 2 sponsored by Blackpackers and co-produced with Studio 809 Podcasts.