Bystander vs. Upstander: The Moment That Changes Everything

Written By Ellen Marrs

This podcast episode focuses on empowering youth, parents, and communities with the tools needed to recognize dangerous situations, practice situational awareness, and respond safely before violence escalates. The discussion explores how speaking up, seeking help, and interrupting harmful behavior can make a meaningful difference in preventing tragedy and protecting others.

The episode also addresses modern triggers of violence impacting today’s youth, including social media influence, peer pressure, reputation, impulsive decision-making, and the pressure to gain attention or approval from others. Through honest conversation, listeners are encouraged to shift from being passive bystanders to confident upstanders who lead with courage, accountability, empathy, and positive action.

The podcast highlights practical ways to build courage, strengthen communication skills, and develop healthy conflict resolution strategies that can help youth navigate difficult situations more effectively. It also emphasizes the important role parents, schools, and communities play in creating safer environments by fostering trust, open communication, emotional support, and shared responsibility in protecting one another.

About Julio Chavez:

Julio Chavez is a Gang Detective with Tempe Police Department and is currently assigned to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) State Gang Task Force (GIITEM) where has served in this capacity since 2021. Julio began his law enforcement career in 2016 as a patrol officer in Tempe. During his tenure as a Gang Detective, he has worked numerous gang cases and operations. Over the years, he has worked closely with local schools and youth programs to combat gang violence amongst juveniles in the state of Arizona. Prior to law enforcement, Chavez had the honor to serve his country for 12 years with the United States Marine Corps.

"No kid is seeking anything when he joins a gang; he's always fleeing something. He's not being pulled; he's being pushed by the circumstances in which he finds himself." - Detective J.C. Chavez

Ellen Marrs

Ellen is a successful entrepreneur, author, homeschooling mom of seven, and three-time Boston Marathon finisher. She is the author of “Lessons from the Finish Line”, her personal story of faith, passion, and perseverance in the pursuit to run 12 races in 12 consecutive months. She is also a compilation author in "Women Who Rock", a book highlighting the stories and successes of women from various backgrounds and stages of life.

The focus of Ellen's business and her personal goal in life is to make a positive impact on the world with those who choose to join her in “The Kindness Revolution”. She teaches individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations the importance of expressing gratitude through relationship marketing, as well as her signature class, “Gratitude: The Missing Link”. In a span of just three years, the students in her classes impacted over 10,000 people with compassion, gratitude, and kindness.

Ellen was most recently featured by FOX 10 TV, the Boston Athletic Association, Boston University News Service, Voyage Phoenix, and Networking Times magazine, a global publication for the network marketing profession.

Ellen fuels her passion to help others and make a difference in the world by sharing her story with abuse victims, foster children, and potential foster parents. As a motivational speaker, trainer, and mentor, she inspires others to overcome difficult circumstances, pursue their dreams and achieve their goals with unbridled passion. She has mentored countless individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations in relationship marketing and "acceleration through appreciation".

To relax, Ellen enjoys running, riding motorcycles, and spending as much time as possible outdoors with her family. She currently travels the United States with her husband, Rick, and their seven children.

To connect with Ellen, reach out via social media or the Life on Planet Marrs website.

https://lifeonplanetmarrs.com
Next

The Ripple Effects of Violence