In this heartfelt episode of BACKtalk, host Janice Robinson-Celeste sits down with Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock to discuss his new children’s picture book, We’re In This Together: Leo’s Lunchbox. Inspired by the biblical story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, this modern parable follows a young boy named Leo who learns that sharing—even when you don’t have much—can lead to unexpected abundance.

Together, they dive into topics like food insecurity, the threats to free lunch programs and SNAP benefits, the importance of early childhood education like Head Start, and why faith, compassion, and community must guide the way we raise our children, especially in today’s divided climate.

Senator Warnock also opens up about his inspiration for Leo’s story, his memories as a “free lunch kid,” and how parenting his two young children shapes his values and vision for the future.

Tune in for a conversation full of truth, tenderness, and purpose.

⏱️ Episode Timestamps – Leo’s Lunchbox with Rev. Raphael Warnock

00:00 – Welcome and introduction to the episode
00:50 – The reality of food insecurity for children in America
02:00 – Senator Warnock joins the show and introduces himself
03:40 – Signature icebreaker: the parenting lesson that shaped his life
05:15 – The inspiration behind Leo’s Lunchbox and the biblical roots
07:40 – Why the book centers a child facing poverty and scarcity
10:20 – Discussion on child poverty, SNAP, Head Start, and public policy
13:30 – How storytelling can influence national values and compassion
15:00 – Dr. King’s “Beloved Community” and the message of giving
17:30 – A real-life memory that inspired Leo’s character
19:00 – The importance of inclusive, diverse children’s literature
21:00 – Being a dad: how parenting reshaped how he communicates big ideas
23:30 – Writing for children vs. writing for adults
25:20 – Why “second chances” is a core message in the book
27:00 – The role of faith-based values in parenting today
28:45 – Final thoughts and where to find the book and follow Rev. Warnock
30:00 – Outro and call to action from Janice Robinson-Celeste