In this deeply emotional and inspiring episode of Finding New Waters, B. Reeves and Justin McClendon sit down with Jennifer Levi, founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, to share the story of unimaginable loss, love, and legacy.
Jennifer opens up about losing her 18-year-old son, Braun, to a drunk driver — just months after their family lost their home in the California wildfires. Rather than let grief consume her, she and her family chose action. The Live Like Braun Foundation was born to honor Braun’s life — one defined by kindness, compassion, inclusivity, and a magnetic spirit that inspired everyone he met.
Jennifer discusses her mission to raise awareness about DUI reform, launch scholarships for students pursuing higher education or trade programs, and spread Braun’s message of living boldly and leading with love. She also shares her advocacy work with MADD and efforts to implement AI-powered car technology that could prevent impaired driving.
This episode is both heartbreaking and hopeful — a reminder that even in the darkest moments, one person’s story can spark a nationwide movement for change.
Learn more and support: www.livelikebraunfoundation.org
Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundation
Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome & introduction to Jennifer Levi
01:30 – The California wildfires and family displacement
03:00 – Losing Braun to a drunk driver
05:00 – Choosing action over isolation
06:30 – “The worst day of my life became my life’s work”
08:00 – How the Live Like Braun Foundation began
10:00 – Scholarships, awareness, and impact
12:00 – The problem with lenient DUI laws in California
15:00 – AI and technology to prevent drunk driving
18:00 – Education and defensive awareness for teens
21:00 – Partnering with MADD and law enforcement
23:00 – How Live Like Braun is inspiring kids nationwide
25:00 – Scholarships for trade schools and college students
27:00 – Healing through service and purpose
30:00 – Where to follow and get involved
Powerful Quote
“The worst day of my life has now become my life’s work.” – Jennifer Levi
Guest Bio
Jennifer Levi
Founder, Live Like Braun Foundation
Jennifer Levi is the founder of the Live Like Braun Foundation, an organization created to honor her late son, Braun, who was tragically killed by a drunk driver at 18 years old. The foundation promotes kindness, inclusivity, and courage — values Braun embodied — while also raising awareness around impaired driving and providing scholarships for students pursuing higher education, trade, or vocational programs.
Jennifer’s advocacy includes working with MADD and state leaders to strengthen DUI laws, introduce AI-powered prevention technology in vehicles, and provide educational programs in high schools. Through her work, she continues to turn unimaginable pain into a movement of hope and purpose.
Website: www.livelikebraunfoundation.org
Instagram: www.instagram.com/livelikebraunfoundation
Resources Mentioned
• Live Like Braun Foundation – www.livelikebraunfoundation.org
• MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) – www.madd.org
• HALT Act & AI Vehicle Technology
• “Defensive Living” Education Programs for Teens
Follow Finding New Waters
Instagram: www.instagram.com/newwatersrecovery
Facebook: www.facebook.com/newwatersrecovery
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/new-waters-recovery
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@newwatersrecovery_nc
Listen & Watch
Website: www.findingnewwaters.com
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/4NOV2g85KExFWU5mTz5Gjw
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/finding-new-waters/id1684075608
YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCjfAIXtiOgy1XFcwAduXgXw
YouTube Music: music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuJOc6yLcjibGGAKgLYPCN47etJCY89mn
#JenniferLevi #LiveLikeBraun #DUIAwareness #AddictionRecovery #FindingNewWaters #GriefToPurpose #ScholarshipFoundation #ImpairedDrivingPrevention #BraunLeviLegacy #MADD