Prison to Promise

Ep. 19 Brandon Robinson: Perseverence

After serving a 15-year sentence, Brandon cultivated his mind to help him rise above the social stigma and expectations of someone who spent time in prison. Today Brandon heads an organization that helps youth at risk of becoming involved in the criminal legal system. He is also a leader in getting his state (Rhode Island) to end the practice of long-term solitary confinement in its prisons.

Ep. 18 [Helen] Skip Skipper: For There is Always Light

If you are unsure if you can recover from drugs, alcohol, and the cycle of incarceration, you need to tune in and listen to [Helen] Skip Skipper's story. Skip shares how, from the age of 18 until the age of 40, she spent many years hustling and going in and out of jail [what she calls the rinse and repeat cycles] before recovering from addiction and mental health challenges, to using her lived experience to help others who've traveled similar paths. 

Ep. 17 Alim Cepeda: Shedding the Gangster Image

Alim spent many years of his youth in detention and his 20s in prison. Since his release from prison, Alim has set his sights on using his experience and lessons learned to enrich his community and educate the children. Alim is an experienced engagement specialist with a demonstrated history of working as an Administrative Assistant in the non-profit organization management industry. In addition, he is a seasoned Gang Specialist skilled in Customer Service, problem-solving, conflict resolution, canvassing, and Leadership Development.

Ep. 16 LaMont Joe: From Prison Walls to University Campuses

Mr. LaMont Joe said he jumped off the porch and took off running at a young age to pursue a street lifestyle, eventually becoming a D-Boy actively. However, school and the classroom experience were something he always valued throughout his life. After four felony convictions, terms of incarceration, and surviving three gunshots, LaMont left the streets, returned to school, and earned a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Today he works as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Winston-Salem, NC. Please listen to Mr. Joe discuss his journey from behind prison walls to university campuses.https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamont-joe-63861b50/

Ep. 15 Louis L. Reed: Breakdowns Lead to Breakthroughs

Louis L. Reed is a Senior Advisor for the REFORM Alliance. He has years of experience in government, criminal justice expertise, policy advocacy, public health, and personal impact. He served nearly 14 years in federal prison and several years on supervision.Louis is a board-certified addictions counselor and licensed alcohol & addictions practitioner. Louis' history also includes serving as the Director of National Organizing & Partnerships for Dream Corps JUSTICE (formerly #cut50), where he grew the nation’s largest bi-partisan grassroots advocacy and organizing coalition through the Empathy Network. In addition, Louis conceptualized and served as Director of the Mayor’s Office for Reentry Affairs in the City of Bridgeport, CT.  There, he led services for all persons impacted by the criminal justice system, both incarcerated and returning to the City after incarceration.His policy reform experience includes leading advocacy for the historic First Step Act and working with the Connecticut legislature for the successful enactment of legislation related to expanding access to licenses for people living with criminal records, limiting asset forfeiture practices by law enforcement, and strengthening reentry practices and services for people returning from prison.

Ep. 14 Michael Satterfield: The Birth of Hope Beyond the Wall

I invite you to listen to a discussion about The Birth of Hope. Michael shares how his addiction to drugs led him to become homeless and into a downward spiral of hopelessness, despair, and serving time in prison. But, he also shares how through hard work and determination, self-help, and Higher-Education he emerged from prison free from addiction and optimistic about his future. Today, Michael is gainfully and happily employed and lives in a home with his wife and children. 

Ep. 13 Shannon Ross: We Are the Story We Tell Ourselves

Shannon served 17 years in prison in the Wisconsin prison system, from 19 to 36. He created The Community in 2014 with the invaluable help of friends and family while finishing his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He is also a graduate student at The University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee’s Masters in Sustainable Peacebuilding program, a fellow with the Wisconsin Decarceration Platform, a mentor with Prisons to Professionals, and co-owner of a transportation company.I encourage you to listen up and prepare yourself to scoop up some of the many jewels Shannon drops during this episode.

Ep. 12 Jarrod Brown: Go Hard or Go Home

Mr. Jarrod Brown discusses his experience getting sent to prison in the California Department of Corrections at Folsom prison on a Level 3 yard at the young age of 19-years old. He also describes the steps he took, along with family support and the additional guidance of several mentors to help turn his life around once on the outside again. Today, Jarrod is a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Merced; his journey exemplifies what it means to go from Prison to Promise.

Ep. 11 Mallah Divine Mallah: Knowledge, Knowledge

Mallah-Divine Mallah is an author, blogger, speaker, publisher, reentry tactician, community stakeholder, social justice advocate, leadership development consultant, youth engagement specialist, and Credible Messenger who served over 19years in prison. He is also a social justice advocate who worked on the CLOSErikers Campaign, The Millions for Prisoners Human Rights March, and he lobbied in Albany, NY for the Kalief Browder Bill.This brother is full of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Listening to him will help you envision a pathway out of prison into a life of promise.

Ep. 10 Erik Burgess: The Right Attitude

When Erik Burgess was released from prison in 2009 after serving 18-years (out of what was originally a ‘life-without-parole sentence) for a non-violent drug crime, he knew he was never going back. Instead, through a combination of tenacity, good fortune, and education, he stabilized his life and moved forward. At that point, he decided to focus on helping others cope with the stress of reentry.Erik is a sage who has significant wisdom and insight to share about how to readjust your attitude and realign your life despite the impact of incarceration.You don’t want to miss this one.