Prison to Promise

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.

Ep. 9 Ruth Utnage: Prison is a Womb or a Tomb

Ruth is a brilliant and resilient transgender woman who was imprisoned for over 10 years in a Washington state prison. During that time, she decided to turn her life around. She loves mathematics, sociology, networking, and public speaking. She’s published many articles on cultural changes on her website, humanme.org, and has helped other writers publish their work as well. Her goal is to educate leaders to recognize, empower and embrace those who have chosen to positively rehabilitate despite incarceration.

Ep. 8 Joshua Kenyon: Adding Value to Myself

Joshua Kenyon spent over half of his life in and out of prison. The last time he was sentenced, the judge served him over 100-years in prison. However, Joshua got his sentence reversed because of his persistent legal maneuvers. While in prison, Joshua began changing how he thought about himself and others. He recognized that his knack for hustling and entrepreneurship could be spun to produce positive outcomes.

Ep. 7 Dellenna Harper: God’s Teardrop

Ms. Harper candidly shares her experiences of enduring and overcoming a life of addiction, prostitution, and incarceration. She provides listeners with a blueprint for escaping the grip of a lifestyle that often has a dramatically tragic ending. 

Ep. 6 Kristie Puckett Williams: Radical Love

After enduring an abusive domestic relationship and being incarcerated while pregnant with twins, Kristie emerged from the belly of the beast to become the Deputy Director for Engagement and Mobilization for the American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina. Kristie is a fierce freedom fighter who presents a clear and articulate voice demanding freedom, justice, and equality for incarcerated, marginalized, and forgotten people.

Ep. 5 Tanaine Jenkins

After serving two years of incarceration and eight years of community supervision, Ms. Tanaine Jenkins has risen to become an entrepreneur and an instrumental voice and presence to help formerly incarcerated people make good on their Second Chance.