Prison to Promise

Beyond the Bars: David Gaspar: Freedom, Leadership, & The Bail Project Ep.115

In this long-awaited episode of the Prison to Promise Podcast, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with David Gaspar, CEO of The Bail Project, for a powerful conversation about transformation, leadership, and the fight for real justice.
David shares his journey from the decisions and circumstances that led him to prison, to the mental and emotional grind of incarceration, and the hard-fought process of winning his appeal. He reflects on the leadership lessons he learned inside, the promises he made to himself while locked up, and how those promises now shape his work and his life.
Together, Craig and David dig into what it means to move from surviving a system designed to break you to leading efforts to dismantle its most harmful parts. They explore David's role at The Bail Project, his vision for justice, and the practical wisdom he's gained along the way—offering inspiration and game-changing insights for anyone committed to freedom, healing, and real change.

From the Yard to the Capitol: Kerwin Pittman on Healing, Advocacy, and Authentic Change Ep. 114

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with Kerwin Pittman — activist, policy reformer, and truth-teller — to unpack a journey that moves from incarceration to transformation, and from pain to purpose. Kerwin shares the pivotal moments that sparked his path toward advocacy, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and how healing became the foundation for his success after prison. Together, they explore building community networks, shaping policy from lived experience, and staying emotionally grounded in the fight for justice. This is a conversation about resilience, faith, and the courage to turn struggle into service.

Jeff Walker: Recovery Is a Revolution: Hope, Healing, and Second Chances Ep. 113

In this compelling episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with Jeff Walker, a beacon of transformation and the driving force behind Wilkes Recovery Revolution, Inc. Together, they explore the intersection of addiction recovery, reentry, and personal redemption—and how one man's pain became the catalyst for a community-wide movement.
Jeff shares his journey from incarceration to advocacy, his insights into peer support and recovery work in rural North Carolina, and his mission to help others find hope where they once saw only despair.
This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about surviving—it's about rebuilding, restoring, and rising stronger than before.

From Lived Experience to Leadership: Jasmine Milton on Forensic Peer Support and Healing Justice Ep. 112

In this episode of the Prison to Promise Podcast, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with Jasmine Milton, a Forensic Peer Support Specialist and President of the Black Coalition of Forensic Peer Support Specialists based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jasmine shares her journey of transformation—from navigating the challenges of involvement in the justice system to becoming a leading advocate for healing, equity, and representation in forensic peer work. Through her lived experience and professional insight, she discusses the power of peer support in bridging the gaps between systems and humanity, the importance of centering Black voices in reentry and recovery spaces, and how authentic connection can break the cycles of trauma and incarceration.
This conversation is more than a story of resilience—it’s a blueprint for change.
Tune in to hear how Jasmine and her colleagues are redefining what it means to heal, lead, and build hope from within our communities.

Restoring Hope: Jessica Younts on Justice, Equity, and the Power of Second Chances Ep.111

In this episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed speaks with Jessica Younts — a powerhouse advocate, scholar, and changemaker in the fight for justice reform. Jessica shares her deeply personal journey through incarceration and how it ignited her passion for criminal justice advocacy. Together, she and Dr. Waleed explore Florida’s historic Amendment 4, the ongoing struggles with fines and fees that hinder reentry, and the ways women and families are impacted across generations by incarceration. Jessica also reflects on how merging scholarship with lived experience drives real change — and how hope, support, and community can shape a more equitable future for all.

From Trauma to Triumph: David Garlock Ep. 110

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with David Garlock — a justice reform advocate whose life journey embodies redemption, resilience, and renewal. Together, they unpack the deep connections between trauma and incarceration, the challenges of reentry, and the transformative power of education, faith, and storytelling. David shares how finding purpose and employment shaped his reintegration, how understanding trauma became a path to healing, and how community and faith continue to sustain his growth. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone who believes in second chances and the power of the human spirit to rise above adversity.

When Brotherhood Becomes a Burden: The Cost of Outgrowing Your Circle Ep:109

In this powerful solo episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Waleed shares a deeply personal and unfiltered monologue about a decades-long friendship that turned toxic. From shared childhood memories and unwavering loyalty during incarceration to painful betrayal and unexpected threats, this story pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of staying connected to people who can’t accept your growth.

From Incarceration to Inspiration: Anyakara’s Journey Art as Healing: Transforming Pain into Purpose Ep.108

This conversation explores the transformative journey of Anyakara, who shares her experiences of incarceration, the healing power of art, and the importance of community and storytelling. Through her personal narrative, she highlights how art became a tool for coping with trauma, fostering connections among incarcerated women, and advocating for change within the justice system. Anya-Kara emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding towards those impacted by incarceration, aiming to break down barriers and redefine identities beyond labels.Takeaways:Art can serve as a powerful tool for healing and coping.Personal transformation often occurs through adversity and reflection.Community and connection are vital for emotional support.Storytelling can bridge gaps between individuals and foster understanding.Art can change the culture within incarcerated environments.Empathy is essential in addressing the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals.The impact of loss can lead to profound personal growth.Creating safe spaces for expression can empower others.Art can challenge societal perceptions of identity and worth.The journey of healing is ongoing and requires community support.

From Incarceration to Impact: James Tompkins on Recovery, Research, and Reentry Ep. 107

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, host Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with James Tompkins, an early-career researcher and MSW student whose journey from justice involvement to academic and professional excellence is inspiring and instructive. James shares what sparked his passion for social justice and recovery services and how higher education played a pivotal role in his transformation.Together, they explore the structural barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face when accessing recovery resources and higher education and the innovative programs and policy shifts that can pave the way for true equity and inclusion. James offers thoughtful insights on the future of social work, his upcoming initiatives, and what it means to turn a prison sentence into a promise of purpose.Whether you're an advocate, educator, student, or justice-impacted individual, this episode offers essential perspectives on healing, higher education, and the systemic change we need now.

Breaking the Silence: Anisa Sabur-Mumin on Ending Solitary Confinement Ep. 106

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, host Craig Waleed sits down with Anisa Sabur-Mumin, a fierce advocate, organizer, and leader who has directly impacted the movement to end solitary confinement. Anisa shares her deeply personal journey from surviving incarceration to becoming a central figure in campaigns like Unlock the Box and New York's HALT Solitary legislation.Together, they explore the emotional and physical toll of solitary confinement, the systemic injustices it perpetuates—especially for women and people of color—and the urgent need for reform. Anisa offers insights on coalition-building, policy change, and the healing power of storytelling. With honesty and hope, she discusses the challenges of organizing against entrenched systems, the importance of caring for one's spirit, and how listeners can join the movement for a more humane and just society.Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the carceral system, this episode will leave you inspired to act.