Prison to Promise

Brent Bailey: Embracing Redirection in the Journey of Reentry Ep. 57

In the realm of reentry, there exists a warrior named Brent Bailey. Buncombe County is privileged to have him as the Local Reentry Council Coordinator. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to converse with Brent as he graciously shared his voyage through the North Carolina prison system and his unwavering commitment to avoid returning to incarceration. Prepare to gain remarkable insights from Brent's unique perspective on reentry as he illuminates the essential elements required for incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into the community following their release successfully. Brace yourself for a transformative exploration of reentry with Brent Bailey, where rejection is simply a redirection toward a brighter future.

Tony Lowden: From the Trap House to the White House Ep. 56

I'd assume Brother Tony Lowden is a preacher if I didn't know any better. He reminds me of the preachers I grew up listening to in church on Sunday mornings as he discusses his journey from growing up in a "trap house" in North Philadelphia to become President Jimmy Carter's pastor. As the SVP, Chief Social Impact Officer at ViaPath Technologies Tony is an advocate for criminal justice reform, rehabilitation, and reentry programs, he is committed to helping people nationwide rebuild their lives after release from prison and highlights the importance of taking action to help others.

Resilient: From Where I Came to Where I Am | Savvy Shabazz. Ep. 55

Mr. Shabazz, who received a 28-year sentence for non-violent drug offenses in McCracken County, Kentucky, is now committed to the Life Coach Each One Teach One Reentry Fellowship, where he is Executive Director. This program focuses on raising awareness and prevention of prison, probation, and parole (3P's) and equipping individuals with the skills necessary to reintegrate into their families and communities after incarceration. According to Mr. Shabazz, his life has undergone a profound transformation, and he now feels like he's in full bloom. Despite having previously sowed seeds of self-destruction and hatred, he has found strength and determination through his struggles. Through his journey, Mr. Shabazz has been reborn and is continually growing.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Prison to Promise Podcast

The Prison to Promise podcast is a show that explores the challenges and triumphs of individuals who have been formerly incarcerated. Hosted by yours truly, Dr. Craig Waleed, an educator, motivational speaker, and advocate who himself served time in prison. The podcast aims to inspire listeners by sharing stories of transformation and resilience.
Each episode of the Prison to Promise podcast features an interview with a different guest who has overcome the obstacles of reentry after prison. The guests come from all walks of life and share their unique experiences and perspectives on topics such as education, employment, relationships, mental health, and addiction recovery.
Through these conversations, the podcast seeks to shed light on the complex issues facing the criminal legal system and the people who are impacted by it. It also aims to provide practical insights and advice for those who may be navigating similar challenges in their own lives.
Overall, the Prison to Promise podcast is a thought-provoking and inspiring platform that celebrates the power of resilience and the potential for positive change, even in the face of adversity.

Kevin McCracken: GRACE Ep. 54

Kevin went through jail and addiction before founding a thriving business called Social Imprints as a way to empower marginalized adults. Kevin notes that ‘his own life experience enables him to relate to the business team members' struggles as they begin the journey to getting their lives back in order.’During the past 20 years Kevin has also had the good fortune of working with multiple non-profits on their board and as a volunteer. Constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of returning citizens, individuals in recovery, and other marginalized communities.Tune in as Kevin talks shop about what he detailed as his “tour of institutions and hospitals up and down the west coast, collecting charges” to becoming the COO & Co-Founder at Social Imprints.

THANK YOU: Season 1 Conclusion

What’s up yall?
I am Dr. Craig Waleed. Your host, here on the Prison to Promise Podcast.
March 31, 2023, marked the end of the first year of the Prison to Promise Podcast and the conclusion of Season 1.
I want to send a special thank you to each of the past guests who trusted me with their stories and graciously shared their experiences with our listeners. Also, thanks to the Prison to Promise podcast listeners for your support.
With every interview this past year on the Prison to Promise Podcast, I met some fantastic men and women with inspirational and informative stories. By collecting these stories and sharing them with you, the listeners, I hope to help illustrate that despite life’s setbacks and poor decisions, you can bounce back and bounce back stronger than you’ve ever been.
Stay tuned for Season 2 of the Prison to Promise Podcast.

James Smith: Change Within Your Reach Ep. 53

When James Smith got out of prison in 2016, he was lost. Nobody returned his call when he reached out for help from a re-entry program. So instead, his sister, wife, and church members coached him through the changes he wanted."I felt ashamed if I went someplace," he said. "I felt like people would look at me and see a criminal, even if they didn't know me. So it's a miracle really to come out of it."Today, James works as a Community Inclusion Specialist for the Alliance of Disability Advocates NC, helping other men rejoin the community after incarceration. For example, he talks with them about getting a job and dealing with mental pressure."Guys don't go to interviews because they don't feel prepared," he said. "They need encouragement, mock interviews… a step-by-step of how it's going to go." Tune in as James talks about how he transitioned and some of the keys to helping others.

Joshua Boyer: The Sting Couldn’t Stop Him Ep. 52

Joshua Boyer was essentially sentenced to twenty-four years in prison for conversing about committing a robbery. While incarcerated, he determined he would learn everything he could about the law to help unlock the legal puzzle that resulted in his incarceration. Boyer spent a lot of time in the law library, learning the ins and outs of the law. Eventually, he earned a reputation as a jailhouse lawyer who could help write briefs or advise on cases. After applying for clemency, Joshua Boyer was released from prison in 2017 after serving 16 years.

Paul Campiche: More Than Gold Ep. 51

Right off the muscle, Paul Campiche lets me know he recognizes his affluence, whiteness, and gender as an advantage in this world. But, as Paul told me, "I need to do something more than just be privileged; I need to [help] make [a] change."Paul Campiche is a formerly incarcerated individual with a background in connecting individuals with re-entry services, such as housing, food, education, jobs, and other services. Paul's background is in Psychology, Crisis Management, and Case Management; he has worked with homeless individuals and individuals in recovery or active drug use. Tune in as Paul talks with me about how his academic achievements helped him develop emotional awareness, which led him to begin thinking about what wasn't working in his life, how to realign his life, and to stay out of prison. Today, Paul is giving back to other formerly incarcerated people as a mental health care provider by helping them access services and employment.

Joe Arvidson: Desistance Ep. 50

Joseph Arvidson is the Executive Director of The Paragon Group, LLC.The Paragon Group strives to promote and advance evidence-based practices in criminal justice. Their services include speaking engagements, training, and consulting on risk needs responsivity (RNR) and desistance-based models. Joseph’s training and consulting clientele have ranged from Federal Probation to local for-profit and non-profit agencies and international training and consulting. Additionally, he is the founder of The Criminologist Media Group, serving as producer and host of The Criminologists podcast. Joseph Arvidson has been an adjunct faculty member at Concordia University and Metropolitan State University since 2000, where he teaches several graduate and undergraduate-level Criminal Justice courses. He currently serves on the Criminal Justice Advisory Board for Concordia University. He also serves as a board member for Volunteers in Corrections.