How does Wendy Lankton go from a wife working in her husbands law firm in Montreal to being arrested in a drug conspiracy in Omaha Nebraska? It is quite the Odessey to what she is doing today. In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Wendy Lankton, who shares her harrowing journey from addiction to incarceration and eventual recovery. Wendy discusses the impact of the Federal CARES Act on her life while she was serving a 15-year Federal prison sentence. She shares her complicated experiences growing up in Nebraska, and the choices that led her to prison. She reflects on her time in Danbury women's prison, the challenges of COVID-19, and her eventual release into home confinement to serve out the years of sentence that she has remaining. Wendy shares what it was like getting out and living in home confinement for years. Throughout the conversation, Wendy emphasizes the importance of gratitude and advocacy for others in similar situations, highlighting the need for reform in the legal and prison systems. She is currently working in a law firm and going to law school. She is hoping to be an attorney that can give a greater voice to the justice impacted community.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online repustation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

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On this episode of Nightmare Success with Brent Cassity, we explore the shocking and deeply troubling story of Carlos Watson—a pioneering Silicon Valley entrepreneur who built OZY Media from the ground up, transforming it into a near-billion-dollar powerhouse. But in 2019, everything changed. When Watson refused to sell OZY to East Coast competitor Ben Smith (formerly of BuzzFeed)—not once, but five times—the trouble began. By 2021, as Watson prepared for a pre-IPO round, he was smeared in the press, and over the last two years, he faced a stunning indictment and conviction in Brooklyn—despite having no ties to the borough. Disturbingly, the judge in his case, Eric Komitee, had millions of dollars invested in entities tied to Watson’s adversaries but never disclosed these conflicts. Award-winning filmmakers Candice Conley and Brenae Perkins have captured this unsettling saga in “The Troubling Case of Carlos Watson: Whose Son Is Next?” Duke Professor David Robinson has also analyzed the case in “Conflict, Bias, and the Railroading of Carlos Watson.” Join us as Carlos Watson shares his incredible journey, the fight against a deeply conflicted judicial process, and what lies ahead in his battle for truth. This is a story of resilience, injustice, and the ongoing struggle for fairness that you won’t want to miss.

Was Carlos Watson the Mastermind or a Victim of Lies? How Cooperation Deals Shaped the VerdictPart 2: Whose Son Is Next? (Full Episode)Breaking News: Conflict of Interest Bombshell: Judge Invested in Ozy’s Victim Companies

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online repustation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

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In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Portia Louder, author of the book Living Louder- A Compassionate Journey Through Federal Prison. Portia shares her incredible journey from a non-traditional upbringing to facing the challenges of teenage motherhood, addiction, and ultimately, a prison sentence for mortgage fraud. Portia's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of accountability as she navigates her way through life's obstacles and emerges stronger on the other side. In this conversation, Portia Louder shares her harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, detailing the immense pressure she faced leading up to her trial and sentencing. She discusses the emotional toll of incarceration, the challenges of adjusting to prison life, and the transformative experiences that ultimately led her to find purpose and resilience. Portia emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the power of choice, illustrating how her time in prison shaped her into a stronger individual. The conversation concludes with her reflections on reintegration into society and the newfound appreciation for life and connection with others. Show Sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org, register for the white collar conference October 19th at whitecollarconference.com, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

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The crash of the 2008 real estate market went from bad to worse to prison for Aaron Duncan. Aaron grew up with a strong knit family. The oldest of 3 sons. He bolted out of high school to be make it big in business. He had impressive early successes. He first started his own  travel company much like Expedia using his previous contacts working for TWA. He has a wickedly smart marketing mind that led him into creating his own real estate investment company, The Duncan Group. The real estate crash happened and Aaron went scrambling for solutions to get short term investors their money back. It didn't work and his in-house attorney turned him into the authorities. Aaron does an excellent job of walking us through his nightmare. His first day in a medium security prison will take your breath away. The worst possible way to to start prison. He took advantage of his library job and became an expert in criminal law. Aaron got out and hit the ground running. He now runs an international company Elevate Media. He represents athletes, CEO's, celebrities, and businesses with their crisis at hand. He is particularly helpful to the indicted/convicted individuals to help them through sentencing and tips for life in prison. Aaron has found a way to use his life experience to help others who have found themselves in the same position that he successfully survived.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How would you handle a life threatening situation? Kevin Donaldson is an ex-police officer whose life changed one night when he was shot at, and a bullet grazed his ear. His life after this event began spiraling down a dark black hole. It triggered post traumatic syndrome that led to thoughts of ending his life and trying to cope through heavy drinking. Kevin is a mesmerizing storyteller that leads us into his world of struggle and then finally finding a way to overcome. It is interesting to hear his story through the eyes of a police officer. He now has an incredibly popular nationally ranked podcast "The Suffering Podcast." As Kevin says, "Suffering is the way to sustainable success." Kevin helps people who are in a similar situation as his... find their way through the darkness to success.  Kevin Donaldson is a true Nightmare Success Story! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How do you flip the script on a really tough childhood? Shawn Medina had the type of childhood where both his parents were no help to his sister and him. They were shipped around in and out of foster care because his mom was strung out on drugs and his dad wasn't any better living 1000's of miles away with his own personal issues. Shawn is very open and honest about his own struggles that landed him in prison and then a return to prison on a violation of his probation. He leads us through his struggles and how he found his way.  He finally found his passion... met a woman that he loves, and operates Steel and Ink Tattoo Studio with his wife. This famed ink shop is not just doing award winning tattoos. Shawn and his wife have a passion for giving to the underserved communities and charities such as the Shriners, women's safe houses, Missouri Network and Opiate Reform, local school fundraisers, as well as, volunteering his time to help feed the homeless. Steel and Ink offers a financial scholarship program for graduating high school seniors from the area called, "Good Decisions." All the things that Shawn knew he needed growing up he tries to give back now using his success to elevate people in need.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Could you take a mess and make it into a powerful message? Travis Richey did exactly that! He is known as the Prison Education Czar in the United States. Travis is the man behind AccomplishED Ventures, the largest prison content provider in the U.S. Quite a journey that led him to his destiny. He had a tough childhood, his father struggled with drug addiction, and his mother worked hard to make ends meet. Travis got a scholarship and studied finance at the University of Miami. He became incredibly successful running an investment hedge fund. A knock on the door and life changed with Travis receiving a 2 year sentence due to a regulatory oversight in the State of Arizona. Those 2 years changed his mindset and purpose for life. AccomplishED Ventures is now on 750,000 inmate tablets in prison providing real hope for inmates to fix their lives and be a better part of society. His curriculum teaches life skills, job skills, entrepreneurial skills, and financial literacy. Travis is using his experience to change the narrative around incarceration and providing hope and opportunity for millions of incarcerated individuals who desire to change their lives. Wow! This is a feel good story. As Travis says, "You hold the pen to how you want to write your story!" --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Did you like the movie "Catch Me If You Can"? Well, you will find Matt Cox fascinating. The episode of American Greed titled the episode "The Modern Day Bonnie and Clyde of Mortgage Fraud." His story has been chronicled on DATELINE NBC, FORTUNE magazine, and several others. Cox was a fugitive for over 2 years and ended up on the Secret Service Most Wanted list. Interestingly, there were always girlfriends assisting him with his cross country scheme. He had a strained relationship with his Dad. Matt was diagnosed with a learning disability early on. I believe, he was always trying to prove to his Dad that he was smart (Insurance Test Story)...with an IQ over 140 he was smart. He was finally captured and sentenced to 26 years in prison. While he was in, he began writing books for several inmates that he was incarcerated with. One of those inmates was Efraim Diveroli. That manuscript was made into a very popular movie titled "War Dogs."  Matt began teaching a GED class in prison. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge about the business of real estate, and eventually began teaching a real estate class to inmates. Several of those inmates left prison and began successful real estate careers. I know Matt takes a lot of satisfaction with that. Matt now has a successful podcast titled "Inside True Crime with Matt Cox." He has several published books that can be found on Amazon. Matt is an entertaining storyteller and brutally honest about what he did and how he did it. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Can someone be sentenced to 10 years for selling marijuana? My guest, Stephanie Shepard, was.  She was a first time, non-violent offender from a two parent suburban household. Stephanie said, "I thought going to prison would never happen to me." Her story of being arrested is mindboggling. She was released after 9 years and 5 different prisons, in 2019. Her emotions about the experience are still gripping and raw with how she survived. She shares the things that she learned in prison, and how she uses it on the outside. She also discusses how she did specific things not to lose "herself" in prison.  Stephanie talks about the nervousness of getting back into society. How she had to fight for that first job opportunity. She is now a director of the Last Prison Project. LPP's mission is to set 1,000's of prisoners free that sit in prison for cannabis related convictions. President Biden, October 6th, pardoned 6500 with simple marijuana possession offenses. This is obviously a very current topic. The organization also helps with grants to help the ex-inmates get back into society who do not have a support system. Stephanie is using her experience to effect positive change and instill hope. She says, "It makes everyday worth it." This is a feel good story of overcoming! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Phillip "Uccikhan" Sample is a story of a complete life transformation. You will be immediately captured by the rawness and honesty of how Phillip describes his journey. In 1975, he was born into the toughest neighborhood in Detroit. He was raised between the slums of Detroit to the gang ridden streets of the Southside of Chicago. As a result of dysfunctional and unstable housing, ill-education and violence, Phillip became his environment. He joined a gang at 11 and became a leader of a gang at 14. He was eventually convicted of 3 counts of assault with intent to murder at 18 years old in a gang related war. He served 15 years in prison. He used the time to educate himself, studying psychology and what made him think the way he was thinking...undergoing a complete self-evaluation. Phillip was released after 15 years with a passion to amend past actions and rebuild the community he had helped to destroy. He established RAHAM Detroit (Response Able Hands and Minds). This organization is inspiring youth that there is an alternative to crime and incarceration. His organization is clearing and beautifying lots, building new homes, establishing areas of recreation, entertainment, and culture. Phillip's non-profit is teaching youth enduring life skills, that may continue the process of strengthening family and community bonds. Phillip has always had leadership skills...now he is using his experience to effect real change for the good. These young people admire and listen to him. He is the author of the book "The Passion Of The Life (Part 1) the life, death, and resurrection of Phillip A Sample." This is an inspiring story of hope, and hope never goes out of style! I would love to wave a magic wand and clone Phillip Sample nationwide! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Getting out of prison is an incredible feeling, but going in and out of prison can become a depressing cycle. How do you reach down deep in your soul and change that cycle? Harvey Galler has an unbelievable story of what put him back in prison the last time. He finally made the break, and changed his life. Harvey gives the listener an honest, real, description of how he climbed out to the right side of his life. It wasn't easy, but he has put in the work to stay on the right track. He earned a degree from Washington University. Once Harvey was released, he took it on himself to create an organization to help others who were being released from prison with the basics they needed to get started back in their lives. Harvey wanted to help others break the cycle of not returning back to prison. He is currently working on a documentary. Harvey has lived to step over his nightmare to be the man he wants to be. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Would you become a fugitive if you were looking at 25 years in Prison? Writer/Director Seth Ferranti did just that. He faked his suicide and landed on the US Marshals Top-15 Most Wanted list. He was finally captured and sentenced to 25 years in prison for selling marijuana and LSD. As a drug dealing teen, Ferranti sold drugs at 15 East Coast colleges, crisscrossing across five states. This story attracted media attention from The Washington Post, Rolling Stones, and others for this  first time, non-violent offender. Seth did not waste his time in prison. He found a passion for writing. He also studied the trade earning a associates, bachelors, and masters degree while in prison. With unlimited access to criminals and their stories Ferranti began crafting raw portrayals of prison life and crack era gangsters. Seth wrote 22 books while in prison, while also penning columns in VICE, Don Diva, and others. He began building his brand from prison, Gorilla Convict. Ferranti became a true crime publisher documenting stories mainstream media refused to share. He became the most prolific writer of the War on Drugs era.  In 2015, Seth was released from prison after 21 years behind bars. Seth hit the ground running, continuing his writing career penning pieces for VICE, The Daily Beast, and others. Ferranti teamed up  in Hollywood with Shawn Rech and Transitions Studios to make "White Boy", a feature documentary on Richard Wershe Jr., that aired on STARZ, and became a Top 10 hit on NETFLIX. There was also a movie "White Boy, Rick." He has over 5 documentary projects in production. This man is relentless. Each time you think he is down, Seth gets back up and even makes a louder statement of what he is doing and where he is going. This man does not stand on the sidelines. He jumps in the game making a difference! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Could you or would you kill your father if he sexually abused you for 10 years? Stacey Lannert did kill her father at the age of 18 and received a life sentence without parole. This is a story that has been covered by national media...Oprah Winfrey Show, 20/20, American Justice, CNN Nancy Grace, Glamour Magazine to name a few. Her story is honest and painful, but inspiring by how she survived. You feel her triumph. She never lost hope. Stacey's prison sentence was eventually commuted and then pardoned after 18 years in prison. Stacey got out of prison and was accepted into law school, and is now a Missouri State Public Defender Parole Revocation Defense Team Attorney. A great quote from Stacey, "No matter what has happened in our past, we choose the life we want to live. Never allow your past to dictate your future." Tune in to hear her powerful story!  Stacey is the author of the book, 'Redemption: A Story of Sisterhood, Survival, And Freedom Behind Bars' (Amazon).  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, Brent Cassity and guests Jeff Grant, founder of White Collar Support Group, and Bill Livolsi, Deputy Director of White Collar Support Group discuss the upcoming White Collar Conference, emphasizing the importance of community and support for individuals affected by white collar crimes. They explore the challenges of reintegration into society, the significance of networking, and the diverse panels that will be featured at the conference, which aim to provide insights and inspiration for attendees to get to their next step along their journey. The conversation highlights personal stories of resilience and the collective journey towards healing and redemption. The groundbreaking event, Starting Over: Out of Isolation and into Community, will take place on Zoom on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 9am EST. The first ever conference by White Collar Justice Impacted People, for White Collar Justice Impacted People. Conference information, Schedule, and Registration https://whitecollarconference.com. To learn more about the White Collar Support Group: prisonist.org

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Would you have the courage to post something on social media about your past, fearing it could possibly destroy the company you have built? That is exactly what my guest Andrew Gibbs-Dabney (Founder and CEO of Livsn Designs) did on LinkedIn because he knew it was time and he wanted to take back control of his story of going to prison. An investor had just backed out of a big funding deal with Andrew because they did a background check. Andrew decided he no longer wanted to be bullied with his past. He was going to stand out in front of his story and let the chips fall where they may. Andrew admitted he robbed a liquor store in his college years while in a Xanax and Oxytocin haze, knowing he owed a lot of money to bad people. He turned himself in and began treatment. He eventually was given leniency from a potential sentence of 40 years to serving 6 months in a hardcore Texas Bootcamp. If you failed the camp you had to do the rest of the long sentence. Andrew did his time, went back to school, got his degree, married his high school sweetheart and had two kids. He followed his passion for the outdoors, and became the founder and CEO of Livsn Designs, a very cool outdoor company that makes clothing for outdoor activities. The company was growing, but there was always the fear of the lifetime background check. Andrew published his personal story to LinkedIn, and a tidal wave of support followed in the comments. He received a flood of new investors who wanted to be part of his company because of his courageous story. The Outside Business Journal interviewed Andrew about his post and story. The steps Andrew has taken to get where he is today were not easy, but the story he shares with how he got to where he is today is certainly inspiring! The old fashion feel good, underdog, winning story! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Coming from a good suburban family, being an "A" student at Arizona State, falling into drug addiction, depression, abusive relationships, smuggling drugs for a Mexican cartel and finally getting hit with a Federal Prison sentence, Megan Racer is my guest this week. Her story is honest, authentic, humbling, gripping, and truly inspiring of overcoming all her obstacles and using her experience for good to help others at River Source Treatment Center. You don't have to have lived through addiction to feel this story. The way Megan walks us through her journey you feel her desperation of trying to survive, floating above water to make due in life. Megan's story invokes all the emotions you can feel. This story could be made into a movie about living through a nightmare, hitting rock bottom, and finally setting herself free to be the person she is today. She is now the happy mother of 2 kids, in a good relationship, and thriving with her job and life. A true, inspiring Nightmare Success Story! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Are you a product of your environment or can you break the cycle? Randell McKoy grew up with mentors in his life - his stepdad, mom, uncle, and grandma, teaching him how to be a man and knowing right from wrong, but he was still drawn to the adrenaline rush of the hustle of the street life. He says he was living a double life. It costs him. Eventually, he was arrested on drug charges, and his cousin... who just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time with him ended up getting even more time. Randell tells the story of his journey being at 5 different prisons from maximum lockup to the minimum security at Leavenworth.... years of adapting and surviving the prison life. Randell is back home now. He successfully obtained his CDL license and has secured a good job. He has reconnected with his family. I believe Randell is learning how to break the cycle to create positive change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How does the girl next door, smart, private school end up homeless at the age of 16 addicted to meth and eventually doing prison time in her 20's? My guest this week is Jenn Henry and she has had one heck of a journey to get to where she is today. She grew up not understanding and trying to fit in with a bi-polar Mom, and a dad who could not help her with her struggle of trying to fit in or escape her situation. She wakes up one day in a jail cell and sees an emaciated ghost of herself, and decides at her rock bottom moment...she had to change. Jenn walks us through her hard struggles and strategies of finally breaking free to where she is today. She uses her life experience to help others get better as a lifestyle recovery coach. There are all kinds of nuggets of wisdom for our daily life packed inside this episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

What if you get a call from work to get home right now…you arrive, and your mom is in the back of the police car because she has murdered your dad – 5 years to that day you are walking through the gates of prison for a crime you didn’t commit to serve a 50-year sentence. Well, meet my guest Ronald Simpson Bey on this week’s podcast Nightmare Success In and Out. Ronald went through a dark 5 years after entering prison being involved in all the ugliness of prison mischief, until he read a book that changed his life. He began reading and studying up on the law and helping other people with their cases. He speaks of the pain of finding out his son, who he was planning to see on a visit, had been murdered that day on Father’s Day. He forgave the 14-year-old boy who killed his son and advocated for him not to be charged as an adult. Ronald never gives up on the injustice of his case and finally gets a federal court to overturn his conviction after 24 years. He describes how it takes him another 3 years to be freed from prison because of our system. Ronald and his story are an inspiration of optimism…kicking unfairness in the face and succeeding regardless. Ronald is now the National Executive Vice President of Just Leadership USA that is doing important work for the incarcerated and those who have been released. Funny quote from Ronald getting released after 27 years in prison…“I felt like Fred Flintstone returning home to the Jetsons!” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

What do you think when I say Homeless? Probably not former police officer, detective, global security expert, CEO of a Private Worldwide Security Agency, Media Commentator, CEO of Hollywood TV/Film Production Company, Best Selling Author of Interminable...Well, my guest this week on Nightmare Success In and Out is Michael "Hollywood" Henderson, and he is all of those things rolled up into one man! I attempt to pull back all the layers of Michael's story...from a complicated but loving Mom and Son relationship to all the different mentors that showed up in Michael's life in the moment of need... then not knowing his Dad and then literally bumping into him at a park...this new connection changed his life. His Grandma introduced him at an early age to entrepreneurship. Michael shares the story of his "Milk Shake" moment to fuel him to where he is today. Michael says, "I always run towards things that scare me." Man, has he lived his life this way! He states that is where he continues to find all the great things in his life.  As Michael walks us through his roller coaster journey from St. Louis, around the world and then Hollywood, we start to piece together what fuels Michael's confidence to keep him stepping forward regardless if it scares him. This episode is chalked full of life lessons of breaking down prisons in your own mind.  Book: Interminable: Stories and Steps to Overcoming Life's Obstacles After a Repetitive Cycle of Pain and Loss - How to Maintain Your Win!  Facebook: Michael Henderson Hollywood Instagram: @therealmichaelhenderson --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

What would you do if you were just sentenced to 25 years in prison, and the same week you are informed your 4 year old son has cancer? Jim Brock is my guest this week, and that is exactly what Jim was faced with. His son survived and Jim refers to him as his hero. Brock was a 1st Team All State Soccer Player at Lindbergh High School. Grades kept him off his senior year team, and the dark slide started. Jim shares how he mentally tackled a life in prison without losing himself in prison. Stray Rescue has a program with the prison for dogs who are not adoptable. Prisoners work and train these dogs. Jim became a champion of this program, eventually training 16 dogs that ended up being adopted with their forever home families. Jim found a lot of commonality with these dogs being neglected, caged, disappointments, and forgotten. Brock describes how incredible mentors showed up unexpectedly at different times in his life and created hope and a focused lifeline. Jim took the reins and became a leader and inspiration for other inmates with Washington University's Associate Program and eventually Bachelor Degree Program. He earned both while incarcerated. Jim is now home. A lot has changed in 20 years, but he has hit the ground running. He shares what he is doing now, and his dream of what he wants to do with his dog training. Jim says it is never TOO LATE! Man has he lived those words! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How do you not lose hope when you are sentenced to 30 years with no possibility for parole? Dion Soubasis never gave up. At the time of Dion’s nightmare, he had been in and out of prison selling drugs and was also charged with some burglaries. Life had not been easy up to this point in his life. His dad had died of a heart attack the night he was bailing his youngest son out of jail. That son blamed himself for his dad’s death. The younger son committed suicide, and Dion’s mom also goes to prison. Dion drops out of school in the 10th grade, and he starts hanging with the wrong crowd. One day in his prison cell Dion hits rock bottom and realizes he could die in prison as a man he doesn’t like. He told himself, “This place offers every opportunity to change myself, and even if I die in here, at least I have done something to better myself.” He made good on his resolutions. He reconnected with his daughter. Graduated college with a degree in theology, spent years as a prison barber, and amassed hours of rehabilitation and leadership programs.  Dion unexpectedly was given clemency by Governor Parsons because of some helpful people who met with the governor accompanied with the good work Dion had done with his time in prison. He is now enjoying his life after 17 years in prison. He has great friends and family that have been there to help. He has a job where he is top of the board in sales month in month out. He is a connected grandfather, and even does some speaking to help others get to the next step by telling his inspiring story. Dion came to the interview with his notes loaded with nuggets of wisdom from his life experiences. Optimism, hope, and action are what this story is about. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Wow! What an emotional inspiring story of a man using his struggles, and life experiences to create good and help others. Robert Riley's dad went to prison when he was 2 years old. He only knew him from visiting prison. Robert's dad was an addict, and Robert fell into that life at an early age. He was in and out of trouble with juvenile courts and state prisons. He finally found himself serving time in a Medium Security Federal Prison, and received an emotional letter from his 10 year old son. This hit him deep and changed his mindset and life direction. When he was released, he followed the 12 step recovery plan, and just kept stepping making a difference in peoples' lives for the better. In the last 14 years since Robert has been released...he changed the laws, breaking down barriers for the use of Narcan that can save the life of an opioid user, he created transitional housing for people in recovery, he co-founded a 30 day recovery center with outpatient follow up, and he now employs and trains people in recovery as bakers and baristas with the companies he owns...The Coffee Culture Food Truck and The Cookie Hustle. This is a true man of action. He has a passion for helping others through his own life experiences, and stepping into the unknown opportunity each time has only made him more confident to keep stepping forward following his passions. Robert is so open and honest about his own struggles in life that it makes him a natural leader in an arena that needs leaders for real change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Randy Terrell grew up living a normal life until it wasn't. Hardworking supportive married mom and Dad, and Randy was the youngest of 6 kids. Randy played running back and outside linebacker all the way through college. He was going to the NFL. There was no plan B. He didn't make it and some of his friends did. He became depressed, embarrassed, and felt like he had let his family down. HIs life approached a fork in the road making some bad decisions by trying to keep up with some of his friends who were living the "life." He began hanging with the wrong crowd. He started with gambling, selling some drugs, and getting into a stolen car conspiracy ring. Just when his life was getting right with a real job, the knock came on the door that began his nightmare. Randy is very open about his feelings and some of his emotions are still very raw as he describes the story he, his kids, and family experienced. HIs prison cellphone story will make you question yourself "What would I have done if I was caught in the same situation of desperation?" Randy is a good guy and a very present Dad to his kids, and he makes a point of saying he will never be in a situation like that again...leaving them for prison. Randy has a good job and has so much gratitude for where he is now in his life.  I think you will appreciate the open raw honesty Randy gives us about his life story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How did Augie Ghilarducci survive and thrive after serving 13 years in Federal Prison? Augie Ghilarducci is the founder of the Second Opportunity Reentry Program, which provides courses focused on employment readiness, financial literacy, life skills, and reentry. He developed these programs while serving a 13-year sentence in the federal prison system. Augie's story is a true nightmare success comeback story, as he went from owning a successful financial planning firm to being convicted of white-collar crimes. Despite the challenges he faced, Augie turned his passion for helping others into a successful program that is now used in jails, prisons, and other outreach programs across the country. Augie shares his journey of going from incarceration to making a positive impact in the lives of others through education and reentry programs. He talks about how he got involved in community outreach while in prison and how that led to him creating programs for inmates to prepare for life after release. Augie emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as unique and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. He also highlights the significance of asking for help and being willing to learn from others who have gone through similar experiences. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org register for the White Collar Conference October 19 at whitecollarconference.com, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

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You know how you watch a movie or listen to a story, and you walk away and think wow that just makes me feel good! That is the Darryl Woods Sr. story. Wrongly convicted of murder at 18 years old...already a father to a son and daughter. Sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. He dropped out of school in 8th grade, and became a child of the streets with all the bad things that had to offer. Darryl's story is one of complete transformation after hitting rock bottom. His underlying theme is never lose HOPE! In prison he became a model citizen being of service helping others with their cases and teaching GED classes. He became a very involved father in his son and daughter's lives. His kids love and admire him for the man he is. In prison, Darryl earned his GED, and Chaired the NAACP Detroit Branch Prison Program, and led 1,000's of youth and prisoners to transformation as the founder of RESTART Youth Deterrent Program. His case was overturned by the original trial judge who said, "Darryl was wrongfully convicted." It took him another 16 years of appeals to finally be released from prison. Darryl was locked up for 29 years. He was released in 2019. Since then he has launched SAY Detroit's "Better Together" initiative. This extraordinary program allows the community police officers and gang members to "break bread" together and find common ground. He has been appointed to the State Appellate Defenders Commission by Governor Whitmor. Darryl could have stayed bitter, but he turned the bitter to better. His life story is inspiring for so many things it teaches us about life and the way we should think. This is a Nightmare Success story you won't forget! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

The Stanley Prince story is one where you just say..."wow!" 26 years in prison and what a story he has... He grew up in St. Louis City. He dropped out of school because he was embarrassed of his stutter. That decision led him down a bad path. He loved his mom, idolized his mom...you feel his emotion and sadness when he describes the hurt he caused her. Stanley's descriptions of state and federal prison are gripping and disturbing. His son died and he felt like ending it all. An inmate gave him a helping hand and it transformed his life, teaching him how to read and write. He received his GED and that was just the beginning. He took every programming class available. The Prison officials and teachers for the inmates took notice. A letter was written to the Warden stating that Prince is a model person doing so many good things, pleading that he should be released early. That request was granted and Prince was released 3 years early, but now what? No family connections, nowhere to live, no money after 26 years. Stanley got deeply depressed, but sought help. He finds himself and his purpose. He grabs hold of his inner confidence to start his own landscaping lawn care business. He gets chosen for the Harris Stowe College Entrepreneur Program, and then doubles his business. Stanley's story has a lot of bumps and detours, but it is so meaningful how we see him find his way to happiness, and truly feeling free. Stanley is brutally honest and raw with his story of surviving, and is just such a likeable personality.    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Anthony Pierre had made all the right moves. He chose the right path in school, but he ran with a group who had chosen the wrong path. Anthony hit the books and graduated with A's. He dedicated himself to become a D-1 Athlete, and followed a mentor into Real Estate and built a regional company. A wife, kids in great schools, Dad soccer coach, and a beautiful home. One day a life long friend that he wanted to help who had chosen the wrong path came to Anthony for help...just this one time...a simple drop of drugs to someone Anthony did know. Anthony also knew this cash infusion could help his real estate company after the crash of 2008. Little did he know he was walking straight into a drug ring that had been under investigation for months. One bad decision...Anthony is pulled over and surrounded by agents. This Nightmare cost him 6 years in prison. At first Anthony was bitter, but he flipped the switch and began helping others. Anthony used his time to educate the inmates how to invest in the real estate business. The warden took notice and made his teaching an official programming class. His real estate school educated 100's of men while they were in prison...changing their lives as they re-entered the free world. This Pierre class is legendary in the state of Ohio Prison world. Anthony has written a book "Boundless Success" and has a real estate academy, along with being a successful real estate investor and motivational speaker. Pierre is a true gritty Nightmare Success Story! Anthony Pierre | Linktree, www.estatemaster.cc --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

The question I kept asking myself throughout this interview is, "how did Mikie Bobzin survive?" She recounts being a 5 year-old girl having to grow up quickly with a bi-polar mom who was a severe alcoholic. As a 7 year-old, Mikie knew she wanted her mom to drink beer not gin. That is a lot for a 7 year-old.  They were in and out of public housing and Mikie was always trying to figure out how to fit in. She went down a dark path with her own addictions, hanging with a tough crowd. You really feel her rock bottom moment.  Mikie is so honest and real in telling her story...she really puts you on the edge of your seat, and you can't possibly imagine this having a happy ending. Well, unbelievably it does. Mikie and her 5 kids are doing well together as a family. Mikie has a meaningful job, and just graduated with her Masters degree in Social Work. This is truly a Nightmare Success story, and Mikie is giving back to those who helped save her along the way.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Bill Glaser, tan, white hair, looks like the picture of a successful country club rich man, and he was. He had worked his way to the top of the class with sought after clients with his wealth management company and real estate. Then the nightmare...A bad homebuilder turned into a terrible fraud for Bill's clients. The FBI came knocking on the door, and Bill found himself in a spin cycle of bad to worse. Finally, he pleads guilty and finds himself designated to Federal Medical Prison, Lexington KY. Not a good place to be. This place has all classifications of prisoners. How does a guy like Bill handle being choked out and put in the hole for 8 months? This honest, heartfelt story has it all packed into one episode. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Shawntelle Fisher walked out of prison for the last time on her birthday...November 3, 2011. She had been in and out of prison with multiple felonies mostly pertaining to forgery or bad checks. Fisher had become a mother at 15, a convicted felon at 17...by the time she was 19 she was in prison. Her birthday release was going to be different. This time was the last visit to prison, and she set out on a mission to change her life and other peoples lives by founding Soulfisher Ministries, a nonprofit that helps educate children whose parents are, or have been, incarcerated.   Fisher is one smart woman. She sought out her education along the way after prison...she holds degrees with full ride scholarships from University of Missouri-St.Louis, graduate degrees from Washington University and Eden Theological Seminary. She became a licensed clinical social worker and drug and alcohol abuse counselor. She now helps hundreds of kids with education and life through her organization. With all of these accomplishments, she was recently denied and then appealed and then denied again by a judge to be a foster parent. Why? Because of her felony record. Shawntelle says she will become a foster mom, and we have a deep discussion about what are the best solutions for people who return home from prison trying to make their way back in society. The recent setback is a gut punch to Shawntelle, but it is inspiring how she handles a challenge. Everyone can learn something from how Shawntelle handles life. I am a fan! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

What if you were convicted of murder and it took 20 years in prison to finally prove you were innocent? That is exactly what happened to my guest Marvin Cotton Jr. one day when he was driving to pick up his 2 year old daughter from daycare. It is one heck of a story told in a way no one else can tell it like Marvin. We walk through his nightmare as if we are walking beside him...could have easily been one of us picking up one of our kids from school. His freedom would have never happened without the prosecutors office creating a special division in the office named the Conviction Integrity Unit. It was tasked to look at questionable convictions. Cotton's case was one they chose to investigate. After 2 1/2 years of investigation he was freed and exonerated after 20 years in prison. He did get work in prison. Marvin used his time there to help bring factions and gangs together through his unique leadership as a communicator. His Mom and family never gave up hope. He also kept his relationship alive with his daughter through all of these formative years. Marvin has not wasted any time since he was released. He is the CEO of Better Not Broken, where he is a motivational speaker, mentor, and coach that helps people overcome circumstantial roadblocks and progress to personal life transformation. Marvin Cotton Jr. is running for The House of Representatives 11th District in Michigan. We need men like Marvin in politics. He could so easily be bitter, but this is an optimistic man who is using his experience to effect change for the better. He never gave up hope, stayed determined, and had the courage to keep stepping through the unknown...what a message!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Samantha Lander gives us the Federal Prison experience from a female's perspective, and she has lived through her nightmare and survived. She has a very engaging personality that mixes humor and pain as she relays to us her incredible journey of survival, determination, and success. Sam grew up in St. Louis in an upper middle class suburban neighborhood. Her dad was a doctor.  She went to one of the best high schools in the state and then attended the University of Michigan. She moved to LA and become a successful "A List" DJ in the club scene...just like that her world spun out of control with a SWAT team crashing down her door. How does the girl next door get saddled with spending 2 years in Federal Prison? Sam tells the details of what was going through her mind as if we are walking through the experience with her. She has gotten out and put her life back together. Always a great athlete, she is a sought after personal trainer, who now runs her own business @seefitliving. Sam optimizes your health holistically to get you and your life back! You should check out her Instagram account @seefitliving for healthy ways to live. Sam kept walking right through her nightmare and never gave up! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

How about this headline..."I went from being one of the top teen golfers in the World (#4) to Hawaii's most wanted. This is Kyle Quilausing's incredible story of letting arrogance get the best of him...falling from grace as a child Hawaii celebrity... being expelled 6 months before high school graduation...taking one hit off a meth pipe losing it all...becoming a fugitive most wanted, finally being arrested, and then orchestrating one of the biggest escapes from prison to fuel his addiction. The story that is told only the way that Kyle can tell it. It will leave you on the edge of your seat. His prison stories left me speechless. It is emotional, inspiring, and a true story of redemption. Kyle now leads a life talking to kids all over the country of how to keep out of the dark hole he fell into. He explains how one wrong decision can be life altering. You can find Kyle on Instagram with the words he now lives by...stay, humble, pray...with over 30,000 followers (@stayhumblepray). This is truly a story of a man who has lived a nightmare and survived to use his experience for the good of helping others. If you like stories of how to adapt, survive, and create a successful second chance... you will be inspired by Kyle.  To reach out to Kyle: https://www.instagram.com/stayhumblepray/, https://topyouthspeakers.com/speakers-topics/kyle-quilausing --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Russ Faria is my guest this week. He has been on Dateline 6 times, a record. He is the subject of the popular Podcast "The Thing About Pam" that has over 30 million listeners. The 6 Part NBC Mini Series just finished up with the same title as the podcast. Joel Schwartz, Russ's attorney, was my guest last week, and did an excellent job describing the details and characters of the case. Russ gives us his life story. What kind of life he was living before the horrible December night tragedy? How did he and Betsy meet and what was their life and marriage like? Russ does an incredible job of letting us inside his mind as the events unfolded and what he was thinking and feeling. He shares nuggets of wisdom and strategies of how he kept being himself regardless of being locked up for life without parole plus 30 years. He never gave up or lost hope. Russ is a very likable, happy, optimistic man who wants to use his experience to help others and create change. He is using his new found fame to lend his voice to the Midwest Innocence Project. He wants people to know that there are Russ Faria's all over the country that are innocent and locked up in prison. Russ has recently gotten engaged, and his fiancé was actually one of the hunted potential victims of Pam Hupp's before she asked to be let out of Pam's car. You can't make this stuff up! Russ is a good man, doing good things... making a difference! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Could a person go from prison solitary confinement to respected attorney? Kaysia Earley did just that. She was arrested and charged with felony embezzlement during her senior year in college. She was working at a shoe store giving discounts on shoes to friends. Despite being four months pregnant, she was put in solitary confinement. However, this experience didn't break her, but made her stronger. She turned her life around, became a lawyer, and is now a zealous advocate for her clients. Kaysia's story is an inspiration that resilience and the power of determination can conquer so much. Kaysia Earley's journey from incarceration to becoming a successful attorney is a testament to the power of growth and redemption. She emphasizes that her past mistakes do not define her and that she was able to find herself and grow from her experiences. Kaysia's faith played a significant role in her transformation, as she had to wrestle with her faith and fear before deciding to pursue law school. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, Kaysia had to fight to finally be accepted by the Florida Bar. Her personal experience of being incarcerated gives her a unique perspective and empathy for her clients. Kaysia's story is a reminder that fear should not paralyze us and that faith can lead to incredible achievements. Kaysia has won numerous awards such as, Top 40 under 40 National Trial Lawyers Association, Top 10 Best Attorney Award, and numerous others. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group - Register for the October 19th conference at whitecollarconference.com, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

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My guest this week is criminal defense attorney Joel Schwartz. He is the attorney who represented Russ Faria in the case that has become an NBC 6 part series ratings darling titled, "The Thing about Pam" starring Rene Zellweger (as Pam Hupp) and Josh Duhamel (as Joel Schwartz). Joel has written the book Bone Deep that takes readers through the perfect storm of miscalculations and missteps that led to an innocent man’s conviction—and recounts Schwartz’s successful battle to have that conviction overturned. Joel has been speaking to sold out audiences all over the nation that can't get enough of this story. He has appeared on Dateline NBC, 60 Minutes, CBS Morning News, CNN, Fox News and countless local television news affiliates. Joel went to undergraduate and law school at the University of Texas, Austin. He has a bit of an entrepreneur streak in him. While he was an undergraduate at UT, he created the popular "Men of Texas" calendar that landed him on the cover of Newsweek Magazine. After finishing law school, Joel headed to Hollywood to be an actor. He came home to St. Louis for a visit, and never went back to Los Angeles. He said he would give law a try for a year, and now 33 years later he is Principal Partner in the nationally respected Law Firm of Rosenblum, Schwartz, and Fry. On top of all of that, he has his own band, JFB, where he is the lead guitarist and singer. Joel is a family man with a wife and 3 kids who has a passion for making a difference with everything he goes to do. Joel is the criminal defense attorney you would want fighting by your side if you find yourself in a nightmare. In a perfect world, there would be a criminal defense attorney cloning machine making 100's of Joel Schwartz clones. He is definitely one of the good guys!    --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Ripped from todays headlines... my guest is Brandon Reid. Brandon, Intake Coordinator of Criminal Justice Ministry, has dedicated his life to helping ex-felons find housing when being released...ironically he was recently denied housing himself because of a blanket ban of not allowing felons to live in the Hampton Garden Apartments. This prompted a headline article over the weekend in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Brandon is a non-violent drug offender. He sits on boards and is the President of Pride STL. Brandon has a fascinating life story of growing up in Italy until he was 10 years old, and seeing abuse to his mom in the household. His first arrest was for drug possession when he was 18. Brandon was addicted to meth and heroin. He finally got himself on the right path, and his story is one of determination, survival, and success. He discovered an incredible mentor and a group of friends conquering their struggles. Brandon is using his unique experience to help others to affect  real change. He is now bringing awareness with the most recent issue of legal discrimination for housing with ex-felons. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Billy Vasquez is my guest this week...  A very likeable Texan, along with, being a hardworking soft spoken gentle giant family man. Billy tells the story of how it was easy to fall into an addicted lifestyle with friends and family who were already living that life. He stepped into helping a group transport marijuana because of the benefits of being with the "in" lifestyle crowd. The group got greedy and did a back to back deal that Billy advised against. The Feds seized over 700 lbs. of marijuana on the second shipment. You can really feel his emotions of loss, love, and family with his nightmare and how he was able to eventually survive the storm. He is now back in Texas with his family. He is driving a big rig tow truck doing what he likes doing. He discusses how his perspective on life after prison makes him a very happy man living the life he had hoped for. Billy offers up nuggets of strategies with how he got through it all. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Paul Hartfield is my guest this week on Nightmare Success In an Out. Paul is an author of the book: For Such A Time As This – When a Singer Forgets why he sings. Paul had a 25-year career being a professional international opera singer…singing for presidents, world class opera houses, and major symphonies. His twist in his life story occurred when he retired from singing, and hit it big in the real estate world in the early 2000’s. When the real estate market crashed so did Paul’s business and his life. He walks us through his gripping story of losing it all and eventually having to come to terms with going to prison. He first struggled to find his way in the unfamiliar prison world, but eventually he found his voice using his musical talents to unite and inspire inmates. Paul is a natural storyteller who takes us on an incredible journey of overcoming the worst and living for the better. His charity Hartfield Missions works to help inmates with money in and out of prison. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

My Guest this week on Nightmare Success In and Out is Paul Gutierrez. Have you seen the movie Cocktail with Tom Cruise flipping those bottles? Well, Paul can do all of that cool stuff. Paul shares a relatable story about how choices can lead you somewhere you didn’t even plan on going. Paul is a smart guy who had a great job in the healthcare industry in his 20’s, but it wasn’t enough. He wanted more. He started living a double life with a normal job and becoming a successful drug dealer. Paul describes in his story that he woke up one day and said how did I get here? He ended up receiving a 10-year sentence, but he never gave up on himself even when there were setbacks in and out of prison. There are a lot of nuggets of strategies that Paul shares with us. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Ben Robinson is my guest this week on Nightmare Success In and Out. What a journey, from the drug streets of St. Louis…to staying committed to his education… to his life taking a fork in the road with an interview with Boeing…that eventually landed him in prison with a 10-year sentence. His story of the final days of getting out of prison are unbelievable and everyone’s worst nightmare, but something you can’t stop listening to. His daughter and Mom were his beacon through the darkness. I am so proud of Ben. He now works for Habitat for Humanity and has his own clothing line branded Billionaire Royalties. Ben’s clothing line has a very cool vibe. He is living his Nightmare Success! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

This episode is chalked full of incredible nuggets of good stuff for surviving, resilience, and determination...and this guy, Michael Hughes, is so damn smart. Mike is brutally honest about his life, his relationships, and his addictions. Mike never gave up on himself. He believed until he was breathing his last breath there was always hope to make it. Mike shares his incredible love story about he and his wife Shannon...they met in college, they married, they divorced but still loved each other and supported each other through the storms of life and remarried 14 years later. Shannon is a true warrior for Mike and his recovery. Mike and Shannon are now living their best life...empty nesters with 3 kids. This is a real story of Nightmare Success! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Sean McFarland grew up as an army brat that traveled the country.  Sean is educated as a horticulturist, and he is also a talented known singer and songwriter that is currently performing with his band singing the 60 songs he wrote in prison. Running in his pajamas down a mountain in the rain away from the Feds who had ransacked his marijuana growing farm in California…this is a story to tune in for. I know what you are thinking…pot is legal in California. Well, it is until it isn’t. We discuss this.  Sean is a great storyteller who has some deep thoughts about prison and life. It will make you think. He is a very optimistic man who gives us tips on how to get in that state of mind. After living through a nightmare, Sean is now living the life he envisioned when he was in prison. This stuff belongs in a business book about stepping into and acting on goals and plans you envision. He now is married with a 3-year-old son, living on his farm with his apple orchard making hard cider…just how he had envisioned. On top of all of that…he is a dinosaur bone hunter, and he has discovered hundreds of dinosaur bones. Yes, you read that one right! Great story…Tune in for this! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

They should have made a movie about Jeff Smith...wait they did...A documentary titled "Can Mr. Smith Get to Washington Anymore?" He has always been a man on the move. Playing basketball at 5'6" and 100 something bumping up against bigger stronger players, but none of them  more tenacious or passionate...has been a metaphor for Jeff's life. He is not afraid to tackle the deemed impossible. He got his PHD. in Political Science from Washington University St. Louis. At 25 years old he co-founded Confluence Charter Schools in St. Louis City that now has over 4,000 students. He ran for Dick Gephardt's open congressional seat against Russ Carnahan in 2004...losing by less than 1%. He was elected Missouri State Senator. Jeff shares the incredible story how everything fell off the cliff with a crazy man car bombing that unbelievably led to the crazy man's connection to Jeff's 2004 campaign...which eventually leads to his best friend wearing a wire to frame him for Federal Election Fraud and Obstruction of Justice....movie stuff. I love how open Jeff is about his life experiences and the prison world. His perspective on life today really hits home. It is good stuff! Jeff wrote the critically acclaimed book "Mr. Smith Goes to Prison." He has even done a TED Talk titled, "Lessons in Business...From Prison." This episode is full of lessons and tips for life. Proud of what this man has accomplished! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

I have a couple of firsts for this weeks episode. I interview two people...Jordan Markell and Wendy Watson. This is my first interview with a female who has gone to prison. Just to warn you this episode is pretty graphic and has explicit language, but I think they are two stories that need to be heard.  Jordan (AKA Lowkey$) came from the hard crime streets of North St. Louis City. A drive by shooting cost Jordan 10 years of his life in prison. He has done a 180 with his life becoming a successful singer/rapper/songwriter with over a million subscribers on YOUTUBE. He gives his Mom the credit of introducing him to the "laws of attraction" while he was in prison. This changed Jordan's life, and he explains how.  Wendy had a very tough home life as a kid. With no good role models, she drifted into drugs and became a heroine addict. Wendy shares her story of how she was raped and became pregnant. She also shares the woman perspective of life inside prison. Wendy is interesting to listen to because she is just so open and honest about the stages she went through and how it changed her.  Prison is where Wendy got her act together. She became clean and focused on being the real "Wendy." Wendy focused on getting educated when she returned home. She now has a degree from St. Louis University, and a masters degree from Washington University.  Yes, this episode is more graphic than the previous episodes, but the message is strong. A second chance is possible if you believe, take action with the right mindset...both Wendy and Jordan changed their lives...Nightmare Success --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Imagine waking up in your bed with police guns drawn at you. You have no idea why they are there because you are being wrongly accused of murder, a nightmare. Dwayne Williams shares his story of being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. The nightmare began when he was arrested and charged with a double murder and arson. Throughout the trial, Dwayne faced numerous lies and false narratives that were presented as evidence against him. Despite his frustration and the lack of support from his defense attorney, Dwayne maintained his innocence. Ultimately, the jury reached a verdict, and Dwayne was found guilty. This conversation highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the devastating impact of wrongful convictions. After being wrongfully convicted of murder, Duane Williams spent 11 years in prison before his convictions were vacated. He took matters into his own hands and began reaching out to various organizations for help. With the support of the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic, Cooley Law School, and the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit, Duane's case gained traction. He was eventually released from prison, but the process of clearing his name is ongoing. Duane emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in the criminal justice system and calls for the removal of bad actors. He now works with Firefly Advocates, an innocence organization that provides legal support to those who are wrongfully convicted. Show Sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

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Big Man Mark Ross is my guest this week. Mark grew up in a little town in Iowa with less than 1000 people. He also has an identical twin brother. Playing sports until dark in the park and dreaming of someday playing football for the Iowa Hawkeyes was his simple boyhood plan. Mark achieved his childhood dream of playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes football team. He shares some behind the scenes stories of what it is like to be a D-1 athlete in a town where you are worshipped. Mark had always been good with numbers. When he got out of college he worked for a credit card company and a bank. His life took a turn when some friends said they would pay him to help them hide or launder there money. He slipped into the drug world with these friends, and things took a dark turn. Mark is widely known at Leavenworth for the Warden Tractor incident. It is an incredible story that no-one died that day. Returning home, Mark has spent some time talking to young people about the choices you have in life, telling them that you are the only one responsible for making the right choices. Mark is a gentle giant with a big heart that has some thoughtful reflections as his life moves forward.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

Jeremy Gilmore has a story that reads like a movie. Jeremy was a kid growing up in Southwest Missouri. Good parents…he loved hunting and fishing, but drifts into some friends that help get him addicted to meth. This appears to be Jeremy’s only crime…a meth addict. His story leads us through a crazy taxidermy story where he is arrested. His business competitor is the local law enforcement officer across town. This ends up costing him 1 ½ years of state prison time. Eventually, Jeremy takes us through a horrific look at our criminal justice system. He received embarrassingly awful legal representation that had him all wrapped up in a drug conspiracy with guys who just kept ratting out names to lessen their sentence. Again, Jeremy was just a meth addict. Maybe he could have used a good drug treatment program. Instead, Jeremy refused to give in and went to trial. The Judge gave Jeremy a LIFE SENTENCE to be served in a maximum-security prison. He and his family never gave up on appeals. They eventually were successful with a resentencing because of ineffective counsel. After serving 14 years, Jeremy is back at home today in Kansas City. He is a proud business owner of Jeremy Outdoor Services 816-715-1880. This is a story about resilience, adapting, and surviving…Nightmare Success! I could not be prouder of how Jeremy handled all his challenges to never lose himself and step forward. Good Stuff Jeremy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support

My guest this week is Ron Slovacek, a true Texan survivor of his life experiences. Ron is the first person that I have interviewed who went to trial. His story is fascinating, with an inside look of a big case and the workings of the Federal Government. Ron got swept up in one of the biggest cases in Texas history…The Dallas Morning News titled it the “Dallas City Hall Corruption Case." In all, 14 defendants were convicted. The mayor received an 18-year sentence. Ron was rolling along as a successful real estate developer, married man, and dad of 3 living the big Texas lifestyle…loving life, but he felt there was something missing. He had always been involved in the Catholic Church, and his Dad, who he idolized, was a very devout Christian man. Ron felt he should be giving something back, and he always wanted to make his Dad proud. He decided he would get involved in the business he knew to help low-income people in Dallas with new housing developments. Things did not turn out the way he envisioned, and it started the engine of a nightmare.  After a five year investigation, Ron eventually lost his case and received a 7-year sentence. He was sent 13 hours away from his family. Slovacek gives us great nuggets of information and strategies he used as he navigated through this new unknown world. Ron is now back home in Denton, Texas. Back in the development business he loves, and even mentoring one of his sons in the business. I have always admired how Ron steps through life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/brent-cassity/support