In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and Abbe Marten speak with Noah Asher, an award-winning author and host of the podcast Inside Out, who shares his transformative journey from suicidal thoughts in prison to finding purpose and resilience. Noah emphasizes the importance of purpose in overcoming adversity and discusses practical steps for shifting mindsets, the role of gratitude, and the impact of faith. He also introduces his book, 'Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming,' which addresses various forms of chaos and loss, and highlights the power of community and shared experiences in healing. The conversation concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing that life continues beyond prison and that every day is an opportunity for growth.

http://www.thenoahasher.com/

http://www.instagram.com/thenoahasher

https://www.linktr.ee/hopehelphumor

https://www.manassehbooks.com/

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten speak with Michel'Le McDowell about her journey from a troubled youth to a passionate advocate for rehabilitation within the prison system. Michel'Le shares her personal experiences, including the tragic loss of her mother, and how it shaped her views on incarceration and the need for compassion in the correctional system. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the trauma that individuals face and the necessity of community support and reform in the prison system. In this conversation, Michel'Le McDowell shares her profound experiences working within the correctional system, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, kindness, and community support in healing. She recounts personal stories that highlight the unexpected acts of kindness from individuals in difficult situations and the transformative power of connection and shared experiences. Michel'Le discusses her commitment to empowering the next generation, her fearlessness in the face of adversity, and her belief in the responsibility of compassionate leadership to create positive change in the lives of those affected by incarceration.

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten engage in a profound conversation with Aaron Pettes, Reentry Manager at RISE, who shares his journey from a troubled childhood marked by racial identity struggles to a life of crime and eventual redemption through spirituality. Aaron recounts his experiences growing up in a predominantly white neighborhood, the impact of losing friends to violence, and his time in prison, where he found faith and purpose. His story highlights the complexities of identity, the consequences of choices, and the transformative power of spirituality. In this conversation, Aaron Pettes shares his transformative journey from incarceration to becoming a reentry manager, emphasizing the importance of community support and transformative programs in reducing recidivism. He discusses the challenges faced during his time in prison, the hope he found through mentorship, and the impact of programs designed to help individuals reintegrate into society. Aaron highlights the significance of building a new identity and the power of community in fostering personal growth and change.

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons Podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten welcome Tiffany Vulcain, an author and vocational coordinator at the Fortune Society. Tiffany shares her journey from a challenging childhood in foster care to her experiences with the juvenile justice system and ultimately, her time in federal prison. She discusses the impact of her upbringing, the interconnectedness of various systems, and her path to self-advocacy and personal growth while incarcerated, including the challenges of giving birth in prison. Tiffany's story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of connection. In this conversation, TJ Vulcain shares her profound journey of motherhood while incarcerated, the emotional struggles she faced, and the advocacy required to ensure her child's well-being. She reflects on the challenges of maintaining family relationships during her time in prison and the stigma she encountered upon re-entering society. TJ Vulcain emphasizes the importance of personal development, mental health support, and essential life skills for those transitioning from incarceration to freedom. Ultimately, she inspires others by asserting that a checkered past does not dictate a glorious future.

TJ✨ (@tjvulcain) • Instagram photos and videos

A Black Girl In Orange: Finding strength through the struggle by Vulcain, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

In this episode of the Peaceful Prisons podcast, host Baylen Parada and co-host Abbe Marten engage in a profound conversation with Sterling Hospedales, the founder and executive director of 25x4 nonprofit. Sterling shares his mission to provide mentorship and support to young adults, particularly those affected by the justice system. He emphasizes the importance of listening, understanding the needs of youth, and the critical role of unconditional love in their healing process. The discussion also touches on the challenges of setting boundaries while providing support, recognizing the limits of help, and the impact of privilege on the ability to assist others. Sterling outlines his future goals for legislative advocacy in prison reform, highlighting the need for organized efforts to create meaningful change.

sterlinghospedales.com

24x4.org

(23) Sterling Hospedales | LinkedIn

Listen as Baylen and Abbe chat with Clement Benedict, from The Roll Initiative, as he discusses his journey from incarceration to advocacy with at-risk youth.

www.theroleinitiative.com

https://instagram.com/the_role_initiative9?igshid=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551420620288&mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://youtube.com/@-The-ROLE-Initiative-

Listen to Baylen and Abbe chat with Dancin' Dave, host of Survivng the System, as he discusses his struggles and triumphs on his journey through the justice system.

Join Baylen and Abbe as they chat with Kara Janssen, a system impacted individual. Listen as Kara shares her journey from being incarcerated to being an advocate for impacted families. Kara is an inspiring example of compassion and community making changes.