I'm excited to share a powerful conversation I had in April 2024 with the inspiring Marcus Bullock. Together, we explored what it takes to create a successful reentry experience for individuals returning to their communities after incarceration. Marcus and I also discussed actionable strategies for supporting the formerly incarcerated on their journey toward criminal desistance and long-term success.

Today, we have an exceptional guest, Jermaine Archer. Having transformed from a survivor of the system to an agent of change, Jermaine used his experience as a directly impacted person to advocate for criminal justice reform. As a paralegal for the Legal Aid Society, he passionately represented clients. Seeking to broaden his impact, he expanded his professional work to include community outreach, advocacy, and organizing, aiming to create coalitions and empower his community. Let's dive into his inspiring journey.

Robert Alexander is the founder of Hood to Higher Education. He has been an educator for over 15 years, providing his services as a Counselor, Teacher, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach, and Educational Consultant. In addition to being a powerful educator, Robert is also an Author.

Robert is passionate about helping historically underrepresented students succeed in college and mentoring new counselors and instructors. He is well-versed in curriculum development and uses his expertise to train instructors in instructional skills and culturally responsive pedagogies.

Robert is a Bay Area native who knows the importance of higher education and how it helped transform his life. He is passionate about doing the same for young students.

Robert’s primary mission is to empower Black and Latino youth by enhancing their critical literacy and critical thinking skills and nurturing a strong sense of academic engagement. This urgent goal drives his every endeavor.

Robert is available for book signings, workshops, and professional development.

Noah Asher is the author of CHAOS: Overcoming the Overwhelming, owner of The Chaos Movement, and communicator. Noah Asher and his team coach and consult for authors to help them spread their message. All proceeds of Noah's book are used to provide copies inside prison libraries and rehab centers across America. For more information on Noah and all he is doing, check out www.TheNoahAsher.com

When Toby was 19, he and his best friend were unjustly accused and found guilty of second-degree murder in 1995. The conviction was primarily built upon false and conflicting testimonies from two childhood acquaintances, who have since come forward in affidavits, admitting to being coerced and manipulated by detectives into falsely incriminating their friends. With newly unearthed evidence, Toby hopes for complete exoneration and rightful compensation for this grave injustice.

Toby can be reached @:

Toby R. Davis #234179

Thumb Correctional Facility

3225 John Conley Drive

Lapeer, Michigan 48446

RONALD OLIVIER served twenty-seven summers in the notorious Louisiana State Penitentiary known as Angola. He was released in 2018 and became a client of the Louisiana Parole Project. In 2020, less than two years after leaving Angola, Ronald was hired as the director of chaplaincy at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. In 2023, Ronald returned to the Louisiana Parole Project as a client advocate, using his experience to guide other formerly incarcerated people toward successful careers and lives. He lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with his wife and son.

John Teakell brings over 20 years of courtroom experience, specializing in criminal law and securities. His expertise spans federal and state crimes and the intricacies of both federal and state court systems. With a track record of handling numerous cases, from misdemeanors to federal death penalty cases, Mr. Teakell is renowned for his meticulous attention to detail. This quality is crucial in assessing case facts and formulating effective defense strategies.

What does it truly entail to "Level Up"? Are you actively advancing or merely stagnant, maintaining the status quo? In this captivating episode of the Prison to Promise podcast, we're honored to have a profound conversation with the esteemed Brother Anthony Michael Jefferson, affectionately known as A.J.

A.J. passionately delves into his journey since leaving incarceration, emphasizing his relentless pursuit of growth and advancement in every facet of his existence, aptly encapsulated by his commitment to "level up."