The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III: Recent Episodes
Eldra Jackson III
Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III.
Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes’ greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, ‘men’s work’, and what it means to ‘lead change from within’. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.
Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra’s TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.
Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.
In this powerful conversation, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with Ian Manuel—activist, poet, and author—whose life was irrevocably changed after being sentenced to life in prison at age 13. Ian shares his remarkable journey from solitary confinement to the national stage, where his poetry and voice are transforming narratives about justice and healing. With raw vulnerability and grace, Ian recounts his friendship with the woman he harmed, the struggle to rebuild life after release, and how art helped him survive two decades in isolation. A moving exploration of restorative justice, resilience, and redemption.
To learn more about Ian Manuel, you can follow him on Instagram at @ianmanuelofficial and on Twitter at @ianmanofficial. His memoir, My Time Will Come, is available from Penguin Random House wherever books are sold. To learn more about the work of Inside Circle, visit www.insidecircle.org.
Felix Mickens joins host Eldra Jackson III to reflect on a life shaped by early loss, decades of service in juvenile justice, and a profound journey of healing. From his childhood in East St. Louis and New Jersey to his leadership in bringing Inside Circle into New Jersey’s juvenile justice system, Felix shares moving stories of grief, disconnection, growth, and the quiet power of second chances. Now cancer-free after a decades-long battle, Felix embodies the resilience and compassion he offers to the young people he serves.
After a devastating rugby injury left him paralyzed from the neck down at just 25, Wayne Forrest could have given up. Instead, he tapped into something deeper. In this moving conversation with host Eldra Jackson III, Wayne shares how he transformed trauma into triumph, rediscovered purpose, and now helps others access their inner warrior. Tune in to hear how this farmer, father, and coach turned adversity into fuel for a powerful new life.
Learn more about Wayne at https://www.wayneforrest.com/
Connect with Inside Circle at https://insidecircle.org/
Therapist Thomas LaGrave Jr. joins Eldra Jackson III to explore the loss and reclamation of identity through addiction, the healing power of nature, and the role of strong male mentors in shaping lives. Drawing from his work in the prison system and the Honor Bound Academy, Thomas shares raw insights on accountability, transformation, and what it truly means to heal.
Learn more at thehonorboundacademy.org
In this powerful episode, Eldra Jackson III welcomes Alexander McLean, founder of Justice Defenders, an organization transforming lives by training prisoners and prison officers to become paralegals and lawyers. Alexander shares his incredible journey, from washing and advocating for abandoned patients in Uganda as a teenager to building a movement dedicated to ensuring every accused person has the opportunity to tell their story before being punished.
With stories of resilience, transformation, and radical trust, Alexander reveals how Justice Defenders is empowering unlikely allies in Uganda, Kenya, and beyond to bring dignity, justice, and hope where it’s needed most. Tune in to hear about his vision of justice, the lessons learned from working in prisons, and the importance of community in the endless work of creating a more just world.
Learn more about Justice Defenders at justicedefenders.org
In the first episode of 2025, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Skippy Mesirow, certified master coach and founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC), for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about healing our politics, addressing addiction, and confronting the unspoken realities of mental health and suicide.
Skippy shares his journey from battling severe addiction to founding ELC, which leads the nation in mental health and well-being training for public servants. Through his own experiences, he emphasizes that healing politics begins with the human in the mirror, reminding us of the critical role self-awareness plays in creating systemic change.
As we enter a new year, this conversation is a call to action for creating spaces of healing, both personally and collectively. Tune in to hear about Skippy’s work with ELC, his mental health advocacy, and how we can all play a role in healing the systems that shape our lives.
For more information, visit healingourpolitics.com.
Find skippy on intagram at @skippymesirow.
In the final episode of 2024, host Eldra Jackson III reflects on a transformative year for Inside Circle and its mission to empower system-impacted individuals to ignite healing and change within themselves and their communities. From reintroducing circles inside New Folsom Prison after six years to launching the first Inside Circle program at the Zaanstad Justice Center in Amsterdam, this year has been about one theme: igniting community.
Eldra revisits three standout episodes that exemplify this theme, sharing powerful stories from guests like Jason Bostic, Wesley Jeffries, Janelle Hudson and Manuel Ruiz. Join us for an inspiring retrospective on how Inside Circle has worked to eliminate all forms of violence, empower self-healing, and spark change in communities around the globe. As we head into 2025, we invite you to join us on the front lines of service and transformation.
Consider making an end of year gift at: insidecircle.org
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s ignite community—together.
In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Trent Griffin-Braff, founder of The Success Map Initiative. Trent shares his journey of growing up in the Bronx during the crack epidemic and his rise from cleaning toilets at the Marriott to becoming a general manager. Now, through his nonprofit, The Success Map Initiative, his mission is to uplift the "hidden workforce"—those often overlooked—helping them find hope, employment, and purpose. He furthers this mission with his Prison Bosses podcast, which reaches incarcerated individuals across the country, offering them hope and tools for success after release. Tune in for a powerful exploration of second chances, transformation, and the hidden workforce.
Learn more at www.trentgriffinbraaf.com
In this powerful episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with George Nolan, a re-entry recovery advocate and motivational disruptor. George shares his transformative journey from a life of crime, addiction, and prison to becoming a force for positive change. At 45, he had a life-changing epiphany that led him to pursue a path of intention, authenticity, and recovery. George opens up about the importance of aligning actions with values, the hard work of personal development, and how he's now helping others realize that their past doesn’t have to dictate their future. From prison tattoos to entrepreneurship awards, George’s story is a testament to the power of internalizing change and making it personal—whether in public or in the dark. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, recovery, and the impact of intentionality.
If you’re interested in learning more about George and his work, visit his website at GeorgeNolan.net, or his podcast site at OutlawsToAdvocates.com. You can also connect with him directly at 480-527-6326, or follow him on LinkedIn and TikTok (@George2021).
In this episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III and guest Jackson Hightower explore the transformative power of sexual energy. Jackson shares his holistic approach to helping men overcome issues like shame, performance anxiety, and porn addiction. By focusing on diet, fitness, and mindset, Jackson shows how harnessing sexual energy can boost confidence and positively impact every aspect of life. This episode challenges taboos and offers practical insights for men seeking to elevate themselves and achieve lasting success.
Learn more at - www.jacksonhightower.com/
In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III engages in a profound conversation with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing, founder and facilitator of Men of Color—a supportive community for men of color to grow and prosper in all aspects of their lives. As a personal and professional coach, Charles shares insights from his journey in business and coaching, highlighting how he supports the liberation of men of color from the myths of modern masculinity, race, and patriarchy. His aim is to inspire them to become purpose-driven and compassionate men. Listen as Charles discusses the deep internal work required to truly show up, particularly in addressing issues of gender and race in a world where many are hurting. Join Eldra and Charles as they navigate these critical topics, inspiring listeners to embrace empathy and inclusivity in their own lives.
Find out more at https://www.formenofcolor.com/
Join Eldra Jackon III and guest Jenelle Hudson, founder of Pyramid House Foundation, an organization bridging the gap from homelessness to independence, as they delve into the incredible power of safe, supportive, and empowering transitional housing. Jenelle, with a background in sociology and social work, shares her journey from the Caribbean to New York and her impactful work leading resident-centric transformation for the largest public housing authority in the United States. Discover her latest vision for providing five-star transitional housing experiences, her advocacy for stable housing as a pathway to self-actualization, and her innovative approach with Brick City Candy, a social enterprise empowering formerly incarcerated individuals through candy-making and entrepreneurship. Tune in to gain insights into community service, housing stability, and the journey towards a brighter future for marginalized populations.
Links:
- Pyramid House Foundation - https://www.pyramidhousefoundation.org/
- Brick City Candy - https://www.brickcitycandy.org/
- Iinside Cirle - https://insidecircle.networkforgood.com/projects/112997-inside-circle
Welcome to the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III. Today, we’re joined by Matthew Sloane, a committed father, husband, and integral coach. Matthew's soulful book on masculinity, Hiding Inside a Man, is coming out in November 2024. He is also working on Raising Spirited Daughters, an illustrated story for mindful fathers. In this episode, we explore the unique journey of fatherhood, focusing on vulnerability, catharsis, community, sensitivity, and self-compassion. Matthew shares the importance of starting with self-compassion for any healing and growth, and he highlights the need for fathers to support each other.
Discover more about Matthew’s work and resources at matthewsloane.com. Join us for this insightful conversation and connect deeper with the journey of fatherhood.
Join Eldra Jackson III on this inspiring episode of "The Inside Circle," where he welcomes Al Lewis, a pivotal figure who witnessed the evolution of civil rights organizing firsthand in Memphis. Al shares his unique experiences growing up during the tumultuous civil rights era and discusses his journey to the Underground Railroad Training Odyssey. In a heartfelt conversation, Al expresses his enduring hope and belief in the potential for growth and healing within communities. This episode delves into how we can tap into our collective humanity to mend the deep-seated historical pain and trauma that lingers in places steeped in such rich history. Listen in as Al explains the importance of this pilot project in Memphis, emphasizing the vast opportunities for positive change and the strong desire among the community members to heal and move forward together.
https://inwardjourney.org
Dive into a compelling episode of the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III, featuring guests Jason Bostic and Wesley Jeffries from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. This episode illuminates the transformative healing journey of two former rivals, brought together by the programmatic efforts of Project Restore. Through the dedicated healing work facilitated by Inside Circle, they embark on a path of discovering commonality, embracing a new way of being, and fostering community healing. Their story highlights the crucial work of Project Restore and Inside Circle in facilitating personal transformation and reconciliation. Listen in for a powerful narrative of hope, change, and unity. This is an essential episode for those interested in the profound impact of healing and programmatic intervention on individuals and communities.
Join host Eldra Jackson III for a compelling episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, spotlighting the transformative journeys of two remarkable individuals enrolled in Inside Circle’s Young Adult Empowerment (YAE) program. Listen as they recount their histories and the profound impact of the program's holistic approach, which helped them reshape their futures by pairing emotionally supportive male role models with life skills training, addiction recovery, workforce development, and financial literacy. Through candid accounts of struggle and growth, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the world of young men born into extremely challenging circumstances who, with deep personal commitment and the right support at the right time, found their way out.
Join Eldra Jackson III in a powerful conversation with Manuel Ruiz, Chairman of the Board at Inside Circle. In this episode, Manuel details his journey from a 21-year life sentence to his pivotal role in the organization today and shares about how he learned to feel, the complexities of shedding his identity as a former prisoner, and how he helped bridge racial divides in prison. Reminding us all to breathe and emphasizing the value of self-reflection and reframing our internal narratives, Manuel’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of Inside Circle.
In this inaugural 2024 episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III introduces Taylor Code, an individual whose journey in restorative justice began in his youth at a Los Angeles probation camp. Taylor shares his transformative experience from gang member to empowered poet, discussing the pivotal role of vulnerability and creativity in reclaiming his identity. As a Credible Messenger Coordinator, Taylor now dedicates his life to mentorship and community restoration, reflecting on his profound evolution and commitment to change. Join us as we explore Taylor's powerful narrative of redemption and impact.
Find more about Taylor’s work at iamtaylorcode.com
In this episode, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Robin P. Zander, an entrepreneur, strategist, and best-selling author with a unique background in management consulting and the circus. Robin, founder and CEO of Zander Media and author of the national bestseller in Japan, "How to Do a Handstand,” shares insights from his diverse career experiences, including leading the Responsive Conference on the future of work and running Robin's Cafe in San Francisco. Tune in to get inspired by Robin's resilience as he recounts his journey through abusive childhood bullying and the inner work leading to a transformative realization: sensitivity as a strength, not a weakness.
Sometimes, you must push past the voice that whispers, "I'm not the right person for this." Hawi James Ouma did precisely that when he began working with children affected by the justice system. Recognizing the need for positive male role models in the lives of young men, James founded Life Song Kenya. Join Eldra and James as they discover universal threads of trauma and redemption across the globe. Visit lifesongkenya.org/ to lean more.
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first Surgeon General. Join us as we explore her pioneering efforts in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and reshaping our understanding of health and resilience. Together, we uncover the stories of those touched by her work, hear from experts inspired by her vision, and discover how her tireless dedication is shaping a brighter, healthier future for all - including the system-impacted. Visit Numberstory.org to learn more.
Discover the transformative journey of Heru Enkamit, who found liberation after 27 years of incarceration. His life's tapestry is woven with poignant moments of awakening pulled from the street, prison, fatherhood, work with Inside Circle, and his journey from release to entrepreneurship. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that inspires deep reflection on your own life choices.
Flight instructor, life coach… felon? Sarah Hainstock trusted the wrong person and ended up serving time in the Ohio State prison system for drug trafficking. What she experienced during her 18 month sentence was marked by chaos, absurdity, and a profound sense of waste. With one in four adults in America now having a criminal record, Sarah's goal is to help those in power realize that we are failing our citizens.
Sean Wilson knew better, and fortunately, he never forgot who he was and what he was destined for. In the 17 years he was incarcerated, he dedicated himself to learning as much as he could, even finding a loophole in his prison’s maximum book policy by requesting photocopied versions of books. Now, 6 years later, he is the organizing director of Dream.Org's Justice team, committed to working with anyone and everyone who wants to address and reduce the footprint of mass incarceration in this country.
Experience the inspiring journey of Justin Danforth from incarceration to serial entrepreneurship. After serving a sentence of over 14 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Justin's life took a remarkable turn and through daily dedication and unwavering commitment, he was able to transform his life. Join us and prepare to be inspired as Justin shares his story of perseverance, resilience, and finding purpose.
Discover the inspiring story of Stacey Gonzalez, a former alcohol addict turned Therapeutic Counselor and Men's Coach. Join him as he shares how he overcame his struggles and now dedicates his life to helping men embrace their masculinity, overcome their traumas, and tackle their greatest obstacles. Explore the pivotal role that love played in his transformation and gain valuable insights into how you can make needed changes in your life.
Calen Robertson was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was gang-impacted from a young age and through a personal epiphany he came to understand the preciousness of time and decided to stop wasting his own. He now actively works to bring kids in his community out of gang life through safe community partnership with the organization New EDS 101.
Tommy Shakur Ross was paroled in 2022 after being imprisoned for over 36 years. Shakur was formative in launching radio programing at San Quentin, producing stories for KALW in San Francisco and in 2017, Shakur received an award for excellence in journalism by the Northern California chapter of the Society for Professional Journalism. In this episode Shakur talks about key milestones that led to the healing of his childhood traumas and how the gift of empathy transformed him into a formidable force for good in his community.
Check out Shakur’s work at www.uncuffed.org, rjoyoakland.org and grip-traininginstitute.org.
A survivor and product of the streets of San Francisco, community activist, Jabari Jackson was raised in a violent, chaotic world that was defined by addiction, crime and incarceration. After decades in and out of prison, Jabari shares how change became possible for him. Today, he’s committed to the restoration of underserved communities and lives to fight for restorative justice and the recovery community.
In this episode, we turn the microphone around and ask podcast host and Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, Eldra Jackson III, a few questions about the work that Inside Circle does. Eldra was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. Today, he’s a coach, healing circle facilitator, writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around “toxic” masculinity. Tune in to hear from this living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry.
Join host, Eldra Jackson, as he sits down with Dr. Trina Clayeux, the extraordinary CEO of Give An Hour, a non-profit that provides population-based, no-cost access to mental health care for veterans, formerly incarcerated people, refugees, survivors of mass shootings, and many more. In this uplifting conversation, Trina discusses how she turned her personal story into a life’s work driven by ethics and dedicated to meeting communities where they are and providing long-term support for healing. Tune in to enjoy this living example of how we can all come together to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Returned citizen, author, speaker, activist, group facilitator and now President of Urban Specialists, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate violence in urban culture, Antong Lucky, is the epitome of redemption and transformation. After transforming his own life, he has worked tirelessly to transform his community, bringing peace, understanding, and awareness to incarcerated folks and gang members on the streets of Dallas, Texas and beyond. Tune in to hear how he organized a major peace treaty between rival gangs and about his men’s groups. Antong Lucky has incredible insight into the humanity of each of us and in this episode he beautifully articulates how we can unearth it - even when it feels dangerous and is buried within deep layers of fear. Let this inspiring man show you how to open up and be the change you want to see.
Tracy Scott got out of prison in 2022 after serving a 28 year sentence. Listen as he shares his powerful story of trauma, pain, transformation, and how he found his commitment to a life of good works. Today, he works with youth in and out of the prison system and is passionate about rehabilitation. Tune in as Tracy and host, Eldra Jackson III, discuss the amazing potential for folks throughout the prison system – workers, wardens, and incarcerated folks – to transform their own lives and support a more vibrant and healthy society.
The son of immigrant parents, writer Juan Velez was the first child in his family to graduate college. In this episode, he talks about the hard work, focus, and family support it took for him to write as he worked other jobs and faced challenges like depression, anxiety, and loss.
Listen as Juan discusses the therapeutic aspects of both his writing and his relationship with his community. In his newly released debut novel, The Argom's Influence, he honors the community bonds that sustain him by introducing historically marginalized people into the world of fantasy fiction, a genre traditionally dominated by characters of white European descent.
In this conversation, Eldra Jackson III talks to his longtime friend, Jason Broadway. Recently released from federal prison after serving 15 years, Jason’s done all he can to turn his life around. He’s become a writer and activist since he was first incarcerated and in this episode, he expands even further. Listen as he opens up to a whole new level of his own humanity. By walking through anger with vulnerability as his guiding light, Jason connects to the presence and power of his own emotions. Don’t miss this one, folks.
Enrolled Member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and General Manager for SAGE Development Authority, a renewable and sustainable public power authority in balance with Natural Law, guest Joseph McNeil Jr. weaves community and activism to bring vitality and resources to the Lakota Sioux. Hear about SAGE’s wind farm, Anpetu Wi, and the arrival of community banking to tribal lands in North Dakota. This is truly amazing work in deep accord with nature and humanity - get inspired here today.
In this wonderful conversation, we hear about the extraordinary work of Nora Spencer, founder of Hope Renovation, a non-profit organiztion that provides trades education for women and non-binary people and performs renovations and improvements that help seniors remain in their homes as they age. A delightful exchange between two inspiring change-makers, Nora opens up about the emotional challenges of her intensity to push herself and starts taking steps toward her own transformation in this dialogue. Listen as this motivated woman explores her anger at inequity, tries to find her center, and learns how to care for herself.
Coming of age amongst Sacramento’s gangs in the city’s housing projects, Eugenia Clark witnessed and experienced countless violent crimes. Though she is still impacted by those experiences, Eugenia has managed to transform her past pain into medicine she uses to help others grow and thrive in similar situations through mentoring, dance, and teaching self-defense. She is also a talented fashion designer and the CEO of Pink Gorilla, a clothing line. Her story is about growth, tune in to hear how she found faith, choice, and inner strength.
Rick Misener has been out for 15 years, but his 30 years inside still impact him deeply. In his second interview for The Inside Circle Podcast, Rick addresses the difficulties and joys of living with your romantic partner, the journey to supportive work after transitioning to the outside, and the incredible support Inside Circle offers to system-impacted people. Rick Misener is now a lead facilitator and certified coach for Inside Circle, and he’s been part of the project of building Inside Circle from its earliest days. Rick shares simple, profound ways that sitting in circle can fuel personal growth and help you follow the path you want for your life.
Gethin Aldous co-directed and produced The Work, an award-winning documentary about Inside Circle’s emotional healing work at New Folsom State Prison in California. Listen as he shares the unexpected series of connections that inspired him to get involved with the documentary project and describes how doing “the work” with Inside Circle changed his life and inspired the creation of All Kings - a New York based group that puts together therapeutic circles and hosts retreats for formerly incarcerated men and others.
The subject of a documentary entitled, Visiting Day, Scott Nolan was close to his incarcerated cousin, Patrick Nolan, who founded what is known today as Inside Circle. Their relationship, kept alive through letters, conversations and occasional visits, influenced Scott’s work and inspired him to make art and music with incarcerated people. Tune in for a conversation loaded with rich, humorous stories and unexpected insights from a perceptive artist. This lively interview goes deep into the meaning of Inside Circle’s work and illuminates how to make it real in our lives and our hearts.
The work of our corrections officers is often difficult and dehumanizing. The prison system perpetuates harm on both sides of the bars and Stephen Walker, a corrections officer for over 30 years - most notably in facilities for incarcerated youth - is passionate about changing that for everyone impacted by incarceration and abuse. He is not proud of the role he played in the system before turning his life around and working to become a deeply kind and compassionate person. Now, he shares his hard-earned wisdom and technical expertise to improve systems and situations for as many people as he can, making that kind of change possible for more people.
Entrepreneur, author and speaker, Cheryl Armstrong, is ready to inspire others with her story of perseverance and personal transformation. Incarcerated as a teenager, she spent almost twenty years in prison. After years of bitter darkness, she started to focus on what she could actually change and made incredible progress - both in her outlook on life and on how she used her time. She earned a master’s degree while in prison and now, as a returned citizen, she’s committed to using her lived experience to serve others. Enjoy this one, folks - Cheryl’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious!
Jarrell Daniels is passionate about changing the narrative of the criminal justice system to ensure that justice and democracy are applied equally to all. Tried as an adult when he was 17, Jarrell was released after serving a six year sentence. Today, as Founder of Justice Ambassadors Youth Council - an interactive social-emotional program for disadvantaged youth - he brings policymakers together with community members and academics to develop strategies and best practices for effective community-centered interventions. Listen in as Jarrell opens up about his vision and the challenges and joys of his journey.
For more from Jarrell, catch his TED Talk covering the factors that led to his incarceration and his innovative approach to collaborative education between the system and the system-impacted: https://www.ted.com/talks/jarrell_daniels_what_prosecutors_and_incarcerated_people_can_learn_from_each_other
Luis Manzanares spent 15 years in prison and eventually, after witnessing and participating in so much violence, something finally shifted inside him and he realized that he needed to change. Luis had long believed in the righteousness of his gang and what it stood for but through long, unglamorous years on the inside, he came to understand that there were other things that really mattered to him, people who truly cared about him and who he could live for. In this conversation, Luis tells his story of darkness and loss and how he came out the other side. Luis is now running an inspiring YouTube channel called “A Prisoner’s Awakening,” spreading his message that there is so much good to live for and believe in outside of gangs, violence, and anger. With love, humanity, grace, and humor, Luis is now living free and sharing what inspires him.
Raymond Garcia spent 20 years in prison. Since his release, he’s become a vital part of Inside Circle, facilitating circles and participating in groups as part of his unfolding reintegration on the outside. In this special in-person interview, Raymond talks about how he found Inside Circle, the impact that sitting in healing circles has had on his life, and what he hopes to bring to others as a facilitator. Tune in to enjoy Raymond's beautiful understated wisdom that offers a guiding light to anyone seeking to change and deepen their understanding of themselves.
Revealing how the work of Inside Circle extends far beyond prison walls, retiree Jessica Coronado shares how she found Inside Circle and in doing so, tapped into a deep well of support while battling stage 4 cancer. Full of life and hope, this conversation is incredibly inspiring. Don’t miss Jessica’s hard won pearls of wisdom and the opportunity to witness how individuals who have healed themselves and built lives free of the justice system can make a profound and positive impact on the communities they return to - one circle at a time.
Cartis Wilcox and Eldra Jackson III met while serving life sentences in prison. Both are free now and have incredible stories to share. Join them for a wild ride as Cartis details his journey through darkness, strife, and grief to find himself and reflects on his most important lessons this side of transformation.
Join host, Eldra Jackson III, as he sits down with Dr. Curly Moloney to learn how she and her team developed The Cambridge Code, the first digital tool capable of reading and interpreting the mind’s subconscious behavior. With incredible potential to support folks who might have trouble accessing therapy or other psychological support, the Cambridge Code is a powerful new tool for looking at your own mind. In today’s conversation, learn about what’s going on during your most difficult moments and hear all about how the subconscious mind drives your actions, how to find resilience and how to make empowered choices.
Join host, Eldra Jackson III, as he sits down with Dr. Curly Moloney to learn how she and her team developed The Cambridge Code, the first digital tool capable of reading and interpreting the mind’s subconscious behavior. With incredible potential to support folks who might have trouble accessing therapy or other psychological support, the Cambridge Code is a powerful new tool for looking at your own mind. In today’s conversation, learn about what’s going on during your most difficult moments and hear all about how the subconscious mind drives your actions, how to find resilience and how to make empowered choices.
Samuel Nathaniel Brown and Jamilia Land are an inspiring duo. Sam was in prison for 24 years, and he got out 16 days before this interview. But his grace and insights in the midst of this transition are matched only by the extraordinary wisdom and strength of his wife, Jamilia. Collaborating with deep faith and commitment to the work and their community, they are working on both legislation and programs to improve experiences, education, and outcomes for system-impacted people.
Alvin Hall is an incredible historian and producer who documents the history of Black people in America through books, films, podcasts, and television - he’s also a deeply warm and empathetic person. Sharing his favorite wisdom drawn from life, his family and deep study of finance, he’ll pull you in to this practical, heartfelt, and fascinating conversation! And please, don’t forget to check out Alvin’s work at https://alvinhall.com/, you won’t regret it.
An executive coach and community facilitator focused on anti-racism and peer learning, Nina Simmonds approaches her personal transformational work with rigor and compassion. Taking us right to the heart and soul of some of her most difficult work, Nina lends a gentle and powerful perspective. Tune in as she and host Eldra Jackson III discuss how to navigate through fear while guiding yourself through big life transitions.
Join host Eldra Jackson III as he sits down with Rick Misener, a formative member of Inside Circle who found himself in the healing circles Inside Circle is known for. In this dialogue, Eldra and Rick go right to the heart of vulnerability, love, and wisdom as they reveal that every drop of contentment in our lives is worth working for. This kind of community, these moments of connection, are the heart of transformation. Today, Rick shares his powerful lived-experience as a coach and facilitator for Inside Circle. You can join his virtual drop-in support group every Wednesday 6-8 pm PST. We think you’ll want to after you hear this incredible conversation.
Jillian Richardson is a coach and community organizer whose work focuses on how to build and sustain nourishing relationships and communities. She curates The Joy List, a weekly email of positive community events in New York, and leads a program called “New Yorker in 90 Days.” There’s a depth to Jillian’s work and the way she approaches her own personal growth that resonates with Inside Circle. This interview highlights unexpected connections among different types of community building and transformational work.
James McLeary was part of the original group that brought men’s circles to New Folsom Prison after the 1996 riots that led to the formation of Inside Circle. He’s been part of the men’s work movement for over 25 years and his wisdom shines through this beautiful, rich conversation. James has made incredible contributions to initiation practices and circles over the years - especially for black men and people inside prison, but above all, he’s committed to doing his own work.
Today’s conversation is a true opportunity to sit down in circle, to feel the connection and growth that happens when we make space together to sit with our vulnerability in mutual trust and support. Stephanie Lane has spent more than half her life in and out of the juvenile and adult prison systems. She’s been out for two years now, and she is not going back. She’s got her support network, goals for her life’s work, and a willingness to do the work. This will be the best half hour of your day, folks, so please sit down with us and get ready to go deep.
Maurice Regalado is a life-long educator who has been serving students in economically disadvantaged communities in the Los Angeles region since 1988. In this inspiring dialogue he sheds light on the forces driving the school-to-prison pipeline, highlights the challenges that violent, chaotic, impoverished home lives bring to school achievement, and addresses the underlying issues that cause students to fall behind, repeatedly break school rules, and drop out.
Listen as Maurice, with heart, soul, and hard-earned wisdom, shares his vision for a brighter future.
This episode’s guest is Steve Kawaja, a businessman who got interested in personal transformation and the prison system about ten years ago. He started visiting prisons with Inside Circle in 2015. Through sitting in circle with incarcerated folks, Steve has found something that sounds an awful lot like deep personal transformation. In this conversation, Steve gets real about what personal growth looks like for him, how vulnerability frees us, and the joys of being a little lighter and freer in the world.
Joining us today is Dr Bandy X Lee, a psychiatrist, author, and public health expert who works in violence prevention. She has been motivated throughout her life to work with those most in need, and during her medical training identified that people who are incarcerated are that population. She has studied the terrible negative effects of solitary confinement, and explains how that punishment is profoundly inhumane. Dr Bandy X Lee has also studied the effects of tyrants and other impaired personalities in affecting mental health at the societal level. She talks to us about the collective mental health impact of former President Donald Trump’s time in power. This conversation is a real eye-opener!
Both a group facilitator and organizational leader at Inside Circle, Aaron Burris is passionate about his work expanding the reach of our healing circles and leading struggling justice-involved people through transformative group processes each day. In this profound conversation, he shares about his darkest moments in prison and the challenges of confronting intergenerational trauma. Having committed his life to breaking cycles of incarceration, Aaron’s decades of hard personal work shine through this dialogue, highlighting his beautiful, grounded, uplifting perspective on how we can all learn and grow by sitting with ourselves. If you don’t like the person you see in the mirror, there’s hope. Show up and do the work.
In this incredible conversation, Eldra Jackson III of Inside Circle talks to DJ Vodicka, a former prison guard and special investigations unit officer in the California prison system. Exposing a corrupt gang of prison guards and officers known as the Green Wall, DJ’s experience of institutional corruption, from the warden to the administration and even the prison guard union, drives home yet another problem with the prison industrial complex. The guards and officers at a prison are often corrupt and set up incarcerated people to be abused, treated unfairly, and disrespected. Listen as DJ Vodicka describes how he stood up against these abuses. His immense sacrifice and work are an important step to making the path through incarceration an opportunity for people to find stability and healing.
Kat Taylor is a prolific philanthropist who works with communities to develop the resources they need to thrive. She co-founded Beneficial State Bank and TomKat Ranch, two businesses that focus on creating a more just and sustainable world while also generating profit for the people they serve. In this conversation, what really comes through as extraordinary about Kat’s commitment to giving is that it extends throughout her life. She is dedicated to personal growth, communities, family, and the betterment of humanity as a whole. Kat has found a way to weave together outsize impact with real grassroots engagement and empowerment for the people her generosity benefits.
Janet Harvey is the CEO of Invite Change, a coaching organization dedicated to building a world where people love their work. Focusing on generative wholeness, which she writes about in her recent book, Invite the Change: Lessons from 2020, Janet shares about writing this book, nurturing resilience, and her career transition from financial services to supporting leaders. Tune in as Janet Harvey, with brilliant loving kindness, drops pearl after pearl of wisdom throughout this delightful conversation.
After being in and out of prison for almost a decade, Joybelle Phelan transformed herself with the support of communication workshops that revealed the awesome power of doing hard, serious work on herself. Highly committed to sharing her story, Joybelle inspires all of us to confront what scares us most inside ourselves. In this warm conversation, listen as she talks about her background, her journey toward stability and self-acceptance, and how she now works to bring compassion and humanity to all of her interactions.
Tony Porter is seeking a transformational experience with men - and that does not begin in the head. For Tony, transformation starts in the heart. CEO of A Call To Men, an incredible organization dedicated to preventing violence against women by promoting healthy, respectful manhood, Tony has given TED talks, published a book, and led countless workshops and trainings. This in-depth conversation gets down to his roots, the personal experiences, and deeply held convictions that drive him to be a healer and a hero living and teaching from the heart.
Raised by a single mother on welfare in Oakland, Ashanti Branch started his first career as a civil engineer yet later found his true passion was for teaching struggling students. Founder and Executive Director of The Ever Forward Club, a support group that mentors opportunity youth in middle and high school by providing them with safe, brave communities that build character, Ashanti was featured in the documentary, The Mask You Live In, and launched the #MillionMaskMovement to connect people all over the world in a self-reflective experience designed to help them visualize and realize the truth that they are not alone. Listen as he describes the powerful shift that occurred in his life when he moved from seeking financial satisfaction to seeking heart satisfaction.
Executive Director of New York Harm Reduction Educators and Inside Circle Facilitator-in-Training, Sam Rivera has transformed the challenges of his youth into an incredible wealth of compassion and knowledge to help others find wellness through his work in harm reduction, education, and services for people struggling with addiction. In conversation with Eldra Jackson of Inside Circle, Sam weaves together the struggles of black and brown people with his own journey of personal growth and finding meaning in his life.
In this uplifting conversation author Greg Archer shares his understanding of vulnerability and growth. His book, Grace Revealed, tells the story of his parents’ internment in Stalin’s concentration camps in the 1930s, and their journey as refugees. Join Greg and Eldra as they uncover the wisdom gained through hardship.
Join Eldra Jackson as he sits down with William “Mecca” Elmore, author of Prison from the Inside Out: One Man’s Journey from a Life Sentence to Freedom. Incarcerated for over 24 years, Mecca is a man who’s taken on some of life’s greatest challenges and used them to build a dignified, self-realized life. Sharing his experiences with enthusiasm, his strength and resilience shine through every word of this passionate conversation.
Founder and CEO of The Trium Group, Inside Circle Board Member, former Marine Officer, and globally recognized thought leader in the areas of executive and business performance, Andrew Blum takes the messages of Inside Circle — understanding the stories we tell ourselves, leading from the heart, and following your sense of purpose — and shares them with leaders across venture capital, technology, and the Fortune 500. Demonstrating that the benefits of our work are as extraordinary and meaningful for CEOs as they are for the justice-involved, Andrew reminds us that there are kindred spirits in every corner of the world and that we all have work to do to cultivate kindness and compassion.
Our host Eldra Jackson III had a long, difficult road to find the fulfillment and freedom that he enjoys today. In conversation with his friend and colleague Ryan Blum-Krystal, Eldra shares his personal story, emphasizing how he has integrated and healed from childhood trauma and almost a quarter century of incarceration. The brilliant guiding light behind Inside Circle today, Eldra’s wisdom and compassion grow from both personal commitment and community support from other system-impacted people working alongside him to heal themselves and their communities.
Wake up to reality with Byron Katie, founder of The Work - four simple questions that will change your life. In a dialogue with host Eldra Jackson III that goes straight to the heart of what’s real and raw about transformation, Katie points us directly to the power of integrity and love. Learn more about The Work of Byron Katie at thework.com.
Soren Gordhamer is the founder of Wisdom 2.0, and produces unconventional, consciousness raising events that explore how we can live with awareness and wisdom in our current technology-rich age. In this vulnerable conversation between host Eldra Jackson III and Soren, listeners learn how Soren finds his sense of purpose from a connection with source, and how his history of working with incarcerated youth influences his work with Wisdom 2.0 today.
Exploring the impact of systemic racism on health care for people of color, the call for empathy, and the need to strive for equity, Dr. Joseph Betancourt shares how his Puerto Rican background informs his work and demonstrates the power of a calm, cool, and collected way of being when advocating for ourselves against systems of power. Listen as Inside Circle’s host, Eldra Jackson III, leads the dialogue through clear, relatable information about the COVID-19 pandemic and how to find reliable, culturally relevant resources.
Sarah, Rachel, Ciera, Heather, and Holly are all married or in long-term relationships with current or formerly incarcerated men who are part of Inside Circle. With Eldra Jackson III guiding the conversation, they share the joys, challenges, and endless indignities of loving men on the inside. These incredible women urge us to remember the great humanity and love of which we are all capable.
Fritzi Horstman, Founder of Compassion Prison Project, is committed to better understanding the impacts of trauma on mental health and incarceration, and increasing awareness of these issues. With Eldra Jackson of Inside Circle, she shares a thorough explanation of childhood trauma’s effects, and digs wholeheartedly into the personal experiences that have shaped her work.
At twenty-three years old, Zayre Eure has already spent eight years in juvenile prison and is building a stable life on the outside with the support of Inside Circle and the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Young Adult Empowerment Program. Hear what unfolds for him after sneaking into his first circle.
When her husband started to become angry and withdrawn several years after leaving prison, Sheila Bruno was inspired to create Wife After Prison, a community of mutual support for current and formerly incarcerated people and their families. Sheila and Eldra dive deep into pain, challenges, hope, and love.
From leading 4-month-long wilderness retreats for opportunity youth to teaching high school in New York City, Dan Doty, Founder of the men's group community, Evryman, has been committed to finding work that makes him feel vibrant and connected to our beautiful world. Eldra Jackson of Inside Circle finds inspiration and joy in Dan’s experiences overcoming obstacles and staying on his path.
Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III.
Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison.
In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes’ greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, ‘men’s work’, and what it means to ‘lead change from within’. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.
Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra’s TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.