Background Check Podcast: Recent Episodes

Jay Dan Gumm

After five DWI's landed me prison, something had to change. One day I got into a fight and I spent eight days in solitaire confinement thinking about my life and the decisions I had made that led me to that dark place, literally.

I came out of the hole a different man with a different heart, mind, soul, direction, and outlook on life. I got mentored by a couple of inmates who eventually made parole but within a year they were both back in. This confused me and ticked me off. I wondered how I was going to make it out there.

Then I had a dream of opening up a transitional house for men so they would have a supportive place to parole to. Then I got out. It was awesome and sucky at the same time. After navigating two years on parole with a breathalyzer, not being allowed to drive my own dad to chemo treatments, tons of rejections for jobs, and being told "NO, felons can't live here" when trying to start my marriage at an apartment complex, I could finally breathe. But everywhere I go there's still a background check to deal with.

In 2012 we started our business to help men with part time jobs out of prison and we also opened our first transitional house. A year later we opened the second. This podcast is about sharing stories and information concerning anything and everything that has to do with background checks. I have risen above my past and the many background checks along the way. This podcast will help you do the same. Today, I encourage people to check my background.

So whether you are someone or know someone who's life has been impacted by the background check, this podcast is for you. We will talk with wrongfully convicted, rightfully convicted, CEO's who hire felons, parole lawyers, and so many other people. We hope you enjoy this journey and at least one episode inspires you.

OK, C'mon, let do some background checks.

This episode is optimized for video.

James was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is the youngest of 8 children in his family. Despite both of his parents working, his family was always involved in illegal activity. At a very young age, James began selling drugs. He saw the benefits it brought to those who did it.

He was arrested at the age of 20 for this very behavior. By the time he was 21, James was convicted by a jury and was sentenced to 40-years in Federal Prison. His life changed in his first year of incarceration. He heard about the Lord and committed his life to Christ in 2000.

He spent the next almost 21 years growing in his faith and relationship with God and changing his perspective on what is good in this world. Miraculously, 10 days shy of 21 years, his sentence was commuted. This was done on the last day of Trump’s presidency with the support of about 30 other people he didn’t know.

As he looks back on his experiences, he’s humbled by how God orchestrates people’s lives, and he’s grateful. “You never know whose life you are going to change” - James Cruz

We do a few shout outs and announcements then a devotional on being blinded by darkness. We honor Dalton on his last weekend with a trip to the Ranger game.

Don’t forget to have your family subscribe out in the world. Make sure you are subscribed on Pando.

To learn more about Forgiven Felons or to buy merchandise visit forgivenfelons.org/shop T

ell your loved one in prison or jail to watch on the Pando app on Forgiven Felons channel or listen on the podcast app on their tablet.

Please like, share, and subscribe. "Your background shouldn't HOLD you back, it should pay you back"

In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa talk about the Ranger game they went to, do some shout outs, discuss FI-5’s in Texas, show off some drawings and do a devotion about not going back to the old you.

Then we get to hear from Dalton and Dakota. Dalton came to us from the Way Back connection which he talks about. After they got married, they both were on their own meth journey. They have kids of their own, as well as adopted kids, and they lost custody of them during their journey.

Dalton’s dad was in prison too and he’s the one who connected Dalton to us. Since Dalton has been at Forgiven Felons and Dakota got out of jail, they have leaned into Jesus and their lives, marriage, and journey to get their kids back have taken an amazing turn.

We can’t wait for you to hear this story. Let your loved ones inside prisons and jails know they can watch this episode on our Pando App channel Forgiven Felons Have a great week.

Zoom Call information coming soon.

Tell your loved ones to follow Forgiven Felons or Jay Dan Gumm on Facebook for all the information. If you're interested in joining us for Breakfast Bible Study, we have it every two weeks at the Forgiven Felons house. email us for more information, jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

To buy our Forgiven Felons or Background Check merch visit https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Burns, from Trinity West Roofing and Construction to hear his story. We talk addiction, divorce of his parents, his love for the LA Dodgers, and who he thinks is the biggest crybaby in the NBA. We talk about how he got into roofing too.

Jessa and I do the announcements and we talk with a newly released inmate from the Florida prison system, Jimmy Cowden. We also get some shout outs from the church I spoke at over our anniversary weekend.

This episode is best watched on our youtube channel. @forgivenfelon

To buy Forgiven Felons merchandise visit

forgivenfelons.org/shop

To wrap up the Laws of Growth series, Jay Dan and Tuan traveled to Atlanta to interview Mark Cole in the Maxwell Leadership Podcast Studio.

Mark talks about leadership, defining moments, which laws of growth are the most challenging for him, how he got started in the company, and his struggles and victories since becoming CEO.

Thanks to John Maxwell, Mark Cole, Jake Decker, and Kimberly Whetsell for making all this possible.

Also big shout out to Tuan Nguyen for taking time out of his busy schedule, to invest in the lives of so many men and women behind the walls, by recording this series with us.

You can buy merchandise or learn more about Forgiven Felons at:

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

This episode is optimized for video and you can watch it on our YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@forgivenfelon?si=rJJWw_lJD60z-nLt

In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa start things off with announcements including graduation celebrations at the Kyle, Hilltop, and O'Daniel units, jokes, prayer requests, prison recipes, and sports.

Then we welcome Ron Adkins, from episode 4, back along with the Judge who handed him his five 99 year sentences. This is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Please like, share, and subscribe.

Let your loved ones in prison and jails know about our podcast on their tablets.

You can buy merchandise or learn more about Forgiven Felons at:

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

This episode is optimized for video and you can watch it on our YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@forgivenfelon?si=rJJWw_lJD60z-nLt

We highlight some amazing murals done by four men at the Ellis unit and highlight a soccer game held at the Allred unit.

Then we sit down with John Earle and talk about his days as a professional football player and how he got into prison ministry.

You can buy merchandise or learn more about Forgiven Felons at:

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

This episode is optimized for video and you can watch it on our YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@forgivenfelon?si=rJJWw_lJD60z-nLt

In this episode, after a quick devotion, Jay Dan sits down with the legend, Korn guitarist, Brian Welch.

They talk addiction, religion, family, forgiveness, and more. You do not want to miss this episode. If you have a loved one in prison, let them know they can watch on the tablets through Pando App. If they're in jail with NCIC tablets, they can watch through a special channel.

Thank you Brian, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to hang with us and share your story to the inmate population across the nation.

For Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise visit our store: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

This episode is optimized for video and you can watch on our YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/@forgivenfelon?si=XBmGXRYfXeNxzhC6

Law of Growth Series for the inmates.

We put this series on our channel because some inmates want to continue the series when they get out. We talk about the Law of the Rubberband from John Maxwell's book 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth.

Jay Dan meets of guy, coming out of the bathroom at church, who listened to the podcast in prison. He talks with him.

We show the pictures of restricted inmates from building 12 on the Robertson unit getting baptized.

You can also watch this on our youtube channel @forgivenfelon

In this episode, Jessa nails the announcements, we do some shout outs to some ladies on life row in Florida, we talk sports, we read from mine and my mom's journals while I was in prison, and we do a devotional.

Then we get into Richard and Ashanti's story including his past, how he got connected with TRM, how they met, and what all they are doing for the Kingdom of God today. It's truly incredible.

You can visit them at https://www.trmsouthdallas.org/ and

https://www.trmsouthdallas.org/the-well

Follow them on social media too.

facebook.com/trmdallas

Our interview with Pam Theroe from EWOP, Empowering Women Out of Prison.

You can watch this video on our youtube channel.

https://youtu.be/RlnutnIAVYs?si=cK0C6BEv-LpzFGqr

Tuan and Jay Dan continue their series from John Maxwell's book 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth

Our interview with KJ and Marcia Holland.

You can watch this video on our YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/@forgivenfelon?si=JtJ4BkH5UBeICUYh

Jay Dan and his wife tell their story of how they got engaged, what it was like going through 4 miscarraiges, and what it's like doing ministry together.

My interview with State Rep Carl O Sherman including his journey to become a pastor and eventually in to politics.

In this episode we do announcements with Jessa including talking about the weekend we had at Breakfast Bible Study and church. We had two ladies drive from a Weatherford transitional house to go to @SocialDallas with us.

Two men from another transitional house in Dallas came. David was celebrating his 44th birthday for the first time he could remember, that he wasn't drunk, high, or in jail. Robert shows off his juggling skills and man, is he good. We read chapter three in Proverbs for the Wisdom Challenge.

Then we sit down with Jimmy and Beth Humphus from No Turning Back Ministries. They are a prison ministry and transitional house ministry. Follow them on Facebook.

Jimmy and Beth take us back to when they first met, at a bar. She wasn't a Christian and he backsliding at the time. But God had plans for both. Jimmy talks a little about what landed him in prison twice, but loves talking about being redeemed by Christ, and marrying a virtuous more.

They love their family of six, four daughters, and they love their family of choice, all the men in the houses, just as much. They also have had a prison ministry at the Estes unit in Venus, TX for a very long time. Longer than I've been out of prison, which is almost 18 years.

Jimmy is a prime example of someone who doesn't let his background hold him back, but he definitely makes it pay him back.

Tell your loved ones in prison and jails to listen on their tablets. If it's not on their tablets, tell them to write their tablet company and ask them to contact us to get them on their tablets. jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org Listen to audio on all podcast platforms.

Note: These episodes are optimized for video including pics and graphics. If you want to experience the in studio effect please watch on our youtube channel @forgivenfelon

In this episode we begin with Jay Dan and Jessa doing the announcements and talking about different subjects. We also tell some more jokes.

Then Jay Dan talks with fellow Steeler fan, Erick Wilson, from JTC X-Change. JTC stands for Join The Conversation and it began a long time ago with just having conversations that matter with people. We highlight some of his prison trips including the Gib Lewis trip. He also talks about why he calls the men Kings and not inmates.

Through these conversations, mentoring, feeding the community, prison ministry and more was birthed. We discuss it all and we poke fun of the Cowboys a little too.

If you'd like to know more about JTC, visit their website at https://www.jtconthemove.org/

You can also write them at

JTC X-Change 210 Ector Dr PO Box 791 Euless, TX 76039 Tell your loved ones to watch on the Pando app in prison.

This series is mainly for the men and women across the nation in jails and prisons watching and listening on their tablets, but we are making it available to everyone out here as well. You can also listen on all the podcast platforms but video is best.

We are asked all the time to be mentors to people in prison and while we can't mentor one on one with everybody, we can teach from our mentor's book and help everyone to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Tuan and I (Jay Dan) are John Maxwell Certified Coach/Trainer/Speakers and we love sharing what we learn from our mentors with anyone who can use it. We talk about how these laws work in prison, the home, or the business world.

So if you just want to grow, subscribe to this channel and listen each Wednesday for the next 7 weeks as we discuss our favorite 7 of the 15 Laws of Growth from John Maxwells book.

If you have a loved one in prison or jail, tell them to watch on the Pando app. If there facility has tablets but they can't get our show, tell them to write the tablet company to request our show, Background Check Podcast.

Let's GROW.

“You Can’t Use God Like A Light Switch"

In this episode we sit down with military vet, CO, and Christian Hip Hop Artist, Mark Jones. Mark talks about his childhood and how his mom was integral part of the foundation that helped him hold it all together.

Mark takes us on a journey through some rough parts of growing up through his anger and identity issues, through his time in the military to now as a correctional officer at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

He speaks about the positive influence from his fellow officers and how he loves the opportunity to speak into the lives of inmates.

Don’t let your background hold you back, make it pay you back.

Spotify.com/MarkJones Distrokid.com/MarkJonez https://t.co/D7E4MMUmb1 (Apple Music) https://t.co/8Wg4zasywS Markjonez.hearnow.com

This is the audio portion of the video podcast. It is made for video and has several parts where there's just music playing, that is video.

This series is mainly for the men and women across the nation in jails and prisons watching and listening on their tablets, but we are making it available to everyone out here as well.

You can also watch on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

We are asked all the time to be mentors to people in prison and while we can't mentor one on one with everybody, we can teach from our mentor's book and help everyone to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Tuan and I (Jay Dan) are John Maxwell Certified Coach/Trainer/Speakers and we love sharing what we learn from our mentors with anyone who can use it. We talk about how these laws work in prison, the home, or the business world.

So if you just want to grow, subscribe to this channel and listen each Wednesday for the next 7 weeks as we discuss our favorite 7 of the 15 Laws of Growth from John Maxwells book.

If you have a loved one in prison or jail, tell them to watch on the Pando app. If there facility has tablets but they can't get our show, tell them to write the tablet company to request our show, Background Check Podcast.

Let's GROW.

ALL WE DO IS NGUYEN with Tuan and Olevia Nguyen

You've heard from Tuan on several occasions but now HE'S MARRIED! We get to hear from his amazing wife, Olevia, and boy do they hit hard. They drop so much marriage and relationship wisdom for only being married a couple of months.

Man, there's laughter, transparency, vulnerability, and so much more. Whether you are single, engaged, married, struggling, or fine, this podcast is for you.

Of course Jessa nails the announcements.

We celebrate on of our residents, Steve Garrett, who graduated from a work training class at Dallas College.

Watch on our youtube channel:

https://youtu.be/OubGVldnh30?si=6826pvApzTLftQrU

This episode we sit back down again with a regular guest, Tyler Bothne AND her best friend, Kristin Funderburg, to talk about The Hiding Place.

And of course, Jessa nails the announcements.

The Hiding Place is a transition home for women coming out of any crisis situations such as but not limited to addiction, incarceration, prostitution, and trauma. They are dedicated to rehabilitating the women by providing housing in a safe environment where they can process and heal from past trauma, equip them how to live a healthier holistic lifestyle, and empower them to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and with others. Love is their strategy.

Check out https://misfitsmission.org/ to learn more.

Watch the video on YouTube https://youtu.be/MmGxnjvDyY8?si=0l3w11_rCIsaCF-J

Paul, Reggie, and I were locked up together at the Lockhart unit, now known as Coleman. Through church, work, and a prayer circle at work, we got to know each other and became great friends.

Since all getting out, within a couple of years of each other, we have all remained friends. Paul and Reggie were also in my wedding. We were all close to the chaplain at Lockhart and she surprised us all and showed up at my wedding.

In this episode we talk about faith, sports, our time at Lockhart, and how we navigate the ups and downs that is life. Paul and Reggie discuss what led them to prison. Reggie talk about what his mom said to him when she tirst traveled trom Chicago to lexas to see him in prison.

Oh, and announcements with Jessa is always fun. And we make a big announcement.

Thanks for listening. Spread the word. Tell your loved ones in prison to watch on Pando. You can watch on our YouTube channel @forgivenfelon

Make your background pay you back this week.

In this episode we sit down with Brian Townson. His story has so many turns, but eventually the best turn he ever made was turning to Jesus one day.

I met Brian through attending the Prison Fellowship Academy graduation at the Carol Vance Unit. Since then, I have gotten to know him through social media, but really got to know him more at Tuan and Olevia's wedding in Mexico.

Announcements with Jessa.

We do a tribute to all the veterans. Thank you all for your service.

Have a great week. You can also listen on all podcast platforms.

Please subscribe. Email us to let us know an episode has impacted your life. jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/skfjlMur8HY?si=KKhewD3-Jt2-oQe-

In this episode we sit down with parole attorney, Marshall Millard, to discuss baseball, fishing, parole, and Jesus. Jessa gives thank you shout outs for her birthday cards. If your loved one is in Texas and needs a parole attorney, call Marshall directly. Phone number 210-415-3029. Please subscribe and spread the word. Do you know someone who would be a good fit for the show? Email me jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

In this episode, we start off with announcements with Jessa, talking about Ranger's, the Hiltop Trusty camp and Tina Washington, a couple of praise reports, and our Connect Group at Social Dallas.

Then we sit down with Christian Hip Hop artist, Xsedus and hear his story. He dives into how long he's been writing rap lyrics, his studio gangster years, and more. We play a couple of his songs for you too.

Enjoy this episode and let us know if it had an impact on your life. And be on the lookout for Xsedus and his team inside prisons.

Spread the word. You can also listen on all podcast platforms. Tell your loved one in prison to watch on the Pando App Write us at: Forgiven FelonsPO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch on the YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/M_g4IbdnD2o?si=9sGoDiUDA-QojwcA

In this second episode of "It's Not My Fight" Noemi dives into the reversal of her parole answer, the loss of her husband, and how God is sovereign through it all. Get some more tissues because you will cry more, laugh a little, and know that God loves you, is for you, and can turn anything you go through, into something that gives Him glory. Thank you Noemi for being brave enough to share your heartbreaking story with the world and be transparent enough to let us know that you don't have all the answers but you are the bride of someone who does. Forgiven Felons Background Check Podcast PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Don't forget to tell your loved ones on the inside to watch on the pando app or the audio podcast. You can write the show at Forgiven Felons Background Check PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 or email the show at Jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org Let us know if an episode has impacted you. Announcements with Jessa, Jessamy, and Jay Dan. We talk about the Ranger's, EWOP, and pray over everyone.

In Part One of "It's Not MY Fight" we meet Noemi Martinez. I met Noemi one morning at church, Social Dallas, when she came up to me and asked about my shirt that "Forgiven Felons" on it. Then she told me her story and I knew we had to get it on Background Check. You will LAUGH, CRY, and FEEL the Holy Spirit in this interview. Noemi doesn't hold back anything and gives God all the glory for everything in her life. She talks about her desire to have a healthy daddy daughter relationship growing up. Now she talks about Jesus being her husband as the bridegroom of the church. You'll be on the edge as she tells her parole story, but you'll have to wait til part two to hear how it ends. Write the show at: Background Check Podcast Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Cody Ford of Worthy People. Cody was born dead to a drug-addicted mother and as a result has scars all over his body to this day. He survived the projects, the foster care system, and life on the streets at 18 years old. At 20 years old in the Texas prison system, 3 years into his sentence he desired a new way of life. When he learned his worth in Jesus, it changed him and he never looked back. Now Cody and his wife lead a ministry and travel to prisons with the message to remove the labels of society by seeing and accepting all people as Jesus does. We talk about everything from sports to addiction, to prison, to ministry. You will laugh, cry, be inspired, and motivated, but most of all..... ...you will know you are WORTHY. Check out his podcast on his youtube channel or Pando. They are a top trending podcast in prisons and jails all over the nation. https://www.youtube.com/@worthypeopleorg Click on any link to find out more about them or follow them on social media. https://www.worthypeople.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/worthypeopl... FB: https://www.facebook.com/worthypeopleorg Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future...

In this episode, we begin our conversation with Cody Ford of Worthy People. Cody was born dead to a drug-addicted mother and as a result has scars all over his body to this day. He survived the projects, the foster care system, and life on the streets at 18 years old. At 20 years old in the Texas prison system, 3 years into his sentence he desired a new way of life. When he learned his worth in Jesus, it changed him and he never looked back. Now Cody and his wife lead a ministry and travel to prisons with the message to remove the labels of society by seeing and accepting all people as Jesus does. We talk about everything from sports to addiction, to prison, to ministry. You will laugh, cry, be inspired, and motivated, but most of all..... ...you will know you are WORTHY. Check out his podcast on his youtube channel or Pando. They are a top trending podcast in prisons and jails all over the nation. https://www.youtube.com/@UCIYwMQj6ErE... Click on any link to find out more about them or follow them on social media. https://www.worthypeople.org/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/worthypeopl... FB: https://www.facebook.com/worthypeopleorg You can also watch on YouTube on our forgivenfelon channel. Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future...

In this episode we sit down once again with the founders of Anticipate Joy, Dr Karla Evans, and Dr Veronica Tetterton. We talk about what all AJ does, as well as suicide, addiction, prevention, and counseling. There are important numbers at the end of the episode if you are need. We also discuss some techniques you can use when you feel anxiety, depression, or anger coming on. There’s also some important numbers at the end of the show. You can also watch on YouTube on our forgivenfelon channel. Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future... Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

In this episode we catch up with Brian Dupor, one of the features in the Forgiven Felons Documentary, as he tells us what's been going on since the filming. We talk about his and his wife Princess' ministry, We Are One Kingdom Ministries, as well as a special moment that was caught between him and his father. You can watch Brian and Princess, on their YouTube channel, WAOK Ministries Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future... Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

In this episode we sit down with Jason Head, the owner of Headz Up Landscaping and Headz Up Roofing and Construction. We talk about his relationship with his fiance, his businesses, his journey from addiction to freedom, and his first book, From Prison to Periwinkles: Hope Beyond Addiciton” In From Prison to Periwinkles, Jason Head takes readers on a gripping and transformative journey of redemption, resilience, and rebirth. After decades of living as a hard-core drug addict and a life-threatening encounter that left him clinging to survival, Jason finds himself at rock bottom, physically and mentally shattered. But as he lies on his mother's couch, contemplating his fate, a remarkable series of events unfolds. A mysterious assailant attempts to take his life, yet fate intervenes, sparing him. In the aftermath of this harrowing encounter, Jason discovers an inner strength he never knew existed—a resolve to turn his life around and become the person he was meant to be. Jason's story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone who feels trapped by their past mistakes. As he opens up about his transformation from a life of crime to a thriving entrepreneur, he sends a message of empowerment and courage. Through Jason's relentless pursuit of sobriety, self-discovery, and purpose, readers are reminded that it's never too late to press the reset button and find a path towards redemption and fulfillment. Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future... Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

In this episode we sit down with Alan Raines and Annette Jenkins from One Man's Treasure in Rockwall, Texas, just east of Dallas. One Man's Treasure has one focus, to provide clothing assistance and referral services for formerly incarcerated men to gain employment, successfully reintegrate into their communities, and reunite with their families, while demonstrating God’s love and the care and concern of the community for each of the men during this time of transition. The application process is simple. Through collaborations with prison chaplains, parole officials, prison ministries, other aftercare non-profit organizations, and area transition homes, men released from prison in need of clothing are identified within Dallas, Rockwall, Collin, Kaufman, Henderson, Van Zandt, and parts of Denton and Tarrant Counties. The client can fill out an application while he is in prison and/or call the toll-free number when he is released. Each application is screened to determine the client’s eligibility for services under One Man’s Treasure’s guidelines as to the type of unit where he was incarcerated, county he will be residing in, and whether he has been helped before. When the call is received at the clothes closet, a full set of clothes is collected based on sizing and color choices. All clothing is washable, because indigent men do not have funds available to dry clean clothing. The clothing is then delivered to the client’s home or transitional home by a male volunteer (called a “shepherd"), along with One Man's Treasure's Resource Guide. The strength of the program comes from a personal visit by a male volunteer, who takes time to visit with the client and his family, if he has any, encouraging him, and guiding him to other resources. In this one act of agape, the ministry seeks to provide each client with the spiritual support he needs during this critical transition period along with meeting his physical need of clothing. If you are an adult male who has been released from a Texas Department of Criminal Justice prison unit within the past 60 days and returned to the Dallas and Fort Worth areas- Welcome Back! One Man’s Treasure would like to provide you with a FRESH-START WARDROBE at NO CHARGE TO YOU! We do our best to accommodate all of the requests that we receive but at times we are limited due to current inventory and sizes. Vist onemanstr.org to fill out the app or feel free to call us directly to complete over the phone 1-888-433-9826. If you are in Texas prisons and paroling to the DFW area, your chaplain may have an application in their office. Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future... Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Labor Day September 4, 2023

Happy Labor Day

Ecclesiastes 3:13 And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

Labor hard, enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Celebration

Don't forget to celebrate your wins, other's wins.

Today Jess and I are in Mexico celebrating a wedding of dear friends.

What are you celebrating today?

Have a great week

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Lowery and talk about her life and how she ended up where she is today.

Lisa's life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, including losing both of her parents in tragedies. She also had to over come breast cancer. This being her second time out, she knows now how to handle life's curve balls, thanks to a program called EWOP, Empowering Women Out of Prison, and holding closely on to Jesus.

I went in to listen to the ladies of EWOP pitch their business plans a few months ago and that's when I met Lisa. Like everyone I meet in prison, I told her to call me when she gets out and I'll do what I can to help her. Well, she called, and she's been out for almost two months. Not many call.

She gave me her update and then I invited her on the show. Lisa is doing great now and is another example of how you don't let your background hold you back, you make it pay you back.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons: PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven

Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai...

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future...

Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Subscribe to our youtube channel so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to our podcast so you never miss a Background Check-In on Monday.

1 Thessalonians 5

The whole chapter. It's good. We walk through that this morning. If we did half the stuff this chapter encourages us to do, we'd have a great life and it would be a great world. It starts with us. Let's do this.

Have a great week.

Check out video podcast on Pando and YouTube.

In this episode Jay Dan sits down with the Forgiven Felons admin intern, Brother Steve Reece.

Steve's story is heartbreaking, gut wrenching, redemptive, victorious, and joyful, all at the same time. His health issues became so severe in prison that he was on hospice at one time.

While serving 10 1/2 years on a 17 year, non-agg sentence, Steve couldn't comprehend why God would leave him in prison to serve Him there while murderers, and other violent criminals were being released. But Steve kept trusting in God.

Steve worked for the chaplain on all the units he was on. He now serves Forgiven Felons and Austin Street Shelter in Dallas, a homeless shelter that helps get people off drugs, alcohol, and the streets.

Steve received his certification as a chaplain through Chaplaincy Ministries, an organization that trains people to become marketplace chaplains everywhere.

Steve is a perfect example of not letting your background hold you back, but pay you back.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Blood In, Word Out

We overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony.

Rev 12:11

Have a great week and don't forget to share the word of YOUR testimony.

Documentary Update Episode

Jeremy was featured in the Forgiven Felons documentary which you can see on Roku TV, here on youtube, and Pando App. Jeremy is the CEO of Floor Rescue and Advanced Resins.

You can check them out here: https://floorrescue.com/

You can follow Jeremy and Floor Rescue on IG: @floorrescue

Follow us on our youtube channel, Forgiven Felons for the video version.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

You Don't Need Another Word

Just obey the last word God gave you, from His word, from a friend, from a sermon, video.

I was challenged by this today so I'm writing in my book. It's a word I've not been completely obedient to.

Luke 11:28

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

Have a great week.

If you have a loved one in prison, or are incarcerated with a tablet, watch us on the Pando App. It's also available out here to download on iOS and Android.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Shadows

We can choose which shadows to hang out in, most times. Choose the shadow of HIS wings.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

Instead of throwing shade, get into the right shadow.

Have a great week.

Watch us on the Pando App.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Let God be your first leg and anchor leg in your relay race of life.

Isaiah 52:12 You will not leave in a hurry,
running for your lives.
For the Lord will go ahead of you;
yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.

Have a great week

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Galatians 5:15

But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another.

Python vs King Cobra

Love always wins

Have a great week.

IT'S PAID FOR, USE IT.

What blessings, gifts, tools, had God already bought and paid for, through His Son Jesus, that are just sitting there, waiting to be used by you and make your Kingdom life better?

Have a great week.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Galatians 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

Independence Day. On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain. The Constitution provides the legal and governmental framework for the United States.

What do you need to declare independence from?

**Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons**:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Weight Loss

Hebrews 12 tells us to lay aside every weight.

We need the weight of God from the vine we stay connected to. But when we disconnect ourselves totally from the vine, we lose spiritual weight that we need to survive.

Have a great week.

Can you imagine walking around in life as a slave to someone, something, anything, but not knowing that you are free?

Juneteenth represents that day when the soldiers came to the shores of Galveston to let the slaves know that they were actually free.

Jesus paid for your salvation and freedom on the cross. What? You didn't know, and you've been walking around enslaved to something? Be free today, in Jesus name.

Have a great week.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Watch the documentary on the Pando App too.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

After the Storm

We need, others need help during the storm. But don't forget to check in on people after the storm, after a parole denial, after a break up letter, after a death in the family.

And don't forget to ask for help after your storm. It's ok to do that.

Have a great week.

GREEN MEANS GO!

The only thing I hate more than sitting at a red light, is sitting behind someone who isn't paying attention at a green light.

When you are the first person at a red light, you are the leader when the light turns green. If you don't answer the call to go when you have the green light, you hold so many others up behind you from answering their GO.

So go when God gives you the green light to talk to someone, give, write a book (me), teach a class, or whatever He's giving you the green light for.

Have a great week.

Background Check-In

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Distrac(SQUIRREL)tions

The devil knows he can't destroy you if you are in Christ Jesus, so his greatest tool is distraction. If he can keep you from living out your purpose, he is ok with that.

Best tool to rise above distraction is this scripture.

Hebrews 12:2 fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith

Practical Advice: set goals. Goals help you rise above the distraction.

Banned Words!

Identify them and MUTE THEM.

Have a great week.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Invite the spirit of the Lord in to those areas of your life you still feel bound up.

Have a great week.

Show Summary Picked vs Chosen

In this episode we speak with Richard Miles, again. We just love him as a guest. He’s a dear friend and we talk about Mother’s Day, current legislation being considered, being picked vs being chosen, and what the one thing is he would change about our legal system, if given cart blanche.

Check out Miles of Freedom’s website below and check out his full story on episode #2

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Expressions Property: https://expressionsproperty.com/our-charities/

Miles of Freedom’s website: https://milesoffreedom.org/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Make a List

Lists are all throughout the Bible, in fact, the Bible is a list itself. List of names of God, principles to live by, so many lists.

Jesus gave the disciples of list of things to do and not do as He sent them out.

I made a list of what I wanted in a future wife one day.

Dream boards, vision boards, are fancy lists.

I have a to do list for today, and for the week.

Make a list today.

Show Summary From Bars to Bitcoin

In this episode we speak with Justin Rhedrick. Justin is a passionate motivational coach and Bitcoin expert. He’s been featured on the Pomp Podcast, NASDAQ, The Boston Globe, Yahoo Finance, Coin Desk, Vice News. After seeing a deadly shootout his senior year of high school and later serving a three-year prison sentence, Justin wanted to change his life. The other fuel to this fire was an unfortunate reality: the lack of opportunities for those re-entering the world after jail or prison. It wasn’t long until one of Justin’s friends introduced him to Bitcoin. He was so intrigued that he even worked odd jobs to save and invest in Bitcoin. Justin’s journey into Bitcoin ignited his career as a performance coach. He aspires to help others pursue and achieve a financial avenue in Bitcoin. He even developed a following on social media as the “BitcoinVegan.” If you want to know more about Justin and Bitcoin, or to buy his book or course, check out the links below. Justin gives some great tips at the end and shares how you can maybe get a discount on his services. NOTE This episode is rate E for explicit.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Justin’s Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinveganjustin/

Buy Justin’s Book: https://frombarstobitcoin.com/

Visit the website and Buy Justin’s Course: https://bitcoinvegan.com/

Hire Justin as your Coach: https://oaa.coach/

Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rhedrick-clc-chc-193509101/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Grace

It's May 1st

May your May filled with Grace.

I speak grace over your weaknesses.

Show Summary "Testifying in Austin, Christian Politicians Rant, and Shout Outs to EWOP"

In this episode I give shout outs to the ladies of the Empowering Women Out of Prison program at the Coleman unit in Lockhart, TX. I was on this unit for a year and nine months back in 2004-2006 back when it was half male and half female. Now it’s all female.

EWOP is to the female population what PEP is to the men. It’s incredible to listen to the ideas these women come up with. In this episode I give them some praise.

I also talk about my time testifying at our state’s capitol in Austin. I’ve been wanting to get some things off my heart’s chest.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

EWOP’s Website: https://www.ewoptx.org/

SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Expressions Property Website: https://expressionsproperty.com/our-charities/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

No more "fake it til you make it"

Sow a seed, and keep sowing it, until you see growth. Yes, growth takes time, but sometimes you might have to keep sowing seeds to see the growth you want.

Don't stop sowing and don't stop growing.

Have a great week.

Show Summary Who I Was vs Who I Am

Matt and I go way back. We were at the Lockhart unit (now Coleman and all female) together back in 2005-2006. I got out first then he came along and we hung out a little. We kept in touch from time to time but as he says in the story, he started glorifying other things so we began to grow apart.

When he got rearrested and was back in Dallas county jail, we started talking again and I could tell that Jesus was doing a work inside him.

He didn’t get the answer that he wanted but God was in control and had an assignment for Matt inside prison again. Matt has grown so close to the Lord now and has done so many great things for the Kingdom of God in prison. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for him out here.

Matt’s story is not uncommon. People serving God in prison, then getting out and getting caught up in the world, life, and things. He drops some great wisdom. Please share with anyone you know needs to hear this.

And mom’s don’t give up on your child. Keep praying and keep believing.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Flat Tire Emotions

Proverbs 17:24

Have a great week.

Show Summary God Trusts You to Go Through This

The Polunsky unit, like other prisons in TDCJ, is like its own miniature city within a city. It has a school, a church, a medical facility, and now, it even has its own radio station. 106.5 The Tank is the Polunsky Unit’s very own inmate produced radio station.

Pre-recorded and broadcast through a low powered radio antenna, the station only reaches as far as the facility parking lot. However, that’s plenty far enough for the radio station to make a difference behind the prison fence.

We had the privilege of interviewing the man who helped get it all started. Ramy “Megamind” Hozaifeh.

We talk about how Tank Nation got started and then we dive a little into Ramy’s story and it is inspiring. You’ll hear how God protected him all along the way from being “checked” when he first got in.

Ramy was convicted through the law of parties and he talks about being bitter at the system and having some questions for God throughout the years.

We talk about the programming and the lives being impacted through this method of ministry. You’re going to love this episode. And if you’re ever close to the unit, tune in to the show.

See the youtube video below to watch how it all got started.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

TDCJ Video about Tank Nation: https://youtu.be/8Nkr2D81hJY

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

April 9, 2003 was my last drink. April 10, 2003 was my first day of my 20 years of sobriety.

Lots of people to thank, but first and foremost, God, for His saving grace, wonderful mercy, and unconditional love that lead to numerous second chances.

Here's to the next 20 years.

Show Summary From Zero to Millions: The Pathway to Prosperity

Tuan Nguyen is a successful Kingdom entrepreneur, leadership speaker, and 7-figure coach who has transformed the lives of numerous individuals through his coaching services. He has generated an astounding 2.5 million in client results and helped 20 coaches achieve six-figure incomes, earning him a reputation as a valuable and reliable coach.

Despite a troubled past, including three stints in prison, Tuan overcame hardships and transformed his life, becoming a sought-after speaker and coach in his field. His journey has given him a unique perspective on the power of personal growth and the value of mentorship, which he uses to help others achieve their full potential. Through his powerful testimony and exceptional coaching skills, Tuan continues to inspire and impact the lives of those he works with.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Tuan’s facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/Kingdomcoach21

Tuan’s Instagram profile: hhttps://www.instagram.com/kingdom.impact21/

Million Dollar Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1902193643226660

Tuan’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingdom_coach?fbclid=IwAR3r8Y0lwyS-2SBFrRDUDbi-A915hlmnAO2eApyYnw2RDpOXY5885hdkO-s

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Get to the Front

The closer to the front we are, the more engaged we become.

Have a great week.

Happy 2nd Chance Month

Show Summary Ex-Con, Pastor, Entrpreneur, Life Changer. Part 2

Kelby McNab is a pastor, business owner, high school dropout and ex-convict who is making Jesus and self-development go viral. He and his wife Adrian currently reside in Clemson, South Carolina where they spend the majority of their time operating their agency, Upstate Digital Marketing. A modern-day digital advertising company that serves over 50 non-profits and organizations across the United States. In 2019, Kelby shared a post online about his life-changing encounter with Jesus & accountability that went viral and by the next week had reached over 14,000,000 people across the nation. Today Kelby's online presence continues to reach over 25,000 people weekly. At the age of 17, he was convicted of 4 felony charges and spent his 18th birthday in Pickens County Jail before being sent to prison. After serving his sentence in Columbia South Carolina he returned home with 5 years of parole. On his last year of parole, Kelby lost 2 of his brothers (ages 16 and 24) to drugs, alcohol and gang violence. A few months later Kelby was using Xanax, marijuana and alcohol to cope with the frustration and pain, sending him on a downward spiral of trouble. He was arrested 3 times for DUI, wrecked his jeep into someone's home and totaled over 3 of his vehicles during this season. He spent countless nights waking up in a jail cell hungover not knowing what was going on because he couldn't remember anything from the night before. On his last limb, Kelby talked with his mother and decided it was time to check into rehab and change his life. That following year Kelby graduated from the Home-with-a-Heart a rehabilitation center located in Liberty South Carolina and has never been the same since. He is going on his 3rd year of marriage with his beautiful wife, whom he met in church in 2017. Has spoken to 100's of troubled teens and youth giving them real-life advice to help them change their life for the better. He has also been invited to be the keynote speaker for events all over the nation and currently serves at his church as one of the Pastors and Media Director in Anderson, SC. Kelby continues to spread the message of Jesus and share his advice and stories online for people to learn from and use to improve their lives. His message is simple, “if you want things to change, you've got to change.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Kelby’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kelby%20mcnab

Kelby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelby-mcnab/

Rejuvenate Church: https://rejuvenatechurch.com/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Opening Day Celebration

Celebrate the new seasons in your life/

Show Summary Ex-Con, Pastor, Entrpreneur, Life Changer

Kelby McNab is a pastor, business owner, high school dropout and ex-convict who is making Jesus and self-development go viral. He and his wife Adrian currently reside in Clemson, South Carolina where they spend the majority of their time operating their agency, Upstate Digital Marketing. A modern-day digital advertising company that serves over 50 non-profits and organizations across the United States. In 2019, Kelby shared a post online about his life-changing encounter with Jesus & accountability that went viral and by the next week had reached over 14,000,000 people across the nation. Today Kelby's online presence continues to reach over 25,000 people weekly. At the age of 17, he was convicted of 4 felony charges and spent his 18th birthday in Pickens County Jail before being sent to prison. After serving his sentence in Columbia South Carolina he returned home with 5 years of parole. On his last year of parole, Kelby lost 2 of his brothers (ages 16 and 24) to drugs, alcohol and gang violence. A few months later Kelby was using Xanax, marijuana and alcohol to cope with the frustration and pain, sending him on a downward spiral of trouble. He was arrested 3 times for DUI, wrecked his jeep into someone's home and totaled over 3 of his vehicles during this season. He spent countless nights waking up in a jail cell hungover not knowing what was going on because he couldn't remember anything from the night before. On his last limb, Kelby talked with his mother and decided it was time to check into rehab and change his life. That following year Kelby graduated from the Home-with-a-Heart a rehabilitation center located in Liberty South Carolina and has never been the same since. He is going on his 3rd year of marriage with his beautiful wife, whom he met in church in 2017. Has spoken to 100's of troubled teens and youth giving them real-life advice to help them change their life for the better. He has also been invited to be the keynote speaker for events all over the nation and currently serves at his church as one of the Pastors and Media Director in Anderson, SC. Kelby continues to spread the message of Jesus and share his advice and stories online for people to learn from and use to improve their lives. His message is simple, “if you want things to change, you've got to change.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Kelby’s Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=kelby%20mcnab

Kelby’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelby-mcnab/

Rejuvenate Church: https://rejuvenatechurch.com/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Samson's Hair Grew Back

God isn't sorry He gave you those gifts and callings. So cry out to Him to give you ability to walk in those again.

Show Summary All Jesus wants is our YES

Today we talk with my great friend, Brian Sanders.

Brian Sanders is the Outreach Pastor for Eagle Mountain International Church. He also is the Disaster Relief Manager for Kenneth Copeland Ministires. For 17 years he was the Prison Director for Mike Barber Prison Ministry. Brian has a passion to see people come to know Jesus.

Luke 14:23 says: Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. Weaks and I will give it away for three minutes Monday with me and the three week.

To fulfill this scripture Brian is involved in many outreach that include street evangelism, homeless, prisons, nursing homes, and community events.

He is an amazing man, with an amazing family, doing amazing things.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

EMI’s website: https://www.emic.org/

KCM’s website: https://www.kcm.org/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Encouragement for the Harvest

Special Guest on Check-In, Tuan Nguyen

Show Summary Kingdom Talk and Shoutouts

Today I’m solo and talking about the Kingdom of God and what that means for you and I. We also give shoutouts to people who have written in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Today 972-922-6434

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Quality Time

Quality Time is one of the five love languages. Find a way to spend QT with someone this week, whether it's God, your spouse, your children, your friends. You'll be better off for sure.

Show Summary .

Beauty to Ashes

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Portia Louder spent 4.5 years in prison. She speaks openly about her mistakes and what it took to move past them. Portia is a writer, speaker, photographer and advocate. She works with at-risk youth, and women struggling with addiction. Portia speaks regularly at jails and institutions, and recently published her first book titled Living Louder, a Compassionate Journey Through Federal Prison.

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In this interview we talk about everything. Portia was so transparent and fun to interview. We ask her to dive deeper into a few of her chapters in her book. We talk about her blog and how she got pushback from it. We talk about her mental health status before the trial.

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It’s a great interview that will have you laughing and crying.

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Check out more pics from Portia below (on show page) as well as all her links to follow her on social media and buy her book.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW .

Portia’s website: https://portialouder.com/

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Portia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/portia-louder-6bbab77b/

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Portia’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portialouder

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Portia’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/portialouder/

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Buy Portia’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JJFBFZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_S9C2HMDVZDP967V8W681

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SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Today 972-922-6434

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Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Share

Living Louder: A Compassionate Journey Through Federal Prison

Battles to Fight

If you don't fight the battles you're called to fight, then you'll end up fighting battles you weren't meant to fight, and people get hurt.

Show Summary From Prison to Paid

Letitia Scott Jackson is a published author, public speaker, musician, entrepreneur, and humanitarian. In 2015, she birthed Keeping Families Connected out of a personal desire to make meaningful contributions to the lives of those who are incarcerated and the family members they are separated from. Ever since, she wants to spread the hope of redemption and connection one interaction, letter to an inmate and prison visit at a time. She also has a passion for speaking to youth and young adults about making the best choices now, based on her own past experiences.

In this interview we dive into her background and find some really interesting things like her father, a pastor, taking a charge for her and doing prison time. That’s crazy. I know my dad loved me but I’m not sure he’d done that.

We talk about her time in prison and how she tried to write churches to see if they’d pick her daughter up for church, and how that inspired the play she wrote, “Where are all the church people at?”

This is such a great redemption story and a true example of how your background can pay you back instead of hold you back.

Check out her website below to sign up for a trip. To purchase book and find out more information, check out the website.

Write KFC: 11520 NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY, DALLAS, TX, 75243

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW KFC website: https://www.keepingfamilyconnected.org/

SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Today 972-922-6434

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Revival

It starts on the inside of YOU.

Have a great week

Show Summary

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From Sewing to Sowing

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Tina is a Master Seamstress and an amazing woman but she landed in an abusive relationship that proved fatal one night when she was trying to defend herself. Tina didn’t dream she’d go to prison because it was self defense but received a 20 year sentence. She did four years at the Hobby unit and while there, God changed her life and began developing her into the woman that she is today.

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Tina returned home December 12, 2013. Once she returned home, she immediately began taking care of her obligations to the County of Dallas with overdue tickets and classes required of me with parole. After completing it all, she started her training to become a volunteer for the ministry she had completed while serving time within the faith dorm, Discipleship Unlimited. Once finishing that and being home for 18 months,she was able to start going in and sharing her testimony of hope.

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After doing this for about 2 to 3 years, she was asked to come and share at the parole office by a local pastor and he mentored her with facilitating classes at the local parole office. She eventually met Chaplain Larry Garden who took her under his wings and had her trained to be a leader for the Overcomers program and appointed her solely to do classes at the current office she has been with since 2017 hosting 3 classes weekly.

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Tina is currently in school working on her BA & MA in ministry, with the goal to receive her doctorate in philosophy at Wheaton College Billy Graham Center.

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She will also be completing Minister In Training under the leadership of Chris Wesley, her senior pastor at Antioch Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church (where her and her family are active members) at the end of September and will be ordained as a minister.

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Tina is semi-retired as a master seamstress and sewing educator and now works with an amazing organization, Above The Clouds.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Tina’s Website: https://www.tywashingtongroup.com/

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Tina’s Business webstie: https://www.flippedkouture.com/

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Tina’s Sewing Classes: https://www.helpinghandsewingschool.org/

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Tina on NBC: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/coronavirus/desoto-seamstress-sewing-peace-of-mind-with-face-mask-donations/2352777/?fbclid=IwAR0OORW_P_DFQuYyeX2fi1K9BUOO6UGxG-wZXlTHsmeHVwewDFaoLIjqgyA

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Tina on CBN: https://www1.cbn.com/redeemed-and-freed-live-life-fully?fbclid=IwAR3NqXwmh9U8lG08MsRljpEbs2w7SW0YFxlwMghZe_9ACCZjHbNuKM_eHIA

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Tina’s Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/TY-Washington/author/B07RQMGWF2?ref=ap_rdr&store_ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true.

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Discipleship Unlimited YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DUPrisonMinistry

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SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Today 972-922-6434

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Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Walk with the Wise Proverbs 13:20

Show Summary

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“Rebuilding Neighborhoods I Destroyed?

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Kardell Sims has taken his life and turned it around, from being formerly incarcerated, to guiding others to break free from a path of self-destruction. From an early age, Kardell had the odds against him, spending much of his early years involved with the law. Kardell came from a background with heavy influences of drugs and addiction, and first got involved at the age of 15. He would later spend time in and out of the system.

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However, during his last sentence, Kardell realized he needed to completely transform his life. He left behind his old ways by taking courses and learning how to build the type of life he wanted to lead. Once he was released, he secured employment and finished his book, “Inmate to Inspirations.”

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Since then, Kardell has used his story to be a life coach for others. Focusing much of his efforts on re-entry and prison prevention, Kardell has been an inspiration for those who’ve been handed life’s hardships. Kardell overcame poverty, gangs, and prison to become a national speaker, 7x author, master certified empowerment coach, and Re-Entry Consultant.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Kardell’s website: https://www.kardellsims.com/

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Buy Kardell’s Books: https://www.kardellsims.com/books

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Kardell’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamkardellsims

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Kardell’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/iamkardellsims

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Kardell’s Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Kardell_Sims

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Kardell’s YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/iamkardellsims

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Kardell’s LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/kardellsims

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SPONSOR

. Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Today 972-922-6434

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Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:

. https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

Stay Strong, choose JOY.

Show Summary

Back From Break

Jay Dan is back from break and has some amazing interviews lined up, but starts off with a solo episode just updating everyone on mom, who was taken to the ER earlier in the week.

Show Sponsors:

Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ Call Today 972-922-6434

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Visit our website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

MERCHANDISE ON SALE NOW: SEE PICS BELOW

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Turn It Around

Background Check-In

Prayer for Healing

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Anticipation and Expectation

Galatians 6:9

2022 YOU passing the baton to the 2023 YOU

FINISH STRONG

4 more days in 2022. How will you spend it?

Show Summary

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Christmas Questions

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On this special episode, we received permission from our pastors to air their Christmas message. This message is so powerful that as I was sitting their Sunday morning, I just knew that everyone in prisons and jails across our nation had to hear this.

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We also do shoutouts to people who wrote in and we air some of our Christmas party activities. There’s also a special message to all those behind bars this Christmas from our guests at the Christmas party.

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We are taking a break from full episodes until February. We will still air the Background Check-In’s

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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Gumm family and all of us at Forgiven Felons and Background Check.

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If this show touches your heart in any way, would you consider giving a gift today to Forgiven Felons? You can click the link below to support us.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Social Dallas: https://socialdallas.online/

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Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

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dvtd website: https://dvtd.com/ Use code FF20 at checkout

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Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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FORGIVEN FELONS MERCH: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

S-elf Colored Glasses.

Show Summary

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“How am I going to do this?

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That was the question Art Goodwin asked himself on his first day in federal prison.

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Well, God answered his question and now he’s living his best life for himself and others.

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On this episode we follow Art through his successful life before prison, to his preparation for trial that lasted 6 years, to his sentencing. He talks about how shocked he and his wife were to get a guilty sentence. While in prison, Art helped other men rise above their environment to achieve great things. He also began writing a curriculum to help people understand what they can expect coming into prison and when they get out.

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Art is our newest board member and he is passionate about helping us help people with a past realize their future. Check out a pic of Art below as well as his website.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Innovation TVA website: https://innovationtva.com/

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Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

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dvtd website: https://dvtd.com/ Use code FF20 at checkout

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Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

MERCHANDISE PAGE- COMING SOON

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

PROCRASTINATION

Show Summary

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God, Slow Me Down, Part Two

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This was the prayer Joseph prayed to God. He had asked God to slow him down just before this, so he knew something was coming. In this second part Pastor Joseph goes deeper into his story and then brings it full circle to God’s protection, guidance in the midst of searching, and ultimately sharing the gospel and starting revival in prisons.

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You don’t want to miss this two-part series that will have you all over the map.

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I love Joseph. We became good friends after serving time in prison together. He was the pastor of our inmate-led church. He started it with a handful of men on the rec yard and finally they gave him a classroom due to the gathering on the rec yard.

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When he made parole he handed the preaching duties over to me but I quickly asked others to preach too. Since he’s been out, he’s gotten married, found so much favor in his career, and started Right On Point Ministries which has a huge impact on the Kingdom of God. Follow him on facebook at the link below or visit his church if you. are in Houston.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Right On Point Ministries: 8951 S Ruthby Ste 2, Houston, TX 77061

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Joseph’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fisherman.fish.14

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Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

BELIEVE

Show Summary

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Something’s About to Happen Part One

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This was the phrase Joseph kept hearing one day in his head. He had asked God to slow him down just before this, so he knew something was coming. In this first part Pastor Joseph and I talk about our time at Lockhart together, his upbringing, and how got caught up in the cartel.

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You don’t want to miss this two-part series that will have you all over the map.

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I love Joseph. We became good friends after serving time in prison together. He was the pastor of our inmate-led church. He started it with a handful of men on the rec yard and finally they gave him a classroom due to the gathering on the rec yard.

.

When he made parole he handed the preaching duties over to me but I quickly asked others to preach too. Since he’s been out, he’s gotten married, found so much favor in his career, and started Right On Point Ministries which has a huge impact on the Kingdom of God. Follow him on facebook at the link below or visit his church if you. are in Houston.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Right On Point Ministries: 8951 S Ruthby Ste 2, Houston, TX 77061

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Joseph’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fisherman.fish.14

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Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Jeremiah 18:1-4

God doesn't throw away clay.

Have a great week

Show Summary

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Man on the Streets: Thanksgiving Interviews

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In this episode, I give the regular shout outs to the people who have written into the show and I air my “Man on the Streets” interviews with random people.

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Everyone here at Background Check are thankful for each listener, no matter where you listen from. Thanks for listening and sharing with everyone you know.

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Happy Thanksgiving.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In

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Hebrews 10:23-25

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Today on Check In I talk about just making sure we are getting together with others to encourage each other and pray over one another.

Show Summary

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Could God still love me?

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In this episode I share the interview I had with Michael Etchison, an inmate serving time at the North East Correctional Center. He was the president of an inmate organization called RJO, Restorative Justice Organization. They raise funds from other inmates who want to be a part of the organization, make things for the community, and so many other things. It’s all about taking ownership of past wrongs and giving back.

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They invited me to come speak at their annual banquet. It was an NFL theme and they made a killer placemat for me. The food was amazing and the company was even better.

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Before the banquet I got to sit down and hear Michael’s story. His story will be a hard one for some to listen to but it’s a story that needs to be heard so people understand the saving grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

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Michael didn’t hold back. Transparent and vulnerable. He owned his past, his wrongs, and wanted so bad to not do it anymore. He was so ready to not be who he was that he was willing to take his own life.

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I love our God, who gives EVERYONE a chance to repent and turn from their ways. Michael did that and now is serving the Lord and giving back in so many ways.

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The Asst Warden sat in on the interview and she cried. It was moving.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

.

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:.

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Background Check-In
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Ok, each Monday I'll do a quick five minute Check In. To pray over you, speak life, read a verse, tell a story, ask you to pray for us, could be anything. I'll only be five minutes and hopefully it'll motivate us for the week.
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We will still to the full length podcast episodes on Fridays, but will now have a quick check in on Monday Mornings.

Show Summary

Waiting Sucks

In this episode I talk about the waiting game. I hate waiting for anything. I’ll run through a yellow light because I don not want to wait at the red light.

But there are some things we can do while we wait that help us grow during the waiting. Then there’s also some things we can do during the waiting that will hold us back too.

I won’t make you wait any longer for the show.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

Voting in the Prison Day Room

This episode I talk a little about the voting laws, which states have what laws, and the two states who let inmates vote while incarcerated. I also talk about the voting process in prison.

Check out the links I talk about in the show below.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

States that allow inmates to vote: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2019/06/11/in-just-two-states-all-prisoners-can-vote-here-s-why-few-do

Felony Disenfranchisement Laws: https://www.aclu.org/issues/voting-rights/voter-restoration/felony-disenfranchisement-laws-map

Vote in Texas Website: https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

Leave it on the Mountain Top

This past week I spent time with Pastor Rod Vargas from Union Houston in Colorado Springs, hiking, fellowshipping, and growing in the Lord with 11 men from his church. It was amazing. I talk a little bit about what we did, how hard it was, but how awesome it was at the same time.

Check out the pics on the show page. https://www.forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Also, check out his church if you’re in the Houston area.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Union Houston: https://www.unionhouston.com/

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

2nd Chance Mentors

I sat down for round two with Shawn because he’s done some great things since our first episode. He started 2nd Chance Mentors and he’s about to open up his second gym location.

We talk about the struggles of growing a non profit, the challenges that come with mentoring, adopting the highway, and Tres Dias.

If you haven’t heard his first interview, go listen, it’s an incredible story. Then come back to this one. His podcast link is below too.

Check out his links below to find more about Shawn, the gym, and his mentoring program

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

2nd Chance Mentors website: https://www.2ndchancementors.com/

2nd Chance Fitness: https://www.2ndchancefitcamp.com/

Shawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2ndchancefitcamp/

Shawn’s Podcast: Forgiven AF

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

**Show Summary**

Sober October

Ok, so we are out of National Recovery Month and now into Sober October. There’s a bunch of internet challenges going on regarding staying sober during this month. I say carry it on over to November, December, you might like it. And yes, that even means you in prison too. Stay away from hooch during October.

Ok, to the show. This is round two with Chas from inside the Kyle unit. We didn’t have time to cover everything last time so the next graduation I went to, we hit it again. This time we talked about life lessons from the game of basketball.

Team, Self Talk, Referee, Love of the Game, and the Free Throw.

After our interview we do some short interviews with the class members, asking them what they’ve learned from the class. Some great guys who have all gotten out by now or this month for sure.

Thanks again to Warden Luna, Sara Duncan, and the whole program staff. The Kyle unit is ran by some really great people who actually care about seeing these men succeed.

Check out the video link below to see the game winning shot that Chas was talking about and the Warden coaching up the team.

     **Resources Mentioned in the Show:**

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434 or visit them at https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/

Visit DVTD: https://dvtd.com/forgivenfelons/

Write us at Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

Recovery Report Card

On this last day of National Recovery Month we review the month’s guests and I talk about our Recovery Report Card.

I was listening to my daughter compare her current report card with her last progress report. She mentioned she up in some classes, down in another and the same in one. But then she did something that blessed my heart so much. She celebrated her sister for doing better in reading. Jemma struggles in reading and Jessa knows it. So instead of talking about or focusing on what Jemma went down in, she celebrated her victory!!!

And that’s what recovery should look like. Acknowledge we have work to do, but dang it, celebrate those wins.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Alcoholics Anonymous: AA.org

Celebrate Recovery: https://www.celebraterecovery.com/

Narcotics Anonymous: NA.org

Regeneration Recovery: https://www.regenerationrecovery.org/

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

    **Show Summary**

Boomer and Jeni met in recovery. I’ve met a lot of people who met their significant other in recovery, and it did not work out. This is very different. In this interview we dive into their past and see how they got to where they are.

Boomer and Jeni lead the Celebrate Recovery at One Church in Beaumont, TX. They’ve also done an interview, “Not In My City” which is linked below.

Boomer was the oldest of his six brothers and sisters but had a different dad so he didn’t always feel accepted by his stepdad. Boomer had dabble in drinking and drugs, but after the death of his father in May of 1999, he spiraled out of control. He the next 18 years of life were spent in rehabs, jails, and prison. In 2013 at the Coffield unit, Jesus radically changed his life.

Jeni and Boomer have the normal struggles of life and marriage but through it all they grow together in the Lord and help others to do the same through CR.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Boomer’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomerhenry.martinez

Boomer’s Celebrate Recovery Group: https://onecity.church/celebrate-recovery/

Not In My City Interview: https://youtu.be/PLjtUL81w8g

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call Today 972-922-6434

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Forgiven Felons
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Show Summary

This was the most interesting and informative interview I’ve ever done. I made a new friend with Dr. Robb Kelly. He was so great in answering myth-busting questions for me. Alcohol DOESN’T kill brain cells. I’ve always heard it did. We talk about the hypothalamus, how oxygen heals, and so much more. Read more about him in the next couple of paragraphs, check out his links, then listen to this amazing interview.

“We are born with million dollar minds, stop hanging around .10 minds. So if you’re sitting there with suicide on your mind, just so depressed you can’t get up for your kids, I want you to call me and I will give you a five minute pep talk that will change your life. And if it doesn’t, I will send you $100 for the courtesy of calling me.”
-Dr Robb Kelly (214-600-0210 Texting is quicker and best)

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news. A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guest discussing a variety of mental health issues.

Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction and trauma at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, an addiction and mental illness recovery coaching company he created based on extensive research and behaviour studies that he conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Dr Robb’s Website: www.robbkelly.com

Dr Robb’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbkellyrecoverygroup/

Dr Robb’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/drrobbkelly

Dr Robb’s Twitter: twitter.com/RobbKellyGroup

Dr Robb’s LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-robb-kelly-07718133

Buy Dr Robb Kelly’s Book: Daddy, Daddy, Please Stop Drinking

Dr Robb’s email address: robb@robbkelly.com

Breaking Through Addiction Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-through-addiction/id1527640123

Breaking Through Addiction Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3100882193511576

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Clarity Roofing and Solar: Call today 972-922-6434

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

Kelsey started a career in tech at 16 years old and hustled for a decade in product marketing. Confronted her issues with alcohol and got sober in September 2015. (SWEET!) Found her "happy place" in the kitchen and began baking, stumbling on a great egg-sub that made her cookie dough safe to eat!

Took the leap, quit her career and started Doughp in 2017; continuing to share her story in hopes of inspiring others. Made a splash on Shark Tank and was named Forbes 30 Under 30 & Vegas 40 Under 40.

This was one of the funnest interviews I’ve done. Kelsey’s story about her addiction to alcohol is very similar to mine. When she was telling stories about her drunken days, I noticed I had similar instances, behaviors, and thought patterns.

She Recovers is the international women’s recovery group that Doughp supports. You should check it out at the link below.

Also, during the month of September, National Recovery Month, if you visit Costco’s in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, and purchase the 2lb bag of Doughp, take a picture of the receipt, send it to me at jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org, Doughp will donate $5 to Forgiven Felons.

Also, if you buy online, any time, and use BACKGROUNDCHECK coupon code at checkout, you’ll get $5 off your order. So go to Costco, or buy online and get your discounts and give to Forgiven Felons when you eat cookie dough.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Doughp’s Website: https://www.doughp.com/

Doughp’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doughp/

Doughp’s Facebook: hhttps://www.facebook.com/doughp

Doughp’s TikTok: eatdoughp

Kelsey’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseymoreira/

Kelsey’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kels.moreira/

SheRecovers: https://sherecovers.org/

Soberpreneur Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soberpreneur-with-kelsey-moreira/id1483090588

Doughp on Shark Tank: https://youtu.be/L8rc24HPTKo

May 2022 Update on Shark Tank: https://youtu.be/NyZfr_8KNto

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Summary of Show:

Today’s episode is the story of Richard Smith, who has lived almost three decades inside some of the worst prisons in the state of Texas. At age five, his family moved to the big city of Houston. There, his life spun completely out of control, resulting in drug abuse, violence, and multiple incarcerations as a juvenile.

At sixteen, he was arrested for murder, merely fifteen hours after being released from a juvenile facility. After being tried as an adult, he entered prison at age seventeen with a ninety-nine-year sentence.

After experiencing violence in some of Texas's worst prisons, he joined the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang. He worked his way up to the rank of captain and got lost in its world of violence and racism. He was placed in long-term solitary confinement in 1993 and spent the next thirteen years locked in a cage within the cage. He was moved around to some of Texas's most violent prisons until one day, he woke up to the insanity of his life and decided to change.

In 2006, he was released from solitary confinement and began the long road of rehabilitation in a place not designed to rehabilitate. He achieved two associate's degrees, as well as completed vocational trades in diesel mechanics and welding. At thirty-nine years of age, he turned his life to God and began living as a godly man inside the ungodly walls of prison.

The title of this book, God Don’t Lie, rests on a statement made by his grandmother during a frantic call from his mom when he was arrested for murder. His mom thought he would be given the death penalty. His grandmother assured her that he would not because God had great things planned for his life, and "God don't lie."

We also talk with his wife Lisa and her granddaughter Sophia, who she is raising. Sophia’s mother is in prison and her grandmother, Lisa, is raising all five kids. Now she has help from her husband Richard. They met through facebook dating over a year ago and tied the knot on July 30, 2022.

We’ve never interviewed a minor about their parent being incarcerated, but they all felt compelled to have Sophia share her per

To buy Richard’s book, check out the link below. To see more pics of Richard and the family, check out the show page.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Buy Richard’s Book: https://smile.amazon.com/God-Dont-Lie-All-Around-Miscreant-ebook/dp/B094YSVK4S/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

On today’s episode, I start out with laughter. Sometimes we just need a good laugh. I know the jokes I do today might only resonate with people who are or have been behind bars but if you haven’t, you can ask someone who has for some context.

I talk about my dog Snowman and how sometimes he’ll learn a trick and perform it, even before I give the command, knowing that after he performs the trick, he’ll get the trick. How much more will God bless us when we do what He has already commanded us to do, without Him even asking us!

Then we talk about torque. Physical and spiritual torque.

I hope this episode encourages you today.

If this show has impacted your life in some way, will you let us know? Send me a text, email or find us on social media. My information is on the contact page of this website.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

First Things First

Do you remember your first of anything? My girls first day of school was this week and they were super excited, and expectant.

It go me thinking of all my firsts in my life so I thought I’d talk about it. It also got me thinking of firsts that haven’t happened yet, and why they haven’t happened.

One of mine is my first book. I’m scared. That fear keeps me from my first book. Not anymore though. What is a first in your life that is being held up by something? Let me know. I pray this episode encourages you.

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Summary of Show:

This is my second interview with Paul. As I sat down to edit the first interview last fall I noticed the audio was garbled in some areas and I didn’t know why. I was crushed to tell him I wouldn’t be able to use it but that we would record again at a later date.

Well, it’s better this time because we had the honor of interviewing his wife as a part of his story. This episode was a lot of fun to do but I was also just in amazement most of the time because there’s so many miracles in it.

Paul was defending his friend outside a club one night and what he thought would end up as a case of self defense or defense of a third party, ended up being turned into a murder charge. But God worked it all for His good and Paul’s story din’t end hopeless.

In fact, married Hope. Literally.

Check out the pics on the show page and the links below for the prison ministry and church they are involved in.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Joseph Company Prison Ministry: https://www.jcprisonministry.org/

Dwelling Place Church: https://www.dwellingplace.com/

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Summary of Show:

On episode ten we interviewed Tuan Nguyen and heard him tell his story from three time inmate to sharing the stage at a John Maxwell IMC.

Round TWO is all about the business he is growing with his friend Corey, the relationship his building with Olevia, and life in general.

Tuan shares tips for all three areas and you will want to write them down, whether you’re starting a business, starting a relationship, or still in prison.

Check out the links below to find out more about Tuan and Premier Excel and follow him social media.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Tuan’s facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/Kingdomcoach21

Tuan’s Instagram profile: hhttps://www.instagram.com/kingdom.impact21/

Million Dollar Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1902193643226660

Tuan’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kingdom_coach?fbclid=IwAR3r8Y0lwyS-2SBFrRDUDbi-A915hlmnAO2eApyYnw2RDpOXY5885hdkO-s

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Summary of Show:

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On episode 11 we interviewed Tyler “Coleman” and we talked about her employment at Eyes On Me as a backyard missionary in an apartment complex. Tyler “Bothne” shares her whole testimony which you should listen to before listening to this episode. It will give you context.

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Two of the things that Ty talked about as dreams was to be working Misfits as a full time ministry, and to have a husband. Both of those things have come true.

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We talk about starting full time ministry and the challenges she’s faced through it all, but also about God’s favor along the way. She takes the fitness ministry into women’s rehab facilities and transitional houses also shares the story in how she met Leif, who’s incarcerated, and ending up marrying him.

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To find out more about Tyler and Misfits Missions visit the links below. To see more pics visit the gallery below.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Website for Misfits Missions: Misfits Missions

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Tyler’s facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/tyler.coleman.7

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Tyler’s Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/inked_n_fit/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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100 is a special number. We celebrate anyone who has lived to be 100, hollywood celebrates the 100th episode of a show, it’s the number of completion by which we measure all percentages. 100%. Our girls schools celebrate the 100th day of school each year.

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Today, this week, we celebrate our 100th episode of Background Check Podcast.

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In this episode I talk about some fun facts surrounding the number 100. One of them is that there are 100 sweat glands for every square inch of our skin. There’s more and better ones. lol

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We are giving away a $100 gift card to the winner of our drawing to celebrate you the listener for helping us reach this milestone. We couldn’t have done it without you. Believe me, I’ve wanted to give up so many times. But because of the letters, texts, emails, we keep going.

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We celebrate the guests, they have been amazing. We sure couldn’t do it without their stories.

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I also challenge you to give 100% in whatever you do.

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How is the number 100 present in your life right now? 100 days from birth? 100 days before you close on a house, business deal? What are you not giving 100% to that you should?

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Goal of the contest:

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To bring more awareness to the show by having you share the show on your social media feeds.

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Details of the contest:

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From 7/16-7/21 midnight we need you to post about the show.

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Go to wherever you listen to podcasts, click on your favorite episode, click the share button and copy the link for that episode. If you have never listened before, share this one or the very first episode.

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Then go to Facebook, or LinkedIn and paste that link into a post. Share what that episode or the show has meant to you. Encourage your friends to listen to that episode and enter the contest as well. If posting on Instagram, just take a screen shot of the episode in your podcast platform and use that as your picture. If you want to put link in your bio for the week you can.

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Most important part. Follow us, on all platforms and TAG Jay Dan Gumm on Facebook and LinkedIn. TAG Forgiven Felons on Instagram. You can also just repost or share our original promo post that has the details in it and post your link to your episode.

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You can post on all three sites and get three entries, each day. On Thursday July 21 at midnight, the contest ends and the winner is announced on all three platforms Friday morning July 22.

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If you have questions please message me on one of those platforms. you can follow us below.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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I’ve not posted on social media my thoughts on the overturning of Roe vs Wade because I knew I wanted to do an episode on it. So these are my thoughts.

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To summarize:

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It's a huge victory for anyone who believes abortion is wrong.

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I’m not just the pro-life that’s focused on only unborn babies. I’m pro-life that’s also focused on the innocent people on death row.

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I’m pro-life for the innocent people who lose their lives at the hands of drunk drivers. That’s murder too even though we call it manslaughter.

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I’m pro-ETERNAL LIFE. I don’t want to just see laws changed, I want to see hearts changed.

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Abortions will still happen illegally, laws won’t change that. Prayer that the hearts of these doctors and pregnant women will stop abortions. And we’ll see more people in heaven.

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This isn't the end. Churches have done a lot, but we will need to do more now. We should have a budget for helping the women who want to keep their baby and a curriculum to show them how to become strong single or married mothers.

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Ok that’s all I’m saying. Listen to the episode for my full thoughts.

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Jay Dan Gumm

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary (This episode took place behind the walls at the Kyle Unit, in Kyle, Texas)

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I met Chas at the Hughes unit several years ago and if you had told me then that I’d be interviewing him on the Kyle unit for a podcast that is listened to all over the world, I would’ve laughed.

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I watched Chas play and he was pretty good. Then I watched the behavior of the players on the court, especially when a call didn’t go their way. It was remarkable. Then after the game I watched as the players went into a room to recover, got something to drink, and heard a devotional. Then I had heard that some of the spurs organization was involved.

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David Robinson sent these guys a video message about the tournament. That’s awesome.

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I knew then that God had a huge call on Chas’s life.

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Then one day out here I ran into two guys at a conference and one of them was Chas’s father. Incredible. Chas was also instrumental in bringing a CrossFit competition to the Hughes unit. Tim Tebow also visited and was going to compete against Chas in a push up contest but Chas offered another guy in his place.

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Chas’s story is a tragic one, but as you’ll hear in the interview, God has and still is turning it into something beautiful. His young life was torn apart by divorce, then he was driving home one day and hit someone. He lost his mother to cancer while in prison, BUT God.

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When I heard Chas was part of a unique inmate counselor program and was placed a the Kyle unit and wanted some speakers, I jumped. Then I asked permission from Warden Luna if could interview Kyle for the podcast. He said yes.

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This interview takes place in the visitation room at the Kyle unit. There’s absolutely no sound absorbing areas in there so the audio is as good as we could get it. You’ll hear prison doors opening and closing in the background. And right after the interview I got to witness something amazing. I got to see Chas present a certificate to men who had completed the Pillars class and were about to be free men. Some of them may already be out but I wanted to shout out to some of the men who I had the honor of meeting that day.

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Big thanks to Warden Luna and his staff at the Kyle unit as well as MTC for making this happen.

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Chas, you impressed me when I first me you man and you’re still going strong. Prison isn’t breaking you like it does some, it is absolutely making you. Making you into the man of God you were always meant to be. It was an honor to interview you and hear your story. I know we didn’t get to talk about everything but we will do a round two. I love they way you honor God and all the people in your life like your mom, your kids, their mother, your dad, your aunt. I’m proud to know you and be your friend bro. It was fun breaking bread (cookies) with you guys and It was great getting stuck in count with y’all at the end. Stay strong my friend.

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And oh, you caught me off guard with your presentation to me. I wasn’t expecting that. Y’all, I’m a sports fan. I love my teams, but I’m a sports fan first. Chas was given three game nets from the Spurs playoffs. He gave one to his son, the other to his daughter, and then that day he gave the third one to me. It was on the east goal against the Grizzlies in 2016. Craziest best gift I’ve ever received. I’ll post of pic on the show page. Thank you Chas. It’ll be proudly displayed on my sports wall in my gym.

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Check out the videos below of Tim Tebow’s push up contest, the winning shot from the basketball tournament against some of the Spurs players, and the Brute Strength CrossFit competition.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Tim Tebow’s Push Up Contest at the Hughes Unit: https://people.com/sports/tim-tebow-push-up-contest-inmates-texas-prison/

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Brute Strength’s CrossFit at the Hughes Unit: https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&ei=UTF-8&p=brute+strength+prison+crossfit+games+youtube&type=E211US1079G91649#id=1&vid=69a7e5d305fb83fc872a2f4002b67542&action=click

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The Winning Shot, Chariots of Fire Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=24692881595183

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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I met Craig Long on Instagram. I’ve followed him for a while now and enjoy his content. One day he posted something about young kids and not having a father figure in their life due to incarceration.

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I made a comment on his post, he replied, and we became friends.

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Craig went down a bad path when he was younger after experiencing divorce first hand. Eventually his wrong decisions landed him in prison with some of the worst of the worst people.

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It was in prison where he decided to make a change and vowed to never go back to being that old person again.

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Craig is an outspoken conservative on social media, loves our country, and is not ashamed to say who his favorite president is.

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Follow Craig at the links below and subscribe to his youtube channel. If you would like to book Craig to speak at an event you can email him at realcraiglong45@gmail.com

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Craig’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialcraiglong45/

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Craig’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/CraigLong45Show

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Craig’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@craiglong45?lang=en

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:

.
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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This by far is one of the most intriguing, impactful, interviews I have ever done. There are so many surprises along the way. You’ll want to listen to the whole thing. Check out the pic below to see Jim’s dad’s old cell mate at Jim’s son’s wedding. They are holding a picture of Jim’s dad.

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Jim Buffington is the Chief Operating Officer for Bridges To Life and resides in Grand Prairie, Texas. He is a native Texan and is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a BSBA degree in Marketing Management. Jim's 30-year business career was in Financial/Legal Services. Jim started volunteering with Bridges To Life in 2004 and then joined the staff as COO in 2016.

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Bridges To Life is a restorative justice program which connects communities to prisons to reduce the recidivism rate (particularly that of violent crimes), reduce the number of crime victims, and enhance public safety. Since inception, more than 65,000 men and women have graduated from the faith-based program with the help of over 3,200 volunteers in 16 states and 7 countries. Most recently, the Bridges To Life Self-Study Program received Texas Governor Abbott's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award for the Most Innovative Program in 2020 in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

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When Jim was 12 years old, his mother was found murdered in the back seat of her car. A year later, his father and two other men were arrested, convicted, and incarcerated for the crime. Jim traveled a long road of pain and betrayal that could have led to a life of bitterness, but instead he chose another path: one of healing and forgiveness.

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He volunteers as a Victim Impact Panel Speaker for: Texas Department of Criminal Justice Victim Services, Dallas County Probation, Texas Youth Commission, Dallas County Juvenile Justice Department and Tarrant County Juvenile Services in Fort Worth.

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Jim is a Royal Family Kid's camp counselor and is a Board Member for Trinity Kids, Inc., Lillian Smith Family Violence Foundation, Brighter Tomorrows, and One CommunityUSA Pathway’s to HOPE reentry program. He volunteers with Bill Glass Prison Ministry, Prison Entrepreneurship Program, and is an active member of Fielder Church in Arlington, Texas.

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Jim received the Texas Governor’s Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Pathfinder Award for his contributions to the welfare of crime victims in 2019, the Texas Governor’s Criminal Justice Carol S. Vance Volunteer of the Year Service Award in 2008, and the Dallas Cowboys Community Quarterback Award for Volunteer Service in 2007.

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Jim and his wife, Marilyn, who is an Arlington ISD elementary special education school teacher, have one son, Bryce, who is also a Bridges To Life volunteer.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Watch the documentary Jim and his brothers are in: https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/forgiving-their-mothers-murderer

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Watch video about Bridges To Life: https://www.shalomworld.org/episode/when-were-you-in-prison-lord-bridges-to-life

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Bridges To Life website: http://www.bridgestolife.org/

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Bridges To Life Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bridgestolife

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Bridges To Life LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bridges-to-life

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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I met Jennifer at an event in Dallas in 2021. Since then I’ve gotten to know her business journey as a realtor, but what’s intrigued me the most is her prison and criminal justice reform journey that she’s on.

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She’s had to overcome a lot in her life as you will hear in the episode but now she’s trying to help her fiancé prove his innocence. She’s learning first hand that no matter how much evidence there is to prove his innocence, it is much harder and takes way more time to undo a wrongful conviction.

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Her passion is contagious. Her community is strong. If you want to know more about her and Rob, you can follow her on Instagram at the link below. You can also use that link to inquire about real estate as well if you’re in her area.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Jennifer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennifer.gross.yourrealtor/

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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On today’s episode Jay Dan talks about the Uvalde shooting, Memorial Day, Dad’s at the Door, and his time at the Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program school.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, nationally known keynote speaker and best-selling author (with best-selling author and motivational speaker Jon Gordon) of The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change. His first book and autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, was published just three years after his release from a Texas maximum-security prison.

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At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hard core drugs to cope with the disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stock-broker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.

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After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.

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Today, Damon lives a life of recovery and service, going to meetings and sharing his story all over the country with schools, churches, athletic teams, corporations, conferences and inside correctional facilities. Over the past few years, he has been sharing the Coffee Bean lesson with dozens of college football teams such as Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas, and countless schools and businesses. His #BeACoffeeBean message has inspired thousands from Walmart to the US Army to the NBA.

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Damon’s story has been featured both nationally and globally. His second book, The Coffee Bean, co-authored with best-selling author Jon Gordon, became an instant best-seller and a part of Forbes’ “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.” Damon is passionate about the Coffee Bean message and loves sharing how it changed his life and how it can change yours, too.

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His latest book (with coauthor, Jon Gordon), The Coffee Bean for Kids, is the genesis for Coffee Bean Clubs being started by students at schools all over America.

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Of all the hats Damon wears, the two most important to him are being a husband to Kendell and a stepfather to Clara. One of his greatest fears upon re-entry was wondering if he would be able to find someone who found him worthy of love and a family of his own. Like most fears we all have in life, this one was unfounded.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Damon’s website: https://damonwest.org/

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Follow Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-west-685168152/

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Follow Damon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damonjosephwest

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Follow Damon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damonwest7/

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Follow Damon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/damonwest7

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Buy The Coffee Bean book: :https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275/ref=pd_bxgy_img_1/142-7511727-4409935?pd_rd_w=237qC&pf_rd_p=c64372fa-c41c-422e-990d-9e034f73989b&pf_rd_r=VN9BYSC46J2RPNTY9RXJ&pd_rd_r=918f401c-412e-44b5-a360-97407de8bc0d&pd_rd_wg=FiYui&pd_rd_i=1119430275&psc=1

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Buy The Coffee Bean for Kids: https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Kids-Simple-Positive/dp/B09ZLYV627/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33C5D35GT042L&keywords=coffee+bean+for+kids&qid=1653654048&s=books&sprefix=coffee+bean+for+kids%2Cstripbooks%2C108&sr=1-1

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Buy The Change Agent: https://www.amazon.com/The-Change-Agent-Damon-West-audiobook/dp/B07W682QT7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2OASEVTFBVKWT&keywords=the+change+agent+damon+west&qid=1653654302&s=audible&sprefix=the+change+agent+damon+west%2Caudible%2C95&sr=1-1

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Buy The Locker Room: https://www.amazon.com/Locker-Room-Great-Overcome-Adversity/dp/111989784X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23WI8FP2VBLDR&keywords=the+locker+room+damon+west&qid=1653654373&s=audible&sprefix=the+locker+room+damon+west%2Caudible%2C118&sr=1-1-catcorr

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Learn about Coffee Bean CARES: https://beacoffeebeanfoundation.org/coffee-bean-cares/

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World

The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change (Jon Gordon)

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Show Summary

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Darren Wallace served the State of Texas for more than 28 years in various positions with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He began his career working on Death Row as a Correctional Officer, and worked his way up to the role of Senior Warden at one of Texas’ largest prisons, housing over 3,000 inmates. Shortly after his retirement, one of Wallace's previous inmates reached out to him to encourage him to apply at a staffing agency for second chances, owing to his leadership inside prison. Wallace is now the Criminal Justice Consultant to Cornbread Hustle, which helps people coming out of prison find meaningful employment.

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In this episode I ask Darren about his perspective on inmates when he first started and how that compares to his perspective now. We talk about everything from how and why he got started in corrections, to faith based dorms, to high tax appraisals, to death row, and how he coped with one of his officers being murdered.

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Check out the links below to learn more about Darren and what all he’s doing in retirement.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Cornbread Hustle website: https://cornbreadhustle.com/

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Follow Darren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-wallace-800296217/

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Darren Wallace’s Consulting:http://www.correctionalops.com/

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Watch the Introduction to Darren Wallace by Cornbread Hustle: https://youtu.be/qYg8MtbNr20

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Aaron Smith, founder of Escaping The Odds, grew up in public housing on the south side of Chicago. It was there that he got involved in a heroin drug operation that produced up to $15,000 a day. As a result of his crimes, he was later indicted for conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl resulting in death.

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He was sentenced 12 years in federal prison. While serving nearly a decade in jail, Aaron had a drastic mindset shift. He decided, with God's help, that it was time to switch hustles from selling dope to chasing dreams. As an entrepreneur, podcast producer, and mentor, Aaron continues to contribute to the ever changing narrative of the formerly incarcerated. He escaped the odds and seeks to empower anyone who desires to do the same.

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In this episode, we talk about how Aaron is helping people not by giving them a fish, or teaching them to fish, but by buying the whole pond.

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Check out the website below and if you are interested in starting your own box truck company, check out his course that shows you exactly how to do that.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Escaping The Odds website: https://www.escapingtheodds.com/

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Follow Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-smith-3b2492181/

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Escaping the Odds facebook: https://www.facebook.com/escapingtheoddsmedia

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Start Your Own Truck Company: https://www.escapingtheodds.com/basic-01

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Shhhhhhhh. My daughters are taking over this show. They were too lazy to do this part so I still have to do it. lol

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My daughters are cute as they recite poems and sing songs and honor their mother.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there. You are the real heroes.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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My new friend John Levitt, from Arizona, was arrested at six years old. I didn’t even know that could happen. That kind of set the stage for the rest of his life. He spent about 22 years in prison but has been out 16, has a family, and has become an amazing citizen.

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He talks about how he needed to rewire his brain and how he did it. He and his wife own a car dealership and other businesses.

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He has definitely rewired his brain for success. Check him out on tiktok at Xfelon55

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His car dealership is below too if you’re in the that area and in the market for a new vehicle.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: . Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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John’s Car Dealership: https://www.everydaycarsllc.com/

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Exposed to violence, guns and gangs at an early age, Johnny had to grow up fast. During his sophomore year of high school, Johnny formed his own gang with his friends who had collectively decided this was their only option while living in the ghetto, and he was the formidable leader. When he was 17 years old, his son was born, and Johnny decided to change his life in order to protect his new family.

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Despite Johnny’s efforts, his son got involved with the wrong crowd while living with his mother and is currently serving out a 12-year prison sentence. Johnny wants to join the program in order to show the other inmates—and his son—that gang life, drugs and jail does not need to define them, and it certainly does not dictate what their future needs to look like. He chose to leave gang life, and so can they. He wanted to show his son that jail and prison is simply situational.

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We talk about why he wanted to do the show, the affects the show had on himself and his family, sports, politics, and then he flipped it and asked me some questions.

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We don’t talk about it on the show but his daughter started a Honey company called American Bee Solutions. We ordered some bottles and want to give three away to the first three people who leave a review on Apple. Screenshot your review and send it to us by text or email. Our contact info is on the contact page at forgivenfelons.org. Check out the website below to order your own.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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American Bee Solutions: https://americanbeesolutions.com/ Tell them you heard about them on Background Check Podcast.

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Johnny’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnny.ramirez3/

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Our Sponsor’s Information: RP Media, robprice6@gmail.com 214-354-6364 Tell them you heard it here.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Second Chance Month, April 2022

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Have you ever gotten a second chance? I know I have. Have you ever been able to give someone a second chance? I have been in that position too. We declare each morning that our house will be a house of second chances.

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April is National Second Chance Month so I’m talking about second chances in this episode. I talk about our Bible heroes who got a second chance. I talk about all mine and some of our residents.

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We may not deserve that second chance we get, but we can use it to propel us forward, or to cause us to go backwards. Society gives and asks for second chances a little different than Christians do. Or at least they are supposed to.

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If you’re in need of a second chance, we are praying it comes for you at the right time. If you are in a position to give a second chance, I pray you get the right person to cross your path.

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Happy Second Chance Month

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Second Chance Staffing Company: https://cornbreadhustle.com/ Tell them you heard about them on Background Check Podcast.

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

-My time at the Idaho State Prisons was amazing. I learned so much and saw so much that I wish my home state of Texas, where I did time, would do some of these things.

-I’d like to thank my friend Travis Richey with Accomplished Ventures for making this trip a reality. I spent all day inside prison talking with students about their stories and the A/V education they’re getting there in prison. I sat down with two inmates personally, Kerry and Lawrence.

Time is what you did, not who you are.

-I love how Kerry Thomas words this. Kerry is a smart man. There are many a smart and educated man behind bars. How and why do they end up there? For some it’s easy. They made horrible decisions and did horrible things.

-Kerry talks about how hard it was for him to get there and what all he had to push away to get there. He also talks about what he’s done while inside and what his plans are when he gets out, hopefully later this year.

-My time at the Idaho State Prisons was amazing. I learned so much and saw so much that I wish my home state of Texas, where I did time, would do some of these things.

-My friend Travis Richey is the one who made my trip to Idaho happen. You can learn more about Travis by visiting the website below.

Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

Travis Richey’s website: https://www.accomplishedventures.org/

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Entrepreneur. Podcast Host. Motivational Speaker.

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Peter Meyerhoff is a very rare type. You could say he had the world in his palm as a kid from athletics, to modeling, and even starring in a movie as a child. Once he hit high school everything changed. He got involved in using drugs, which started out with just weed then came the hard drugs.

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His life spiraled downhill extremely fast and got arrested multiple times, from stealing cars to robbing houses. He was sent to prison for 12 years at the age of 18 and didn’t get out until after his 30th birthday. Being the alpha male Peter is he ended up getting swallowed up by prison politics and ended up being the shot caller in there.

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When Peter got out of prison he hit the streets running. He ended up becoming successful transferring his pains from prison to drive for success out in the world. He made a couple million dollars his first 5 years out with only an 8th grade education.

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He moved on to his podcast to help motivate people, as well as telling his story across prisons and jails across the country, and now owns a sober clothing company. Peter’ goals now are to motivate people when he speaks using the mental strength he acquired in solitary confinement, helping people get sober, and change the recidivism rate by showing people what’s really possible with the right drive and no excuses.

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History has a way of repeating itself but with his guidance and experiences he’s helping the younger generation not go through the rough pitfalls of life.

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Check out Peter’s links and follow him on social media.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Peter’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008245219126

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Peter’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peter_meyerhoff/

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Peter’s Website: https://petermeyerhoff.com/

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Roll Call With Chappy Podcast: hhttps://petermeyerhoff.com/pages/podcast

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  **Show Summary**

Don’t Ignore the Pull

We’ve all had that little sign that our car needs an alignment. That little pull one way or the other. The pull we all ignore till we notice that half our tire is showing steel and the other is full tread.

This episode talks about what happens if you ignore that pull too long. You know that pull on your life to make some changes in your health, your finances, your anger, drinking, drugging.

Eventually, bad things will happen. Sometimes God pulls us out of danger, or more danger, by sending us to prison (ME). But He would rather you listen to that pull, that whisper, that text, that phone call, that sign, that says, “I have better for you, just trust me.”

Resources Mentioned in the Show: Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary

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Hector’s little league baseball coach introduced him to drugs. From there he went to using and selling, involved in two different gangs, until one day he found himself on the ground about to be executed. He thought he was going to die. All he could think about were his children.

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Then he cried out with a simple prayer, “Lord, help me.”

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His life was spared that night and he went on to receive state and federal charges against him. Through his whole journey his wife and kids stayed with him. When he got out of prison he found himself in HVAC school and working at a great company. Then one day, the Lord was ready to take him to the next level. His own company.

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Hector is the CEO of Freedom Heating and Air and helps others, just like him, get a second chance. He plays the drums at his church and softball on Monday nights. Check out the pics and links for more information.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Hector’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/freedomheatingair

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Freedom Heating and Air’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomcooling

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Freedom Heating and Air’s Website: https://freedomcooling.com/#/

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Highland Meadows Church website: https://highlandmeadowschurch.org/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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“I’ll Be Back” -Royce Hall

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That’s what he told the officers at the Powledge unit, and when he came through the doors for the first time as a guest, not a resident, they said, “You told us you’d be back.”

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Royce’s journey is so incredible. It involves facing 99 years and losing all contact with his children for 16 years.

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Royce served 9 years on the Powledge unit and when he was allowed to come back in, he went straight back. He’s been a Certified Volunteer Chaplains’s Assistant for 10 years now.

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We talk about so many aspects of his journey and you will walk away encouraged. Please share this episode with anyone you know who needs some encouragement.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Royce’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/royce.hall.31

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Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church’s website: https://llumc.org/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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TOUGH LOVE

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In this episode I dive into the topic of tough love. When do I show it? How do I show it? Why do I need to show it sometimes? How to receive tough love.

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Tough love doesn’t always include discipline, but a lot of times it does. I talk about how God allowed things to happen or not happen in my life and I believed it was tough love.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Jay Dan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivenfelon

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Jay Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgivenfelons/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

**Show Summary**

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Better Together: The Dustin and Tonya Love Story

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Dustin and Tonya have been an all in, better together couple since that night at the bar when they first met. They have endured physical, emotional, and financial hardships that would make the average couple buckle under the same pressure.

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Recently, Christ became the center of their marriage and now they are together, all in, for Christ. And they are changing the world. They are fitness business owners and Tonya also owns a custom jewelry business.

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Dustin’s book Strength Through Struggle, along with his podcast, talks about their journey from beginning to now. After you listen to this episode, go buy the book and be blessed even more.

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Check out more pics below, as well as their websites, and follow them on social media.

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     **Resources Mentioned in the Show:** **.** **Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:**

https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Dustin’s Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thedustinjohnson

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Tonya’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theetonyajohnson

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Dustin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustingjohnson/

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Tonya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theetonyajohnson/

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Tonya’s Jewelry Website: https://theetonyajohnson.com/

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Dustin’s Website: https://www.strengththroughstrugglebook.com/

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Buy Dustin’s Book: click here to buy on amazon

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Strength Through Struggle Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strength-through-struggle/id1528754892

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Strength Through Struggle: A Story About Hope

Show Summary:

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In this episode I talk a little Black History month, Valentine’s Day, and about the safe smoking kits and safe injection sites or the great crack pipe give away as some are calling it. And I pay tribute to a friend who recently died from drug use. Please check out the links below for more information.

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Happy Black History Month

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Happy Valentine’s Day

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Happy Birthday to my wife Jessamy

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: . Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Jay Dan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivenfelon

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Jay Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgivenfelons/

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About Bessie Coleman:

.https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/bessie-coleman

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What is the Harm Reduction Plan?:

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https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/harm-reduction

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

“12 Years Meets Falsely Accused then it’s ‘A Full Moon and Fireflies’”

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This is the first of the February “Love Story” series. In this episode we talk with Michael Pugh and Cheilla Stone about their past relational struggles including failed marriages and the scars that remain from those relationships.

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Michael and Cheilla’s meeting was by chance, or really divine appointment. I tried to introduce them much quicker but God needed me to butt out and let Him work.

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We learn a little about their personal stories but will dive deeper into those on later episodes with them. This episode is all about their love story.

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You will hear them talk about how they were ready to never be married again, and thinking that maybe there wasn’t a right person for them.

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They talk about the mistakes they made in the beginning and how they overcame them and got stronger in the process.

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Their story is really inspiring and Michael even wrote a poem which is posted below.

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I’ve know Michael since high school and he helps run Forgiven Felons. I met Cheilla when she contacted me on Facebook after serving 12 years and being released in January of 2020. I went in to speak with the Mike Barber Ministries and she heard speak about a women’s side of the ministry and felt compelled to contact me. She held onto that info for seven years and contacted me when she made parole.

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Whether you’re single and looking or already married, this story will inspire you. Read the poem below but also check out some of the pics below.

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“A Full Moon and Fireflies”

An evening spent with the one you love

Can be complimented well by nature’s touch

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There is nothing more beautiful than her eyes

So nature complimented them with a full moon and fireflies

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Each of them has a beauty of their part

But it was her eyes that captured my heart

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So nature wished to celebrate our love

So it sent a message staged above

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The full moon burned bright to display its part

Then the fireflies flew glowing in concert

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Nature displayed its view of love’s art

It knew that all was well when it united two hearts

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I Love You Cheilla,

Michael Pugh

Resources Mentioned in the Show: . Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Michael’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.pugh.75033

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Cheilla’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheilla.king.stone

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

20 Years On Death (Life) Row

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In this episode, Jay Dan sits down with Pam Perillo Tise to talk about her story. Jay Dan’s mother, Jane, met Pam on death row in 1995. Jane talks about meeting Pam.

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Pamela Perillo was set to die on March 24, 1996.

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Convicted of capital murder in 1980, Pamela sat on Texas’s Death Row awaiting lethal injection. But less than two days before her scheduled execution, she was given a second chance, and in 2000, she was re-sentenced: from death to life in prison with the possibility of parole.

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Her first chance at new life had come shortly after her arrest, when Pamela embraced the Christian faith and began bringing her fellow inmates to redemption in Christ.

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That’s why although Pamela’s story is one of imprisonment―first by abuse and addiction and ultimately behind the locked doors of the criminal justice system―it’s also a story of hope―of finding a new path in faith, and of taking courage from the promise of salvation.

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Pam was released in 2019 and has been enjoying life on this side of prison well. It’s been a learning curve and she talks about that too.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Pam’s Book: https://smile.amazon.com/Salvation-Death-Row-Pamela-Perillo/dp/099852168X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=29JTG9964XP8V&keywords=pam+perillo&qid=1640891047&sprefix=pam+perillo%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1

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Article on Pam’s Story: https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/june/pamela-perillo-salvation-death-row.html

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

Due to our schedule and much needed rest, we are taking a holiday break. We will air one episode on Thanksgiving Day and right before Christmas.

Today we talk about Unlikely Animal Friends

See you guys on the other side of our break.

CHANGE IS SCARY

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In this episode, Jay Dan talks about change, how scary it can be, the changes he’s made in his life, and how you can make changes in your own life.

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If you don’t have any change in your pocket, you can’t give change. What does this mean? Listen this episode to find out.

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I pray that as you make the changes in your life, you find ways to help others make change too.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Damon Wes't’s book The Change Agent: https://smile.amazon.com/Change-Agent-College-Sentenced-Transformed/dp/1637581777/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RD0GFU1N10OK&dchild=1&keywords=the+change+agent+damon+west&qid=1635507221&sprefix=the+change+age%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1

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Damon West’s book The Coffee Bean: https://smile.amazon.com/Coffee-Bean-Simple-Lesson-Positive/dp/1119430275/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2RD0GFU1N10OK&dchild=1&keywords=the+change+agent+damon+west&qid=1635507340&sprefix=the+change+age%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-3

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:
https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

.

Representative Carl O. Sherman has been identified as a transformational leader in faith, government, and business. He proudly represents District 109, including Cedar Hill, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights, Hutchins, Lancaster, Ovilla, Seagoville, Wilmer, and other surrounding areas of southern Dallas County.

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Rep. Sherman is a trailblazer in both local politics and public administration. Rep. Sherman lives in DeSoto, TX, where he and his wife of over 34 years, Ms. Michelle, raised their three sons and two daughters. His greatest joy comes from spending quality time with his family and five adorable grandchildren.

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In this episode I dive into faith and politics with Rep Sherman as well as talk about some of the police and prison reform bills he has helped pass.

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To follow Rep Sherman on social media, check out the links below.

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Memorable Quote: “He gives us grace that we might come to repentance, that we might change. It’s hard for a person to change into something better when you treat him less than an animal.” -Rep Carl O. Sherman

. Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Rep Sherman’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarlOShermanTX

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Rep Sherman’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CarlOShermanTX/

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Rep Sherman’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/CarlOShermanTX

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Visit Rep Sherman's Website: https://house.texas.gov/members/member-page/?district=109

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Position vs Connection

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In this episode, Jay Dan talks about the difference between the position you're in and the connection you have.

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The devil and this world can take your position, but not your connection.

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Your position is temporary, your connection is eternal.

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Your position has to bow to your connection, every time.

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We are praying that whatever position you find yourself in, you stay connected to the One who can get you through anything in life. God.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary:

https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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Have you ever felt a burning desire in your heart to see changes made? Is there a stirring in your core to see systems and methods that have been in place for years, morph into something more powerful and impacting?

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You may be a reformer. You are a reformer.

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In this episode we talk to a reformer, Pastor Becky Hennesy from Trinity Church, and she guides us through her journey of God breaking her heart for things that breaks His.

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We talk about how we met. She used to take me to my probation meetings when she first came to the church. She and her husband Jim were there the day I got out of prison. She’s watched me change and I’ve watch her grow into this reformer who is changing her community.

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We talk about her first Reformers Conference and all the reformers who will be there. If you a reformer who doesn’t know what next step to take, you should come. If you have a heart for change in your community, you should come.

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Check out all the links below to register for conference, follow Becky on social media, and listen to the sermon she was talking about.

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Memorable Quote: “That walk home for those six years was the time God broke my heart for the broken people and their lives.” - Becky Hennesy

. Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Reformers Collective Conference: https://www.reformersco.com/home

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Reformers Co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReformersCo

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Reformers Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reformersco/

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Becky’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beckyhennesy/

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Latest Trinity Church sermon by Josh Giles: Sermon, Word over Jim, Becky, and Jay Dan

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Trinity Church’s website: https://www.trinitychurch.org/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  **Show Summary:**

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In this episode Jay Dan talks about the crazy faith it took to raise his goal by $20,000 even though he’d never reached his goal before. He talks about sowing seeds into this goal for years before fruit showed up.

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Jay Dan also talks about how tough it was to prepare for the fundraiser, get his house ready for market, and be a good parent and husband at the same time. He gives several things he held onto that might help you hold on during tough times.

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Have you seen the documentary? It’s also on you tube now on the Christian Movies Channel. I won’t link all three episode here, just search for them and you’ll find them. They are getting lots of views.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

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Watch the Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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Have you ever had a tough season? In today’s episode I talk about North Texas Giving Day, our annual fundraiser, tough seasons, my spiritual 18th birthday, and some injustices that are taking place right now in our society and Forgiven Felons.

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Check out the links below to buy raffle tickets, learn more about Forgiven Felons, check out some of our sponsors websites, and watch the documentary.

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Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Watch the Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

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Buy Raffle Tickets for the Mower: https://spartanmowergiveaway.ourraffle.org/

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Visit PR Equipment Sales: https://www.prequipmentsales.com/

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Visit Express Employment Professionals: https://www.expresspros.com/waxahachietx/

.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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On this episode we interview Johnny Ward, MA, author, and CEO of From Prison II Purpose.

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Johnny admits he was just some dude from the streets serving a 20 year aggravated sentence, but that didn’t stop him from getting his GED in prison. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to get his Bachelors and Masters degrees. All in the ten years he was in prison.

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His passion is contagious. You can hear it in his voice that he wan’t to help as many people as he can as well as improve our justice system.

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He lives on a beautiful piece of land in Dayton, TX with his wife Patricia, and all their children. Check out the pics below to see his property and his motorcycle. He said all he wanted was a house big enough for each of their kids to have their own room.

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Follow him on social media and check out his youtube channel as well. And if you want to know more about our prison system, buy his book.

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Memorable Quote: “I’m going to tell you like this, if God wants you to have it, He’s going to give to you. And if He doesn’t want you to have it, He wants you to have something better.” -Johnny Ward

. Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

University of Houston Clear Lake Video: https://youtu.be/9NTmWQMAfzM

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From Prison to Purpose’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FromPrisonllPurpose

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Johnn’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnny.ward.39545464

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Johnny’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnny-ward-ma-fromprisoniipurpose-2090471a0/

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Johnny’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyward2018/

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The Book Gridlock: Click here to buy Johnny's book on Amazon Smile

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Johnny’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5jUg7HMsWDwljT6hlcyLPA

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Buy Raffle Tickets for the Mower: https://spartanmowergiveaway.ourraffle.org/

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Visit PR Equipment Sales: https://www.prequipmentsales.com/

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Visit Express Employment Professionals: https://www.expresspros.com/waxahachietx/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

.

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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On this episode we interview good friend Pastor Rod Vargas of Union Houston, a life-giving church in Houston, Texas.

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Rodrigo serves as the Lead Pastor of UNION Houston. Rodrigo is the visionary of the mission of Union Houston. Being living proof of the redemptive life-changing power of Christ Rodrigo’s passion is to connect the least the lost and the last to Christ.

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Sara is the Operations Pastor of UNION Houston. She coordinates operations at UNION’s physical location, Sara provide support to the staff and attenders, and leads volunteer teams to execute initiatives of the vision of the Church music.

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We talk about his family migrating to the US and all the challenges that came with that. Then we got into his first addiction, money and success. At one time Rod became an atheist. In 2007 he had DEA, ICE, and Condoleezza Rice wanting to interview him about some properties he sold to people who were in trouble.

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We also dive into Rod’s bout with depression and how he overcame it. By the age of six he had already experienced physical, sexual, and verbal abuse and admits it robbed him of his identity, self worth, self esteem and filled him with shame and condemnation. Rod is the most real, transparent, big-hearted pastor I know.

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Union Houston does a lot of mission work in Afghanistan. They’ve planted churches in Iran, equipped pastors in Afghanistan, and are now helping to extract them as well. Please check out the link below to see how you can partner with Pastor Rod and Sara, as well as Global Catalytic Ministries, to give support to their efforts in Afghanistan.

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Memorable Quote: “I’m passionate about what I do because my intention is to reach that Rod, or the female version of Rod, that is actually intending on killing themselves.”- Pastor Rod Vargas

. Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Afghanistan Relief: https://www.unionhouston.com/afghanistanrelief

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Union Houston’s Website: https://www.unionhouston.com/

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Rod’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revrodhtx

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Rod’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revrodhtx/

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Watch Rod talk about the vision of Union Houston: https://vimeo.com/527546692

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Buy Raffle Tickets for the Mower: https://spartanmowergiveaway.ourraffle.org/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127.

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Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

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Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

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Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

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Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

  **Show Summary:**

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I have to confess, I’ve been high all week.

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I took a break from the interview podcast and went solo this week. This week was also the week we went on family vacation in Colorado with our friends, Matt and Crysti Robertson and their four kids. My wife and Crysti have been best friends since high school and I’ve gotten to know Matt really well since I’ve been out of prison.

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Since they’ve been pastoring down in San Antonio we don’t get to see them as much so when there’s a chance we can vacation together, we do it. And Colorado is a great place to vacation. The scenic views are really amazing and the weather was nice compared to my Texas weather right now.

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I was going to go in a different direction this week but changed my mind after our Monday hike.

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In this episode I talk about my old way of getting high, getting physically high on a mountain, and getting high on Jesus. I talk about some of the things that can happen when you’re high and what to do when you encounter them.

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We love the Robertsons and enjoyed our vacation with them. To learn what happened on our first day of hiking (getting high), listen to the episode, then check out the pics on the show page. Follow us on social media to see more pics of us getting high with our friends.

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Memorable Quote: “Be careful who you get high with.”- Jay Dan Gumm

 **.** **Resources Mentioned in the Show:** **.**

North Texas Giving Day Raffle Going On NOW:
Click here to buy tickets https://www.forgivenfelons.org/raffle-ntgd

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Jay Dan’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivenfelon/

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Jay Dan’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgivenfelons/

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: .

Check out our show page:forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

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Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

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Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

**Show Summary:**

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Ok, y’all, this is the first episode I’ve recorded with someone I was locked up with at the Lockhart Work Facility in Lockhart, TX. His name is Herb “FLAV” Addison. He’s an amazing young man of God and serves as the Director/Campus Pastor of the TSU Wesley Foundation.

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He received his GED in prison, but went on to obtain his Associate of Art, Bachelor in Social Services, Master of Science in Leadership, and is currently working on his Doctorate of Business Administration.

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He also has lots of music out there for you to check out. He’s married to an amazing women named Ashley and has two sons, Myles and Kedeon.

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You’re going to love his story so listen to the interview first, then check out the links below for his show and music.

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Memorable Quote: “When you connect to God, God will give you everything you need. Sometimes we don’t know what we need.” - Herb Addison

     **.** **Resources Mentioned in the Show:** **.**

TSU Wesley Youtube Channel: Word with Wesley

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Flavor in the City Video: https://youtu.be/8o2s7y9ltfE

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Herb’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addison.herbert.75

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Herb’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbertaddison/

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: .

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

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Jessica Bearden works as a Licensed Professional Counselor just outside Houston, Texas. She has experience working with both court-ordered and voluntary substance abuse clients. She is the host of the Session in Progress: Bible Devotionals podcast, where she encourages listeners with short "no-fluff" Bible teachings. She spends her free time with her husband and twin toddlers.

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I’ve known Jessica since she was in eight grade and I was only a few months out of prison. My good friend and pastor, as well as my Bible Quiz coach in high school, asked me to coach the teen Bible Quiz team at our church when I was released from prison. I wondered what parents would think if they knew a convicted felon was coaching their kid. As it turns out, there was only three kids, my pastor’s two boys, and Jessica Price. I had no idea who this kid was but she was a feisty little eighth grader.

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Through competition I got to know Jessica’s dad, Rob Price, and the rest is history. Our families have been friends ever since. I had the privilege of watching Jessica grow into a godly woman, wife, and mother. She has a heart of gold and so much wisdom and insight into helping people recover from addiction. Make sure you listen to her podcast, Session in Progress, and follow her on Instagram. The links are below. Let her know you heard her on Background Check.

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Memorable Quote: “A relapse doesn’t define who we are.” -Jessica Bearden, LPC

. Resources Mentioned in the Show: .

Jessica’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_bearden/

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Session in Progress Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/session-in-progress-bible-devotionals/id1526596293

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Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

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How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: .

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

.

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

.

Give to our organization:
Click Here to Give to Forgiven Felons

.

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

.

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary: Junior had no running water or electricity while growing up as a kids. He would steal just to survive. His first brush with the law was at ten years old when his “crew” got busted for stealing.

As he grew up he got involved in gangs and more trouble came quickly. By his early twenties Junior found himself headed to adult prison, not once, but twice. While in jail his demons were strongly trying to get him to take his own life. He was so desperate to escape that he took the staples out of a daily bread devotional book and began cutting himself. He was seconds away from a gun while trying to escape custody, that if he grabbed it, he admits he’s not sure what he’d done.

That behavior went on for a while until he found himself in the psych ward and ask someone for something to read. There were lots of options and he really was looking for porn or something other than what the guy offered, which was a Bible.

Junior took it and the words began to jump off the page at him. From that point on he began to desire to grow in the Lord. It didn’t happen overnight, but he kept at it and found himself getting stronger every day.

Junior met his wife through correspondence in prison because of a chance meeting with his mom and stranger a waiting room one day. They celebrate over a decade of marriage now and do a radio program together in Huntsville on the first Sunday of the month at 8:15am.

Check out the links below to see Junior’s radio broadcast, the Wynne City Reunion clip, and his youtube channel.

Memorable quote: “I told myself, either I’m going to be free, or die.” -Junior Lockett

“I said, ‘God, they going to let me kill myself, and who gone take care of my momma, cause she need some help.’” - Junior Lockett

Resources Mentioned in the Show: Junior’s Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8CHzAnWVLw2Bw_sX60kMng

Radio Show Broadcast: https://youtu.be/xZhLhsNc9Aw

Wynne City Warrior’s Reunion Clip: https://youtu.be/ZXMyVjAJAlI

KHVL 104.9 The Hits: https://www.ilovethehits.com/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

Visit the show page for pics of Junior:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

Jay Dan talks about a new perspective on the background check, not the show, the actual background check report. Most people run a background check, looking for negative, to disqualify you from whatever it is that you're applying for.

Background checks are a useful tool but for the positive too. Even if there are some negative things on the background, that can mean some positive if you look at it from the right perspective.

For instance, if someone has mistakes on their report, that can be a good thing because that person can let you know when others in the company are at risk of making the same mistakes.

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://forgivenfelons.networkforgood.com/projects/131339-everyday-giving

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary: Shannon had to grow up fast after his parents separated. His mom suffered abuse at the hands of the men in her life and Shannon pulled them off of her at an early age. At 13 he ran away from home and that began his journey to brushes with the law, and his addiction to drugs. He ran away to California at one point and that’s where he was introduced to meth which changed the course of his life for the next two decades. Shannon’s addiction to meth took him all the way to shooting it in his veins. His first eight felonies were all slaps on the wrist with short time in prison, but it was that 9th felony that led him to an 18 year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. It was there on his sixth time down that he realized something needed to change, but he didn’t know how. So he asked the one who does, God, to show him the way. He struggled with not being allowed to parole home and did not want to go to a halfway house. But then he go to Forgiven Felons and all that changed. He spent over three years at Forgiven Felons where he developed his leadership skills that still serve him today. He saved, paid off all his fines and surcharges and was given a vehicle. Shannon also co-starred in the Forgiven Felons Documentary Series which can be seen on Roku and Tubi Tv. Check out the links below to know about Re:generation, the recovery program he took, as well as the pics on the show page.

Memorable quote: “I couldn’t change for my mother, father, myself, I couldn’t change for nobody, that wasn’t in the cards. Only one I’ve ever been able to change for is God Almighty” - Shannon Teague

Resources Mentioned in the Show: Freedom Heating and Air Website: https://freedomcooling.com/

Shannon’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shannon.teague.16

re:generation: http://www.regenerationrecovery.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary: Nick was a pretty good student through middle school. But then in high school he had his first taste of drugs. His entrepreneurial mind took over and he began selling drugs. From there it was a downward spiral. His recovery journey includes lots of ups and downs, jail and prison time, and even went into his marriage. But after the judge had said it was time to go to prison, Nick knew it was time to take a look inward. His journey led him to a job that was all God. It also took him to Texas where he met his beautiful bride April. She runs Mita’s Coffee House in downtown Corsicana, while Nick runs PR Equipment just east in Kerens, TX. Together they serve their community here and anywhere else they’re needed, like their most recent mission trip to the border where they ministered to so many in need. Whether you’re in the market for a new mower or just a great cup of coffee, check them out if you’re in their area. Tell them you heard about them on Background Check. Check out the links below for more information on their farm equipment shop and the coffee shop. Follow them on social media and let them know their story touched you in some way.

Memorable Quotes: “You know, just one thing at a time. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just do the next right thing, that’s a huge thing.” -Nick Pomeroy

Resources Mentioned in the Show: PR Equipment Website: https://www.prequipmentsales.com/

Mita’s Coffee House: https://mitascoffeehouse.com/

Nick’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nick.pomeroy.3

PR Equipment Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/prequipmentsales

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

You may write to the show at:

Forgiven Felons
Background Check Podcast
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Show Summary: Yuri’s mother and grandmother worked hard to instill Jesus and good principles into his life at a young age. But when he went to spend some time with his dad, he was introduced to a lifestyle that would set him on a course to receive 50 years in prison. But it was during that prison time that Yuri ran into the love of Jesus through prison volunteers, and traded in Crips for Christ. This interview was fun knowing that we were right next to the Frio River on seven beautiful acres with lots of wildlife. We even saw some deer on the property. At one time I got a pic that had a hummingbird, a squirrel, several deer, and a regular bird as well. To talk to Yuri now, it’s really hard to see in him the dark past he shares with us in this episode. You can just feel the anointing of God on his life. You can see the joy, humility, and favor of God all around him. I got to meet his beautful bride and his awesome father-in-law. Yuri is another example of how God can take our broken lives and turn them into something powerful for his Kingdom. God can redeem our past and use it to help turn others around. Check out the links below to hear some of Yuri’s music and to see more pics. Check out his youtube channel and follow him on facebook. Tell him you heard his awesome story on the podcast. Resources Mentioned in the Show: Yuri’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yuri.luckette.5

Yuri’s Youtube Channel: Yuri's YouTube Channel

Yuri and Michael Music YouTube Channel: Yuri and Michael's Music Channel

Yuri and Michael’s “Come Together” Cover: Beatles Cover "Come Together"

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Want to contact us to let us know this episode has impacted your life in some way? Write us at:

Forgiven Felons
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Show Summary:

Paul Beam is a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2000 -2004. His family includes three sons, two step-daughters, and his wife. Most of Paul's career has been in management and human relations.

In 2013, Paul decided to make some changes and finish his studies. During his course of studies, Paul founded Man Camp in 2015 and would later form the True North organization in 2016. In 2017, Paul graduated from Concordia University where he obtained his B.A. in communications, religious education, and psychology.

He has since obtained credentials in life coaching, creates an instructs courses for men, hosts the True North Man podcast, speaks on vision, identity, purpose, and life change, and is also an ordained minister.

Paul's childhood and life choices have led him down a path where he now feels it is his duty to come in to a higher standard of living lives with purpose and intentionality; lives of service to others rather than service to self.

In this episode we talk about those challenges he faced as a child and how they impacted his adult life. We also talk about MMA, the Marine Corp, whether or not code reds do exist, anxiety, depression, and so much more.

But mostly we talk about getting your identity back from our creator. After you listen, please forward to someone you know can benefit from Paul’s message.

Check out the pics and links below for more information on the upcoming Man Camps.

Resources Mentioned in the show: True North Man website: truenorthman.com

Paul Beam’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulbeamofficial/

Paul’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaulBeam81

True North Man Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373076503507408

True North Man’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/true.north.man/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

Have you ever had a hangover and tried to get it to go away? Hangover’s usually come because of excess of something, yes most of the time alcohol, but we can hangovers from anything.

Have you ever wondered why upload speeds are disproportionately slower than download speeds? No? Just me?

In today’s episode I talk about how to manage your hangover from anything and how to increase your upload speeds.

Just listen. Thank you. Oh, and share this with someone today.

“When you’re trying to manage your hangover, drink more.” -Jay Dan Gumm

“Download speed is all about us consuming; upload speed is about us sending.”

-Jay Dan Gumm

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

If you're in prison or jail please write us for information or to let us know the podcast impacted you in some way.

Forgiven Felons
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75196

Show Summary: Have you ever had people you’ve never met send you encouraging messages? David has been sending me facebook messages since 2017. He’s encouragement has helped me get through some of the toughest of seasons.

Well, on August 2, 2020, his son Adam was killed by a drunk driver, while the rest of the family was on vacation in Florida. When David sent me this message, my heart sank. “Did he know what I went to prison for?” was what I was asking myself. I wondered if the messages would continue if he knew I had five DWI’s.

They did, in fact they were more frequent. David let me walk his grief journey out with him. I’ll admit, I didn’t know exactly how to do that with my past. I started trying to encourage him. But still wondered if he knew.

One day his message read, “My constant prayer is for strength to share my faith out of my suffering and it seems to kept happening! Credit to God for sure ! Thanks for your continued prayers!”

I felt compelled to ask him to share his story on our show but was so nervous about asking him. I felt like I didn’t deserve to have a man on the show whose son had been killed by a drunk driver, after having five DWI’s myself.

But I asked, and he accepted. We only met face to face for the first time the week before this episode aired. We’ve had some great conversations even outside this interview. He is an awesome man, he has an awesome family, and his son Adam was a great guy.

Adam had the idea, just a couple months before he died, to open up a bake shop with his mom. After he died they weren’t sure if they could go through with it, but David shared with his wife that they had to. They did and it’s the most wonderful little shop. It’s in Ovilla, TX. If you’re near by, you need to visit.

In this episode you’ll hear my ask David for forgiveness. The drunk driver also died, but I wanted to stand in the gap for him and ask forgiveness for him. I also wanted to ask forgiveness for all of my drunk driving which could’ve ended up killing a lot of people. David stood in the gap and forgave me.

Please share the episode with anyone who is struggling with addiction, grief, and forgiveness. Visit the links below for more information and to follow David on facebook.

The day this episode airs, David and I are also attending a Ranger’s game that night. He’s a joy to hang out with.

Rest in worship Adam.

Memorable Quotes: “David, you got a choice, you can either be bitter or better.” - David Weyand.

“I pray for those that need christ in their life, Lord, that’s what’s missing. It’s not found in a bottle, it’s found in the Bible.”- David Weyand

Resources Mentioned in the show: Tiverton Bakeshop website: https://www.tivertonbakeshop.com/

Abiding Father’s website: https://www.abidingfathers.org/

David’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.weyand

Grief Share website: https://www.griefshare.org/

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary:

Happy Birthday. We are one year old!!! Background Check Podcast has been around for a year now and in this episode we celebrate some things.

We celebrate past guests, talk about future ones, celebrate milestones, and the fact that we are about to be in prisons and jails across America.

We have a very special Father's Day weekend episode coming up on the 18th and I talk about that a little bit. You don't want to miss that.

For all the show notes and pics visit our show's webpage:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

If you're in prison listening and this show has impacted you, even one episode in the least bit, write us and tell us about it:

Forgiven Felon
PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106

If you're out of prison and the show has impacted you, please share it with someone you know.

Thank you for listening.

Show Summary: This episode is part two of a two-part series. Please listen to part one before you listen to this episode. Abe Cruz is a successful businessman, renowned athlete, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and president of Forever Faith, a company through which he carries his message of hope and inspiration through fitness products, clothing and events, reaching millions of people around the world. Like a scene from a movie, Abe Cruz was living a life of luxury, cars, clubs, and women one day and the next was busted, broken, and facing a 30 year prison sentence. Raised by a single mother in a drug-and-gang infested neighborhood of Los Angeles, Abe found his ticket out in competitive sports. All American by his teens he believed in his destiny to become a professional athlete. When an injury ended that dream, a downward spiral of events led to the worst decision of his life. But hitting rock-bottom on the hard concrete of a prison cell proved the ultimate blessing. Flat on his back, all Abe could see was up. There he discover the true mindset of champions – faith. Not just faith in your own strength, smarts, and talents, but faith that puts God first and self second. In these two episodes Abe shares his journey to zero and back to let listeners know there's a way through the tough times, tragedies, disasters, even their own mistakes and failures, to an incredible God blessed future. That's living the mindset of champions. That's forever faith!

Memorable Quote: “You can’t develop the mindset of a champion until you put God first and yourself second.” - Abe Cruz

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Watch Forgiven Felons on Roku TV: Click here to watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary

Watch the the Forever Faith Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/1cB3DWCGOw8

Forever Faith’s website: https://www.foreverfaith.com/

Abe Cruz’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abe.cruz.56

Abe Cruz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealabecruz/

Forever Faith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfaiththebrand/

Forever Faith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamForeverFaith

Get Your Copy of the book Forever Faith: https://www.foreverfaith.com/shop/book

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Show Summary: This episode is part one of a two-part series. Abe Cruz is a successful businessman, renowned athlete, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and president of Forever Faith, a company through which he carries his message of hope and inspiration through fitness products, clothing and events, reaching millions of people around the world. Like a scene from a movie, Abe Cruz was living a life of luxury, cars, clubs, and women one day and the next was busted, broken, and facing a 30 year prison sentence. Raised by a single mother in a drug-and-gang infested neighborhood of Los Angeles, Abe found his ticket out in competitive sports. All American by his teens he believed in his destiny to become a professional athlete. When an injury ended that dream, a downward spiral of events led to the worst decision of his life. But hitting rock-bottom on the hard concrete of a prison cell proved the ultimate blessing. Flat on his back, all Abe could see was up. There he discover the true mindset of champions – faith. Not just faith in your own strength, smarts, and talents, but faith that puts God first and self second. In these two episodes Abe shares his journey to zero and back to let listeners know there's a way through the tough times, tragedies, disasters, even their own mistakes and failures, to an incredible God blessed future. That's living the mindset of champions. That's forever faith!

Memorable Quote: “You can’t develop the mindset of a champion until you put God first and yourself second.” - Abe Cruz

To get more information about Forgiven Felons please visit our show page at :

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Watch Forgiven Felons on Roku TV: Click here to watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary

Watch the the Forever Faith Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/1cB3DWCGOw8

Forever Faith’s website: https://www.foreverfaith.com/

Abe Cruz’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abe.cruz.56

Abe Cruz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealabecruz/

Forever Faith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfaiththebrand/

Forever Faith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamForeverFaith

Get Your Copy of the book Forever Faith: https://www.foreverfaith.com/shop/book

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

**Show Summary**:

Charlie Leavitt is a Catalyst for Metro Relief. Metro Relief provides much needed supplies and resources to the homeless in the DFW metroplex.

Charlies story has many ups, downs, twists, and turns, but through it all, one thing wins, LOVE.

We talk about addiction, recovery, 12 steps, and how his wife loved him through his relapses. We also talk about the time he was told to take his Bible back to his room before group therapy started.

Charlie is a perfect example of not giving up on yourself or others who might be struggling with addiction. You can listen here or on any of your favorite platforms.

Check out Metro Relief at the links below, follow Charlie on Facebook, and tell him you heard his story on Background Check Podcast.

“I moved to Texas to get away from cocaine. I get to my apartment in Irving. I go out front to smoke a Marlboro. The guy in the apartment next to us comes out, AND HE SLINGS COCAINE. I got away from cocaine for three hours and fifteen minutes. ”

— Charlie Leavitt RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Watch Forgiven Felons on Roku TV: Click here to watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary

Metro Relief website: https://metrorelief.org/

Metro Relief’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroRelief

Charlie’s Facebok: https://www.facebook.com/charlie.leavitt.5

For more pics and other information check out the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

As Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Human Services, Karen Lee leads one of the nation’s largest nonprofit social enterprise organizations in the United States.

Under Karen’s leadership, Pioneer successfully operates several revenuegenerating businesses that provide living wage jobs to mission-related employees and help fund its mission of empowering people who have been involved in the legal system to build healthy, productive lives.

Headquartered in Seattle, Pioneer serves over 10,000 people a year through its diversion, treatment, housing and job training programs. Karen is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Jay Dan talks with Karen about how Pioneer Services was founded, what they do now, and where they are headed. They dive into what it will take to make some changes in our criminal justice system.

We talk about mass incarceration and how it has caused more trouble than it’s actually helped us. They have a mass incarceration quiz you can take to test your knowledge about the subject. Think you know about mass incarceration? I thought I did too. I only got one answer right out of 5.

To take the quiz and learn more about Pioneer Human Services please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Please visit the show page at

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Do you have a dream? I did. I had one as a child and I have had some in prison and in my life since prison. In prison I began writing my dreams down and have seen more fulfillment of those dreams.

Our family has a vision/dream board as well as Forgiven Felons. What is your dream? While in prison, the book The Dream Giver helped me out so much in my finding out what my dream was and how to pursue it. It also helped me understand that not everyone in my life wants me to pursue my dream. Some want me to stay in my comfort zone because if I leave mine, then their comfort zone is shook up a little.

In this episode I talk about some things you can do to foster and facilitate an atmosphere in which dreams can be fulfilled better.

For more information about Forgiven Felons, or to listen to from the show page, visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

In this episode of Background Check, with talk with Shelley Goad, LCDC. Her story begins with her parents being divorced while she was still young and her mom working her butt off to make it.

Then she was introduced to Crown Royal in junior high and then later in life, meth. Her life began to spin out of control because of her addiction. When she drank, she drank to get drunk, and she wanted to be anywhere but where she was, and she wanted to be anybody but Shelley.

While going to see her dad who was dying of cancer, she was arrested in 2007. The car she drove was stolen. She says the best thing her family did was NOT bail her out of jail.

We talk about her going back to school and just doing anything that was put in front of her so that she could help as many people as possible. Now, she's an LCDC in Taos, NM.

For all Shelley's social links, pics, and suggested movies and books, visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Dates are important.

April 18th is very important to me, Jay Dan. In 2006 that's the day I got out of prison. In 2008 that's the day I married the most awesome women in the world.

In this episode I talk a little about these dates and what they mean to me. I also encourage you to celebrate your dates. What dates are important to you? April 9, 2003 is my sobriety date. 18 years now.

For more info about Forgiven Felons, please visit our show page. And pics of our wedding.

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

In this episode, Jay Dan sit downs with one of his best friends, Kenneth Prewitt. Kenneth went from being kicked out of his home because of drugs, to prison, to getting help from a couple in Texas, to the man that he is today. We start the podcast off with Jessa and Jemma, my daughters, telling some jokes and making Kenneth laugh.

He will be 13 years clean this September and we are so happy for him. As he states in the interview, he's never going back.

We call him our family of choice and Uncle Kenneth. Our girls love him and so do we. He's an avid Cowboys fan and I'm a die hard Steeler fan. So when he comes to town I make it uncomfortable for him. lol

For Kenneth's social media links and more pics of me making him dress and be around Steeler stuff, visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Jay Dan talks with Steve about his journey from opiate addiction, to prison, to where he is now. Read more about Steve below and check out his links to purchase his course programs.

After getting sober from 14-year battle with opiate addiction, Steve found himself facing a federal indictment that sent him to prison. After he lost his freedom and was released, he realized he had also lost his identity, confidence and purpose and he wasn’t sure if he’d end up losing his 20-year marriage.

Steve spent most of the past decade and over $100,000 on coaches, courses, events and masterminds searching to find out why his past kept popping up poisoning his future that held him back from reclaiming his life.

Steve is a "serial entrepreneur” and has grown several businesses to seven figures over the past 20 years. Steve has a huge heart and is extremely loyal. Steve is a people person, great networker who loves to bring people together.

Steve has top ranked podcast, Life After Addiction and Indictment to help those who continue to scream at their past and keep tripping over their future reclaim their life through entrepreneurship. Steve knows what It’s like to lose your confidence, have doors slammed in your face or lack the knowledge to chase your entrepreneurial dreams. Steve has the experience, knowledge and relationships to help you take control of your life and secure your future.

After 24 years of "co-existing" in his marriage, Steve knows what it takes to create a happy and fulfilling relationship. Steve celebrates his 31-year anniversary later this year to his beautiful wife Ann. Together they have four boys and one girl, ages 16-28.

When he's not working, Steve loves to spend time with his family in Lake Powell, Sunday night game night, golfing, traveling, riding motorcycles with his four boys and creating memories.

For Steve's website and other links please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Mark and Tina met by chance in a hallway and it was love at first sight. Then, Tina got invited to go to a closing for Kairos prison ministry and that led to a new love for both of them. It’s now been 16 years and they are more in love with prison ministry and each other, now more than ever. Today we do a background check on prison ministry volunteers, Mark and Tina Wage.

Mark and Tina live in Gun Barrell City, TX by Cedar Creek Lake. Tina teaches a class at the Beto unit, Battlefield of the Mind, while Mark mentors and writes as many inmates as possible.

Mark and Tina share how they met, how they got started in prison ministry, and why they still do it. We talk about challenges along the way, how covid has affected their efforts, and how long they plan on serving.

For pics of Mark and Tina and info on how to become of prison volunteer, visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

In this episode, Jay Dan sits down with Deanna Luprete to talk about her work at Epicenter and the Second Look Bill.

Deanna Luprete is the Founding Executive Director of The Epicenter Initiative and runs the Aftershock Reentry program for Second Lookers. A native Californian, Deanna relocated to Houston and most recently settled in Austin to have easier access to the Capitol and Second Look advocacy efforts. Deanna grew up in a household that was centered on restorative justice, as her father was a Los Angeles parole officer turned pastor.

She has been involved in Texas prison ministry since 2005. Little did she know that eight years later her son would become incarcerated in California. It was during his incarceration that Deanna began to understand how broken the criminal justice system is both in California and Texas.

Soon thereafter, she fully devoted herself to rehabilitative programs within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. While facilitating a program in 2016, Deanna met Chon Dimas, Jeremy Gartrell, and Jorge Vasquez. All three of them were given extreme sentences in adult prisons as children (now known as “Second Lookers”). Through these three Second Lookers, she became aware of 1,300 other individuals serving sentences they were given as children during the “Texas Tough” era.

With a renewed sense of hope, she established The Epicenter Initiative with a small social media presence that quickly grew. In 2017, TEI had 100 members during the 85th legislative session for the introduction of SB 556/HB 1274. At that time, Deanna partnered with Texas Criminal Justice Coalition and Lone Star Justice Alliance to compile Second Looker stories for The Second Look Book. This publication was then introduced at The Second Look Summit in Austin in November of 2017.

In 2019, TEI had 1,000 members for the introduction of SB 155/HB 256. Today, The Epicenter Initiative has 2,000 active members in the free world and 1,300 TDCJ residents that are diligently working to advocate for a “Second Look” be given to youth who are serving extreme sentences in adult prisons. Deanna is dedicated to educating and encouraging residents of TDCJ, as well as equipping and empowering those returning to society.

For more information, links, and pics, please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Jon is a dear friend and we plow in the same space of reentry. He's the Executive Director of New Name Ministries and has transitional, or transformational, homes in Fort Worth and Psalm 40 Ranch in Boyd, TX.

In these home and on the ranch, live are changed, recidivism is reduced to almost zero.

Pastor Jon is a graduate of Victory Bible Training School and former Graduate Peer Consultant for Supervised Community Treatment of Portland, Maine. His former volunteer activities have included being a volunteer chaplain at the Maine Correctional Center through Gideon's and long term involvement with the Sexual Violence Collaborative of Southern Maine.

Jon is ordained in the State of Texas through Apostolic Servant Ministries and provides education and consultations with churches and national organizations on issues of residential re-entry for sex offenders, policies and procedures for sex offenders in the church and public education presentations on "Sex Offender Sense." Jon is currently on the Board of Directors of Texas Voices for Reason and Justice, and also on the National Admin Team of Reform Sex Offenders Laws Inc. He has given testimony twice for civil commitment trials as an expert on sex offender reentry for the state of California.

He is co-author of Unprecedented - How Sex Offender Laws Are Impacting Our Nation.

For the website information and more about Jon and New Name Ministries, and to see pics of Psalm 40 Ranch, visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

In this episode, Jay Dan talks with Susan Slotnick. We talked about her teaching dance in prison and how it was birthed out of a painful experience in her life. Read more about Susan below and check out the links on our show page.

For the past 25 years, Susan Slotnick has gone behind the walls at correctional facilities every week to bring the joy of modern dance to incarcerated men and boys. Her choreography dealt with serious themes geared to inspire audiences and students toward social justice activism.

Susan was born to a mother with a borderline personality and a distant autistic father; not the best nurturing environment for a gifted child, so she rebelled, flunked out of school, and befriended those her mother would have considered undesirables. She basically lived a life completely at odds to the one that would have ordinarily been expected. Early experiences showed Susan how difficult life was for so many and it instilled in her a passionate zeal to help the marginalized, the forgotten and the disenfranchised.

Her life work and dance company, named "Figures In Flight," has garnered much critical and professional acclaim. Numerous feature articles about her have appeared in dance magazines, she received the Dance Studio Magazine's "Caring Heart Award," celebrated for Women's History Month as Huffington Post's "Greatest Woman of The Day," featured in two radio documentaries and featured in the documentary "The Game Changer" that won Best Documentary Short at both the Harlem and Cannes film festivals. Susan is also the author of the book Flight: The Dance of Freedom.

See videos, paintings, and more at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

In this episode we honor Black History Month by talking about our daughter's school projects. Jessa did her project on Frederick Douglass, and Jessa did her's on Jackie Robinson. My wife and helped them so we learned a lot while doing the project with them.

We also have special guest Richard Miles from episode two and how his exoneration fits into black history as well.

For more information and to see pictures and links, please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

I thought we’d take a break from our love stories and share what’s going on in our Texas prisons as a result of the Winter Storm of 2021 and talk with Casey Phillips from Texas Prisons Air Conditioning Advocates (TPAA).

But as we are talking, I realize that the reason she started TPAA was because of love for her husband. Since then it’s grown into a large group over 2600 members on social media. For the last three years Casey and others, advocate for air conditioning in our prisons. So many men and women die each year from heat exhaustion because there’s no air conditioning in most of the units.

Casey talks about the AC in the units and we also talk about the rally’s they do where they set up a mock prison cell where people can sit in it and feel the actual heat the men and women feel in prison during the summer. She also talks about the bills they are working on.

We also discuss the affects of covid on visitation and how lack of visitation has had an impact on the mental health of the inmates. We also throw a little Covid vaccination talk in there too.

For pics and links to info please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Throughout February we will air love stories that have great redemptive power and where at least one of the persons have been impacted by addiction or incarceration.

Today's episode is Jay Dan and Jessamy's love story. They walk you through the ups and downs, challenges, and sweet moments since the day they began courting each other.

For more info and to see the proposal video, visit the show page at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Jay Dan share the core values of Forgiven Felons. Core values help us set goals, make decisions, and keep us on track instead of making decisions on emotions.

Forgiveness, Education, Love, Overcome, New Life, Serve.

To hear Jay Dan expound on these values and what they mean to the organization, listen to the full episode.

For more information please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Covid hit my family hard this time. Two days before I turned 50 I tested positive and my wife eventually did too. It was a hard time to trying to balance work from home for my wife, school for the kids, and the devastating affect it had on me.

I talk about my journey and what got me through it as well as how some of our men's experiences in prison.

To watch the videos and see the birthday pic please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary: I’ve known Cheri for a few years now and I’ve enjoyed watching her grow her company and her life. She has a heart to see people bounce back from addiction and anything else in their past. Here’s a little more about her.

Cheri Garcia is the Founder of Cornbread Hustle, a staffing agency for second chances. Cheri is passionate about helping people with criminal backgrounds and individuals in recovery find transformation through employment or entrepreneurship.

As someone who has re-invented her own life, Cheri wanted to create a company to help others do the same. Before starting Cornbread Hustle, Cheri found her first transformation and recovery through inventing a tanning bed and starting a career in the TV news industry. She later found recovery a second time, but through faith and a sober lifestyle.

With a strong background in marketing and PR, Cheri uses the skills she acquired to help individuals getting out of prison re-brand themselves to become the person they want to be and get noticed by the people they want to meet.

For more information about Cheri and Cornbread Hustle please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary: This interview was eye opening. You should check the links below, get Prime Video, and watch the documentary short as well. Jeff is a great guy and to know that he was wrongfully convicted and treated this way breaks my heart and pisses me off. Here’s a short bio of Jeff.

The Deskovic Foundation is a New York based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to exonerating the wrongfully convicted both in DNA and non-DNA cases, as well as wrongful conviction prevention. The Foundation was established as a result of Jeffrey Deskovic’s own wrongful conviction at the age of 17 of the rape and murder of a 15 year old girl. Authorities knew his DNA did not match that of the actual perpetrator – who, three years later, went on to murder another young woman and mother of two – but rogue police officers, prosecutors, and other law enforcement personnel knowingly and maliciously accused, prosecuted, and eventually secured his conviction. After his exoneration and release after sixteen years in prison, Deskovic successfully sued the authorities responsible and used a substantial portion of the compensation he was awarded to start the Deskovic Foundation. Deskovic has dedicated himself to helping the wrongfully convicted, and recently graduated from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University with a law degree.

For pics and all the resources mentioned in the show please visit the showpage:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary: This episode was one of the most fun episodes. Having met Jesse at a John Maxwell conference, and seen him perform on stage, it made his journey that much more exciting to listen to.

We talk about his childhood when he describes himself as a band geek, his battle with depression that almost ended his life, his rubbing shoulders with other celebrities, and his latest creation, World Wide Dance Challenge. Check out his bio below as well as his links to everything on our show page.

Jesse is an established dancer, recording artist and entrepreneur. Getting his start in the entertainment world when he moved to L.A. in 2005 as a dancer with McDonald Selznick Associates. There he got an opportunity to work with artists like Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Mario and more. Since then he has been using his talents to perform and speak all over the world on stages in front of over 100,000 people in his career.

Now Jesse continues to help creatives turn their passion into a thriving business that can make a positive impact on the world through his business My Creative District.

Through My Creative District, Jesse cofounded WorldWide Dance Challenge – An online Dance Show/Competition where they bring dancers from around the world and all different styles to compete head to head live online in front of a live audience for a chance to be named the worlds best.

For all the resources mentioned in the show please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

For you free trial of Audible and to help out our ministry, click here: audibletrial.com/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

If you're reading this, you made it out of 2020. Congratulations.

The Gumm family and Forgiven Felons had some hard times because of the virus, but we pivoted (this word is the word of the year) and made it through.

I talk about 3G, not the data speed from 12 years ago, but how I live my life.

Get Right
Get Out
Give Back

Some great things happened for the organization in 2020 and we are expecting even greater things to come. We've had some amazing guests and we have even greater guests coming.

Hang on tight! Happy New Year from the Gumm's and Forgiven Felons.

As always, thanks for listening and spreading the word.

Show Summary:

Jay Dan, Jessamy, Jessa, and Jane (Jay Dan’s mom) talk about family Christmas traditions, favorite Christmas drinks, movies, and songs.

A few funny and touching moments in this episode.

Show Summary:

Today on the show I talk about Christmas in prison and how Covid19 has turned our prison system into a huge mess.

I reminisce about my holidays in jail and prison and how my family was impacted deeply by the decisions I made. I list some stats about the current positive cases and death toll among inmates and staff. The staff are put in the middle of all this. If they don’t do their job, they’ll lose it but if they do their job, they could die. The inmates are treated poorly as well. We can do better as a system.

I put a link to a recent investigative video of what is going on in our Texas prisons. The mayor of Palestine, TX had some blunt things to say about our system.

Check out the link on our show page as well as Christmas cards that I drew in prison. I posted a couple of letters to my mom and dad during that time too.

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

What’s up? Another solo episode by me. I like doing the solos but man I get more nervous doing these. Not sure why.

In this episode I talk about grace and truth, my parenting skills, our legal system, and how it can use a little more grace. Thank you for listening. If you can, and you listen on apple, please give us a review and rate us if you don’t mind.

For more information and pics of my car wreck visit the show page at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Jay Dan and the guys at Forgiven Felons have a conversation with Michael Elizondo, an inmate that is coming to the transitional house when he gets out.

Michael tells his story of how God changed his life after he was sentenced to life in prison. "We can change" is the message Michael sends to everyone.

For more info about Forgiven Felons and to see pics of Michael, please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Follow us on social media to see pics of him after he is released.

Show Summary:

Today's episode was recorded on Thanksgiving Day 2020 at the Forgiven Felons house. On the holidays, most of our guys go spend it with friends and family.

But there are usually several men who are on lockdown and cannot go anywhere on holidays because they wear an ankle monitor. Each year we stop by Boston Market and grab thanksgiving meals and spend time with these men.

This year it was Chris Aguilar, Chris and Georgianne Ramirez, Boyce Gholson, Daniel Lindsey, and of course my beautiful bride, Jessamy. We ate then talked about thanksgiving in prison and what they're most thankful for now that they're out.

We had fun and could've talked for hours about what we are thankful for.

For more info and pics please visit the show page at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Watch the Forgiven Felons documentary on ROKU TV: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/5c40f7221c025695a3ba2321dc322db0/forgiven-felons-s1-e1-the-consequences-of-crime

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise:
https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER.

Show Summary:

This episode Jay Dan takes a break from the regular stories and topics and just gives thanks.

Take a thankful journey with Jay Dan and hopefully it will encourage you to see something to be thankful for IN everything life throws at us.

For pics, resources, and more visit the show page at :

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

Jay Dan goes solo this episode and talks about winning in prison. Prison is not always about being in a cell in a real prison. It can sometimes be a prison of debt, grief, unforgiveness, bitterness, you get the idea.

The three main points are 1. It's not about you. 2. Use your gifts talents. 3. You have to want to make parole.

So whether you have someone in prison you can share this with or use it for yourself for what you are going through, please share this with someone.

To visit the show page go to: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

On this episode of Background Check, I'm a guest of Niya Cotton, on her show, Off the Record. Niya asks me about my story, my politics, religion, and our organization, Forgiven Felons.

Niya didn't serve up easy questions or topics and we talked about them all, open and honestly.

Niya is a worship leader at Trinity Church in Cedar Hill, Texas and she has her own worship music out there. You should look her up. It's amazing. For the link to her show off the record and more information about Forgiven Felons please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary: Titan Gilroy has his own tv show, he built a CNC Academy in San Quentin Prison, and he runs a multimillion dollar business. But the road map he took to get there was filled with homelessness, beat downs by bullies, prison, boxing with Top Rank boxing, and starting out at a $9 an hour CNC job.

In this episode Titan talks about living homeless on the beach with his mom, getting beat up every day at school, that night that landed him in prison, his first CNC job making $9 per hour, and how he has turned that into the business and academy he runs now. We talk about the academy and why he gives all his education, which spans the globe with students, for free.

We talk about faith a lot and politics just a tad, but we also talk about his move to Texas. We can’t wait til he’s fully transitioned to Flower Mound so we can go hang out with him.

For pics and all the resources mentioned on the show please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

If you've never tried AUDIBLE and you are ready, this is the perfect time. Click the link for your free trial, and it helps Forgiven Felons as well.

audibletrial.com/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

On this episode, Jay Dan does a background check on Anthony and Cynthia Corder. They do so much for the Kingdom of God. Cynthia owns Recovery Chick, Recovery Chick Fitness, Texas Property Chicks, is a speaker and prison minister. She also has a recovery house named Judy’s House, after her mother.

Anthony is a professional sound man, musician, fisherman, and a pretty good speaker in his own right. Together they run a recovery ministry called The R. It is held on Saturday nights in Galveston and has amazing guest speakers and musicians.

Their individual testimonies are amazing, but when God put these two together, He had a harvest in mind, and they are laboring after it. Check out all the websites and pages on the show page below.

For pics, info, and all links, please visit our show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Show Summary:

I met David when I appeared before a lead voter in one of my best friends parole hearing. I was introduced over the phone, and I had lots of questions for Mr. O’Neil. I was not about to let my friends drop a lot of money on a parole lawyer that I didn’t think would even be worth their money.

David was very gracious as I vetted him and asked him lots of questions. He had questions for me too and I answered them all. Together, with some fo the other family, we worked to get my friend out on his first parole on a ten year sentence. That was unheard of for his type of case in Texas.

As I got to know David more I found that he was willing to help people, who couldn’t afford his fees, to put a parole packet together by pointing them to some information that would be helpful. When we launched the podcast I thought it’d be great to have him on the show to share his story and his heart.

He shares what to look for, what to avoid, and some great stories on past clients. He stood up to a system that was only winning one case per year and protected the rights of these inmates. If you want more you’ll have to listen. Check out some of the stories and his website on the show page. Please send to anyone you know who might need a parole lawyer.

David represented Robert Coney, who was wrongfully convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. He was known for escaping and trying to win back his freedom. Check out the short documentary on the show page.

There are so many resources on David’s website so check out the resource page.

You can check out all the resources mentioned in the show by visiting:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

If you're listening on Apple please rate us and leave us a review.

Show Summary:

I sit with Windham School District Superintendent Kristina Hartman and Travis Henderson and we discuss all things education in Texas Prisons.

We talk about GED's, vocational trade classes like welding, HVAC, and family literacy classes. Kristina spent a lot of time in the Florida Corrections system and accomplished so many things.

Then she brought all of her expertise back to Texas with her and now she and Travis are making the prison school district a shining star in Texas.

For all the resources mentioned in the show as well as pictures and more, please visit the show page at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Thank you Kristina and Travis for a great interview

Show Summary:

Priscilla Bordayo has been sought out as a motivational speaker by numerous community organizations such as, The Local Law Enforcement, The National Guard, Prisons, both Public and Private Schools to discuss her story and bring awareness through education to end sexual abuse. She has been invited to speak before the senate and House of Representatives. Priscilla has been featured on TCT, Moms Of Miracles, Driven By Women, The Every Day Series, Every Dope Girl, Cover Of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine (2019) and Crimes for Safety and Justice national platform. She was the 2019 Women of the Year and 2019 winner for, 10 over the next 10 award. She is currently up for the Governor’s award!

Jay Dan and Priscilla talk about everything from her dysfunctional childhood to her accomplished adult life. You don’t want to miss this episode. Share it with people you know needs healing.

For the resources mentioned in the show and more pics, please visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Episode Summare:

Chris was passed around the foster care system as a child, arrested 17 times before his 18th birthday, given a choice between the military or jail time. He was a navy deep sea diver, drug dealer, and now CEO of an 8 figure business.

Chris Cavallini, has been featured in Forbes magazine, on Fox News, and he is the CEO of Nutrition Solutions, business that has a second chance program helping addicts, felons, and other knuckleheads. He host his own podcast, Start Today, He’s an amazing man, with a huge heart, strong mind, and a very in shape physique. Let’s do a BACKGROUND CHECK!

For all the show notes and resources mentioned please visit the show page at:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Please leave us a review and rate us on Apple podcasts.

You can listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and from the show page.

Show Summary:

I sit down with Dr. Tetterton and Dr. Evans and talk mental health and prison. They both worked as counselors in the federal prison system and shed a lot of light on best practices. I was impressed with some of the things the federal system does that the state does not.

We talk about the effects of solitaire confinement on human beings. I enjoyed this interview so much. I could’ve talked with them for hours. They have such great insight. You’ll love this episode.

For all the show notes visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Special Episode ALERT!!!!

Jay Dan brings his 7 year old daughter, Jessa, on a mini-episode before Daniel Lindsey comes on. Jessa helps Jay Dan talk about their upcoming North Texas Giving Day fundraiser and to help introduce Daniel.

Daniel's story is unbelievable. He was passed around from household to household hoping someone could talk some sense into him. At 15 he was party to a murder that he did not commit but was given a forty year sentence as a 17 year old.

He talks about his time in prison but says it's hard to talk about some of it. He was in an 18 day coma and TDCJ informed his family that after a certain amount of time they would pull the plug.

For all the resources mentioned in the show or to learn more about Forgiven Felons, please visit the show page on the website:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

To help our show get more exposure please listen on Apple, rate, and review us:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Happy Labor Day on Monday September 7, 2020

In today's episode Jay Dan talks with Dave Dahl, creator of Dave's Killer Bread. Dave talks about his childhood, his teen years, the choices he made as a young kid that affected him when he got older.

Dave tells us his journey from the military, to prison, to Killer Bread fame, and talks about his downfall that eventually led to the sale of the company.

Admitting that he struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, Dave fought his way back and now works with organizations and companies that work with inmates and parolees. You're going to love this story.

For the show notes and all the resources mentioned in the episode, please visit:
forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

To help the show out, please leave us a rating and review on apple. Thanks for listening and please spread the word. If you have a loved on in prison, who needs a transitional house, please visit the House page on our website.

You know, each guest we have on Background Check is so special and important and I don’t take any of them for granted. It’s an honor to speak with them.

And today that honor is magnified because I get to talk with an elected official. But it’s not just any official. It’s my districts representative and he’s on the Corrections committee down in Austin. I met him at a leadership event after he was elected, and we’ve been friends ever since. C’mon, let’s do a background check.

Everything mentioned in today's show can be seen on our show's page: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Please take the time to leave us a rating and review. It really helps the show.

So todays’ guests are Jamie McKibbon and Rachshel Canton from Life Giving Life, "The Recovery Project" in Montgomery, TX.

Today we talk about a topic that affects nearly everyone whose life has been impacted by incarceration, but lots more in our regular society. It has torn apart homes, wrecked businesses, and caused lots of problems all over the world. Substance abuse. There are more addictions that just the ones we will talk about today. But we will hear from these two amazing ladies about their own addiction and recovery journey has taken them into the sphere that they work in now, which is helping others. I can’t wait for you to hear their stories and how they got this organization stared. Let"s go.

For all the links and notes from today's show visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

If this or any episode touched you in some way please leave us a review on Apple. You may also listen to the show on Spotify and Google Podcast.

In this episode I sit down with Katie and T-Ray from The Way Back Reentry Program. We talk about what they offer to men and women coming out of prison and the challenges they face in doing that.

We talk about the future plans and share some success stories since these two took this organization over.

For all the show notes, the websites. and links mentioned, please visit the show page:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Please leave us a review if you're listening on Apple and give us a rating as well.

In this episode Jay Dan talks about the challenges parolees and their families face post release.

For all the show notes and more info please visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Please leave a rating and review to help the show get more exposure.

On Today's Show:

Tyler didn’t even value her own life enough to keep living. She barricaded herself in and tried to commit suicide. She lived Homeless for several years and lived a life of drugs, prostitution, and in and out of jail until 13 years ago, after an invitation from her mom to come home, she had an encounter with God that changed her life.

Tyler’s been a friend for several years now and it all started when a mutual friend sent her our way to get into prison ministry. We had a conversation over lunch one day and I listened to her share her dreams for ministry and life. She was a little scared to go into prisons back then so I let her come share at Forgiven Felons. Well now, she’s been in lots of prisons and lives as a home missionary in an apartment complex in Houston that most of us would not go near. She works at Eyes On Me which is an amazing organization that mentors, disciples, and serves at risk youth and their families. She’s a fitness junkie as well, and know as Miss Fit.

For all the show notes and resources mentioned please visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

To help the show out please rate us and leave a review. You can do that by clicking the link below.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Today's background check has us sitting down with Tuan Nguyen from Movement 21 Empowerment.

Tuan has been to prison three times, but on that third time he figured something out. He talks about how he snuck some things into prison that transformed his thinking, and his life. Then just a few months after he got out he was on a stage in front of 3000 people at a John Maxwell Conference.

He’s a certified coach, speaker and trainer as well as trainer for John Maxwell’s non-profit organization, EQUIP. We know a lot of the same people, and it's an honor to call him friend and have him on the show.

C'mon, let's do a background check.

For all the show notes, info on M21, and more pics of Tuan, visit:

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

To help our show out please leave us a review and rating:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Today’s guests is the Hick’s family, Reggie who served 30 years for murder, his wife Michelle, Reggie’s dad Clark, and Reggie’s step mom Deborah. They are the most incredible family I know. They’ve been through so much including Reggie losing his biological mom just weeks before he was released. Reggie and Michelle did something that I always suggest AGAINST but they have made it happen, through thick and thin, and have made it 12 plus years. Reggie got to hit against Andy Pettite in college.that’s cool if you’re a baseball fan.

Please rate and review us on apple here.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

For all the show notes and pictures visit:

https://forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

In this episode of Background Check we sit down with Zachary Babcock from Underdog Empowerment. He shares his journey from alcoholism, to prison, to no one giving him a chance, to his six figure business he runs right now.

He never gave up and now he helps other level up.

Show Notes: https://forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

How to get more involved:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

If you take away all the programs in Texas Department of Criminal Justice, that are volunteer based, you find any rehabilitative elements to our prison system. In fact, our system can sometimes hinder the really good programs from having a lasting impact.

But if you look real closely you can find some really awesome ones. Prison Entrepreneurship Program is one of these programs. It takes inmates through some character, leadership, and businesses principles that when applied, can assure success.

Bryan is a graduate of the program and now the CEO. His story will touch you as he shares how he almost went off the grid when his lawyer told him to man up. If you're looking for a great program to get involved with, check out PEP on the show notes.

For more about PEP and all the show notes please click below.

Show Notes: https://forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

How to get more involved:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization:
https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

ORDER IN THE COURT!

Today on Background Check we go to DWI court and appear before Judge Kathleen Hamilton.

We ask her about her specialty courts she runs, Juvenile Drug Court, Veteran's Treatment Court, and DWI Court. She talks about the impact they have on the offender as well as the community as a whole.

For all the show notes please visit our website:

https://www.forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

Background Check Podcast is all about helping people with a past realize their future and have success, no matter what their background check reads.

We all make mistakes, some more than others (that's me), but we can all change and rise above our past. But in the process of bouncing back, there are obstacles in our way and the biggest one is the background check. Whether it's buying a home, working in a ministry, employment, renting an apartment, background checks are a part of our lives now.

On the podcast I will give tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to navigate life with mark on your background. We will interview CEO's who run felon friendly businesses and have second chance programs. We will interview people who have successfully reentered society and are doing great. Wrongfully convicted people have a great story to tell and we'll hear from them as well. Parole lawyers, School Superintendents, Bankers, Reentry Programs, prison support programs, and much more.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this podcast has touched you in some way.

Join us today as we talk with Shawn Serfass from Second Chance Fitness. We talk about his time in federal prison, his encounter with God, and his fitness gym. Follow Shawn on Instagram @shawn2ndchance. If you need to get in shape visit his gym in Mansfield. It’s called Fit Body Boot Camp.

Background Check Podcast is all about helping people with a past realize their future and have success, no matter what their background check reads.

We all make mistakes, some more than others (that's me), but we can all change and rise above our past. But in the process of bouncing back, there are obstacles in our way and the biggest one is the background check. Whether it's buying a home, working in a ministry, employment, renting an apartment, background checks are a part of our lives now.

On the podcast I will give tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to navigate life with mark on your background. We will interview CEO's who run felon friendly businesses and have second chance programs. We will interview people who have successfully reentered society and are doing great. Wrongfully convicted people have a great story to tell and we'll hear from them as well. Parole lawyers, School Superintendents, Bankers, Reentry Programs, prison support programs, and much more.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this podcast has touched you in some way.

If you want to know more about Forgiven Felons please visit our website and follow us on social media.

forgivenfelons.org/about

If you have a loved one in prison who needs a transitional house to parole to, please visit our house page on the website.

forgivenfelons.org/transitional-house

Follow us on social media.

facebook.com/forgivenfelon

instagram.com/forgivenfelons

twitter.com/forgivenfelon

youtube.com/forgivenfelon

If you’d like to email us:

jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

Call our office:

972-748-3101

If you’d like to book Jay Dan on your show please email.

Check out our documentary, “Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series” on ROKU Today

Check us out on Huckabee:

https://youtu.be/OOLe-rlVk8c

If you’d like to set up a viewing of our documentary at your church or venue please email us.

Forgiven Felons Documentary Trailer

https://youtu.be/p5SQ4zHdZic

Join us today as we talk with Ron and Dawn Adkins of Radical Restoration Ministries. She had 46 felonies and he was sentenced to 500 years in prison and went to bible study in the home of the Judge who sentenced him, when he got out.

For all the show notes, resources mentioned, and more pics of Ron and Dawn, please visit:

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

If this episode has touched your heart in some way please leave a review on apple or comment on the episode on the show page website.

Michelle Strand, ex-wife of Brandon Hutchison, talks about the Netflix Documentary, I Am a Killer, her faithfulness to Brandon and their kids during that season, and her commitment to seeing our justice system improve. Listen to the podcast, then watch the documentary or vise versa. Either way both are great.

Background Check Podcast is all about helping people with a past realize their future and have success, no matter what their background check reads.

We all make mistakes, some more than others (that's me), but we can all change and rise above our past. But in the process of bouncing back, there are obstacles in our way and the biggest one is the background check. Whether it's buying a home, working in a ministry, employment, renting an apartment, background checks are a part of our lives now.

On the podcast I will give tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to navigate life with mark on your background. We will interview CEO's who run felon friendly businesses and have second chance programs. We will interview people who have successfully reentered society and are doing great. Wrongfully convicted people have a great story to tell and we'll hear from them as well. Parole lawyers, School Superintendents, Bankers, Reentry Programs, prison support programs, and much more.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this podcast has touched you in some way.

If you want to know more about Forgiven Felons please visit our website and follow us on social media.

forgivenfelons.org/about

If you have a loved one in prison who needs a transitional house to parole to, please visit our house page on the website.

forgivenfelons.org/transitional-house

Follow us on social media.

facebook.com/forgivenfelon

instagram.com/forgivenfelons

twitter.com/forgivenfelon

youtube.com/forgivenfelon

If you’d like to email us:

jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

Call our office:

972-748-3101

If you’d like to book Jay Dan on your show please email.

If you’d like to set up a viewing of our documentary at your church or venue please email us.

Forgiven Felons Documentary Trailer

https://youtu.be/p5SQ4zHdZic

Netflix: I Am a Killer Season 2, Episode: "A Silent Order"

Watch the trailer below.

https://youtu.be/yxhGgg6Ny1w

Richard Miles spent 15 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. Listen as he describes what happened that night he was minding his own business and was arrested for crimes that happened somewhere else.

Richard Miles runs Miles of Freedom. If you or someone you know need assistance please visit their website. He was also CNN Top Ten Hero of the Year nominee for 2019.

milesoffreedom.org

Background Check Radio is all about helping people with a past realize their future and have success, no matter what their background check reads.

We all make mistakes, some more than others (that's me), but we can all change and rise above our past. But in the process of bouncing back, there are obstacles in our way and the biggest one is the background check. Whether it's buying a home, working in a ministry, employment, renting an apartment, background checks are a part of our lives now.

On the podcast I will give tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to navigate life with mark on your background. We will interview CEO's who run felon friendly businesses and have second chance programs. We will interview people who have successfully reentered society and are doing great. Wrongfully convicted people have a great story to tell and we'll hear from them as well. Parole lawyers, School Superintendents, Bankers, Reentry Programs, prison support programs, and much more.

Please subscribe, rate, and leave a review if this podcast has touched you in some way.

If you want to know more about Forgiven Felons please visit our website and follow us on social media.

forgivenfelons.org/about

If you have a loved one in prison who needs a transitional house to parole to, please visit our house page on the website.

forgivenfelons.org/transitional-house

Follow us on social media.

facebook.com/forgivenfelon

instagram.com/forgivenfelons

twitter.com/forgivenfelon

youtube.com/forgivenfelon

If you’d like to email us:

jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

Call our office:

972-748-3101

If you’d like to book Jay Dan on your show please email.

If you’d like to set up a viewing of our documentary at your church or venue please email us.

Forgiven Felons Documentary Trailer

https://youtu.be/p5SQ4zHdZic

Background Check Radio is all about helping people with a past realize their future and have success, no matter what their background check reads.

We all make mistakes, some more than others (that's me), but we can all change and rise above our past. But in the process of bouncing back, there are obstacles in our way and the biggest one is the background check. Whether it's buying a home, working in a ministry, employment, renting an apartment, background checks are a part of our lives now.

On the podcast I will give tips, tricks, suggestions, on how to navigate life with mark on your background. We will interview CEO's who run felon friendly businesses and have second chance programs. We will interview people who have successfully reentered society and are doing great. Wrongfully convicted people have a great story to tell and we'll hear from them as well. Parole lawyers, School Superintendents, Bankers, Reentry Programs, prison support programs, and much more.

A new episode will air each Friday at noon.

If you want to know more about Forgiven Felons please visit our website and follow us on social media.

forgivenfelons.org/about

If you have a loved one in prison who needs a transitional house to parole to, please visit our house page on the website.

forgivenfelons.org/transitional-house

Follow us on social media.

facebook.com/forgivenfelon

instagram.com/forgivenfelons

twitter.com/forgivenfelon

youtube.com/forgivenfelon

If you’d like to email us:

jaydangumm@forgivenfelons.org

Call our office:

972-748-3101

If you’d like to book Jay Dan on your show please email.

If you’d like to set up a viewing of our documentary at your church or venue please email us.

Forgiven Felons Documentary Trailer

https://youtu.be/p5SQ4zHdZic