Handcuffed to Freedom: Recent Episodes
Nathaniel Mckowen
Starting a new life after prison can be difficult; the challenges can seem insurmountable. Whether it's finding a job, a place to live, figuring out how to be in a relationship, or breaking down those mental and emotional walls we built to survive in there, it can feel overwhelming. The odds are not in our favor.
Handcuffed to Freedom aims to help people not only overcome those challenges, but create lives full of rich relationships, meaningful pursuits and purpose. We create resources for people who have been released from prison, their family members, and anyone who believes in second chances. It's what to expect, practical advice, motivation, inspiration and hope for the future. This is not your run-of-the-mill 'state sponsored' reentry resource. This is created by people who have been through experience, overcome the challenges and found success. Now we want to pass on what we learned.
"Shame and guilt force us to push people away and isolate, vulnerability begs for us to connect."Â
Thanks to Grace Gamez for the wisdom and summing up the problem with those four simple words, "hurt people hurt people."
And Erec Toso, the legend himself, thanks for spending your Saturdays with us knuckleheads.
Go buy his book and read all about it.đ
Night Bloom
*Recorded from a live talk for Creative Mornings Tucson
CMTucson
Letâs face it: finding a place to rent when you have a felony record is difficult understatement and often discouraging.
Here are a few tips to help you navigate the process and find a place that you can call home.
- Be upfront about your past
- Write a letter explaining situation
- Talk to someone before submitting rental application
- If possible speak to the homeowner, and if not then speak to the property manager.
- Avoid HOAâs (because they suck)
- Save up 3 months of rent
- Reach out to your network
____________________________________________________________
Check out the H2F Youtube Channel: Handcuffed to Freedom
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support the work we do, you can at https://www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hcft2Frdm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuffed2freedom
Some advise on how to support your loved one as they build a meaningful and fulfilling life after prison.
- Give them some space to adjust.
- Understand their mindset by LISTENING.
- Have an honest conversation about the past.
- Support them in supporting themselves.
- Set boundaries. ____________________________________________________________
Check out the H2F Youtube Channel: Handcuffed to Freedom Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com If youâd like to support us, you can at https://www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hcft2Frdm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuffed2freedom
John Fabricius and I discuss the impact that disenfranchisement laws have on people with a felony conviction and how his fight to change those law has given him purpose after prison.
ATAC: www.aztracco.com
ATAC Info: info@aztracco.com
AFSCAZ: www.afscarizona.org
ACLU: www.acluaz.org
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Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
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Leah Farrington was released from Perryville prison January 27, 2019. Since being released she enrolled in the Paralegal Studies Program at Yavapai College. In 2020 she was chosen as the face of Yavapai College, was chosen as Paralegal Student of the Year, and was awarded the Presidentâs Award for Academic Excellence carrying a 4.0 GPA since enrolling. She will be graduating in May with honors and is enrolled at ASU starting in May for a bachelorâs degree in Justice Studies. Leah spends much of her time volunteering with the ACLU Smart Justice campaign and is a Smart Justice Leader and Super Volunteer with the organization. She also volunteers with Puente Human Rights Movement. Leah is a Mama, a wife, a sister, an aunt, a student, an employee, a friend, and a feminist.
leahannfarrington@gmail.com
https://www.smartjusticeaz.org/
http://www.puenteaz.org/
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Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Facebook. Instagram.
Zach Stout is a first-generation college graduate. After being incarcerated for 2.5 years, he overcame the numerous structural barriers in place for those impacted by the legal system, to receive his BA in Economics, Philosophy, and PPEL (summa cum laude). Currently, he is in the first year of a dual masterâs program: Master of Public Policy, and Master of Legal Studies (concentration Law and Economics). Mr. Stout is an advocate for criminal justice reform and is especially passionate about expanding access to higher education for those who are incarcerated. His advocacy has led him to push for change at the local, state, and national level. Upon completion of his graduate degrees, Zach plans to attend law school, earning his Juris Doctorate and continuing the fight for real reform.
He tells us some practical steps you can take to pursue a higher education despite having a criminal history.
Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Apply to the P2P scholar program for free!
https://www.fromprisoncellstophd.org/program.html
Zach's Email: zstout@email.arizona.edu
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If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Facebook. Instagram.
Erec Toso directed prison writing workshops for ten years. He has taught writing at the University of Arizona for 25 years. His memoir, Zero at the Bone: Re-Writing Life After a Snakebite was published by the University of Arizona Press in 2007. He has published essays, poetry, and fiction in The Sun -- A Magazine of Ideas, Northern Lights, and other literary journals.
He is currently working on a book about the prison writing workshops and restoring a hundred-year-old house in central Tucson.
Creative writing stats (for the left-brained people)
Contact Erec at netoso@email.arizona.edu
Night Bloom: Composing Humanity in a Prison Writing Workshop
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After serving 20 years in prison Manny now serves as a Reentry Manager in Pima Countyâs Behavioral Health Unit. He uses his experience to help others navigate the challenges of re entering society after Incarceration and helps assure that community members with criminal justice experience have a voice in the countyâs justice reform efforts. Â
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Some news and how to make your dreams come true with a dry erase board.
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As someone who has just returned home from prison getting a job is not always easy. These two resources can give employers an incentive to hire you.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit
Federal Bonding
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If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
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Do you wake up and check your phone first thing?Â
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
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Steve Scharboneau shares his inspiring tale of how he found fulfilment in his life by following his dreams, despite everyone telling him it wasn't possible.
Steve was incarcerated just days after his eighteenth birthday. Following the pain of the 2008 economic recession, with absolutely no educational background, he decided he wanted to become an attorney. Just last week, the Arizona Supreme Court gave him the stamp of approval to get started practicing law. From getting his G.E.D. in prison to becoming a lawyer, his journey has had many challenges. These challenges led to his work as an advocate for reforms to Arizonaâs criminal justice system, including a bill he spearheaded (that became law last year in AZ) that prevents predatory companies from making money off of people's mugshots.
Contact Steve at SteveVPC@gmail.com
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Facebook. Instagram.
The adaptation to imprisonment is almost always difficult and, at times, creates habits of thinking and acting that can be dysfunctional in periods of post-prison adjustment (Haney).
Whether you're welcoming home a loved one from prison, or you just got out yourself, understanding the psychological effects of incarceration is the first step to overcoming the damaging effects. It's the first step to building the life of your dream.
handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Facebook.  Instagram.
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Guest host Rafael Batain talks about ways to overcome fear. What fear is stopping you from go after your dreams?
14 ways to conquer fear
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If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
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In this hyperconnected world, full of distractions, its so hard to find time to just 'be.' By focusing on chewing your food when you eat you not only will eat less, but you are also practicing mindfulness, a meditation technique that can improve all aspects of your life.
Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
A solo episode where I share my journey from addiction to recovery through 8 1/2 long years of a drug filled prison experience. This one is for anyone who struggles with addiction. Your not alone. Recovery is possible. An amazing future is ahead of you.
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
When it feels like we don't have control of our circumstances, one thing we do have control of is ourselves. To change your circumstance, change yourself.
âWe are what we repeatedly do; excellence then is not an act, but a habit!â - Aristotle Â
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
In 2017, Ms. Nordlie wrote a memoir titled âPower to Heal My Whole Self,â which was listed as an Amazon Best Seller. It fearlessly examines the trauma she experienced traversing the foster care system and how she took healing into her own hands to become a stronger, healthier person. Her work centers around helping others find healing in their lives. That's why she created the workbook, âProvoking Courage, Finding Strength in Vulnerability,â as well as an online course. She helps guide those who have struggled, toward deeper understanding and healing, and leads individuals through the same systematic approach she used in her life. Sheâs done work with drug and alcohol treatment as well as bringing these insights to those who have been incarcerated.
Power to Heal My Whole Self (Memoir)
Provoking Courage: Finding Strength In Vulnerability (Workbook)
Contact Wanda at wnordlie@gmail.com
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
In these days of polarized viewpoints, changing someone's mind is less important than understanding their humanity. If we can find our shared humanity, then we can begin to have discussions that matter.
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
Less two years ago Brandon Anderson and I were in prison. Today, we are both business owners who make a living doing what we love, on our own terms.
If you youâve ever thought about starting your own business this is the episode for you.
Brandon is founder of Nine Line Media - A digital marketing agency based in Tucson, Arizona that is focused in helping small local businesses grow and scale their business. He shares how he was able to go from being low paid employee to a business owner with the power to shape his own future.
Brandon shares his journey how after the second time in prison he decided to try things differently and how that led to becoming a business owner.
We talk about the power of YouTube, and the business potential of your phone.
We talk about side hustles, flipping books on amazon, and building up capital in unconventional (yet legal) ways.
We talk about turning old habits into good habits, and what you can do today to get started.
Resources
https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/
Getting capital
SBA Loans
Government Grants
Crowdfunding
Kickstarter
Go Fund Me
IndieGoGo
Freelancing
Guru.com
Upwork.com
Fiver.com
BOOK
$100 Startup
If your day has started off on the wrong foot, here's a quick hack to get it back on track.
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
This week I talk to Joe Watson who draws on the 10 years he spent in prison to fuel his passion to change a broken system. He works to amplify the voices of directly impacted people so that they can lead that fight. He's also a prison abolitionist. If you hear the words 'prison abolition' and youâre thinking, âGet rid of prisons? Thatâs crazy.â Youâre not alone. I felt that way myself the first time I heard the idea. But we discuss how prison abolition not about destroying the prisons and letting anarchy rule, but rather working toward a world where we donât need prisons, a world where we invest in treatment rather than incarceration, a world where we bring people in rather than push them away.
We talk about creative writing programs in prison and their power to change lives. Joe talks about the Free Time Writers Workshop that he teaches at the U of A.
https://poetry.arizona.edu/calendar/online-free-time-building-community-incarcerated-writers-1
A link to Nateâs memoir read by Jeffrey Toobin:
The Setting Sun
We talk about the importance of centering directly impacted people in the fight for reform, and why your story matters.
We talk about prison abolition and what a world without prisons could look like (hint: no Molotov cocktails).
We talk about they importance of calling people in.
If your interested in the Free Time Writer's Workshop you can reach Joe at heyjoewatson@arizona.edu
If your looking to get involved in advocacy and want to use your experience to lead the fight for criminal justice reform check out afscarizona.org
Contact us at handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
If youâd like to support us, you can at www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our Youtube where we have more resources at Handcuffed to Freedom
What are you thinking?
As fleeting as our thoughts can be it's easy to forget that they are the foundation of our character. Today I invite you to observe your thoughts. Are they healthy, empowering thoughts? Or are they demotivating, negative thoughts that strip you of your power?
Watch your thoughts, they become your words; watch your words, they become your actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become your character; watch your character, it becomes your destiny. -Lao Tzu
This week we talk to the Emmy Award Winning Danny Howe. No, seriously, he won an Emmy for the story of how his rough childhood led him to prison, and how he turned it around to become an influential and respected voice of our community.
As owner of the Earnest House LLC, we talk about halfway houses and getting your own place to live.
We talk about building credit.
-Youtube video on it: Building your credit after prison
We talk about advocating for yourself.
We talk about how to get your rights restored.
-Dannyâs YouTube video on getting your rights restored:
https://youtu.be/Yy3kFToDPBE
----Forms needed----
Links to form you'll need (for Arizona) -- https://www.azcourts.gov/selfservice c...
For forms in another state, look on your court's website.
https://www.ncsc.org/Information-and-...
I ask him, do you need family support to succeed?
We talk about the power of hustle and starting a side business during Covid.
Dannyâs Emmy Award winning story:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=89G3BQyW24o
Contact him at theearnesthouse@yahoo.com
Contact us at: handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
Take Klaraâs challenge and support us at: https://www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Our YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZfuIRZqYfwX4ZVF-_NR8nA
A short bite-sized nugget of goodness to take into your week.
What can you do when trust is broken? Here's a practical way to repair that relationship.
If you want to check out the StoryBrand podcast and the episode I reference, you can find it here:
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-799vh-9648362
Have a great week!
Rafael spent 19 years in prison, starting at age 14, and today he is a business owner, community organizer, youth mentor, criminal justice advocate, founder of Tucsonâs IF project, and has even been invited to the White House for his work. The craziest part? He accomplished all this in FIVE years! He got out of prison only five years ago.
As he shares his journey of growing up in prison, trying to find his identity, and âkilling himselfâ to survive, it gets raw. âThereâs no way a logical, thinking mind can go into prison and come out sane.â He got out at 24, a grown âmanâ, and without the right help and resources he ended up reoffending. His turning point came during his second prison sentence when he found âRafâ again.
Our talk covers resources that are available to people getting out, advice for family members welcoming home a loved one (throw that Sundae on the floor!), and the importance of staying âhungryâ and surrounding yourself with people who inspire you.
Some great quotes from the episode:
âSame way I was fearless for the wrong things is same way Iâm fearless for the right things.â
âYou have to know who you are.â
Itâs not âwhat can the community give to us.â Itâs âwhat can we add.â
Reach us at: handcuffed2freedom@gmail.com
Support our work at: https://www.patreon.com/handcuffedtofreedom
Check out our YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZfuIRZqYfwX4ZVF-_NR8nA