"I was just a kid trying to survive, and they called me a murderer."

In this unforgettable episode of Vulnerability Muscle, host Reggie D. Ford sits down with Ashlee Sellars, a powerhouse advocate for restorative justice whose life journey defies everything you thought you knew about crime, punishment, and healing. At just 17 years old, Ashlee was sentenced to 25 years in prison under Tennessee’s felony murder law—despite never pulling a trigger. But this isn’t just a story about incarceration. It’s about survival. It's about trauma, accountability, and ultimately, transformation.

Ashlee shares a jaw-dropping account of how the criminal legal system failed her at every turn, how she discovered the power of restorative justice through a life-altering meeting with her victim’s parents, and how she now leads community healing efforts at the Raphah Institute. With raw vulnerability and unapologetic truth, she challenges us to redefine what justice really means—and who deserves redemption.

Key Takeaways / Social Highlights:

• “Incarceration is not accountability. It’s removal from the conversation.”
• “Some of the worst behaviors in our communities come from the most beautiful intentions—like trying to protect our families.”
• “I was never given a chance to speak my truth. So now, I create space for others to speak theirs.”

Call to Action:
You won't hear a story like this anywhere else. Listen now to understand why true justice means more than punishment—and why vulnerability just might be the most powerful force for change. Share this episode, leave a review, and flex your own Vulnerability Muscle.

Contact Info:
Guest: Ashlee Sellars
🔗 Website: https://www.raphah.org/
📱 Social: @RaphahInstitute on all platforms

Host: Reggie D. Ford
🌐 Website: https://reggiedford.com
📱 Social: @reggiedford on all platforms