In this special bonus episode of 17 Winters, I step off the mic and into a chair — as a Live Book in the Ingham County Human Library.

Just like traditional libraries offer mystery, memoir, or poetry, this space offers living, breathing stories — told by real people who’ve walked through real chapters. At Voices of Ingham, no story is too heavy, too complex, or too raw to be heard. Each “book” is a human being. And today, I’m honored to share a chapter from my own book: the path that led me to incarceration… and what came after.

 Sit.  Listen.  Understand.

Whether you’re new to 17 Winters or have been with me through it all, I invite you to pull up, tune in, and step into a moment of empathy. Because in this library, judgment is left at the door — and connection is the takeaway.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of 17 Winters, I sit down with Marcus Miller — a Lansing native whose journey from the streets to success is nothing short of remarkable.

Marcus shares his story of growing up in Lansing during the crack era, his early involvement in the drug trade, and the painful consequences that led to him serving 12 years in prison. Now a respected real estate agent at a prestigious firm, Marcus opens up about the lessons he learned, the hardships he endured, and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild his life.

One of the most moving parts of this conversation is when Marcus opens his "Book of Life" — a notebook filled with journal entries he wrote while incarcerated. We read one of those raw and reflective passages on air.

This is more than a story of redemption — it’s a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of owning your narrative.

 Don’t miss this unforgettable episode.
 Real stories. Real lessons. Real Lansing.

 Real stories. Real lessons. Real Lansing.

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In Episode 29 of 17 Winters, Brother Mike X sits down with Brother David X (Bates), a formerly incarcerated man who returned home in 1999 and has since lived a life rooted in purpose, faith, and transformation. A dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, Brother David shares his powerful story of transitioning back into society, building a professional life grounded in discipline and service, and staying committed to his growth.

We reflect on our early connection and interactions before prison, how those moments shaped our perspectives, and how his unwavering commitment to change opened doors for both personal and professional development. This episode is a deep and honest conversation between two brothers who understand the cost of the past and the value of redemption.

Stay tuned—this is just part one. Brother David X will return soon for a deeper dive into his work, wisdom, and walk. Don’t miss it.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brother Malachi Muhammad, a deeply rooted voice of transformation, truth, and liberation. We trace his incredible journey—from navigating the complex relationship between the Nation of Islam and the Melanics, to joining the Nation of Islam and our shared commitment to the fight for justice and freedom for Brother Dyson X.

Brother Malaci opens up about the moment he discovered the identity of his father, the impact of that knowledge, and how it shaped his sense of self during and after his time behind the wall. After serving 29 years as a juvenile lifer in Michigan, he walks us through the realities of reentry, radical faith, and resilient hope.

We dive deep into:

• The abolition of the carceral system
• The culture shift in prison over three decades
• The rise in gang population and what that shift meant on the inside
• The question: "Can you truly get better in prison?"
• And I ask the layered, sometimes polarizing question: "Can a woman raise a man?"

This is not just a conversation—it's a window into survival, belief, and the pursuit of purpose beyond the cage.

Tap in. Reflect. Share.

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In this raw and reflective episode, I reconnect with Joei Jordan, calling in from behind the walls, for a powerful follow-up to his first appearance on the podcast. The last time we spoke, Joei was serving life without parole (LWOP)—sentenced at just 20 years old. Today, his future looks dramatically different.

On April 1, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking decision in People v. Poole, extending resentencing protections retroactively to those like Joei. With additional rulings in People v. Taylor and People v. Czarnecki, the Court affirmed that 19- and 20-year-olds deserve the same individualized sentencing considerations as 18-year-olds under the Michigan Constitution.

Joei walks us through:

• The recent Supreme Court decision that changed everything
• What it means for his case—and hundreds of others like him
• The resentencing process and what comes next
• The complex emotions of hope, guilt, and readiness
• His belief that he still owes a debt to society
• And the hard question I pose:
      “Are you ready to come out and be successful, or just tired of being in prison?”

We also reflect on what "rehabilitation" really means, and what it takes to transform a life behind bars into one of purpose beyond them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in justice, redemption, and the real human stories behind systemic change.

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“Time is the most valuable asset in life…”

 In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Calloway, who served 9 years in MDOC. Ethan shares his firsthand experience with the challenges of prison programming, the gaps in rehabilitation, and how these issues impact reentry.

But this conversation is also personal—Ethan had a front-row seat to my transformation while we were both inside. He shares his perspective on witnessing my change and how it shaped his own outlook on life after incarceration.

Now back home, Ethan opens up about his first steps post-release, the struggles of reintegration, and the unexpected obstacles he's facing. From navigating a changed world to redefining his purpose, this episode is a raw and honest look at the realities of coming home.

Tune in for a deep, personal, and powerful conversation about friendship, growth, and the road to redemption.

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“Everything that happened had to happen that way to make me who I am…”

In this episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we delve deep into the life of Steven X Jones, a man whose journey through the tumultuous landscape of crime and redemption offers profound insights into the human experience. Serving 12 years for armed robbery, Steven is not just a statistic; he is one of the most intelligent individuals I encountered during my time behind bars. 

Steven shares his story of growing up with a father figure who was a provider that shaped his early years, yet still found himself going down a path of poor choices. We explore the complexities of familial relationships and the impact they have on one's identity and decisions. After his release, Steven faced the heartbreaking reality of losing his father, a loss that has left an indelible mark on his quest for purpose and redemption.

We examine the struggles of reintegration into society, the search for meaning beyond prison walls, and the resilience required to overcome personal demons. Steven's journey is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the hope for a better future, reminding us that even in the darkest times, there is a path to healing and understanding. Tune in for an unforgettable episode that challenges perceptions and highlights the strength of the human spirit.

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"Breaking the cycle of incarceration.”

In this eye-opening episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we meet Hakim Crampton, a resilient individual who spent 15 years in the Milwaukee prison system for a crime he did not commit. Now, nearly two decades after his release, Hakim shares his incredible journey of survival, struggle, and triumph, all while navigating the complexities of life on parole.

Hakim’s story sheds light on the harsh realities of inter-generational incarceration, highlighting how systemic issues impact families and communities. After being wrongfully convicted, he was eventually granted early release under the stipulation of remaining on parole for the remainder of his sentence. Despite these challenges, Hakim has emerged not just as a survivor but as a prolific author, having published nine books that articulate his experiences and insights gained from years behind bars.

Listeners will hear about his time spent in a private prison, where he focused on building programs aimed at rehabilitation and education, not only for himself but for fellow inmates as well. His dedication to changing the narrative around incarceration and advocating for justice reform is inspiring.

Hakim's story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for truth and redemption. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges perceptions and inspires change.

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In this powerful episode of The 17 Winters Podcast, I kick it with Chamar Avery, who shares his harrowing journey from being sentenced to 20-50 years for a murder he didn’t commit to his exoneration after serving 8 years behind bars. Chamar opens up about the struggles he faced during his time in prison and the fight for justice that ultimately led to his freedom.

We delve into his remarkable transition from convicted murderer to completely exonerated individual, exploring the challenges of reintegrating into society and redefining his identity. Chamar’s story doesn’t end with his release; he has since made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, starring in films like "Buffed Up" and "211," as well as the hit series "McGraw Ave."

Join us for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, redemption, and the power of storytelling, as Chamar inspires us with his incredible journey from darkness to a bright future in Hollywood. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for truth and justice. Don’t miss it!

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In this thought-provoking episode, Sidney and I engage in a compelling discussion as we explore the complexities of the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution. This episode delves into the nuances of justice, freedom, and the implications of incarceration.

One of the key questions we tackle is whether PTSD is considered real or respected if it is self-inflicted—specifically, when individuals commit crimes, place themselves in prison, and are ultimately responsible for navigating their own trauma. Sidney shares insights and personal perspectives on this sensitive topic, prompting a deeper examination of accountability and mental health within the criminal justice system.

Join us for a candid conversation that challenges conventional views and encourages listeners to reflect on the intersection of personal responsibility and the mental health challenges faced by those impacted by incarceration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of trauma, justice, and the human experience.

There will be multiple entries on this topic so this is part 1. To be continued…

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