“Prison saved me from me…”

In this episode of I sat down with entrepreneur and visionary, Vonte X, the founder and driving force behind Legalize the Hustle. Vonte opens up about his early struggles, including the challenges he faced when returning home and the business missteps that shaped his journey. 

Vonte shares his experiences running up credit and the crucial lessons he learned about leveraging funds wisely. He discusses the transformative power of belief, both in himself and from those around him, as he navigates the complex landscape of rebuilding his life.

We also discuss the challenges of securing housing as a felon, revealing the surprising insight that buying a home can sometimes be easier than getting someone to lease to you.

Join us as Vonte reflects on the true brotherhood he found behind bars in The Nation of Islam and the immense value of peer-to-peer programming in fostering growth and resilience. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community in overcoming adversity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages listeners to embrace their journeys and rise above their circumstances.

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“Best moments I had in prison…”

In part 2 Nick walked us through his transition into leadership, his relationship with a Corrections Officer, almost catching a new case right before parole and what’s missing in reentry… 

This hour is just as important as the first so make sure to tune in!!!

These episodes are dedicated to the memory of Brother Joseph X (Nelson) aka BFN from North Penn🫡

Sponsored by Consumers Credit Unionhttps://www.consumerscu.org/ NCUA accredited 

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From mentee to mentor…

In this 2 part episode I sat down with the formerly incarcerated Co-Executive Director of Michigan Liberation a statewide network of people and organizations organizing to end the criminalization of Black families and communities of color in Michigan. 

We covered his work, his passion, Nation of Islam in prison, healing, building power through organizing and more!!! So much more I couldn’t fit it into 1 hour, we went in!!!

Enjoy this episode and make sure to check out Part 2 dropping Monday February 10 @6AM

These episodes are dedicated to the memory of Brother Joseph X (Nelson) aka BFN from North Penn🫡

Sponsored by Consumers Credit Union https://www.consumerscu.org/ NCUA accredited 

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“Find YOU in every struggle”

In the follow-up episode, the dialogue deepens as Joei and I explore what productivity means for someone serving a life sentence. We discuss critical legislation impacting him and thousands of others in Michigan, including the Second Look and Productivity Credits initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-directed rehabilitation, the value of peer-led programs within prison, and I introduce the innovative concept of “full term programming.” Together, they reflect on the challenges and opportunities for personal growth in an environment often seen as limiting, providing a powerful perspective on resilience and hope. 

Book, The Big Wonderful Train of Thought on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/6v7Zfin

EP, The Average Show on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-average-show-ep/1792099259

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“I’m not dying in here…”

In this compelling episode, Joei and I delve into the complexities of serving a LIFE sentence without the possibility of parole as an “aider and abettor.” The conversation explores Joei’s journey of finding purpose in his life while fighting for it back, grappling with themes of empathy versus accountability. We discuss his sense of debt to society and the victims affected by his past. Joei shares his efforts to affect change from within, highlighting his work as an author and rapper. The episode concludes with a hint of more profound discussions to come, setting the stage for Part 2.

Book, The Big Wonderful Train of Thought on Amazon:

https://a.co/d/6v7Zfin

EP, The Average Show on Apple Music:

https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-average-show-ep/1792099259

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"A woman should ride regardless..."

Episode 15 was dope, we recorded it on my birthday weekend, my 10th birthday out of prison. This episode was a full circle moment for me in that Benton Harbor is where I caught my case at and it's also the hometown that Zapp represents for...

We spent over an hour kicking it about some of everything; "Old" Benton Harbor, the "Yellow Board" mural of deaths and missing persons that he grew up seeing, and growing up in a city of less than 10,000 that was once classified as Michigan's murder capital, and the origination of the name "Zapp" and where the "El' Zappo" came from. Of course we delved into his time in prison, losing people while incarcerated, mental health, and my favorite subject, MUSIC, how he released a project to JPay while inside! Like I said, a dope episode!!!

Link to song(s):

"Too Far" https://music.apple.com/us/album/too-far/1441737083?i=1441737089

"Like they said" https://music.apple.com/us/album/like-they-said/1770440801?i=1770440803

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“Difficult conversations are the way change is made” Adam Grant

WARNING!!! THIS EPISODE HAS SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES, THERE'S AN ECHO THAT I COULD NOT GET CLEARED UP IN POST-PRODUCTION. I FELT THAT THE CONTENT OF THE CONVERSATION WAS SO VALUABLE THAT I COULDN'T SCRAP THE INTERVIEW. I WILL FOLLOW UP WITH ADAM AT A DIFFERENT TIME FOR A PART 2.

PLEASE, BEAR WITH ME AND LISTEN INTENTIONALLY... 

27 straight years  served for a bank robbery he committed at the age of 22, Lansing native and reentry activist, Adam Grant sat down with me and dug deep into his story. From committing his first robbery at age 12, what led to his criminal career, and the history of the #SheltonBoys gang, the family name. We discussed his time inside; being the "white boy from Lansing", solitary confinement, gangs, and rape. As well as 40 years of incarceration including jail, probation, parole, and nearly 30 years in Michigan Department of Corrections.
We even spent a few minutes reminiscing about the "good ol' days" of prison back when "prison was prison".  

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This episode was fun!!! Me and the guys got together and had a funny conversation about relationships in prison, trust issues, pen pals, and some of everything else. The importance of visits and family connection, and I pose a question; Is there value in “holding it down” (visits, calls, money, etc.)?

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Perserverance is the word for this interview. Convicted of murder at the age of 16, serving nearly 20 years in prison, this brother's dedication to higher education has been his roadmap to successful reentry. In my first over the phone interview, I get deep with my guy Mario discussing mental health, trauma, and the challenges of reentering society after serving a long sentence. If you're looking for the motivation to GO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! This episode is the one to start your year off with.

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On this episode I sat down with my nephew Amonte (18 years old) and Dawgy Bone (25 years old). We discussed the lack of leadership in the community, women taking charge, and what the men coming home from prison can/should be doing to build the community, ALL sparked from a Facebook post that Dawgy Bone made stating that "there are no men as examples for our youth"...

It's a short, but impactful conversation, check it out!!!

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