Welcome Ben Free listeners to a wonderful episode of Ben interviewing an  amazing person  that loves music we have Lotto. Take a listen into how love of music, family and life have shaped him into creating music for the world. 

They told them they had LIFE, and they were never coming home. Now they are home through overturned convictions and survived sentences. Recently coming home himself after 18 years in prison, Benjamin Frandsen leads us on weekly interviews through the emotions, thoughts and processes of those who have survived their heavy handed sentences. When Benjamin Frandsen was only ten months old, his mother would sit him up on the kitchen counter so she could chat with him, not in baby-talk lexicon but rather like a small university colleague. After witnessing this phenomenon one day, her friend exclaimed, “Why do you talk to that baby like he’s Winston Churchill?” “Because,” she fired back, “if I wanted him to saying nothing but woodjy-goodgy- gaga all the time, I’d talk to him like that. I want him to use his words!” And use them he did. At the age of ten, he delighted her with a homemade book of his original poetry. Basking in the light of her proud face, he felt as if the course of his life were being set, like tumblers in a lock clicking into place. He knew then what he wanted to be when he grew up—a wordsmith. Since then, he’s written environmental impact report, copywriting for Barbie™, and a professional contract screenplay. His publications have included several editorials, flash-fiction and essay pieces in Columbia University’s exCHANGE magazine, poetry in Iconoclast, and memoir excerpts through the Vera Institute of Justice. He has won prizes and honorariums for screenplays, websodes, poetry, and essays through PEN America and has been published in their annual anthologies for three years running. Last year his essay earned him PEN’s prestigious L’Engle-Rahman Prize for Mentorship, and this year he is launching his career in professional public speaking, writing and developing scripts forThe Coin studio, and hosting his own show called the Ben Free podcast. Recently, his close friend cautioned him, “You can’t just do everything!” Ben simply grinned and said, “Watch me.”

Welcome Ben Free listeners to a wonderful episode of Ben interviewing an  amazing person  that loves music we have Pofsky. Take a listen into how love of music, magazines and film can take someone on a beautiful music journey. 

They told them they had LIFE, and they were never coming home. Now they are home through overturned convictions and survived sentences. Recently coming home himself after 18 years in prison, Benjamin Frandsen leads us on weekly interviews through the emotions, thoughts and processes of those who have survived their heavy handed sentences. When Benjamin Frandsen was only ten months old, his mother would sit him up on the kitchen counter so she could chat with him, not in baby-talk lexicon but rather like a small university colleague. After witnessing this phenomenon one day, her friend exclaimed, “Why do you talk to that baby like he’s Winston Churchill?” “Because,” she fired back, “if I wanted him to saying nothing but woodjy-goodgy- gaga all the time, I’d talk to him like that. I want him to use his words!” And use them he did. At the age of ten, he delighted her with a homemade book of his original poetry. Basking in the light of her proud face, he felt as if the course of his life were being set, like tumblers in a lock clicking into place. He knew then what he wanted to be when he grew up—a wordsmith. Since then, he’s written environmental impact report, copywriting for Barbie™, and a professional contract screenplay. His publications have included several editorials, flash-fiction and essay pieces in Columbia University’s exCHANGE magazine, poetry in Iconoclast, and memoir excerpts through the Vera Institute of Justice. He has won prizes and honorariums for screenplays, websodes, poetry, and essays through PEN America and has been published in their annual anthologies for three years running. Last year his essay earned him PEN’s prestigious L’Engle-Rahman Prize for Mentorship, and this year he is launching his career in professional public speaking, writing and developing scripts forThe Coin studio, and hosting his own show called the Ben Free podcast. Recently, his close friend cautioned him, “You can’t just do everything!” Ben simply grinned and said, “Watch me.”

Welcome Ben Free listeners to an wonderful episode of Ben interviewing an amazing person that loves music we have Regi Levi. Take a listen into how love of music create a dope sound and the things they discover in this delightful interview, come and take a listen.


hey told them they had LIFE, and they were never coming home. Now they are home through overturned convictions and survived sentences. Recently coming home himself after 18 years in prison, Benjamin Frandsen leads us on weekly interviews through the emotions, thoughts and processes of those who have survived their heavy handed sentences. When Benjamin Frandsen was only ten months old, his mother would sit him up on the kitchen counter so she could chat with him, not in baby-talk lexicon but rather like a small university colleague. After witnessing this phenomenon one day, her friend exclaimed, “Why do you talk to that baby like he’s Winston Churchill?” “Because,” she fired back, “if I wanted him to saying nothing but woodjy-goodgy- gaga all the time, I’d talk to him like that. I want him to use his words!” And use them he did. At the age of ten, he delighted her with a homemade book of his original poetry. Basking in the light of her proud face, he felt as if the course of his life were being set, like tumblers in a lock clicking into place. He knew then what he wanted to be when he grew up—a wordsmith. Since then, he’s written environmental impact report, copywriting for Barbie™, and a professional contract screenplay. His publications have included several editorials, flash-fiction and essay pieces in Columbia University’s exCHANGE magazine, poetry in Iconoclast, and memoir excerpts through the Vera Institute of Justice. He has won prizes and honorariums for screenplays, websodes, poetry, and essays through PEN America and has been published in their annual anthologies for three years running. Last year his essay earned him PEN’s prestigious L’Engle-Rahman Prize for Mentorship, and this year he is launching his career in professional public speaking, writing and developing scripts forThe Coin studio, and hosting his own show called the Ben Free podcast. Recently, his close friend cautioned him, “You can’t just do everything!” Ben simply grinned and said, “Watch me.”

Welcome Ben Free listeners to a wonderful episode of Ben interviewing an  amazing person  that loves music we have J Tim. Take a listen into how love of music create beautiful moments and creativity in anything and everything. So come take a listen.

They told them they had LIFE, and they were never coming home. Now they are home through overturned convictions and survived sentences. Recently coming home himself after 18 years in prison, Benjamin Frandsen leads us on weekly interviews through the emotions, thoughts and processes of those who have survived their heavy handed sentences. When Benjamin Frandsen was only ten months old, his mother would sit him up on the kitchen counter so she could chat with him, not in baby-talk lexicon but rather like a small university colleague. After witnessing this phenomenon one day, her friend exclaimed, “Why do you talk to that baby like he’s Winston Churchill?” “Because,” she fired back, “if I wanted him to saying nothing but woodjy-goodgy- gaga all the time, I’d talk to him like that. I want him to use his words!” And use them he did. At the age of ten, he delighted her with a homemade book of his original poetry. Basking in the light of her proud face, he felt as if the course of his life were being set, like tumblers in a lock clicking into place. He knew then what he wanted to be when he grew up—a wordsmith. Since then, he’s written environmental impact report, copywriting for Barbie™, and a professional contract screenplay. His publications have included several editorials, flash-fiction and essay pieces in Columbia University’s exCHANGE magazine, poetry in Iconoclast, and memoir excerpts through the Vera Institute of Justice. He has won prizes and honorariums for screenplays, websodes, poetry, and essays through PEN America and has been published in their annual anthologies for three years running. Last year his essay earned him PEN’s prestigious L’Engle-Rahman Prize for Mentorship, and this year he is launching his career in professional public speaking, writing and developing scripts forThe Coin studio, and hosting his own show called the Ben Free podcast. Recently, his close friend cautioned him, “You can’t just do everything!” Ben simply grinned and said, “Watch me.”

Welcome Ben Free listeners to an wonderful episode of Ben interviewing two amazing people that love music we have young Ford and Amy. Take a listen into how their love of music can get them through tough times and find the silver lining in life. 


They told them they had LIFE, and they were never coming home. Now they are home through overturned convictions and survived sentences. Recently coming home himself after 18 years in prison, Benjamin Frandsen leads us on weekly interviews through the emotions, thoughts and processes of those who have survived their heavy handed sentences. When Benjamin Frandsen was only ten months old, his mother would sit him up on the kitchen counter so she could chat with him, not in baby-talk lexicon but rather like a small university colleague. After witnessing this phenomenon one day, her friend exclaimed, “Why do you talk to that baby like he’s Winston Churchill?” “Because,” she fired back, “if I wanted him to saying nothing but woodjy-goodgy- gaga all the time, I’d talk to him like that. I want him to use his words!” And use them he did. At the age of ten, he delighted her with a homemade book of his original poetry. Basking in the light of her proud face, he felt as if the course of his life were being set, like tumblers in a lock clicking into place. He knew then what he wanted to be when he grew up—a wordsmith. Since then, he’s written environmental impact report, copywriting for Barbie™, and a professional contract screenplay. His publications have included several editorials, flash-fiction and essay pieces in Columbia University’s exCHANGE magazine, poetry in Iconoclast, and memoir excerpts through the Vera Institute of Justice. He has won prizes and honorariums for screenplays, websodes, poetry, and essays through PEN America and has been published in their annual anthologies for three years running. Last year his essay earned him PEN’s prestigious L’Engle-Rahman Prize for Mentorship, and this year he is launching his career in professional public speaking, writing and developing scripts forThe Coin studio, and hosting his own show called the Ben Free podcast. Recently, his close friend cautioned him, “You can’t just do everything!” Ben simply grinned and said, “Watch me.”

18 years after being imprisoned and a drawn-out legal battle of unjust factual debacles, Benjamin Frandsen continues his firsthand true-crime drama account. He beat the same life sentence 5 times!

Season 2 is packed with recounts of never-before-heard highlights of nearly two decades of incarceration and his new successes as a free man. Since his physical release in December 2021, Ben has been sharing with quality guests about the patience and the doubt, the due diligence, the fear, and the profound faith needed to abstain from violence without becoming its victim.  This fall, 2022.  Model inmate turned 2022 UCLA student, Ben is an award-winning writer, public speaker, content creator, and 2nd-chance model citizen.

These inspiring accounts will captivate the mind and free the spirit, inspiring hope in those battling on behalf of the wrongfully accused and for those of us who will appreciate a new understanding of what is meant by true freedom. Notwithstanding a heavy dose of true-crime drama surrounding real victims, these podcasts will transport you from seemingly hopeless to hope-filled and set free.

Now let me introduce you to one amazing human beings to bless us with their presence...

With his unique flow and sound, Garren is one of the most exciting and promising artists to emerge within the R&B space. Nominated for three Grammys, he possesses an extensive music catalog including highly acclaimed collaborations with Nas, Kendrick Lamar, Nipsey Hussle, and J. Cole.
On this episode of Ben Free, Ben discusses Garren’s popular song, “Wrong Way,” (over 4 million streams) and how it was inspired by growing up with a father who was incarcerated for most of Garren’s youth. Tune in as Garren gives a titillating live performance of “Wrong Way” and his new song “Save Me.”

18 years after being imprisoned and a drawn-out legal battle of unjust factual debacles, Benjamin Frandsen continues his firsthand true-crime drama account. He beat the same life sentence 5 times!

Season 2 is packed with recounts of never-before-heard highlights of nearly two decades of incarceration and his new successes as a free man. Since his physical release in December 2021, Ben has been sharing with quality guests about the patience and the doubt, the due diligence, the fear, and the profound faith needed to abstain from violence without becoming its victim.  This fall, 2022.  Model inmate turned 2022 UCLA student, Ben is an award-winning writer, public speaker, content creator, and 2nd-chance model citizen.

These inspiring accounts will captivate the mind and free the spirit, inspiring hope in those battling on behalf of the wrongfully accused and for those of us who will appreciate a new understanding of what is meant by true freedom. Notwithstanding a heavy dose of true-crime drama surrounding real victims, these podcasts will transport you from seemingly hopeless to hope-filled and set free.

Now let me introduce you to one amazing human beings to bless us with their presence.... 

Aaron "Showtime" Taylor
After spending 26 years inside CDCR, I came home to a big splash in October 2020. Behind the scenes, away from the bright lights, it’s been a consistent struggle to balance my public and private life. However I was prepared in part by programs within that taught me how to manage my emotions. This has been the key to my current success.


Elevated Entertainment CEO Kai Angelina

My uncle, Aaron Showtime Taylor, came home in October 2020 after spending 26yrs inside of CDCR. We created Elevated Entertainment in December 2020 as the vehicle to drive the brand. One of the first things my uncle did was make me the Chief Executive Officer because he said he wanted a Black Woman to run this company. My responsibility as the CEO has also given me a deeper respect for what it means to be a Black woman in a room that was designed for White men, and I stand in that space with the full confidence and capital that Elevated Entertainment has earned. As CEO, I’m also a single mom; a sister, an aunt; I’m also a student, still learning lessons and still learning how to apply the knowledge wisdom and understanding that life has gifted (and burdened) me with so far. I’m also a spiritual being, living a physical existence, and seeking the light that emits from within each of us…

18 years after being imprisoned and a drawn-out legal battle of unjust factual debacles, Benjamin Frandsen continues his firsthand true-crime drama account. He beat the same life sentence 5 times!

Season 2 is packed with recounts of never-before-heard highlights of nearly two decades of incarceration and his new successes as a free man.

Since his physical release in December 2021, Ben has been sharing with quality guests about the patience and the doubt, the due diligence, the fear, and the profound faith needed to abstain from violence without becoming its victim.  This fall, 2022.  Model inmate turned 2022 UCLA student, Ben is an award-winning writer, public speaker, content creator, and 2nd-chance model citizen.

These inspiring accounts will captivate the mind and free the spirit, inspiring hope in those battling on behalf of the wrongfully accused and for those of us who will appreciate a new understanding of what is meant by true freedom.

Notwithstanding a heavy dose of true-crime drama surrounding real victims, these podcasts will transport you from seemingly hopeless to hope-filled and set free.

Our first guest to start off the new season we have James DeBacco author of acclaimed book Bridges to Freedom.  James spent decades in prison for murder, but used that time to recreate himself. After finally being granted parole from his life sentence, he now holds a BA in social work major at USC. He is a case manager and advocate helping parolees recently released. This week Ben walks him through his story of change from a lost killer to an enriched of lives. 

From the day the FBI arrested him in 2003 and told him the government was seeking the death penalty, Benjamin Frandsen labored fiercely for his release. His case was overturned twice on appeal (his third trial will likely be overturned again this year), and he was found suitable for parole three times in a row.  Five separate times he beat LIFE in California.  After 18 years fighting a sentence that began as Life Without the Possibility of Parole, the Parole Board finally released him on December 10, 2021

As Ben closes out his first season he decides to go big and invite Project Rebound for a discussion about life, hustling, drugs, and everything else in between. 

Ben brings on three special guests from Cal State Long Beach’s “Project Rebound,” a group
dedicated to helping the formerly incarcerated apply to and navigate college. What makes
Project Rebound special is that the reason the staff all understand the difficulties of being in the prison-to-college pipeline is that everyone who works there was once behind bars themself.

Senior Staff Coordinator Irene Sotello was once using her skills to sell drugs in the streets, but she learned that she could transform her hustle into something beautiful by bringing others into the light of education. Sara Rodriguez went from spending too much time in a county jail to graduating from UCLA and using her skillset to help those who were once behind bars. Robert Ortiz-Archila came home from the battle-torn Middle East only to become a homeless veteran without direction. But he found his purpose in college, in learning, and in guiding others toward higher education. The four talk turkey about some things that ex-cons know that the average Jane or Joe does not.

   From the day the FBI arrested him in 2003 and told him the government was seeking the death penalty, Benjamin Frandsen labored fiercely for his release. His case was overturned twice on appeal (his third trial will likely be overturned again this year), and he was found suitable for parole three times in a row.  Five separate times he beat LIFE in California.  After 18 years fighting a sentence that began as Life Without the Possibility of Parole, the Parole Board finally released him on December 10, 2021



 Caits Meissner—poet, author, and New York Director of PEN America’s Prison Writing Program discusses her work that has stretched behind the walls and has brought Ben’s writing to the page and to the stage.

    Patrick O’Neil—acclaimed writer and author of Gun, Needle, Spoon, Patrick discusses his evolution from prison inmate to LA PEN writing mentor.