In this powerfully moving episode of Beyond the Bars, host Josh sits down with Alfonso Gilbert, Chief Education Officer at Men of Valor, to uncover one of the most compelling stories of transformation and hope you’ll hear all year. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in prison ministry, overcoming trauma, and the life-changing power of redemption and recovery.

🔑 What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Alfonso’s harrowing upbringing in a cartel-affiliated family near the Mexican border, his immersion in gangs and drugs, and the deep trauma that shaped his early years.
• The powerful moment that turned his life around—an unexpected invitation to church that led to a profound encounter with faith.
• How Alfonso went from homelessness and gang involvement to earning advanced degrees in theology and leading life-changing ministries for men leaving prison.
• The real challenges of reentry, healing from childhood trauma, and why true recovery demands both faith and professional support like therapy and behavioral health.
• The mission and impact of Men of Valor, a pioneering organization equipping formerly incarcerated men with the resources and community they need for lasting transformation.
• Actionable advice for anyone looking to make a difference in the lives of those affected by incarceration, addiction, and generational trauma.

Why You Should Listen:
This episode isn’t just another story—it’s living proof that hope and a new future are possible, no matter how dire the circumstances. Whether you work in corrections, ministry, behavioral health, or simply want to understand the intersection of trauma, redemption, and social impact, Alfonso’s journey will inspire you.


Sponsored by Freedom Behavioral Health
Learn more about correctional healthcare solutions at freedom-bh.com

Have questions or want to get involved?
Email Josh at [email protected].

Your support fuels these powerful stories—help us spread hope!

#PrisonMinistry #Redemption #TraumaRecovery #FaithBased #CriminalJusticeReform #Inspiration #Hope

In this inspiring episode of Beyond the Bars, host Josh Young sits down with Dr. Gordon, Deputy Director at Kershaw County Jail in South Carolina, to uncover the powerful intersection of ministry, corrections, and transformation. Journey with Dr. Gordon as he recounts his path from the church pews of St. Petersburg, Florida to the forefront of correctional leadership. Discover how an early calling to ministry shaped his compassionate approach to inmate rehabilitation, and how his belief in treating corrections like a “mission field” is driving real change behind the walls.

Listen as Dr. Gordon shares moments of hope and redemption—stories of inmates who found faith and purpose during incarceration, and how corrections staff can bridge security with care. Explore why bringing a counselor’s heart and a servant’s mindset is essential for evolving corrections from punitive to therapeutic, and learn about the innovative, continuity-of-care programs Dr. Gordon and his team are championing for successful reentry and lasting transformation.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about criminal justice reform, faith-driven leadership, and the transformative potential inside our nation’s jails. Sponsored by Freedom Behavioral Health. 

For more information, visit Freedom-bh.com.

Timestamps to Key Moments:

[00:00:03] – The dual role of care and security in corrections
[00:00:40] – Meet Dr. Jermaine Gordon: From St. Petersburg to corrections leadership
[00:01:22] – Fifteen years in Florida DOC: Lessons from both men’s and women’s prisons
[00:03:37] – How a career in corrections began with a “mistaken identity”
[00:05:26] – Early years in ministry and the call to help others
[00:08:24] – Understanding the “tug” of a calling to ministry
[00:09:43] – Merging faith, ministry, and correctional work
[00:12:28] – Real stories of inmate transformation through care and faith
[00:14:13] – Why incarceration leads people to reflect, change, and seek higher purpose
[00:16:01] – The need for merging therapeutic and correctional approaches
[00:18:18] – Shifting from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?”
[00:20:19] – Advice for new corrections professionals: The importance of wanting to help
[00:21:45] – Building a continuum of care at Kershaw County Jail
[00:24:15] – Ministry inside and outside the jail walls
[00:25:16] – Closing remarks and a powerful final prayer

For more information and to join the conversation, visit freedom-bh.com.

In this compelling episode of Beyond the Bars, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Dr. Bill Dennis, a former Navy lieutenant and now Chief Medical Officer at Advanced Correctional Healthcare. Discover how Dr. Dennis transitioned from a military career, where he was thrust into high-stakes medical planning for war, to finding his true calling in correctional medicine. Listen as he shares his transformative journey from atheism to Christianity, spurred by a pivotal church service in Montana, and how this newfound faith reignited his passion for medicine. Dr. Dennis opens up about his struggles with PTSD, stemming from years in emergency medicine, and how he found solace and purpose in serving the underserved inmate population. This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances, offering listeners a unique perspective on the intersection of healthcare, spirituality, and correctional reform. Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Dennis's story and learn how his work is making a profound impact on the lives of those often forgotten by society. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the transformative power of hope and healing beyond the bars. For more insights and to join the conversation, visit us at www.freedom-bh.com.

In this episode of "Beyond the Bars," hosted by Josh Young, Director Crayman Harvey shares his journey and insights into the criminal justice system. Harvey discusses his challenging upbringing, marked by his mother's substance abuse, and how it shaped his career in corrections. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of criminality, particularly substance abuse and mental health issues. Harvey advocates for a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation and therapy, arguing that many inmates are victims of their circumstances. The episode highlights the need for a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to incarceration

In this episode of "Beyond the Bars," Dr. Jillian Bresnahan, Vice President of Medical Operations at Advanced Correctional Healthcare, shares her journey into correctional medicine. Facilitated by host Josh Young, Dr. Bresnahan discusses her initial apprehensions, the transformative experience of meeting her first patient, and the unique challenges and rewards of providing medical care in jails. She emphasizes the importance of compassion, the need for comprehensive care, and addresses misconceptions about correctional healthcare. Dr. Bresnahan's dedication to improving community health and reducing recidivism underscores her commitment to this often-overlooked field.

In this episode of "Beyond the Bars," hosted by Josh Young, we hear from Rob Shermer, a mental health professional at the Jackson County Detention Center. Rob shares his journey from Springfield, Missouri, where he started as a nurse assistant, to becoming a mental health expert specializing in addiction and trauma. He discusses his personal struggles with addiction and how a life-changing car accident led him to pursue a career in criminology and mental health. Rob talks about the challenges and rewards of working in the correctional system and his goals for expanding mental health services for inmates.

Join us in episode two of "Beyond the Bars" as host Josh Young dives into a profound conversation with Cody Richards. This episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of correctional facilities as de facto mental health institutions. Cody, bringing his unique perspective and experiences, discusses the complexities and challenges faced by individuals in these settings. Tune in to uncover the truths about mental health care behind bars, and explore the stories of resilience and reform from the front lines.

Welcome to the first episode of "Beyond the Bars," hosted by Josh Young. In this premiere, producer Stewart White interviews Josh to delve into the mission of the podcast — highlighting transformation, hope, and aid within the correctional healthcare system. Explore the inspirational stories and the people driving change behind bars, setting the stage for a series dedicated to unveiling the profound impacts of healthcare initiatives in correctional facilities.