Earning Freedom with Michael Santos

Kenyatta Leal overcame a life sentence. He grew up around gangs and crime. As a young man, he was convicted for armed robbery. While serving a five-year sentence, he earned his GED but didn't do much to change his life. After less than four years in prison, authorities released him. When Kenyatta returned to society, he resumed the same type of behavior that led him to prison the first time. He was only free for five months. Then, an officer pulled his car over. As a consequence of Kenyatta's criminal record, the officer searched Kenyatta's car. The search revealed a firearm and an arrest followed. Although Kenyatta thought he would be proceeded through the system for violating a condition of release, he faced new charges. After a conviction, the judge sentenced Keyatta to a term of 25 years to life in prison. In this first of two episodes, Kenyatta reveals how he transformed his life.

Antonio Hernandez grew up in a crime-infested area of New York. He sold drugs and became a member of the Latin Kings street gang before he was a teenager. In time, he built a name for himself within the gang as King Tone. As a consequence of his actions, he served decades in prison, always in high-security. While serving time in special housing units, he transformed his life. Now he contributes to society in positive ways, speaking in schools and prisons to help reform gang members into productive citizens.

Dan went to prison for convictions related to pharmaceutical drugs. He served a 42-month sentence. As a consequence of his participation in a drug-treatment program, the Bureau of Prisons released him 12 months early. He is now in a federal halfway house and he shares his story. You can read more about Dan by visiting his website at RDAPDan.com

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I've been recording an audio version of Success After Prison. Today I made a mistake and recorded one episode on audio, but not the video. So I had to redo the episode. Rather than throw away the audio, I decided to publish it as a draft. Let me know if the presentation works for you.

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In January I returned to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The warden of the United States Penitentiary in Atwater invited me. My purpose in going was to speak with the men about the Earning Freedom Mastermind Course. I'm really excited to announce that the men at USP Atwater will receive the Earning Freedom Mastermind Course, and also a library of Earning Freedom Mastermind episodes. I recorded those episodes to show people in prison how their behavior in prison would relate directly to their prospects for success upon release.

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Andres Lopez grew up in a rough part of Chicago. He described it as being filled with gangs and violence and crime. When he was a young boy, his brother was murdered in a gang-related incident. Rather than shying away from such behavior, Andres participated. He went to juvenile hall. Then he went to prison.

While incarcerated, Andres made a commitment to transform his life. He said the first step was to earn his GED. Then he enrolled in a correspondence program to earn a paralegal certificate. He developed writing and typing skills. And he learned how to avoid interactions with prisoners who fed into the negativity. Instead, Andres focused on success.

In today's podcast, Andres describes how his adjustment in prison resulted in his success upon release.

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Glen Smith sold more than $50 million worth of real estate in 2015. He is the most successful sales professional for the company that sponsors Earning Freedom. I asked Glen to share the strategy he used to develop strong skills as a sales professional. He said that he continues to develop his sales skills by learning from leaders like Ryan Stewman, the Hardcore Closer. Ironically, I featured Ryan on the previous episode.

I will use this episode as a resource to teach people in prison how they can develop skills that will translate into success upon release. But anyone can learn from a man who has closed more than $50 million in sales!

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Ryan Stewman emerged from prison to build multi-million dollar businesses. How did he do it? He lived a life of discipline and integrity. His work ethic reflected a commitment to be the best in the world at what he does. On today’s Earning Freedom podcast, we learn from a true mastermind of overcoming struggle and adversity. Ryan reveals techniques he used to become the Hardcore Closer.

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Ryan Stewman made bad decisions as a young man. He went to prison on two separate occasions. While inside, however, Ryan developed his skillset and prepared himself to emerge successfully. Exceptional communication skills resulted in Ryan becoming a leader in every venture he pursued. He became a leader working in carwashes, in mortgage banking, in sales, and in real estate. Today is an entrepreneur, earning millions through training and technology programs he offers. If you’re interested in sales, check out TheHardcoreCloser.com or like his Facebook page.

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Jeff Smith's Episode on Earning Freedom

Today's episode features Jeff Smith, a former senator from the state of Missouri's legislature. He talks about decisions that led him to prison and about his initial adjustment. While working in a food warehouse the federal prison camp in Manchester, Kentucky, Jeff took steps to document his journey. After overcoming some challenges upon release to enter the job market, Jeff persuaded a university to hire him. He now teaches students about government and the prison system. He also published a book with St. Martin's Press that is called Mr. Smith Goes to Prison.

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