This podcast episode hosted by Omar Calvillo features Ricky Irby, who shares his transformative journey from growing up in Waukegan, Illinois to experiencing wrongful conviction and eventual redemption. Convicted for the death of his child due to a mishap with tainted formula, Ricky served 35 years of an 80-year sentence. Despite his wrongful incarceration, he found faith, overcame his drug addiction, and learned forgiveness. His spiritual transformation led him to a path of service within the prison community and beyond, becoming involved with the Legacy Reentry Foundation after his release in March of 2024. Ricky's story is one of hope, strength, faith, and resilience, turning his life from anger and addiction to one of peace and purpose.

https://www.lockuptolegacy.org/

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In this compelling episode host Omar Calvillo introduces Dionne Garcia, who narrates her journey from growing up amidst gang violence in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the 80's & 90's, to her eventual redemption years later. Dionne details her early involvement in gangs, teenage pregnancy, significant role in drug dealing, and dramatic arrest by U.S. Marshals, leading to her fugitive life in Mexico with her children. Despite the challenges of reinventing her life abroad and the eventual capture and extradition to the United States, Dionne’s faith grew stronger. She describes a moment of lack and frustration in prison which eventually led her to founding a ministry called 'Cheerful Givers,' which supported new inmates with a care package, and her role in various other spiritual activities. After her release, she faced the complexities of reuniting with her children and adapting to life post-incarceration while continuing to build a spiritual community. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer and an invitation to embrace faith in the only One who can save and for personal transformation in the lives of those she loves.

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EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! This is the first interview that David Ayala and Jimmy Soto have done together since they were exonerated and released from prison back in December of 2023. They share their experiences with wrongful imprisonment, personal growth, and the transformation they have undergone since their release. They reflect on the importance of forgiveness and change. They also emphasize the need for community support, positive role models, and the role of the church in rehabilitation. They share their aspirations and bucket lists, including traveling, parachuting, and enjoying simple pleasures like decorating a Christmas tree. The discussion highlights the trauma of incarceration, the challenges of reintegration, and the importance of mentoring to help others avoid the same fate. They also touch on the impact of gentrification, cultural pride, and the necessity of peaceful celebrations. This concludes with insights on the significance of hospitality, gratitude, and a closing prayer for positive change and family prosperity.

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On December 14, 2023 Jimmy Soto and his cousin David Ayala were released from Stateville Correctional Center after a forty-two-year-long fight to prove their innocence. At the time of his release, Soto was the longest-serving wrongfully convicted prisoner in Illinois history. A Cook County judge vacated Soto’s sentence, stating that neither he nor Ayala received adequate counsel during the initial trial.  Jimmy gives a detailed explanation of all the legal issues that were wrong with this case from the beginning and how it shouldn't have taken forty-two years to prove their innocence. Soto was convicted in 1981 after prosecutors said he committed a double murder of a young couple.  Soto was convicted despite there being no eyewitnesses and no physical evidence tying him to the crime. 
On this podcast Jimmy shares how life was growing up on the southside of Chicago. In a strong family oriented household were love and support for one another was a staple. He was always fond of learning, education and this helped him even during his time of incarceration. He ends up getting a job in the law library and begins studying the law for himself. He gains a reputation of being what some call a "jail house lawyer", but he prefers the term "prisoner advocate who fights for human rights." While incarcerated he helps many men get new trials, sentence reductions and some even get exonerated with his legal help. While he is helping others find freedom, he begins to fall into despair on why he can't help himself find the freedom he know he deserves and truly desires. He gets a letter in the mail one day from an unknown person, with a story that emphasizes that "God is always right, and always on time." Tune in to hear the rest of this amazing story and hope, faith and resilience. 

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This podcast episode shares the powerful stories of Mark Corbett and Steve Watt. Mark and Steve recount their journey from a tragic shooting during a bank robbery attempt to an extraordinary tale of forgiveness and redemption. Mark who was deep in debt and seeing no way out decides to rob a  bank one day. The call goes out and Steve, who is a highway patrolman responds to the call and begins to look for the suspects vehicle. This is eventually puts them on a collision course that ends with both men being shot by one another. Mark, who had shot Steve, spent 40 years in prison, during which Steve forgave him and even advocated for his release. Mark embraced Christianity after having served twenty two years in prison and found profound freedom through faith and community support. The conversation highlights themes of transformation, the impact of forgiveness, and their upcoming film project, concluding with reflections on the vital importance of forgiving others.

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In this podcast, Omar Calvillo from Chicago hosts Anthony Consiglio, Senior Director of Operations for 'God Behind Bars,' an organization dedicated to introducing inmates to Jesus and connecting them to the local church. Anthony shares his personal journey from a promising baseball career that was derailed due to injury, leading to a period of substance abuse and reckless behavior, to finding redemption and purpose through faith in Christ. They discuss 'God Behind Bars,' which operates in 22 states through 68 in-person campuses and a revolutionary app, Pando, reaching millions of inmates annually. The conversation highlights powerful testimonies, family reunification events, and the impact of the ministry on incarcerated individuals and their families. They conclude with a prayer for inmates and a call for support through donations and volunteering.

https://www.godbehindbars.com/

https://www.godbehindbars.com/pando-app

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In this compelling podcast, host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Daniel Rivera, who narrates his profound journey from gang involvement in Chicago and Gary, Indiana, to redemption and ministry. After a tragic incident leading to incarceration, Rivera encountered faith in Christ through a fellow inmate, which became the turning point in his life. At this point he had been incarcerated nine years already and had established himself at the top of his gangs leadership. He was torn as to what to do as he knew that God wanted him to walk away from this lifestyle. One scripture in particular would prove to be what gave him the faith, confidence and courage to step away from his gang life and it was Proverbs 16:7 which says, "When a man’s ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him". His faith guided him through prison, work release, and reconnecting with his family, eventually leading him to establish his own business and delve into ministry. Pastor Rivera now dedicates his life to helping former inmates and those battling addiction, underscoring themes of struggle, transformation, and the empowering pursuit of purpose through faith.

https://www.restorationhousegary.com/

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Join host Omar Calvillo in this inspiring podcast episode featuring Louis Dooley. Once entrenched in the hardships of drug dealing, crime and violence, Louis shares his incredible life transformation through faith and perseverance. As a young man he gets arrested and sentenced to life in prison plus a hundred years. Right when he feels that his life is over is just the moment when he truly begins to live. Listen to Louis share about his childhood upbringing, the hardships of being bi-racial, the loss of his father at a young age, and the defining moments which changed the trajectory of his life forever.
He is now the executive director of Philemon House, a non-profit aiding formerly incarcerated youth. They have created a supportive community for young individuals post-prison. Discover the challenges and triumphs of Philemon House and the powerful testimonies that highlight the power of God's love and God's grace. Learn how you can support their mission and make a difference.

https://philemonhouse.org/

https://www.facebook.com/louis.dooley.33

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=philemon%20house

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In this podcast episode Jacob Ekelman from Phoenix, Arizona, shares his remarkable journey from a life of addiction and rebellion to redemption through faith. Raised in a Mormon household, Jacob's struggles led him to getting locked up, to a rehab center, playing bass in a various rock bands, then a HIV diagnosis triggered a profound spiritual awakening. Right when it seemed that everything in his life was falling apart, it was actually coming together. He is now a devoted servant of Yeshua and the president of the Christian motorcycle club, Deacons MC, which focuses on spreading the gospel and community service. Jacob and Omar also discuss their shared mission in ministry and the importance of trusting God's plans. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt prayer and Jacob offering his contact information for those seeking connection. The episode is a testament to the transformative power of faith, encouraging viewers to never give up on themselves or God.

https://www.facebook.com/jacob.ekelman

https://www.facebook.com/groups/800280470922959

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In this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, guest Pastor Frank Robles joins from Phoenix, Arizona, to share his journey from the gang-infested streets of South Phoenix to founding a successful men's discipleship program. Pastor Robles discusses his upbringing in a tough neighborhood, his early church involvement, and his descent into drugs and gang life following a disappointing church experience and divorce. He recounts finding faith again, entering ministry, and eventually serving at 'City of Refuge,' a program aiding men recovering from addiction and incarceration. Through various success stories, Pastor Robles highlights the transformative power of faith, hope, and resilience in overcoming life's darkest moments.

https://www.facebook.com/Cityofrefuge8/

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrefugeaz

https://www.revolutionaz.com/

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