Episode 26: "Modern day Robin Hood"

Jason Wheeler, (A fresh) 47

San Bernardino, Ca

Green River, Ut

Denver, Co

It all started with a missed flight and a lost wallet that brought me to meet the the professional gambler Jason Wheeler.

 On an unexpected cross-country bus journey. What began as small talk between strangers quickly revealed an extraordinary connection—both of us were traveling to  Los Angeles to visit our sisters, and go with them to watch Kendrick Lamar & SZA perform.

 This chance meeting blossoms into a compelling two-part conversation spanning Utah to Denver, where Jason unveils his remarkable life story.

From his early days in Indianapolis' tough Haughville neighborhood, Jason reveals how he launched his first hustle in fourth grade. By seventh grade, he'd graduated to selling marijuana in Catholic school, leading to his first arrest. 

Though basketball scholarships offered legitimate opportunities, Jason candidly admits, "I'm going to school for all the wrong reasons... I'm more about the hustle." While attending four different colleges and playing alongside future NBA stars, Jason continued building his enterprise.

After finding success as a mortgage broker until Obama-era regulations changed the industry, Jason entered what he calls the "scam game"  operation that generated $10-15K daily.

At 40, Jason served his first prison sentence during COVID, where entrepreneurship continued with a lucrative K2 smuggling operation. 

Now at 47, he's transformed his life with over 40 Airbnb properties and a powerful perspective: "I'm grateful for all the mishaps that I've had in my life. It kind of made me the person that I am."

The whole situation was an example of “everything happens for a reason.” Even if it was extremely stressful in the moments prior, I ended up making a friend and capturing a conversation with an authentic raw spirit of a human

Can’t wait to finish up the part 3 of the podcast when I link with him in Fl or Atl. But either way, I’m glad to have met you Jason, thank you for your time and your generosity. And thanks for keeping it a buck. 💯 

Shout out to Quality Control Music. 

https://www.instagram.com/jason.wheeler.297?igsh=a3A4bjAzMmlmdHdj

H.w.h.p. - Bringing authentic conversations that reveal the extraordinary journeys of people walking among us everyday.

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#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 14: "Peace at the Hayloft"
Charmion Harris, 49 (looks like 29)
Chapman, KS


Impulsivity? Or listening to the heart?
Most likely both, how this Podcast came to be.
- As I look back at this moment.

An intense feeling that I cannot explain comes to me. 

Overwhelmed?  No, that can't be it.

A capturing of a moment of darkness & confusion, that you could only see on the inside.  #Dontgiveup

You will appreciate what you fought through

What does it mean to call a place "home" when you've moved 27 times? That's the question we explore with Charmion Harris, whose life story is a testament to resilience and adaptability.

 Raised on a horse ranch, Charmion learned the values of overcoming adversity early on, skills that would prove invaluable through her dynamic journey in the military and beyond. 

She shares powerful insights into the importance of forging relationships based on shared energies and how these connections have guided her through life's many trials.

Traveling across the globe from Uganda to Europe, She gathered stories and experiences that underscore the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. 

This episode captures the essence of storytelling, not just as a means of preserving memories but as a catalyst for personal growth and inspiration for others. We discuss her ventures with the Peace Corps and the significance of traditions, such as yoga.

In a world brimming with distractions, finding purpose and fostering empathy are more crucial than ever. 

We spoke of self-love, the influence of family support, and how the unforeseen connections that often propel us forward. Are crucial for the soul (my words)
 
Join us as we uncover the wisdom found in unexpected places and the courage required to navigate life's ever-changing landscape.

THANK YOU,

Charmion & Mike
For being so kind to me and my babies.
The biggest hearts <3




** Filmed during a hard chapter

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#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

My Pre-Interview Process

A day before—sometimes the day of—the podcast, I carve out several hours to sit with my guest in complete intimacy. No cameras, no microphones, just my notebook and two humans sharing a space. With nothing but curiosity and a pen, I guide my guest through their story, capturing the raw details that will become our roadmap. We explore the emotional landscape, identify the moments that changed everything, and uncover the universal truths hidden within their personal journey.

Some of the most profound conversations of my life have emerged from these sessions. There's something sacred about this process to me—the trust a human places in me to handle their story with care, the vulnerability required to excavate painful memories, the honor of witnessing someone's truth unfold in real time.

I'm endlessly grateful for the souls that let me capture their stories.

 Decade-Long Fight for Freedom

What happens when the system designed to protect us becomes the very thing that destroys us?

Thomas Egbert was 21 years old—a certified mechanic with no criminal history and everything to live for—when he was sentenced to 20 years for a crime he didn't commit. While the actual shooter walked away with a six-year plea deal and surving three. Thomas found himself facing two decades in maximum security hell.

For seven brutal years, he navigated the razor's edge of a level-four prison yard. Racial riots. Daily violence. The systematic stripping away of hope. All while his young children grew up without their father.

But Thomas refused to surrender.

In the darkest corners of that concrete tomb, he found unlikely mentors—lifers who pointed him toward the prison law library with words that would change everything: "Nobody's going to get you out of here but yourself."

For years, Thomas became his own lawyer, studying case law by day and dodging violence by night. Appeal after appeal, motion after motion, until finally—after serving over ten years for someone else's crime—his conviction was overturned.

But perhaps the most remarkable twist was yet to come. While Thomas fought for his freedom, his first love discovered his name while working as a child support enforcement officer. She wrote. She waited. She believed. Today, they're building the life that was stolen from them.

Have you ever wondered how someone survives losing everything unjustly and still finds the strength to rebuild? 

Listen to this raw, unflinching journey through our broken justice system—and proof that even in our darkest moments, hope can find a way to survive.

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

What happens when your entire life is ripped away by a justice system that fails you? Tom's story offers a raw look at resilience in the face of catastrophic injustice.

At just 21 years old, Tom watched his promising career as a lead auto technician crumble when he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for a crime committed by someone else. Despite the shooter receiving only a six-year sentence (and serving just three), Tom faced the devastating reality that his life as he knew it was over. Knowing he was innocent, Tom made the difficult decision to fight his case. This is his story.. 

Behind prison walls, Tom navigated a brutal environment defined by racial segregation, violence, and a complete absence of rehabilitation. Yet in this darkness, he found unexpected mentorship from an Aryan Brotherhood member with legal expertise who gave him crucial advice: "Ain't nobody going to get you out of this shit but you." Taking this to heart, Tom taught himself the law, filing appeals and motions while working for mere cents per hour in the prison kitchen.

The story takes a remarkable turn when Tom's childhood sweetheart discovers him through a letter crossing her desk at the child support enforcement office. After reading his case transcripts and recognizing the miscarriage of justice, she stands by him throughout his remaining sentence, becoming his anchor to the outside world.

Tom's mechanical genius — becomes his salvation. From rebuilding a 1967 Camaro as a youth to his current work restoring vehicles and equipment, Tom's ability to fix broken things serves as both livelihood and metaphor for his own life journey.

Now rebuilding his life day by day, Tom faces the ongoing challenge of employment discrimination due to his record, while fighting for stability and trying to create a meaningful future with his wife—whose family has disowned her for choosing to be with him. This is that for real love.<3

Have you ever considered how easily your life could be derailed by a flawed system? Listen to Tom's powerful testimony of perseverance, and discover what it truly means to rebuild a life from the ground up.

There was a moment in the conversation, when Tom is explaining what was going through his young fragile mind. When sitting in his cell waiting and preparing for violence to erupt as soon as his cell door opens. 

I had chills running through me, as I listened to this story of a young man doing what had to be done in order to survive the next years of his adult life.

After the conversation, Tom said to me. 

“Rj.. I just want to let you know, I used to be involved in a different life that I am not apart of anymore. I was institutionalized at a young age, I saw and did things I never thought I

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 25: "From the $hadows With Love"

Quie

Los Angeles, CA

What defines real success in the music industry? Quie Francis joins me from the Velvet Room in Los Angeles to share his remarkable journey from New Orleans to becoming an independent artist carving his own path.

Quie opens up about his childhood in Louisiana, where gunshots were a nightly soundtrack. With a Trinidadian mother who instilled entrepreneurial values and a father who played drums alongside James Brown, music has  always been in his blood. When Hurricane Katrina forced his family to relocate, it became the first step in a series of life-changing moves that would eventually lead him to Los Angeles.

The conversation takes us through pivotal moments that shaped Quie's perspective – from sleeping in his Wrangler after driving cross-country to chase his dreams, to studio sessions with A$AP Ferg, to the recent release of his EP "From The Shadows With Love." He shares how mentorship in the industry taught him to observe and learn, while also navigating the darker aspects of the business with integrity.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Quie's philosophy on personal growth. "If a fish is in a small bowl, it doesn't know about the ocean," he explains, emphasizing how travel and new experiences have expanded his worldview and created opportunities. His insights on authenticity, mental health, and defining success on his own terms will resonate with anyone pursuing their passion.

Go check my bro out for sure.

https://www.instagram.com/quiefrancis

https://music.apple.com/us/album/from-the-shadows-with-love/1811443284

https://open.spotify.com/album/1CgcjU4Wv9ufzKUbw0SiMl?si=jkey9DesRMuF8sPgl7KO4Q

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 24: "Wordly things"

Loddie, 29

Atlanta, Ga

In this conversation with Loddie, we explore the winding path that led him from aspiring photographer to Atlanta's up-and-coming custom grill maker.

He takes us through the pivotal moments that shaped his journey – from spending his last $400 on a Canon camera, which he used during his filming with Lil Baby.

The conversation dives deep into the cultural contrasts Loddie experienced growing up between Atlanta's predominantly Black communities and being "the only two Black kids in school" in Frisco, Texas. These experiences didn't just shape his worldview; they equipped him with the versatility to connect with people from all backgrounds – a skill that's proven invaluable throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

What stands out most is Loddie's powerful perspective on personal growth. From learning critical lessons through his brothers' life choices to embracing spiritual practices that transformed his approach to business and relationships, his evolution represents the beautiful intersection of craft, mindfulness, and authenticity. When he shares, "If you let yourself get caught up in worldly things, you won't escape the Matrix," you can feel the wisdom earned through genuine experience.
 (Words that I will truly never forget, and will come back to)

This episode is about recognizing opportunity in everyday encounters, finding purpose through craft, and the remarkable growth that happens when you remain open to life's unexpected paths.

 Whether you're an aspiring creative, entrepreneur, or simply someone navigating your own path, Loddie's journey offers valuable insights on adaptability, authenticity, and the courage to follow your unique vision.

Shout out to my new homie Loddie!

https://www.instagram.com/yungloddie/

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 22: “Redemption comes in many forms”

Chris Langer, 42

Glendive, MT

(Video episode)

https://youtu.be/B0ZWRhYLkeo?si=jrGP__CHD6kC-frd

Have you ever wondered if someone can truly recover after decades of trauma, addiction, and incarceration? Chris Langer's powerful story proves that transformation is not only possible—it's within reach for anyone willing to do the work.

At just four years old, Chris experienced unimaginable trauma—being chained in bathrooms when his mother was gone and locked in sheds as punishment. These early experiences shaped a life trajectory that would include approximately 15 years behind bars, beginning when he was just eight years old for running away from home. Rather than questioning why a child would choose to brave the freezing Minnesota winter rather than stay home, the system labeled him with oppositional defiant disorder, setting in motion a cycle that would define decades of his life.

Through raw and unflinching conversation, Chris reveals how childhood trauma created protective mechanisms that both saved and sabotaged him. Patterns he maintained until recent years. The substances that once helped him survive eventually became the very things destroying every aspect of his life.

The turning point came through profound loss—the death of his infant daughter. As Chris describes it, "My rock bottom has a basement." Yet from these depths emerged a determination to build something different.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Chris's practical wisdom about recovery. After nearly ten years actively pursuing healing through various modalities including EMDR therapy and medication-assisted treatment, he shares specific strategies that have helped him maintain three years of sobriety and build a stable life with a loving partner, reconnection with family, and even grandchildren.

For anyone struggling with trauma, addiction, or mental health challenges, this conversation offers both hope and practical guidance. As Chris says, "Just keep walking, no matter what... If you're not doing something to recover, you're doing something to stay sick." 

His story proves that it's never too late to begin again.

Thank you to Chris & Sam for being such wonderful guests and humans <3

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

As Season 3 begins with Christopher Langer's interview following this introduction, I'm excited to share plans for upcoming episodes, a documentary project in development, and travels that will bring new voices and perspectives to the show. Join me on this journey of authentic human connection as we continue hanging with humans who remind us we're never truly alone.

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 22: "Hughston, we have No Problems"

Hughston Heen, 9

The Bakken, ND

Full video episode: https://youtu.be/l8k2Tb5kb6M?si=_clGmaO266JFQTq1

Nine-year-old Houston shares insights on his life growing up on a ranch, his hobbies, and family dynamics before turning the tables to interview host RJ Ferreira in this heartwarming conversation.

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.

Episode 20: “Melancholy melodies”
Sam Ames, 37
Glendive, Mt

(Recorded: 12/27/24)


On this episode of the Hanging with Humans podcast, we sit down with Sam Ames, who shares her captivating life story rooted in the musical beats of Alberton, Montana. 
Growing up surrounded by melodies, from her father's youthful triumph at the gong show to the vibrant tunes played by his mother in local bars, Sam's childhood was a symphony of highs and lows. 

We spoke of navigating the challenging landscapes of familial addiction.
(A topic that hits home for me) 
Sam opens up about confronting the shadows of her past and the impact it had on her relationships. 

She candidly recounts her mother's struggles with substance abuse and the rippling effects that strain family bonds. 

Out of all the life stories told on this podcast thus far, this one has many similarities to the way I grew up.

“It’s never too late to make a change.”
Is something that I wholeheartedly believe in, and are words that I udder often. Sam's journey underscores that completely as we discuss the themes of recovery and healing. 

We both found the importance of camaraderie in high school sports to play the pivotal role of mentorship during dire times.

There’s a common theme between us. The powerful narrative of overcoming darkness to find strength and reconciliation.

The journey doesn't end there as Sam explores paths of redemption and purpose. 
The support and the significance of building a stable, loving environment for her own children. Is the redemption that had been sought out for years after years of vicious cycles of being in the grips of addiction.

 Towards the end of this episode. We dive into the complexities of mental health in the digital age, where we share personal coping strategies, including grounding practices and the importance of stepping back from the pressures of social media. 

We speak of the profound gratitude found in everyday joys. That can be sometimes taken for granted. & The importance of moving forward. 

I would like to thank Sam & her wonderful boyfriend Chris (who will be interviewed soon).
For taking the time out of their busy lives to come spend their Friday evening with me.

Stay tuned, I have plans for a few more episodes to be recorded before the new year. 
Happy holidays to you and yours.      🎄🎁🪩🎉

P.s. 
Recording 20 episodes was a huge goal that I wasn’t sure I was going to reach by the new year. But we did it 🙏🏼

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Support the show

Contact & Info:

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Support the Podcast:

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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your important life to listen, It means the world to me.

#HangingWithHumans #Podcast #HWHP

In honor of those who served our country. During times of peace and war. Those who gave the supreme sacrifice, Those still missing and those who came home both whole and broken.

In honor of those still fighting everyday to keep their head above water.