First, this episode was especially released today - and not last Thursday - in honor of our guest's, Jamar Summerfield, birthday. Happy Birthday, Jamar. We hope this episode makes your birthday a bit more enjoyable.

Jamar Summerfield grew up in difficult circumstances and witnessed things at a young age that no nine- or ten-year-old kid should have to. It helped shape his resolve and determination years later that would fuel his altruism in helping those who look like him and hail from his neighborhood get their lives on track after release from prison. But before that would happen, Jamar had to endure his own adversity of incarceration.

Jamar went to prison for nearly a decade in a self-defense case that wasn’t deemed so in the state of Oregon, and his young life was in a constant state of flight-or-fight. It wasn’t until years into his sentence that he invoked the invaluable lessons instilled by his beloved grandmother that helped turn things around.

Now a pillar in the community who devotes time, energy and resources into to those in the same predicament, Jamar inspires us all to use our worst of times to help others in theirs.