Narrowing The Gap - A Companion to The Straight Outta Prison Podcast

James has a very special guest for this Christmas Special, his daughter Lula Mae Jones. They debate the reality of Santa and his Elves… Lula explains all the reasons she believes, and encourages her Daddy to believe too. James shares his version of the Original Nick Claus and how the legend of Santa began… 

Merry Christmas from James, Haley, Lula Mae, Judah, & Royal Jones!

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Deidre Tolbert Designs
https://www.instagram.com/deidretolbertdesigns/ 
Text 205-746-5328

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

If you donʼt like ads, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. 

Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. But thereʼs way more to it than that! Thereʼs a specialized feed for all subscribers… Peeks Behind the scenes, live stream q&aʼs, exclusive bonus content, downloads... Youʼll get unpublished episodes, unedited episodes, blooper reels, reflection tools, Leadership hacks, Recipes, Daily Challenges, Cooking Videos, Team Building Videos, video updates, Marriage & Parenting tips, Life Hacks, and more., Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit. Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/)

James & Haley interview Dana Sorensen, and learn more about her story. Dana is a feisty Entrepreneur, a devoted Wife, a phenomenal Mom, and a difference maker in her world. You’ll hear about how she conquered her fear and built a Real Estate Team from the ground up, refused to listen to those that told her she couldn’t do it, and her battle with infertility that led to a life changing experience. She has an abundance of real life, down to earth wisdom that is both refreshing and challenging. She encourages us to Narrow The Gap by doing it afraid, removing the word “can’t” from our vocabulary, and always keeping people as the reason we do business...

Dana is a sponsor of The Straight Outta Prison Podcast, she leads Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team with RE/MAX Northern Properties in Gardendale, Alabama.

To connect: Text or call her at 205-563-7432  or DM her on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/danasrealtor/

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

For More, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit. Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/)

Season 2 is here! James & Haley kick it off by inviting their first guests on this platform: Mike & Debra Hand! They are the owners of Hand's Pest Control (a business they started together over 3 decades ago). The Hand's have an abundance of life experience in business, family, and more. They are sponsors of The Straight Outta Prison Podcast, Friends & Mentors to James & Haley, and we know you will be encouraged by their stories of learning through struggles, choosing to stay committed as a couple, and always asking "What's Next" on their journey through life. They challenge us to Narrow The Gap by never getting complacent in life, or thinking we've arrived...

"Do it till you're comfortable, then get uncomfortable again." -Debra Hand

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

For More, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit. Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/)

The #12 Key is Vision 

In Season 2 (Straight Outta Prison Podcast) James learned the power of “Writing the Vision” and a few weeks before he was set free, he had one for his future. James tells Haley in this episode that this is the greatest podcast he’s ever recorded, and how excited he is to share his story with all of you! There were a few moments of raw emotion, from both James and Haley, and this Key fittingly wraps up Season 1 of Narrowing the Gap Podcast. 

Vision gives meaning to life. Without it, you die. People who have no Hope or Vision for the future die first on the inside.

VISION WITHOUT ACTION IS MERELY A FANTASY

ACTION WITHOUT VISION IS SIMPLY THE PASSING OF TIME

VISION ACCOMPANIED BY ACTION WILL CHANGE THE WORLD

Prayer: Father God, today, I come asking you to connect me to the source of your power, which only comes through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. I believe that Jesus died for me, was buried, and on the third day you raised him to life. Lord Jesus, thank you for sacrificing your life and clearing the way to bring me to your Father. Today I give you my life. I give you my heart, and I ask you to transform me from the inside out. Today I proclaim that I am a Son or Daughter of the Living God, El Shaddai, the God who is more than enough. I surrender what I want, and I ask you to give me what you want for my life. Give me your desires in my heart. Lead me, in your timing, through the power of your Holy Spirit, to write your Vision for my life. Teach me what it means practically to be in a real relationship with you, and thank you for your good plan for my life. I ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen.

If you donʼt like ads, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads.

Please support our sponsors. They are helping us provide this platform for free:
 Brad Drake Heating & Air (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-225-2888
[email protected] www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial - Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Hobie Hobart
(205)841-7485 https://www.myagenthobie.com

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit.  Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. Contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

#TeamJonesEffect #Change #Self-Help #Self-Improvement #Life Skills #Hope #Process #Vision #Help #Strategy #Acceptance #Identity #Life

Become a Subscriber and support the Show: https://www.patreon.com/straighouttaprisonpodcast

The #11 Key is Developing a Strategic Plan

In Season 2 (Straight Outta Prison Podcast) James learned that if he had a plan to make parole, and answered every question the parole board had, they would have to release him… They did, and he adopted the Strategic Plan as a recipe for a successful life. 

“The most Hyper Successful people are the most Hyper Self-Aware.” -James K Jones

“Have a plan. Follow the plan, and you'll be surprised how successful you can be. Most people don't have a plan. That's why it's is easy to beat most folks.”  -Paul "Bear" Bryant

Here are some tools to help you get started:

1- Face Reality Squarely: Be honest with yourself and with at least one other person. Once you face it, you will be able to create safeguards within your community.  

2- Find your Personality type: It seems that all human beings fall into the category of one personality type, or a blend thereof. There are multiple tests you could take, but as a start James recommends the DISC profile. This helped him tremendously in not only understanding himself, but also others and how to interact. Once you understand, you can better build a strategy for your life. Different people call the basic four personality types different things, but they are all the same studies of humans that go back to ancient Greece.

“Any fool can know. The point is to understand.” Albert Einstein

https://www.onlinepersonalitytests.org/disc/

3- Find your Strengths: Focusing on your strengths gives you an advantage. Most people focus on fixing their weaknesses and spend all their energy trying to change something that may never change, or worse, only change by about 10%. Once you locate your strengths, give 80% of your time and effort to developing your natural strengths, and learn to lean on other people for the things you suck at.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” –Albert Einstein

https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx

4- Find your Spiritual Gifts: The reason you want to know your spiritual gifts is so that you know where to focus what you do on a day-to-day basis. It helps us determine our purpose. It shows us where and how to serve people. 

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. -Mark Twain

5- Find your Love-Language: Gary Chapman wrote a book many years ago titled “The 5 Love Languages.” Understanding your love language, and the language of those in your circles will empower you to not only understand yourself, but to connect and build meaningful relationships. Each person has a primary love language that we must learn to speak if we want that person to feel loved, and we also need to communicate ours to people that we love.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Benjamin Franklin

https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language

If you donʼt like ads, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media.

Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.
 
Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

The #10 Key is all about Connecting

One of the most beneficial things James did before being released from Prison (Season 1) was to establish healthy connections with people in his community. These connections formed his Strategic Plan for a successful Life after Prison. In this episode he has invited Haley to help unpack Connecting to the right folks…

Dependent, Independent, and Interdependent Relationships:

Dependent relationships can be life-draining and very unhealthy. Independent relationships generally produce isolated individualism that is very unfulfilling. Interdependent relationships create healthy life- giving connections that benefit everyone involved. Interdependence simply means that we are doing life together and growing together. This is the way to thrive.

Connecting to the right people includes disconnecting from the wrong people.

“Show me your friends, and I will show you your future.” Chris Hodges

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.” Albert Einstein

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/), Facebook, & Instagram! 

Look up “Straight Outta Prison Podcast"

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/straighouttaprisonpodcast)

James discovered this Key in 1997 at the most violent prison in the State of Alabama. After one day at Donaldson Correctional Facility, he knew he could never live there or survive the harsh realities of that place… In Lockup, he learned the only way out was through facing his Fear and taking the next step. (Listen to Straight Outta Prison Podcast: Season 2 Episode 7 “Lockup” for Context) 

“We think fear means the feelings that we sometimes feel. No matter how courageous we are, at times we will all experience the “feelings of fear” but the practical definition is to not allow those “feelings of fear” to cause us to run from what we need to accomplish.” James K Jones

Questions for discussion:

• The Fear of public speaking is the #1 fear in the USA? (True or False?)
• How can fears, even small ones, cause problems in your Relationships?
• Is it good to be vulnerable with other people about the things you fear most?
• What are some fears you had before you were in this current season of life…first time on your own…married…kids…retired…? 
• Think about some fears you developed after you entered the current season? 
• If we allow fear to control certain parts of our lives, how will that affect our Destiny? 
• What are some ways to break the power of fear by doing it afraid? 
• “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” -Dale Carnegie (Agree or Disagree? Why? Can you share a personal example?)

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Deidre Tolbert Designs
https://www.instagram.com/deidretolbertdesigns/ 
Text 205-746-5328

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

For More, Download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. 

Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. But thereʼs way more to it than that! Thereʼs a specialized feed for all subscribers… Peeks Behind the scenes, live stream q&aʼs, exclusive bonus content, downloads... and more. Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

The #9 Key is about Facing Fear
 
 James discovered this Key in 1997 at the most violent prison in the State of Alabama. After one day at Donaldson Correctional Facility, he knew he could never live there or survive the harsh realities of that place… In Lockup, he learned the only way out was through facing his Fear and taking the next step. 

 (Listen to Straight Outta Prison Podcast: Season 2 Episode 7 “Lockup” for Context) 

“We think fear means the feelings that we sometimes feel. No matter how courageous we are, at times we will all experience the “feelings of fear” but the practical definition is to not allow those “feelings of fear” to cause us to run from what we need to accomplish.” James K Jones

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.” Dale Carnegie 

“When you are afraid, do the thing you are afraid of and soon you will lose your fear of it.”  Norman Vincent Peale

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/), Facebook, & Instagram! 

Look up “Straight Outta Prison Podcast"

Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/straighouttaprisonpodcast)

The #8 Key is about giving up the Myth & Fantasy of Perfection

When James was “Free at Last” he thought everything would be all rainbows & butterflies. It didn’t take long to learn that the anticipation of a perfect anything was just a fantasy. His expectations for the perfect life crumbled , and he learned this valuable truth.

(Listen to Straight Outta Prison Podcast: Season 3 Episode 4 "Unraveling" for Context) 

Questions for discussion:

As a follower of Jesus, it is realistic to expect a perfect Life? (True or False)

How can striving for the perfect life set us up for frustration & disappointment?

What are the dangers of demanding perfection from Others? 

Are there dangers in putting yourself (or Others) on a pedestal?  

What is the difference between a “Realist” and an “Idealist”?

Certain personality types have more problems with being a perfectionist. (True or False)

What is the difference between Dreams & Fantasies? 

Does Jesus command us to be Perfect? What is a Perfect Heart?

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

For More, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit. Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/)

What do you with your failures? James learned when he was released from Prison that his biggest failure actually became stepping stones to the rest of his life. The major difference between successful & unsuccessful people is how they define and learn from Fails and Mistakes. The key is to get a new perspective and learn how to fail forward because we will all fail. 

“We can let mistakes and failures devastate us, or we can learn from them and they will actually drive us forward.” James K Jones

Questions:

• If our perception of and response to failure were changed, then what would we boldly attempt to achieve in Life? Family? Business? 
• If I fail at something, does that make me a failure?
• Can the mistakes we make actually become stepping-stones to success? How?
• If we are full of Guilt and Condemnation, how can this stop us from reaching our potential? How does it affect our Family? Business? 
• What is the major difference between successful & unsuccessful people?
• What is something you saw as a failure that taught you something good? 
• Why is Conviction (from God) good news? 
• Sometimes I win, sometimes I learn, but I am never a failure. (True or False?)

Please Support our Sponsors. They help us provide this content for free. 

Brad Drake (205)613-5530
https://www.braddrakeheatingandair.com/

Alec Priola -NMLS# 1301247 205-215-2888
[email protected]
www.assurancemortgage.com/apriola
Assurance Financial- Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 70876

Dana Sorensen Real Estate Team
Website- RE/MAX Northern Properties
205-563-7432

Hand’s Pest Control- Mike & Debra Hand
(205) 229-0514
email-[email protected]
Facebook Page

Hurst Towing and Recovery - 205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/

Hobie Hobart (205)841-7485
https://www.myagenthobie.com

For More, download the Patreon App, and look up Team Jones Media. Youʼll find many levels of subscriptions, but all levels have one feature: Youʼll get early access to all our Podcast Platforms, and they are completely free from ads... Straight Outta Prison , The 4Real Reel, and Narrowing The Gap. Or, head over to Team Jones.co/podcast and click the “Become a Patron” Button.

If youʼre interested in advertising with us head over to TeamJones.co and click the “Join Forces” button. We will get in touch and consider whether or not itʼs a good fit. Schedule us for your podcast, or become a guest with us on The 4RealReel or Narrowing The Gap. contact us by going to head over to TeamJones.co and clicking the “Join Forces” button. 

We are telling the Team Jones Story chronologically… the good, the bad, and all the juicy details. (Apple & Spotify Podcasts) Stay tuned and follow us on our Website (teamjones.co/podcast/)