In this powerful and revealing episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with former Illinois Judge Jessica O’Brien—the first Filipino-American elected to the bench in Cook County—who went from a respected courtroom authority to a federal inmate. Jessica opens up about her stunning journey through the justice system:the decision to go to trial that led to a conviction for mortgage fraud, the surreal experience of trading her judge robe for a prison uniform, and how she rebuilt her identity from the inside out. With raw honesty, she reflects on the shame, isolation, and loss of purpose she faced, and how she found resilience and redemption in the most unlikely place. Now an advocate for second chances and systemic reform, Jessica shares how her experience has reshaped her understanding of justice—and her mission moving forward. She is still diligently fighting to overturn her conviction. This is a conversation about resilience , surviving, and the courage to rewrite your story. A must-listen for anyone who believes that rock bottom can be the beginning of something new.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

From homelessness to cooking for Team USA at the Olympics, to Food Network fame—Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson has lived a life of extremes. But behind the fame and fire in the kitchen, his journey has been anything but smooth. In this powerful episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, Darnell opens up about his early battles with the law, rebuilding his life through food, and the recent legal storm that nearly unraveled everything he worked for. We go deep into his rise from rock bottom, the pressures of success, the realities of public scrutiny, and what redemption means when your past keeps knocking on your door. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about second chances, staying accountable, and finding purpose through the pain.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

James Catledge was once a high-flying investment promoter with a charismatic edge and a growing empire that promised wealth and security. He decided to diversify for his clients in real estate in the Dominican Republic that turned into a nightmare. James shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. James discusses the impact of his early experiences, including his time as a missionary. In this gripping episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, James opens up about the rise of his financial kingdom, the criminal investigation that turned his world upside down, and what it was like facing the reality of federal indictment and incarceration. Now out of prison, he reflects on the hard lessons learned, the people affected, and the long road to redemption. James has transitioned into a new career in financial services, developing a scoring algorithm to help financial advisors better serve their clients. This is a raw, revealing conversation about character, reputation, justice, and second chances.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Donald Hinton, who shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to overcoming significant challenges in prison and ultimately finding success in real estate. Donald discusses the impact of his father's incarceration on his life, and the turning point that led him to change his life while in prison. His son came to visit him in the exact same prison visiting room Donald had visited his own dad. He committed he was going to break the cycle. He emphasizes the importance of planning for life after incarceration, the challenges he faced, and how he now helps others by providing housing and mentorship. Donald's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of second chances. Check out his book on Amazon: From Prison to Properties.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

A surfer kid from California, Owen Hanson was still in his twenties when he found himself the leader of a multimillion-dollar criminal empire. What began as an attempt to fit in with the rich kids at the University of Southern California soon grew into gambling and loan sharking, which then opened the door to drug trafficking and money laundering. Hanson wasn’t just involved in this stuff—he excelled at it. Living the fast-paced lifestyle of the rich and famous, Hanson was finally gaining the respect he craved. But with the cartel, a serious drug-abuse problem, and the pursuit of the FBI all threatening to overtake him, it wouldn't be long before his glamorous lifestyle caught up with him. It all came to a head with a 21 year Federal Sentence. Instead of wallowing in self pity, Hanson got reinspired with his entrepreneur instincts. He created a protein ice cream in a mop bucket in prison, and California Ice Protein was born. Hanson is ramping up to take California Ice Protein all across the country. If you like comeback stories, sprinkled with words of lived experience for building a business...this is your episode. Find Owen Hanson on social media platforms ⁠ ⁨@theofficialcakid⁩ ⁠ ...get your personal signed copy of his book The California Kid at his website : thecaliforniakid.com

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

How does an honored combat veteran who became an expert on PTSD helping so many with the Veterans Club, end up in prison? Jeremy Harrell survived the Iraq War only to return home to a different kind of battlefield—PTSD. Jeremy has been hailed as a leader in veteran advocacy and mental health. He founded the Veterans Club that has been nationally heralded as the leader of veteran PTSD treatment. Jeremy’s world unraveled when he was convicted of veteran benefit fraud with being disabled with PTSD. Jeremy did not diagnose himself of PTSD, no, that was diagnosed by several doctors. Jeremy took his case to trial and lost. Fresh out of federal prison, Jeremy joins us to talk about the fight for his reputation, the realities of navigating the justice system, and why the Bureau of Prisons now sees him as a voice for hope and redemption. This is a raw, honest look at the thin line how good people that are helping people can follow into the justice system abyss. A warrior for criminal justice reform has been awakened: Jeremy Harrell.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

Noah Asher is an award-winning author, podcast host, speaker, and CEO, known for his impactful work surrounding reentry and rehabilitation. His first book, CHAOS, has reached over 1.4 million people, sparking change and inspiring those on the path to purpose and redemption. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership, Noah’s mission is clear: to bring Hope, Help, and Humor to those living in their darkest moments. His unique perspective and passion make him one of the leading voices in the conversation around prison reform and personal transformation. Noah's journey to becoming a change-maker began ten years ago when his life took a dramatic turn. Arrested and struggling with depression, he attempted to take his life in jail. But after surviving that attempt, he realized that while he couldn’t change where he was physically, he could change where he was mentally and spiritually. Today, Noah dedicates his life to helping individuals find purpose in their pain and embrace the power of their past. Life experience wisdom is shared throughout this episode.

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Noah's journey to becoming a change-maker began ten years ago when his life took a dramatic turn. Arrested and struggling with depression, he attempted to take his life in jail. But after surviving that attempt, he realized that while he couldn’t change where he was physically, he could change where he was mentally and spiritually. 

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

Andreea Parc was living what many would call the American Dream—a successful New York attorney with a thriving practice. But that dream unraveled when her law firm was raided for immigration fraud. Convicted and sent to prison, Andreea lost everything—except her will to transform.

In this raw and inspiring episode, she shares her journey from courtroom success to courtroom defendant, from prison walls to personal breakthrough. Now a mindset coach and author of Alive Again, Andreea opens up about shame, resilience, and the power of starting over. This is not just a story of crime and consequence—it’s about redemption, reinvention, and reclaiming your life.

Tune in to hear how Andreea Parc turned her lowest moment into her greatest calling.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

Do you remember the sport story that captivated the nation about LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani who's business manager and interpreter was illegally gambling millions of Ohtani's money? In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Mathew Bowyer, who was the bookie who ran the largest exclusive illegal sports book in the nation to the rich and famous. Matt shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by family struggles and a gambling addiction to creating the largest illegal sports betting business in the nation. Matthew was indicted last year and decided to take a path that almost no one takes while under indictment. He decided to start an Instagram account for people to follow his story while he is living through a personal storm. The Instagram @mathewbowyer5 account now has over 85,000 followers in six months. Is this a new way to handle an indictment crisis? He is definitely showing resilience and courage. His sentencing is October of 2025. The conversation delves into themes of resilience, personal growth, and owning your story. He discusses the moral dilemmas he faced in commodity trading, the thrill and addiction of gambling, and the consequences of his choices, including the FBI raid with his son in the car that changed his life. Mathew reflects on the emptiness that accompanied his financial success and the importance of recalibrating his life moving forward. He shares the challenges of facing public scrutiny and the decision to share his story through social media and a forthcoming book Recalibrated and a documentary. His experiences serve as a reminder that while life can be challenging, it is possible to emerge stronger and help others along the way. When he has this crisis behind him, he plans to mentor major league baseball players and NFL players how to avoid the addiction of gambling that created his nightmare.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity speaks with Tanya Pierce, who shares her harrowing journey from a successful real estate career to facing federal indictment and imprisonment. Tanya discusses her early life, the shock of her indictment, the challenges of her trial, and the emotional turmoil of receiving a guilty verdict. She reflects on her experiences in federal prison and the lessons learned about resilience and personal growth. In this conversation, Tanya Pierce shares her transformative journey through prison and reentry, highlighting her adaptation to life in prison, the challenges of reentry, and her advocacy for restitution reform. She discusses her emotional toll of watching life go on outside while incarcerated. Tanya also emphasizes the need for community support and the creation of her nonprofit, Life Unbolted, aimed at helping those impacted by federal convictions. Tanya is now a first year law school student who's journey is driven by a desire to address injustices in the restitution system, advocating for policy changes in the criminal legal system.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"