Nightmare Success In and Out

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, Brent Cassity and guests Jeff Grant, founder of White Collar Support Group, and Bill Livolsi, Deputy Director of White Collar Support Group discuss the upcoming White Collar Conference, emphasizing the importance of community and support for individuals affected by white collar crimes. They explore the challenges of reintegration into society, the significance of networking, and the diverse panels that will be featured at the conference, which aim to provide insights and inspiration for attendees to get to their next step along their journey. The conversation highlights personal stories of resilience and the collective journey towards healing and redemption. The groundbreaking event, Starting Over: Out of Isolation and into Community, will take place on Zoom on Saturday, October 19th, 2024 at 9am EST. The first ever conference by White Collar Justice Impacted People, for White Collar Justice Impacted People. Conference information, Schedule, and Registration https://whitecollarconference.com. To learn more about the White Collar Support Group: prisonist.org

How did Augie Ghilarducci survive and thrive after serving 13 years in Federal Prison? Augie Ghilarducci is the founder of the Second Opportunity Reentry Program, which provides courses focused on employment readiness, financial literacy, life skills, and reentry. He developed these programs while serving a 13-year sentence in the federal prison system. Augie's story is a true nightmare success comeback story, as he went from owning a successful financial planning firm to being convicted of white-collar crimes. Despite the challenges he faced, Augie turned his passion for helping others into a successful program that is now used in jails, prisons, and other outreach programs across the country. Augie shares his journey of going from incarceration to making a positive impact in the lives of others through education and reentry programs. He talks about how he got involved in community outreach while in prison and how that led to him creating programs for inmates to prepare for life after release. Augie emphasizes the importance of treating individuals as unique and providing them with the tools and support they need to succeed. He also highlights the significance of asking for help and being willing to learn from others who have gone through similar experiences. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org register for the White Collar Conference October 19 at whitecollarconference.com, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

Could a person go from prison solitary confinement to respected attorney? Kaysia Earley did just that. She was arrested and charged with felony embezzlement during her senior year in college. She was working at a shoe store giving discounts on shoes to friends. Despite being four months pregnant, she was put in solitary confinement. However, this experience didn't break her, but made her stronger. She turned her life around, became a lawyer, and is now a zealous advocate for her clients. Kaysia's story is an inspiration that resilience and the power of determination can conquer so much. Kaysia Earley's journey from incarceration to becoming a successful attorney is a testament to the power of growth and redemption. She emphasizes that her past mistakes do not define her and that she was able to find herself and grow from her experiences. Kaysia's faith played a significant role in her transformation, as she had to wrestle with her faith and fear before deciding to pursue law school. Despite facing challenges and skepticism, Kaysia had to fight to finally be accepted by the Florida Bar. Her personal experience of being incarcerated gives her a unique perspective and empathy for her clients. Kaysia's story is a reminder that fear should not paralyze us and that faith can lead to incredible achievements. Kaysia has won numerous awards such as, Top 40 under 40 National Trial Lawyers Association, Top 10 Best Attorney Award, and numerous others. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group - Register for the October 19th conference at whitecollarconference.com, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

Imagine waking up in your bed with police guns drawn at you. You have no idea why they are there because you are being wrongly accused of murder, a nightmare. Dwayne Williams shares his story of being wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. The nightmare began when he was arrested and charged with a double murder and arson. Throughout the trial, Dwayne faced numerous lies and false narratives that were presented as evidence against him. Despite his frustration and the lack of support from his defense attorney, Dwayne maintained his innocence. Ultimately, the jury reached a verdict, and Dwayne was found guilty. This conversation highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the devastating impact of wrongful convictions. After being wrongfully convicted of murder, Duane Williams spent 11 years in prison before his convictions were vacated. He took matters into his own hands and began reaching out to various organizations for help. With the support of the University of Michigan Innocence Clinic, Cooley Law School, and the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit, Duane's case gained traction. He was eventually released from prison, but the process of clearing his name is ongoing. Duane emphasizes the importance of integrity and honesty in the criminal justice system and calls for the removal of bad actors. He now works with Firefly Advocates, an innocence organization that provides legal support to those who are wrongfully convicted. Show Sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

How do you survive the nightmare of losing everything and going to prison? If you are William Sansing you spend the next two decades, post prison, advocating for people of disabilities, people directly impacted by the legal system, and people with substance use disorders. William received a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education/ School Counseling and Guidance Services. He is the author of the book: Beyond Prison: Finding Second Chances through Grace, Resilience, and Community recounting William's journey from upstanding, church going citizen to a three-year stint in prison to a licensed thearapist, educator, and prison reform advocate.

It has been said that success on Wall Street can become intoxicating. Mark Varacchi, a 20 year former hedge fund executive, shares his story of how he went from success to standing at the gates of prison. He took responsibility for his actions after building systems and processes identifying flaws and risks in those systems, which eventually led to his downfall. Those skills were clearly used when circumventing multiple processes and systems in order to commit his crimes of Securities and Wire Fraud. Mark now speaks about his experiences and expertise to compliance professionals and financial investigative organizations. He discusses the guilt and fear he experienced during the investigation and the long wait for his sentencing. Living in years of limbo before going to prison was a form of punishment in itself. Mark Varacchi shares his experiences of going to prison and his journey of reentry. He discusses the challenges he faced, the support he received, and the lessons he learned. Mark emphasizes the importance of relationships and experiences over material possessions. He also talks about his passion for helping others navigate the criminal justice system and his work as a federal prison consultant. His company is called Federal Prison Consultancy. Mark's story highlights the power of resilience, personal growth, and finding purpose after adversity. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

David Garlock shares his story of surviving sexual and physical abuse, eventually he and his brother killed their abuser. The brothers received a 25 year prison sentence. He grew up in a dysfunctional home and experienced multiple traumatic events. At 11 years old, he lost his innocence and had to hide the abuse. David served 13 years in prison and used his experience to advocate for criminal legal reform. He found solace in religion and sought forgiveness for his actions. David Garlock shares his journey of personal growth and transformation during his time in prison. He emphasizes the importance of using incarceration as an opportunity for self-improvement and education. He highlights the challenges of reentry, including finding employment and overcoming societal biases. Despite the obstacles, David remains committed to advocating for criminal justice reform and providing support to individuals reentering society. He has become a national speaker at several universities and prisons across the United States. David has become a powerful voice for geriatric parole programs. David sits on numerous boards educating the next generation of criminal justice professionals on rehabilitation. David was eventually pardoned. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

What happens when a Wall Street Hedge Fund Founder goes to prison. He rises in again to become a force for change of reentry. In this episode of the Nightmare Success In an Out podcast, Brent Cassity interviews Chip Skowron, the CEO of Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Chip shares his journey from being the founder of one the largest Hedge Funds on Wall Street, Frontpoint Partners, to being convicted of insider trading and serving a five-year federal sentence. Chip graduated from Yale University Medical School. He discusses his upbringing, struggles with addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to change his life. Chip also talks about the importance of faith, the support he received from the New Canaan Society, and the power of starting over. Chip Skowron shares his experience leading up to his time in prison and the profound impact it had on him. He talks about the fear and uncertainty he felt before his indictment and the preparations he made for his time away from his family. Chip also discusses the vulnerability and deep connections he formed with other inmates while in prison, and how that experience shaped his perspective on manhood and relationships. Chip shares his struggles of reentry back into society. He emphasizes the importance of hope and community in the reentry process and the need for collective efforts to support individuals coming out of prison. Chip's giving back to help others is inspiring for those who have experienced hitting rock bottom. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

Stephen Barbee's life story is one of dreams, destruction, disgrace, and deliverance. He grew up in a loving Christian home with a pastor father and excelled in sports, particularly football. Stephen earned All-American honors as a college running back. However, he struggled with addiction and eventually found himself homeless and facing a 70 month federal sentence. After getting out of prison, he turned his life around and became a nationally recognized speaker and mentor. But he fell back into addiction and ended up homeless again. Finally, he rededicated his life to God and found hope and redemption. Stephen Barbee shares his journey of hitting rock bottom, losing his freedom, and finding redemption. He emphasizes the importance of facing one's demons and making positive changes. Stephen discusses his experiences in prison and how he adapted to the environment by using his God-given calling to serve others. He highlights the challenges of reentry and the barriers that individuals face upon release. Stephen's passion is helping inmates in prison and when they get out through various organizations and speaking. Stephen's biggest takeaway is the power of sharing his weakness and offering hope to others. He now works as a life coach and mentor, helping individuals navigate the challenges of reentry. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

How does someone go from prison to becoming an attorney, and State Representative? Tara Simmons shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and turning her life around after experiencing extreme poverty, substance abuse, and incarceration. She dropped out of middle school at 13, got pregnant at 14, but eventually found her way back to school and graduated high school. She went on to earn a nursing degree and became a nurse. However, she fell into substance abuse again and ended up in prison. After her release, she decided to pursue a law degree and was admitted to law school. She became an advocate for criminal justice reform and was appointed to various positions, including co-chair of the Statewide Reentry Council by the governor of Washington State. Tarra Simmons shares her journey of overcoming barriers and achieving success after being incarcerated. She faced numerous challenges, including being denied the opportunity to take the bar exam despite graduating Magna Cum Laude, and having the support of many influential individuals. However, she persevered and fought for her rights, eventually winning a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court to take the bar exam. Tarra's story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up on one's dreams. She has since become an attorney and a state legislator, advocating for criminal justice reform and supporting others who have been justice-impacted. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."