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Doors don’t open themselves—people and policy do. We sit down with survivor and advocate Shanyeill McCloud, founder of Clean Slate, to unpack how Wisconsin’s tight expungement rules shut deserving people out and how the revived Pardon Advisory Board created a powerful path to redemption. Shanielle explains why document prep is only half the story; the other half is people preparation—coaching clients to articulate growth, take accountability, and face an intimidating hearing with clarity and courage.

You’ll hear from Dante Wren, who transformed a 2002 conviction into a mission to serve. He breaks down the fear that stops many from applying, the step-by-step coaching that rebuilt his confidence, and the life on the other side of a signature—working in corrections to mentor young people at their most uncertain moment. His story shows how a clean slate can restore not only employment and rights but also identity, purpose, and the ability to lead at home.

We also dig into the gaps: why expungement in Wisconsin often fails, how five simple pardon criteria quietly make thousands eligible, and why women—especially women of color—remain underrepresented among recipients despite critical shortages in nursing, teaching, and public safety.  Shanyeill outlines plans to scale satellite help desks and launch a women-focused program in Dane County, pairing redemption with workforce needs to turn barriers into pipelines.

If you or someone you love has been off supervision for five years, has no open cases, and is not on the sex offender registry, you may qualify. Learn the process, choose a support tier—from DIY guidance to full-service prep—and get ready to present your best case. Subscribe, share this conversation with someone who needs hope, and leave a review to help more people find a real path to a clean slate.

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Some doors slam so hard they seem permanent. We sit down with Shanyeill McCloud, the force behind Clean Slate Pardon Help Desk, to explore how a self-defense conviction turned her into a paralegal, a policy advocate, and a builder of second chances. She explains why Wisconsin’s expungement rules shut out so many—especially when eligibility must be requested at sentencing—and how the restored Pardon Advisory Board created a new path for thousands ready to move forward.

You’ll hear how Shanielle’s team pairs rigorous document preparation with “people preparation,” coaching clients to define their why and face intimidating hearings with clarity and confidence. We bring that to life through Dante, who made a mistake young, worked to change, earned a pardon, and now works in corrections to guide others. His story captures the fear of rejection, the weight of a record, and the surge of hope when preparation meets opportunity. That arc—knowledge, coaching, and courageous follow-through—turns policy into real freedom to work, parent, and serve.

We also tackle a gap that too many overlook: women remain a small share of expungements and pardons, with women of color even lower. That inequity fuels workforce shortages in nursing, education, and public safety, where a pardon is often the only route back. Shanielle lays out plans for targeted outreach, new help desks, and statewide satellite offices to bring redemption within reach. If you’ve been off supervision for five years, have no open cases, and aren’t on the registry, you may qualify. Choose DIY guidance or full-service support, start early, and get ready to walk through the door when it opens.

Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs hope, and leave a review telling us what second chances mean to you. Your story could be the nudge someone else needs to start.

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The sudden termination of AmeriCorps funding has sent ripples through communities nationwide, leaving successful educational programs scrambling and vulnerable students without critical support. In this candid conversation with Renee Moe, President and CEO of United Way of Dane County, we explore the real-world impact of this abrupt policy decision and the community response taking shape.

For 27 years, United Way's Schools of Hope and Achievement Connections programs provided essential tutoring services to students across Dane County. These weren't just academic interventions—they were relationship-building opportunities that improved attendance, boosted confidence, and created meaningful connections between students and caring adults. When the funding was cut without warning, these relationships were severed just weeks before final exams, leaving tutors and students in limbo.

The conversation delves into powerful personal experiences, including host Dee Star's childhood relationship with a tutor who became a significant figure. These stories highlight what policy decisions often overlook: the human connections that make educational interventions effective. Renee explains, "One of the benefits of these programs was having consistent, caring adults who showed up every week for kids."

While Wisconsin has joined 25 other states in legal action against this funding decision, United Way isn't waiting for court resolutions. They're mobilizing community resources—seeking donations, partnerships with businesses and foundations, and volunteer power—to rebuild these critical programs without federal support. The goal remains unchanged: ensuring every child has what they need to succeed academically while nurturing their confidence and sense of belonging.

Want to be part of the solution? Visit UnitedWayDaneCo.org to learn how to support these vital educational programs through donations or volunteering. Renee reminds us that we must be "lovers and fighters"—nurturing our community's children while advocating for the resources they need to thrive.

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Peter Gray didn't set out to become an executive recruiter. Still, his journey from Wall Street to Madison, Wisconsin, reveals how powerful it can be when professional expertise aligns with personal values. As a Harvard graduate who still admits to feeling imposter syndrome ("Everyone thinks they're the one who got in by mistake—including me," he laughs), Peter brings refreshing authenticity to the often mysterious world of executive hiring.

What makes Peter's perspective particularly valuable is his willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about recruitment. He coined the term "round peg bias" to describe how employers mentally filter candidates against their preconceived image of who belongs in a role—one of the most pervasive yet rarely discussed barriers to diversifying organizations. Even more surprising is his revelation about LinkedIn, the platform most of us rely on for professional networking: "LinkedIn has a ton of systemic bias just baked right into it," Peter explains, detailing how this seemingly neutral tool can undermine diversity efforts unless used strategically.

The conversation weaves through Peter's significant impact in helping Wisconsin's state pension fund build its investment team (saving taxpayers millions in Wall Street fees), his community involvement with the Boys and Girls Club, and the changing landscape of DEI initiatives. He offers thoughtful insights on trade careers, mentorship, and how AI reshapes recruitment: "AI won't take your job. Your job may be taken by somebody who does what you do and knows how to use AI."

For anyone navigating today's complex hiring environment—whether as an employer, job seeker, or leader concerned with building diverse teams—Peter's experience offers practical wisdom and a reminder that meaningful work often comes from connecting our professional skills with the communities we care about. Connect with Peter on LinkedIn or through his website, petergraysearch.com, to learn how his approach might benefit your organization.

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What if a dark past could lead to a bright future? Justin Yapp's story is proof that redemption is possible. Growing up in a small town, the allure of a rebellious lifestyle led him down a path of addiction and crime. At the tender age of twelve, he found himself experimenting with alcohol, which fueled a dangerous journey into more problematic substances. Faced with severe consequences, including a lengthy stay in county jail, Justin encountered a profound realization: he wanted change.

This episode captures the raw emotion of his experiences, from battling addiction to seeking forgiveness and finding his purpose. Justin shares pivotal moments, including his determination to pursue a career in video production after prison. His story resonates with anyone facing challenges or seeking a second chance. 

Join us as we explore themes of personal responsibility, transformation, and the power of mentorship. Justin emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive individuals and the hard work necessary to forge a new path. His journey is not only about overcoming personal demons but also about advocating for systemic changes needed in society to support those with criminal backgrounds. 

Discover how life can flourish after adversity and how everyone can aid in reforming the narrative surrounding addiction and reintegration into society. Let Justin’s story inspire you to believe in the possibility of change. Tune in, share your thoughts, and let's engage in meaningful discussions about the power of resilience and redemption!

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Action Jackson, the charismatic CEO of Jackson's Yard Care, takes us on an inspiring entrepreneurial journey where passion meets perseverance. Known for his quick wit at the poker table and unwavering dedication to business, Jackson shares the story behind his self-funded workforce development program. This initiative, supported by community leaders and organizations like the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, offers free training and certification in lawn care and landscaping. It's a testament to Jackson's commitment to empowering his community and fostering career opportunities through private funding and generous donations.

Join us as we uncover the excitement of the JYC Workforce Development Super Bowl Gala in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, an event bursting with community spirit and innovative ideas. Enjoy the indoor tailgating atmosphere while we spotlight local influencers like Antoine McNeil, who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion in business. Discover how Jackson's print-on-demand venture adds a creative twist to the gala, offering products that celebrate his entrepreneurial spirit. As we wrap up, reflect on the profound impact of DEI initiatives and learn how word-of-mouth and personal grit can open doors to new career horizons. Don't miss this episode, filled with motivating insights and the power of community-driven success.

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What if the darkest moments of your life could be transformed into a beacon of hope and change? Join us as we share the extraordinary stories of Mustafa-El Ajala and Chi-Town Taurus, who turned their incarceration into powerful tales of redemption. Mustafa's path to discovering Islam while in prison, inspired by Malcolm X, became a catalyst for profound personal growth and a lifelong commitment to legal aid and community service. Meanwhile, Chi-Town's journey highlights the healing power of music and friendship, particularly his connection with Mustafa, as a means to re-enter society and express his newfound purpose. These narratives challenge the notion of incarceration as solely punitive, revealing it as a potential springboard for personal and societal transformation.

The harsh reality of solitary confinement is laid bare through the eyes of those who have endured its isolating grip. We explore the dual nature of this experience—how it can forge inner strength while simultaneously inflicting deep psychological wounds. Personal accounts of prolonged isolation highlight its status as a violation of fundamental human rights, echoing the global consensus that such conditions constitute a form of torture. Our discussion shines a light on the systemic misuse of solitary confinement as a punitive tool, urging the need for reform. Through these stories, we confront this practice's urgent ethical questions and advocate for a justice system rooted in humanity and rehabilitation rather than retribution.

Emerging from the shadows of incarceration, Mustafa and Chi-Town Taurus exemplify resilience and transformation. Their challenges upon release were immense, yet their stories stand as testaments to the strength and wisdom born from adversity. We reflect on the diverse impacts of incarceration, acknowledging that while the experience breaks some, others harness it as a catalyst for profound personal growth and societal contribution. Their journeys offer inspiration and insight into the broader societal implications of supporting formerly incarcerated individuals. This episode is a tribute to their courage and the potential for positive change within ourselves and our communities.

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Pam Blattner, a celebrated figure in the banking world and assistant vice president at Bank of Sun Prairie, shares her remarkable journey from retail to banking, and how her passion for community service drives her success. Discover how personal experiences with her daughter led Pam to create Limitless Wisconsin, an inspiring event that supports those with limb differences. As we explore her career, Pam reveals the transformative environment at Bank of Sun Prairie that recognized her potential and celebrates her as Sun Prairie's Best Businesswoman of the Year.

Learn how Bank of Sun Prairie is not just a financial institution but a cornerstone of community empowerment through initiatives like the Financial Fitness Center. This innovative project within Sun Prairie West High School is educating a new generation on personal finance, home ownership, and business building. Explore how these educational services aim to uplift individuals and small businesses, with a strong focus on equity and inclusion that supports small businesses of color. Pam highlights the bank’s unique, personalized approach to lending that sets it apart from impersonal national banks.

Our conversation takes a closer look at the bank's commitment to diversity and local business support, contrasting traditional banks with credit unions' community-centered efforts. Hear success stories of how the bank reinvests profits through extensive volunteer work and partnerships, impacting over 100 organizations. Dive into the vibrant relationship with the Sun Prairie Chamber of Commerce, which fosters local business growth through networking events like Sunrise and Sunset Sun Prairie. And for those looking to connect with the bank, Pam outlines the special promotions and services designed to cater to diverse financial needs. Listen in for an engaging and informative discussion on building a better community through financial literacy and support.

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Have you ever wondered how early financial education can shape your future? Otto Gebhardt of Gebhardt Development joins us to share his journey from growing up in Madison to becoming a successful real estate developer. Otto's story is a testament to the importance of financial literacy, hard work, and living within one's means. We'll uncover the essential principles of compounding wealth and parents' critical role in teaching financial responsibility. Otto's experience offers invaluable lessons on avoiding the pitfalls of generational wealth and ensuring that the next generation is financially savvy and self-sufficient.

Are you interested in real estate investing or entrepreneurship? This episode is packed with Otto's insights on navigating market cycles, the importance of patience, and strategic timing in real estate. Learn from historical financial shifts and gain practical advice on avoiding common investment mistakes. Otto also shares his experiences in the restaurant and real estate development sectors, emphasizing the value of mentorship and hands-on learning. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned investor, Otto's strategies for future planning and market preparedness will inspire and inform your journey.

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What does it take to truly empower underserved communities and create lasting change? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Sedrick Page, the Chief Operating Officer for the Black Men Coalition Foundation. Cedric opens up about the foundation's groundbreaking $25 million employment housing project in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, and the innovative employment services designed to provide holistic support for job seekers. We delve into transformative initiatives like the free youth baseball program and the eCornell certificate program, which offers college-level courses to community members earning under $70,000 a year. You'll gain valuable insights into how these efforts are building stronger communities, creating sustainable housing, and opening doors to new opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

In addition to these powerful community initiatives, Sedrick also emphasizes the benefits of pursuing multiple certifications, even for those with advanced degrees. Imagine upgrading your skills in diversity, equity, inclusion, project management, and law with just a five-hour weekly commitment over eight weeks. Sedrick sheds light on the supportive resources available that make these programs accessible to all, including laptops, Wi-Fi, and in-person instruction. We wrap up with a heartfelt message of positivity and gratitude, thanking Sedrick for his invaluable contributions and expressing our anticipation for his future endeavors. Tune in for an episode filled with actionable ideas, inspiration, and a vision for a better tomorrow!

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