Reentry Reframed

In this episode, Adam Cobuluis and Nick Casarona ‘flip the script’ on Shook and MG. Earlier this summer, Nick and Adam reached out with a request to do a podcast “takeover” to get to know the ladies of Reentry Reframed better. Well, they quickly found out Melissa wears her heart on her sleeve- it did not take long to get the tears flowing. Instead of making Kristen edit out all parts of vulnerability, the realization hit this is exactly what we ask of our guests, and they have been courageous enough to share their lives with us in over two dozen recorded episodes. Pulling together passion and purpose, the two ladies pour out their hearts. Kristen shares what drives her to do such work and her vision for community collaboration. Her goal is to continue to empower others to use their voice and take positive action- listen to the very end for a surprise that will leave you 'shook.' 

Words fail to express our gratitude for the continued support. We love our community so much! Thank you, thank you, thank you, and stay tuned!

Send us Fan Mail

With more than 30 years of experience as a U.S. Department of Justice Federal Law Enforcement Officer, 26 of the 30 years behind federal prison walls, Rodney Harmon shares his incredible perspective on this episode. As a Corrections Officer, Rodney would remind the men, “You are a hero to someone.” During thousands of discussions with men who were incarcerated, Rodney always explored ways to inspire and instill hope. Extending beyond his career, Rodney has spent decades volunteering his time for local organizations within communities in which he has lived and worked. Rodney is also a husband of 34 years, father of 3, and grandfather of 7. In 2018, he created his podcast, Black MentoUrs, an “affirmation of self-image.” The podcast is an empowering content platform where he Asks, Listens, Learns and INvests (ALL IN) in the knowledge and truths of black males from all socioeconomic backgrounds. Rodney advocates for positive images and narratives of black males in all forms of media. In this episode on Reentry Reframed, Rodney’s passion and dedication to helping others, especially our youth, is astounding! We are so honored to have you as our guest, Rodney!

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rodney-harmon 

Send us Fan Mail

From using together to losing together, Ashley and Sean share their story on this episode with openness and raw honesty in hopes of reaching others. Ashley describes her struggle and ultimate despair stemming from her substance use while pregnant and as a new mother. Ashley and Sean also share their experience navigating the foster care and court system while regaining their sobriety in an effort to be reunited with their young children. For a mother who was filled with tremendous pain, trauma, and loss, not knowing where to turn, Ashley’s path eventually led her back to church. The first service she attended was The Woman at the Well, and aligned so divinely with her own life, she believed this was no coincidence; she was where she was supposed to be. Ashley and Sean, through it all, love each other for better or worse. Today, their happy ending is one you will need to hear for yourselves. For the Grippando Family, we cannot wait to see the joy your future holds! 

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode, Tre’Jor Hopkins, savvy business owner, shares the ins and outs of starting his own business. His food truck, Flavor Wagon 785, is a treasure in Topeka for those who are looking for a healthy, fresh, delicious meal on the go. What makes Tre’Jor’s food truck even more incredible is the road that led to his now successful venture. Arriving for his podcast interview carrying his 7-month-old daughter in her car seat, the doting father commented, “She goes where I go.” Learning more about Tre’Jor’s history with his own father made her presence there even more beautiful. To celebrate Second Chance Month in April, Tre’Jor, who successfully completed the reentry center in 2018, will head back to dish up some great food and HOPE for current residents. When Tre’Jor redirected his brilliance and ambition, the result is one you will need to try for yourself! While just the start of what I imagine will be an incredibly bright future, we wish you and your family nothing but the best. To learn more about Tre’Jor’s business and where you can ‘catch the flavors’ of Flavor Wagon 785 in Topeka, check out his page: https://www.facebook.com/flavorwagon785/.

Send us Fan Mail

Facing nearly 20 years in prison, Adam received news his two young boys would be in state custody under the supervision of KVC. Instead of losing hope, Adam knew he would one day be reunited with his boys. With steadfast determination, Adam began the process of reunification from foster care with his children after the case was dismissed. Fresh out of jail, Adam credits the Oxford House, the foster mother of his children, his employment, and local resource networks for supporting him along the way. In this episode, Adam describes the process of navigating the foster care system all while trying to hit the ground running with his own reentry journey. When asked what makes a “good dad,” Adam pulls much of how he parents based on the what he missed during his own childhood, and instead, “putting his children first.” Recently, Adam was our guest speaker at the Mirror Work for Success graduation for class #55. Reflecting on his own time going through the Work for Success program, the graduating class listened with the utmost respect for this man who faced insurmountable odds to get back to his boys. Adam’s story is one of determination, love, and the power of second chances. We wish you and your boys all the happiness this world has to offer!

Send us Fan Mail

From a quite normal childhood, being involved in numerous school activities and doing well in the classroom, Marcus Pitts' life slowly faded into one of despair, and a life he despised. He created a persona that drew others in, finding himself to be a “people pleaser.” Continuing into the lifestyle of popular activities, such as becoming a member of a fraternity and partying, his drinking problem eventually turned into one giant pit of addiction he had to dig himself out of. Facing 27.5 years in prison, Pitts turned his life around after being introduced to Oxford House and the grace of God. Today, Marcus is a steward to his community and has assisted in opening, restructuring, and relocating numerous sober living houses. Speaking to his leadership and investment in the Oxford Community, he has a spot on the Oxford House World Council. Best wishes to you, world traveler!

Send us Fan Mail

Growing up in small-town Kansas, Misty endured a traumatic childhood. Being surrounded by the drug-induced chaos of her parents, she struggled to feel supported. With the effects of her childhood lingering into adulthood, she found herself repeating the cycle of domestic violence and addiction which spiraled even further out of control following the loss of her father. One day, she came to a realization she wanted to break the generational cycle of trauma. Her past life was burnt to the ground following a house fire where she lost everything. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, she rebuilt her life from the ground up by the grace of God, a supportive community, and an empowering mentor. Misty honors her father in the work she does today; she pours her heart out with her sleeves rolled up serving and housing the homeless population. 

Send us Fan Mail

Growing up, John Cantrell’s life was filled with limitless opportunities for the future. As a teenager, Cantrell quickly learned he was never ready for the party to stop like it did for others. This fast-paced lifestyle caught up with him in college as he constantly searched for ways to fill a void within himself. By the age of 22, Cantrell was facing a 60-month sentence in federal prison for distribution. Instead of letting these mistakes define his life, Cantrell claims prison saved his life. Cantrell attributes his transformation to giving his life completely over to God. Whereas he constantly searched for more when he had it all, Cantrell counts himself today more blessed than ever before. With a loving wife and a son who is a walking miracle, Cantrell’s story is filled with hope and inspiration he shares with others.

Send us Fan Mail

Jennifer Wolfe started her life off living the “American Dream.” Following a traumatic event, her reality was completely altered at the age of 7. Unable to process the drastic change in a healthy way, Jennifer began to act out as a child. Becoming enveloped in a lifestyle fueled with rage, she spent her adolescent years in juvenile detention. At the age of 21, Jennifer was released and began her adult journey; she secured a successful union job, a husband, and children. On the outside, her life looked to be picture perfect; however, years of unresolved trauma lingered on… After another traumatic experience, her path spiraled into one of addiction, life on the streets, and ultimately feeling completely lost. Following multiple attempts to seek help, the Lost Wolfe finally had the chance to rewrite her Tale. 

Send us Fan Mail

Born in a small town in Illinois to teenage parents, Kasey Kern describes her life as tumultuous and filled with chaos. Kasey’s outlook and attitude is nothing short of beautiful grace as the love she has for her family radiates throughout her story. She describes how generational trauma altered not just her life but reflects on her family tree of decades of untreated mental health concerns, substance use disorder, and abuse. While her mother was in and out of treatment and incarceration, mother and daughter remained connected through their letters and poems back and forth to one another. As Kasey reads beloved poems and letters, her mother’s signature on each one is: Forgive me, mom.

Send us Fan Mail