Get a Grip Podcast

Starting a Nonprofit That Got Me Locked Up: How I Went to Prison After Upsetting the VA of America | Ep 114


Listen Later

In this unforgettable episode, Louis sits down with Jeremy Harrell, a U.S. military veteran whose life took a shocking and surreal turn after he returned home from serving his country. What begins as a story about service, sacrifice, and trying to do the right thing quickly unfolds into one of the most unbelievable cautionary tales you’ll ever hear.After spending time deployed in Iraq, Jeremy came home hoping to rebuild his life and continue serving—this time by helping others. Instead, he found himself fired while navigating the VA system, struggling to reintegrate, and facing the harsh realities many veterans know all too well. Refusing to give up, Jeremy did what few people would dare to do: he started a nonprofit organization aimed at making a difference where institutions had failed.The organization wasn’t fringe or ignored—it was so impactful that it was even recognized and selected by the History Channel, a moment that should have marked validation and success. But instead of praise and support, Jeremy’s nonprofit drew the attention of VA agents. What followed was almost unimaginable: he was issued a summons related to his nonprofit, charged with a Class C federal felony, and ultimately found himself incarcerated in federal prison.In this raw and eye-opening conversation, Jeremy breaks down how a veteran trying to serve his community ended up locked up by the very system meant to support him. He shares what it was like to go from Iraq to federal custody, how quickly life can unravel, and what this experience taught him about power, bureaucracy, and resilience. This is not just a story about prison—it’s about purpose, injustice, and the cost of standing up when the rules aren’t made for people like you.This is a true 1-of-1 story—one that raises serious questions about how veterans are treated, how nonprofits are policed, and how easily good intentions can turn into life-altering consequences. You won’t hear anything like this anywhere else.


🔥 Expect emotion. Expect truth. Expect hope.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful stories on addiction, recovery, and resilience.Get a Grip Podcast Social Media: Find our TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio links, a more on our Link Tree below!Get a Grip Social Media Links: ⁠https://linktr.ee/officialgetagrippodcast👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments.#getagrip #redemptionstory #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #addictionrecovery #recoveryjourney #trauma #childhood #oxy #dealer #soberlife #wedorecover #childhoodtrauma #healing #inspiration #awareness #kingpin #trafficking #hustle #opioidcrisis #neardeathexperience #fyp #prison #bar #mistake #change #survivor #survival #tv #television #inspire #parole #officer #school #teacher #students #study #student #changinglives

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Get a Grip PodcastBy Louis Essig and Aaron Garnes

  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9
  • 4.9

4.9

94 ratings


More shows like Get a Grip Podcast

View all
Coffee Convos with Kail Lowry and Lindsie Chrisley by PodcastOne

Coffee Convos with Kail Lowry and Lindsie Chrisley

22,394 Listeners

Chrisley Confessions 2.0 by PodcastOne

Chrisley Confessions 2.0

8,481 Listeners

For The Hayters by PodcastOne

For The Hayters

394 Listeners

Dumb Blonde by Dumb Blonde Productions

Dumb Blonde

8,410 Listeners

Serialously with Annie Elise by Annie Elise & Audioboom Studios

Serialously with Annie Elise

10,131 Listeners

Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter by PodcastOne

Karma & Chaos with Kail Lowry & Becky Hayter

8,791 Listeners

Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast by Rhapsody Voices

Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast

404 Listeners

Barely Famous by PodcastOne

Barely Famous

5,630 Listeners

We're All Insane by Devorah Roloff

We're All Insane

848 Listeners

True Crime with Kendall Rae by Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

True Crime with Kendall Rae

6,036 Listeners

Locked In with Ian Bick by Ian Bick

Locked In with Ian Bick

735 Listeners

Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley by PodcastOne

Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley

2,706 Listeners

Rise Above with Kevin Lanning by Kevin Lanning

Rise Above with Kevin Lanning

214 Listeners

Cate & Ty Break It Down by PodcastOne

Cate & Ty Break It Down

1,723 Listeners

Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero by Louis Ruggiero

Nothing’s Off the Table with Louis Ruggiero

35 Listeners