In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Roel, a passionate advocate for change and transformation. Roel shares his inspiring journey from recovery to redemption, offering a hopeful perspective on the power of personal growth and the importance of showing the younger generation that there’s always a better way.

With a focus on resilience, self-discovery, and the impact of second chances, Roel discusses how he’s using his story to help guide others toward healing and a brighter future. Whether you’re on your own recovery journey or looking for inspiration to make a change, this conversation will leave you motivated and empowered.

Tune in to hear how Roel’s story is making a real difference in the lives of others, proving that recovery is just the beginning of a transformative path toward redemption.

In this episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers speaks with Bill Carlson, an ethics trainer, public speaker, and author, about the hidden forces that drive unethical behavior. Drawing from his own experience, Bill shares his journey from a successful career in the securities industry to serving time for a white-collar crime. He explores how unexamined internal pressures, combined with external expectations, can erode judgment and lead to destructive decisions.

Bill discusses the pivotal moment when his daughter asked, "Dad, what were you thinking?"—a question that ignited his journey of self-reflection and transformation. Today, he teaches that the antidote to unethical behavior is gratitude, which helps reset our values and guides us back to ethical decision-making, even in the face of immense pressure.

This conversation is a deep dive into how pressure distorts decision-making and how cultivating gratitude can ground us, helping us make better choices in both our personal and professional lives. Whether you're navigating high-stress environments or facing moments of ethical challenge, this episode will offer valuable insights on how to regain clarity, integrity, and self-awareness.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of reflection, resilience, and ethical excellence.

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with Morgan McFadden, a courageous woman who shares her journey of recovery from addiction and her path to self-discovery. After struggling with crystal meth for years, Morgan reached a breaking point where she realized she couldn’t fight her battles alone. Now in transitional housing, she’s finding strength in vulnerability, embracing the help she once thought she didn’t need, and rebuilding her life one step at a time.

Morgan opens up about the challenges of addiction, the importance of admitting when you need help, and the transformative power of recovery. Her story is a raw reminder that recovery is not just about stopping an addiction—it's about finding hope, purpose, and healing along the way.

Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about the power of transformation, the strength it takes to admit when you need help, and the light that can be found even in the darkest of times.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, this episode offers hope and a reminder that change is possible.

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction, Antoine Rivers explores how healing circles, community support, and entrepreneurship are transforming the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals. With nearly 70% of those released from prison re-arrested within five years, this episode dives into innovative solutions that are breaking the cycle of recidivism.

Through personal stories of growth and resilience, Antoine discusses the vital role that healing circles play in emotional recovery, offering a space for shared experiences and peer support. He also highlights how these circles extend into broader community initiatives, offering housing, mentorship, and legal aid to help returning citizens thrive.

But it doesn’t stop there—entrepreneurship is a key focus, with inspiring examples of formerly incarcerated individuals who’ve turned their healing into successful businesses, from tech startups to artisan crafts. These ventures are not only changing lives but are also uplifting entire communities.

Tune in to discover how we can build a more just society by embracing second chances, supporting community-led solutions, and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.

Listen now and join the movement for transformation and second chances!

In this powerful episode of the Conviction Fiction podcast, we sit down with Robyn Grable, Founder and President of The ASCEND Collective and creator of Talents ASCEND, to discuss the importance of second-chance hiring and creating inclusive workforce opportunities for individuals often overlooked by traditional hiring systems.

Robyn shares her incredible journey as a Navy veteran and advocate for underserved communities, including veterans, military spouses, individuals with diverse abilities, and those impacted by the criminal justice system. She explains how The ASCEND Collective is working to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways for meaningful employment through innovative initiatives, including AI-powered, skills-based talent matching through Talents ASCEND.

Tune in to hear Robyn’s personal insights on how second-chance hiring is transforming lives and communities, and learn how employers can create real change by embracing inclusive hiring practices.

Links mentioned in the episode:

• The ASCEND Collective

• Talents ASCEND

If you believe in the power of second chances, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this powerful episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Warner, Founder and CEO of REACT Corporation. Derrick, a formerly incarcerated individual, is on a mission to prevent youth from falling into the traps of the criminal justice system before they’re even caught. He’s dedicated to intercepting at-risk youth, providing them with guidance, and showing them that there is a way out—before they ever step foot in jail.

Derrick shares his personal story of overcoming trauma and breaking free from a system designed to trap people in cycles of incarceration. He dives deep into how REACT is working to offer youth alternatives to incarceration and how we, as a community, can step up and make a difference. Derrick also addresses the “new age slavery” he believes is embedded in today’s criminal justice system and how reform efforts still miss the mark when it comes to truly helping marginalized youth.

If you’re passionate about criminal justice reform, youth empowerment, or breaking the cycle of incarceration, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Derrick's inspiring story and learn how we can all make a difference.
#ConvictionFiction #Reentry #YouthPrevention #CriminalJusticeReform #ReactCorporation #BreakingTheCycle #NewAgeSlavery #YouthEmpowerment #JusticeReform #EndIncarceration #SocialChange #Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Claudia Shivers, an inspiring entrepreneur who has rebuilt her life after incarceration. Claudia shares her journey from overcoming the stigma of reentry to becoming the proud owner of Queen Coffee Bean in High Point, North Carolina.

Claudia’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and giving back. As a board member of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, she’s helping other formerly incarcerated individuals find their path to success through entrepreneurship. In this episode, Claudia opens up about the challenges of reentry, the importance of second chances, and the rewards of creating a business that not only sustains her but also uplifts her community.

Tune in to hear Claudia’s insights on navigating life after prison, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the work she’s doing to empower others to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship.

#ConvictionFictionPodcast #Reentry #Entrepreneurship #SecondChances #InmatesToEntrepreneurs #Transformation #Resilience #BusinessAfterIncarceration #QueenCoffeeBean #ClaudiaShivers #CoffeeShopOwner #NoTurningBackBook

In this inspiring episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with Zeke Wallace, an innovator who transformed his life after spending over four years in prison. Zeke’s journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship is nothing short of remarkable. After his release in 2024, Zeke taught himself CAD, picked up a refurbished 3D printer, and created a game-changing sanding block designed for resurfacing tough materials like commercial walls, auto finishes, and more.

What started as a personal need soon became a groundbreaking tool that’s now helping professionals in various trades work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Zeke’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, persistence, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can create something that leaves a lasting legacy.

Join us as Zeke shares his journey of overcoming adversity, how a simple idea turned into a revolutionary product, and how he’s paving the way for others to redefine their own narratives.

Listen now to hear how Zeke Wallace turned his struggles into success and created a product that’s changing the game.

#ConvictionFiction #Reentry #SandingBlock #Innovation #SandTurtleTools #SecondChances #Entrepreneurship #Redemption #StartingOver

In this inspiring episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Nowack, co-founder of Breaking Free Industries, a t-shirt printing business dedicated to offering second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals. Josh shares his remarkable journey of overcoming personal setbacks—including homelessness, open-heart surgery, and a tough divorce—while rebuilding his life through entrepreneurship.

As an instructor and recent board member of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit that helps individuals break the cycle of incarceration by teaching them how to start and grow successful businesses, Josh is passionate about creating opportunities for others to rebuild their lives as well.

In this episode, Josh talks about the importance of second chances, how he’s helping others do the same through Breaking Free Industries, and the power of entrepreneurship as a pathway to reintegration. Tune in to hear how Josh’s story is changing lives and breaking down barriers for those who need it most.

Listen now and learn how you can support second-chance businesses and initiatives that empower formerly incarcerated individuals to thrive.

#ConvictionFictionPodcast #SecondChances #Entrepreneurship #BreakingFreeIndustries #InmatesToEntrepreneurs #Reentry #Redemption #BusinessForGood #FormerlyIncarcerated #Empowerment #RebuildingLives #SupportSmallBusiness #NonprofitImpact #BreakingTheStigma #Transformation #SocialChange #GiveSecondChances #BusinessWithPurpose #Inspiration

In this powerful solo episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers dives deep into the realities of relapse and the strategies for relapse prevention. With candid insights and practical advice, this episode explores the psychological, emotional, and environmental triggers that can lead to relapse and offers actionable steps to stay on track. Antoine shares personal reflections on the challenges of maintaining recovery and offers tools to build resilience, stay aware of warning signs, and develop a strong support system. Whether you're navigating recovery from substance use, reintegration after incarceration, or just seeking tools for personal growth, this episode provides the guidance needed to prevent setbacks and keep moving forward. Tune in for a raw, insightful conversation on overcoming one of the toughest parts of any journey—relapse.

Topics Include:

#ConvictionFictionPodcast #RelapsePrevention #RecoveryJourney #NoTurningBack #AddictionRecovery #Relapse #MentalHealthAwareness #Reentry #PersonalGrowth #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #SupportSystem #RecoverySupport #SelfAwareness #StayStrong #Resilience