Second Chance Month is often a time to celebrate new beginnings after incarceration — but what about those moments when you are the one giving a second chance?

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, we explore the emotional journey of forgiveness — not just as a concept, but as a radical act of healing. Whether it’s a parent who wasn’t there, a friend who betrayed you, or someone who caused real trauma, forgiveness isn’t easy... but it can be life-changing.

Joining us is Eric McDaniel, trauma-informed speaker and returning guest, who shares his powerful insights and personal story about giving grace and growing through pain. Together, we unpack what it really means to forgive — and why it’s sometimes more for you than for them.

🎧 Tune in for:

• Real stories of forgiveness and second chances

• The emotional process behind letting go

• Honest reflections on boundaries, healing, and peace

Whether you're wrestling with resentment or seeking to free yourself from the weight of the past, this episode is for you.

👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you stream your podcasts.

In this special bonus episode of the Conviction Fiction, we take you straight to the pavement of the 2nd Annual POD Car Show - where the engines were loud, the vibes were right, and the stories were powerful. Hosted live by Antoine Rivers, this episode features on the spot interviews, community energy, and behind the scenes moments you won't want to miss.

We're spotlighting the culture, the cars, and the movement - all fueled by purpose and second chances. Hear directly from voices in the community who are using their platforms, passion, and experiences to change the narrative.

In this powerful Second Chance Month episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers walks listeners through the deeply human experience of returning to society after spending 15+ years behind bars. This isn’t just about release dates and paperwork—this is about identity, survival, and transformation.

From the overwhelming first 48 hours of freedom—figuring out where to live, how to get ID, and using modern tech—to navigating employment barriers and family dynamics, this episode explores the real-life challenges and victories of reentry. Antoine shares emotional reflections, lived experience, and firsthand insights that paint a raw and honest picture of life after incarceration.

In this gripping episode of The Conviction Fiction, we peel back the layers on one of the most damaging practices in the prison system: solitary confinement. Originally intended as a path to reflection and rehabilitation, solitary has become a widespread method of punishment - with devastating consequences.

Host Antoine Rivers explores how 23-hour lockdown, sensory deprivation, and total isolation take a severe toll on mental health,

Addiction doesn’t just ruin lives—it traps people in a relentless cycle of incarceration, relapse, and despair. In this episode of Conviction Fiction, we take a hard look at the deep connections between drug use, the criminal justice system, and the struggle for lasting recovery.

Through personal experience and hard-hitting analysis, we’ll explore how substance abuse leads to legal troubles, how mandatory minimums and punitive policies often do more harm than good, and why rehabilitation—not punishment—is the key to breaking the cycle. We’ll also examine the impact of fentanyl on society, its influence on music and culture, and how government policies are shifting to address this deadly crisis.

Most importantly, we’ll discuss real solutions: the power of stable housing, employment, and social support in preventing relapse and helping individuals stay out of prison for good. This is an unfiltered, eye-opening conversation about the realities of addiction and what it truly takes to reclaim a life once lost.

Don’t miss this essential episode—because breaking the cycle starts with understanding it.

In this episode of Conviction Fiction, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Christopher Zoukis, a nationally recognized federal prison expert and Director of the Prison Consulting Division at the Criminal Center. They discuss the vital role of prison consulting in preparing individuals and families for incarceration and successful reintegration. Christopher shares his personal journey, insights from his work, and practical advice for those navigating the justice system. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation on overcoming the challenges of reentry and building a path forward after incarceration.

"What do you do when people still don’t believe in your success, even after all the work you’ve put in?"

In this episode of Conviction Fiction, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Eric McDaniel to talk about the struggle of overcoming doubt—both from others and from within. No matter how much you grow, there will always be people who refuse to see past your past. But does their doubt define you? Absolutely not.

Tune in as we discuss:
🔹 The mental and emotional toll of feeling unrecognized
🔹 How to stay focused and push forward despite negativity
🔹 Strategies to build unshakable confidence and self-belief
🔹 Why success isn’t about proving them wrong—it’s about proving yourself right

Plus, Antoine shares insights from his book, The Conviction Fiction: Changing the Narrative of Life After Lock Up, a must-read for anyone rewriting their story and taking control of their future.

After serving 21 years and 7 months in prison, Donte Hayes emerged with a mission—not just to rebuild his own life, but to guide others toward freedom and success. Now the Director of a Behavioral Health Company and Reentry Director at Dreambuilders Foundation, Donte is proof that transformation is possible when given the right opportunities and support.

In this episode of Conviction Fiction, Donte shares:
🔹 His journey from incarceration to leadership in reentry and behavioral health
🔹 The challenges of reentry and the role of mental health in rehabilitation
🔹 His work with Dreambuilders Foundation and its impact on formerly incarcerated individuals
🔹 How he’s using his own experience to help others navigate their second chance at life

Through his story, Donte sheds light on the realities of reintegration, the power of resilience, and the importance of mental health support in creating lasting change.

In this compelling episode ofConviction Fiction, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Eric McDaniel and special guest Robbie to explore the harsh realities of incarceration at a young age. Robbie shares his powerful story of being sent to prison at just 16 years old—facing a system built for punishment rather than rehabilitation. He opens up about the struggles of growing up behind bars, the impact on his mental health, and the obstacles he faced upon reentry into society.

Eric and Robbie also dive into the urgent need for prison reform, discussing the flaws in the justice system that continue to fail young offenders. They examine the importance of second chances, the role of mentorship, and what real rehabilitation should look like.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss—raw, insightful, and deeply personal, it sheds light on the broken system while offering hope for a better future. Tune in toConviction Fiction and join the conversation on breaking the cycle of incarceration.

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction, we dive into the transformative power of accountability. Taking ownership of past actions is not just about admitting mistakes—it's about using those lessons to build a better future. We explore what true accountability looks like, how it impacts personal growth, and why it’s essential for rebuilding trust after incarceration. Through real stories of resilience and redemption, we discuss the challenges of moving forward and the mindset shifts necessary for lasting change. Tune in as we break down the barriers of guilt, stigma, and self-doubt to embrace a future defined by responsibility and progress.