The Jungle Podcast

The Jungle Podcast

By The Jungle PodcastEducationSelf-Improvement
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The Jungle Podcast episodes

  • From MC's to Degrees we have the AMAZING Lisa Parson!

    Lisa Parson is a Councilor at Skypoint Recovery in Akron, Ohio. Lisa came on and shared her personal journey of overcoming addiction and cancer, emphasizing the transformative power of recovery programs and her desire to help others in similar situations. Christopher and Lisa discussed their own experiences with recovery, highlighting the importance of embracing one's past and using it as a source of inspiration. They also explored the services offered at Skypoint Recovery in Akron, where Lisa works, and the potential for future collaborations.

    54 min
  • The Fresh Princess of Bel-Air Shauntae Metcalf
    Facing over 20 years at the time of her arrest. Shauntae Metcalf made a choice once incarcerated to BE BETTER!!!She is doing amazing work with the Stark County Re-Entry program, Owns her own cleaning company and is the Board Director for CTC Solutions.
    1 hr 2 min
  • Discovering Strength Amidst Struggles: Anthony Schmidt

    Christopher and Anthony discussed their experiences with addiction and re-entering society after being felons. Anthony shared his story of growing up in northeast Ohio, his descent into drug addiction, and his discovery that he was adopted. Both agreed that addiction is not exclusive to any one type of community or upbringing. Towards the end, they expressed their surprise at the choices they ended up making, despite having all the advantages in the world. They also discussed their experiences with criminal activities, including home invasions and bank robberies, and their experiences in prison. Anthony shared how his addictive personality led him to such actions and the consequences he faced, including a lengthy prison sentence. Despite his multiple convictions, Anthony managed to serve a shorter sentence than expected due to good behavior. He acknowledged the importance of art, which was the only positive thing he found in prison, and his relationships with some inmates. He also acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his sentence, as it led to him being one of the first people to be sentenced via satellite link.

    1 hr 11 min
  • It's Always Sonny in Cleveland

    Sonny Von Cleveland shared his life story on The Jungle. Sonny had a difficult childhood, marked by abuse and encounters with the law. Despite his challenging past, he is now using his experiences to inspire others and prove that a felony doesn't have to define who you are. He emphasized the power of self-forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. Both Christopher and Sonny discussed their personal histories, including Sonny's experiences in prison, his move to California, and his various entrepreneurial and creative pursuits. Sonny shared his journey into YouTube, podcasting, and photography, as well as his philosophy of chasing success and his love for music. He also discussed his transition to California, where he started a successful cat cafe and pursued his passion for photography. Sonny shared his philosophy of keeping his passion at the forefront and seeing every person as an opportunity for inspiration. He and Christopher discussed the importance of responding to tragedy in a way that allows one to move forward and potentially inspire others. They also discussed the founding of Itopia, a coaching company focused on mental health, corporate burnout, and women empowerment, and Sonny's vision to expand the reach of Itopia through the Von Cleveland Foundation. Christopher and Sonny also shared their experiences and perspectives on life, highlighting the importance of morning routines, self-affirmation, and gratitude, as well as the importance of finding a life partner who is conducive to one's happiness and growth.

    1 hr 9 min
  • We Run This! Prison to Marathons!

    Christopher and Noah discussed Noah's troubled past, including his

    parents' split, his descent into alcohol and smoking, and his time in
    prison. Christopher expressed his love and support for Noah, emphasizing
    the importance of learning from past mistakes. Noah shared his history
    of legal troubles, including his struggles with alcohol and Xanax, and
    the impact of his actions on his life. Noah and Christopher emphasized
    the importance of minding one's own business in prison and avoiding
    trouble. Christopher and Noah reflected on their past struggles with
    addiction and health issues, discussing the importance of self-care and
    facing their problems for healing.


    1 hr 4 min
  • From Clubs to Hugs! It's Just A Dad From Akron's Kenny Lambert!

    Christopher introduced the new season of his podcast featuring Kenny

    Lambert, a community member from Akron who overcame adversity through
    drug and alcohol use. Kenny shared his backstory and how he turned his
    life around by running a clothing store with his daughter and planning
    to open a shelter for meetings. Christopher also shared his journey from
    growing up with a strong work and moral ethic to becoming a drug
    addict, experiencing the downward spiral of addiction, and eventually
    seeking help. He emphasized the importance of family and legacy, and his
    desire to continuously improve as a father and a person.


    53 min

About The Jungle Podcast

From the publisher's feed

June 2013 Christopher arrived at Lake Erie Correctional Institution. Upon arriving he was classed to housing unit Huron C-D, otherwise known as The Jungle. The Jungle was notoriously known on the compound as the worst unit at LECI. In 2011 CCA purchased LECI and was the first "for profit" state penitentiary in the United States. Pushed by shareholders to increase profits, LECI quickly became overpopulated, understaffed and poorly managed. Drugs, violence and extortion were just a typical day inside the walls.