A New Beginning: From Incarceration to Purpose

Nine years after entering federal prison, Dr. Barry M. Gregory reflects on one of the darkest chapters of his life—and the journey of rebuilding everything he lost.

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Gregory shares his experience of incarceration, the fear and uncertainty that preceded it, the unconditional comfort of his beloved golden retriever Sadie, and the challenges he faced rebuilding his career, reputation, relationships, and sense of purpose after prison.

His experience also opened his eyes to the tremendous gaps in reentry support. He discovered that people returning home need far more than rules and basic resources—they need education, practical skills, mental health and recovery support, encouragement, meaningful opportunities, and people willing to believe in their potential.

Rather than allowing incarceration to define the rest of his life, Dr. Gregory chose to reinvent himself. His journey ultimately led to the creation of NRC and Beacon, organizations dedicated to rehabilitation, reentry, education, coaching, training, and creating opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.

This episode is ultimately a message of hope, second chances, resilience, and new beginnings.

Dr. Gregory invites listeners to look beyond a person's past and recognize the potential for change, healing, and transformation—and to remember the men and women who are still incarcerated and need our support as they prepare to return to their families and communities.

Today is not about where we have been. It is about where we are going.

A New Beginning. A New Chapter. A New Opportunity.

Podcast Description

This live event was hosted by the National Reentry Coalition and moderated by Barry M. Gregory, CEO and Founder. Our special guest, renowned speaker and author Kardell Sims, shares his powerful journey of navigating the criminal justice system and transforming his life to become a nationally recognized leader in the fields of rehabilitation and reentry.

Throughout this inspiring conversation, Kardell discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned, and the strategies that helped him build a meaningful life after incarceration. He also offers practical insights and valuable tips for individuals returning to their communities, as well as professionals working to support successful rehabilitation and reintegration.

Join us for this engaging and motivating discussion filled with hope, resilience, and real-world guidance for creating second chances and lasting change.

Visit the National Reentry Coalition @ https://www.nationalreentrycoalition.com/

Office Phone: 561-685-0222

Contact: Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., BA

CEO and Founder

Podcast Description

Welcome to the NRC News & Events Update, the official podcast of the National Reentry Coalition. Join us as we share the latest news, events, training opportunities, best practices, community partnerships, and leadership initiatives designed to strengthen rehabilitation, recovery, reentry, and reintegration efforts across our communities. Learn about upcoming webinars, professional roundtables, support groups, the NRC Training Academy, and innovative strategies that help reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and build safer, healthier communities. Together, we are creating opportunities, expanding access to evidence-based practices, and building a united voice for positive change.

Upcoming Events At NRC Supporting Justice-Impacted Individuals And The Professionals Who Work With Them

Wednesday, June 10, 2026, Every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 PM EST. Best Practices Webinar For Correctional and Reentry Professionals. Register Once, Attend Anytime: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4lkz1fzSR06RivJ7P8Wyqg

Friday, June 12, 2026, Every Friday, 12-1:00 PM EST. Best Practices Webinar For Correctional and Reentry Professionals. Register Once, Attend Anytime: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/L8axHucEQ5G3lozfOxwmgw

Friday, June 12, 2026, Every Friday, 7 – 8 PM EST NRC Reentry Support Group for Justice-Impacted Individuals https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rM3mH6knTCOn5plHAYhVwQ

Monday, June 8, 2026, Every Monday 12-1 PM EST NRC Weekly Professionals Reentry Roundtable to Share Practices, Resources, Support, and Solutions https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Cv28qoNiSRiV_zCrU2VgeQ

Monday, June 8, 2026, Every Monday at 7 PM EST NRC Reentry Support Group for Justice-Impacted Individuals https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Dqo0VT82SW2zPlK2Wo1CwA

Website: https://www.nationalreentrycoalition.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-barry-gregory-ed-d-m-ed-ba-b200ba383/

Office Phone: 561-685-0222

In this deeply personal episode, we explore the journey from trauma, addiction, and incarceration to purpose, healing, and advocacy. Growing up angry, defiant, and constantly pushing boundaries, today’s story reflects how unresolved childhood trauma and years trapped in the justice system can shape a person’s life—but not define their future.

After spending 22 years cycling through arrests, consequences, and self-destruction while trying to build a career in the food and beverage industry, everything eventually changed. What began as survival evolved into purpose.

Today, that same lived experience is being used to serve at-risk youth, justice-impacted individuals, incarcerated people, and families fighting for a second chance. This episode is about resilience, redemption, and proving that transformation is possible no matter how far someone has fallen.

If you’ve ever struggled with your past, questioned your worth, or wondered whether people can truly change—this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Episode Description

In this inaugural episode of the National Reentry Weekly Podcast, Dr. Barry Gregory introduces the mission behind the show and the movement driving it forward.

Drawing from his own experience of being formerly incarcerated in federal prison, Dr. Gregory shares why this work is deeply personal and why supporting justice-impacted individuals is critical to building stronger communities.

This episode explores the real challenges people face when returning from incarceration—often without the resources, support, or preparation needed to succeed—and how those gaps impact not only individuals, but families and entire communities.

You’ll also be introduced to the work of the National Reentry Coalition (NRC), a growing movement focused on providing lifelong rehabilitation, reentry, reintegration, and recovery support. Learn how NRC is addressing these challenges through local coalitions, evidence-based training, peer coaching, and an integrated reentry model that connects people to housing, employment, and community support.

This episode sets the foundation for what’s to come—real conversations, practical strategies, and voices that matter.

If you believe in second chances, this podcast is for you.

Dr. Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., BA

Office Phone: 561-685-0222

Founder and Director of the National Reentry Coalition

Website: https://beaconacademy1954.wixstudio.com/my-site-1

National Reentry Coalition Podcast:

https://media.rss.com/httpsanchorfms10b3c8834podcastrss/feed.xml

Email: [email protected]

Schedule An Appointment calendly.com

Join For Free Today and Become A NRC Coalition Member https://beaconacademy1954.wixstudio.com/my-site-1/blank

In this powerful debut episode of the Reentry Resources Podcast, Dr. Barry Gregory shares his deeply personal journey through loss, incarceration, and the long road back.

This is not a story of overnight success—it’s a raw and honest account of what it means to lose everything: career, reputation, stability, and hope… and what it takes to rebuild your life anyway.

Dr. Gregory opens up about the emotional and financial toll of the justice system, the impact on his family, the reality of incarceration, and the overwhelming lack of support many returning citizens face when coming home.

But this episode is more than a story—it’s a call to action.

Out of pain came purpose.

Out of struggle came a mission.

In this episode, he announces the launch of the National Reentry Coalition—a movement dedicated to providing real support, real resources, and real advocacy for justice-impacted individuals, reentry professionals, and communities nationwide.

If you’ve been impacted by the justice system. If you work in reentry, corrections, or behavioral health. If you believe in second chances and real change

This episode is for you.

It’s time to move beyond excuses. It’s time to invest in people. It’s time to build something that actually works—together.

👉 Listen now and learn how you can be part of the movement.

Podcast Description

Each year, hundreds of thousands of individuals leave jails and prisons and return to their communities. The question isn’t whether people will return—it’s whether they return prepared.

In this episode, we explore why reentry and rehabilitation programs matter and how they can help justice-impacted individuals build stable, productive lives after incarceration. The conversation looks at the role of both in-custody programming and community-based reentry initiatives, and how these efforts can strengthen families, improve public safety, and reduce recidivism.

You’ll also learn about the importance of using evidence-based practices—including cognitive behavioral approaches and motivational strategies—to help individuals develop the practical skills needed for long-term change.

Dr. Barry Gregory also introduces his Reentry Skills and Readiness approach, a strengths-based framework designed to measure and build the core skills that support successful rehabilitation and reentry.

If you work in corrections, treatment, probation, or reentry services—or simply care about safer communities and second chances—this episode offers practical insights and a hopeful perspective on what works.

Interested in learning more about the Reentry Skills and Readiness approach or consulting for your program? Contact Dr. Barry to start the conversation.

Podcast Description: In this episode of the CBT Coaching Podcast, Dr. Barry explores how recovery coaching can be a practical, confidential, and flexible alternative for busy executives and medical professionals seeking support outside traditional treatment programs. Recovery coaching focuses on goal-oriented strategies, accountability, and practical tools to help clients reduce or stop unwanted substance use, manage stress, improve relationships, and maintain long-term recovery—all while balancing demanding professional responsibilities. Learn how a one-on-one coaching partnership can provide clarity, confidence, and a structured path to thriving in both life and work.

Work With Dr. Barry One-on-One

If you’re ready to take the next step and want personalized support, you can sign up for individual CBT coaching. Dr. Barry will help you identify your patterns, challenge outdated beliefs, strengthen your coping skills, and build the emotional clarity needed to reach your goals.

You deserve a life that feels healthier, happier, and more aligned with who you want to be — and you don’t have to do it alone. Find contact information and coaching details in the show notes.

Dr. Barry

561-685-0222

[email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and we recommend that individuals consult with a licensed medical doctor and/or a mental health professional for questions about their health and care.

BIO: Dr. Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., BA brings over 30 years of professional experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and behavioral change to his coaching work. He has served as a professor, clinical director, national trainer, consultant, author, and coach, with expertise grounded in evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What distinguishes Dr. Gregory’s work is the integration of formal training and lived experience. Having navigated significant personal adversity and successfully rebuilt his life, he brings authentic empathy, realism, and credibility to the coaching process — pairing theory with practical application.

In this episode of the CBT Coaching Podcast, Dr. Barry explores why people hire a coach and how coaching actually helps create real, lasting change. Drawing from his background as a licensed counselor turned coach, he explains how CBT-based coaching supports people who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or caught in negative thinking patterns. Listeners will learn the most common reasons people seek coaching, how coaching differs from therapy, and what the coaching process looks like—from setting realistic goals to building practical skills and accountability. This episode breaks down coaching in simple, relatable terms and shows how coaching helps people think differently, take action, and move forward with confidence. If you’re looking for personal growth, clarity, and practical tools for change, this episode is for you.

Work With Dr. Barry One-on-One

If you’re ready to take the next step and want personalized support, you can sign up for individual CBT coaching. Dr. Barry will help you identify your patterns, challenge outdated beliefs, strengthen your coping skills, and build the emotional clarity needed to reach your goals.

You deserve a life that feels healthier, happier, and more aligned with who you want to be — and you don’t have to do it alone. Find contact information and coaching details in the show notes.

Dr. Barry

561-685-0222

[email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and we recommend that individuals consult with a licensed medical doctor and/or a mental health professional for questions about their health and care.

BIO: Dr. Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., BA brings over 30 years of professional experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and behavioral change to his coaching work. He has served as a professor, clinical director, national trainer, consultant, author, and coach, with expertise grounded in evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What distinguishes Dr. Gregory’s work is the integration of formal training and lived experience. Having navigated significant personal adversity and successfully rebuilt his life, he brings authentic empathy, realism, and credibility to the coaching process — pairing theory with practical application.

In this deeply personal episode of the CBT Coaching Podcast, Dr. Barry explores the pain and complexity of grief after losing a beloved pet. Drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principles and his own experience losing his cherished golden retriever, Sadie, he discusses why pet loss hurts so deeply, how grief affects our thoughts, emotions, body, and nervous system, and why this loss is often misunderstood or minimized.

Listeners will learn compassionate, practical ways to cope with grief, navigate guilt and deep sadness, understand the non-linear grief process, and gently move forward without letting go of love. The episode also offers grounding tools, self-talk strategies, and guidance on community support, memorials, and readiness for another pet.

This episode is a reminder that pet loss is real loss, grief deserves care, and healing happens in connection—you don’t have to go through it alone.

Work With Dr. Barry One-on-One

If you’re ready to take the next step and want personalized support, you can sign up for individual CBT coaching. Dr. Barry will help you identify your patterns, challenge outdated beliefs, strengthen your coping skills, and build the emotional clarity needed to reach your goals.

You deserve a life that feels healthier, happier, and more aligned with who you want to be — and you don’t have to do it alone. Find contact information and coaching details in the show notes.

Dr. Barry

561-685-0222

[email protected]

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended as medical advice, and we recommend that individuals consult with a licensed medical doctor and/or a mental health professional for questions about their health and care.

BIO: Dr. Barry M. Gregory Ed.D., M.Ed., BA brings over 30 years of professional experience in mental health, addiction recovery, and behavioral change to his coaching work. He has served as a professor, clinical director, national trainer, consultant, author, and coach, with expertise grounded in evidence-based approaches, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

What distinguishes Dr. Gregory’s work is the integration of formal training and lived experience. Having navigated significant personal adversity and successfully rebuilt his life, he brings authentic empathy, realism, and credibility to the coaching process — pairing theory with practical application.