In this episode of Bombardened, Eric and Amy Barden sit down with Amy King—founder of Weld and Pallet, builder of communities, and champion of second chances. Amy shares her deeply personal and unconventional path to employing justice-involved individuals, building intentional housing solutions, and raising kids in a household shaped by trust and belief in change.

What began as a chance encounter with a few men in need of work evolved into a national movement rooted in purpose and dignity. With candor and insight, Amy talks about vetting risk, challenging assumptions, and the very real transformation that happens when someone feels seen, trusted, and valued—regardless of their past. She also reflects on the burden of bureaucracy and how entrenched systems often make meaningful change harder than it should be.

Eric and Amy reflect on the complexities of public perception, criminal history, and the power of human connection. As always, their distinct perspectives—his from a law enforcement career, hers from decades in the nonprofit world—bring nuance and depth to a conversation that is both emotionally grounded and socially urgent. This episode is a testament to what’s possible when we stop asking, “What did you do?” and start asking, “What do you need to thrive?"