Welcome to Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Reconcile, who is a husband and a fellow living in Miami, where he is committed to renewal, social justice, and youth mentory. Reconcile has a strong connection to Miami Youth for Christ Organization that offers outreach programs for youth and their families. In today’s episode, Reconcile is sharing about his mission and his music.   Key Takeaways: [2:56] Reconcile talks about his youth and upbringing. [6:53] Reconcile shares about his first incarceration. [9:16] Reconcile remembers the moment where he was led to Christ. [10:40] Reconcile talks about the point at which he started dedicating his life to God. [12:49] What did Reconcile do when he began to make a change in his life? [16:39] How did Reconcile go from where he was to Rice University? [17:31] Cleve shares how he got to go to college. [18:51] Reconcile shares how his father encouraged him to live differently than he had. [23:47] Reconcile chose to play football at Rice University. [27:55] Reconcile talks about the amazing relationship he had with his grandparents and all he learned from them. [32:08] Reconcile also built a beautiful relationship with his father. [34:01] Reconcile shares how he got involved in music. [38:22] Reconcile talks about his role now working directly with the Department of Justice. [39:27] Reconcile advocates through music to promote social justice.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

Welcome to Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Attorney James L. Walker who is the president and CEO of Walker and Associates, located in Atlanta Georgia. Mr. Walker grew up in Richmond, Connecticut, and graduated from Howard University and got a Master's from Yale University. He has over 25 years of experience and has represented several nonprofit organizations.   In today’s episode, we talk about Mr. Walker´s invaluable contribution to help ex-offenders getting their lives together while sharing our devotion to God’s teachings and guides to living a plentiful life.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Mr. Walker talks about his upbringing and professional background. [3:48] Mr. Walker shares about his faith growing up, how going to church kept him out of the streets, and his experiences as a teenager “entering the system.” [7:54] Cleve shares his experience of getting “in the system” and how hard it was for him to get out of it. [9:30] Cleve and Mr. Walker talk about the matter of the current prohibition from voting to the ex-felons. [12:02] Mr. Walker encourages people not to allow the system to define them. [14:03] Getting a college education is often not enough. [17:00] You have to do more than vote. [21:10] Mr. Walker talks about this clientele. [24:07] Mr. Walker shares how he balances his career and his personal life. [27:25] Mr. Walker talks about how grateful he is for the team he has now at Walker and Associates. [31:06] Walker and Associates provided training for over 300 men and watched them getting their life back together. [37:30] Cleve remembers his grandfather and the great influence his words had on him. [38:20] Mr. Walker also talks about his grandfather. [39:22] Mr. Walker shares his favorite Bible verses. [41:38] Mr. Walker gives his spiritual advice to ex-offenders. [45:58] Mr. Walker shares his words of encouragement for all the folks who like rap music.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   "… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

Welcome to Inside job, a podcast by offenders for offenders. I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Chris Wilson, author of the book The Masterplan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose. In this episode, Chris shares about his childhood, the 10 years he was incarcerated, the importance of staying true to his purpose and goals, how he took advantage of every opportunity to transform his life, and how now he dedicates his time to help others to also rediscover their lives and achieve their dreams.   Chris lives in Baltimore, Maryland, where he spends most of his time working for criminal justice reform and creating job opportunities for offenders. He is the owner and founder of the Barclay Investment Corporation, a multi-service social enterprise, specializing in residential and commercial contracting work. Barclay works closely with the local workforce and social service providers to connect unemployed Baltimore City residents with clients who are in need of a number of services. His other business ventures include The House of DaVinci, a high-end furniture restoration and design company, and Master Plan Productions, a social impact content development company.   Key Takeaways: [2:23] Chris shares about his life growing up in Washington, D.C. [4:03] Chris talks about the role of his grandparents in his childhood. [6:56] Chris shares about how he got incarcerated and how he made it through that system. [8:43] “I am going to prove that I am a good person.” [10:12] Chris realized his life has been hard, but many of the other people in prison have also experienced tough lives. [10:45] Chris talks about his passion for playing the cello. [11:44] Chris shares about the time when he started to write letters to the judge telling about his goals and commitments. [13:55] The origins of a lifelong friendship and mentorship with Steven. [16:15] Chris talks about the moment he was moved to a halfway house. [17:25] Going back into prison as a result of a major breakdown caused by his mother’s death. [18:51] Chris speaks about how he started his time of giving back. [20:06] The time when Chris fathered a child. [22:15] How did Chris discover the art piece of his life? [24:42] Chris extends his words of encouragement for those going through incarceration. [26:14] The importance of planning with small steps and keeping motivated. [30:01] Chris’s goal is to send a copy of his book to every person incarcerated and returning citizen.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   “ …Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.   Learn more about Chris Wilson Visit Chris Wilson website The Masterplan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose, Chris Wilson Barclay Investment Corporation Chris Wilson on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube.

Welcome to Inside job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Jeff Walsh. In today’s episode, he shares how his encounter with incarceration was different than the experience the majority has. Jeff first got in prison at 34 years old as a result of committing crimes to support an addiction; he soon realized the flaws in the system, how it was not really designed to help people to get out of it. Jeff shares his wise words about faith, trust, and unconditional love as the ways to find one’s mission in life and stick to it.   Key Takeaways: [:44] Jeff shares how he started to get in trouble at 34 years old. [2:25] The penitentiary system was not designed to really help people get out of the vicious cycle. [3:04] Jeff talks about his childhood. [6:52] Jeff shares about his high school years. [8:56] Jeff talks about the lessons learned from working. [10:33] Jeff shares about the beginning of his addiction. [12:14] He was always trying to behave to get his parents’ approval. [15:22] Jeff also got in trouble inside prison and had a life-changing experience. [17:56] Jeff’s experience when he was first released. [20:10] You have to do the best you can with you because that is all you have. [21:45] Keep moving forward. [22:07] Jeff talks about his first job and first place to live after incarceration. [23:30] Jeff shares his dreams and visions. [25:04] Faith and trust. [28:00] We have to trust the process because it does work. [29:26] You have to live to have experiences; they don’t happen by themselves. [32:54] What does loving myself actually look like? Fill your cup first. [34:50] Jeff extends his advice to all listeners. [36:20] How returning citizens better equip themselves in times of pandemic? [41:01] Jeff talks about his plans for the near future.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.   Learn more about Jeff Walsh: Jeff Walsh Breaking Chains

Welcome to Creative Inside job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today again by Misty Buck. In the previous episode, we talked about acceptance, self-help programs, and celebrating recovery. In this episode, we are talking about the following step, and how we get started. We will share how when starting assisting meetings and taking them as part of recovery, one begins to establish discipline which is one of the greatest benefits of attending groups.   Key Takeaways: [4:03] Establishing discipline in the process of recovering. [6:53] Discipline keeps you accountable. [8:11] The element of structure as part of recovering. [9:15] How does one know when discipline and structure can become detrimental? [14:04] In life, you make decisions with the tools you have available at the moment, even though you might regret those decisions later, it is important to know that at least you did make some choices. [15:33] Accept the things you cannot change. [17:30] Drifting from fear to accomplishment. [18:46] The benefits of attending retreats and workshops. [21:53] Force yourself to meet other people during workshops; that interaction can be the most valuable asset you got from that meeting. [24:13] Practice what you are learning. [26:25] Ninety percent of your job while recovering is on the inside. [27:11] Why is it so difficult to ask for help? [30:34] Without trust, it is nearly impossible to live. [33:07] Cleve and Misty talk about the power of active listening.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit — attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.  

Welcome to Creative Inside job, a show by offenders for offenders, I am Cleve Bell and I am accompanied today by Misty Buck, the woman in charge of the marketing at Riverhouse. In today’s episode, I want to start talking about my 49 years of recovery. Certainly, these years have been a process, one that I want to share with you all, and beginning with what I call the introduction, which is accepting how uncomfortable you are in the position that you are at. Listen to today’s episode and let me guide you step by step through my recovery journey.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] The introduction: the first step towards recovery. [3:47] How and where am I? [4:04] What do I do now? [4:35] Misty talks about the idea and challenges of acceptance. [7:10] How do you keep yourself out of the “judgment bag”? Humility is the key. [9:03] Grow where you are planted. [10:16] Words have a tremendous impact on our lives, depending on how we use them. [10:50] Start with yourself. [11:46] The only one I can influence is myself. [12:41] How to find a new source of inspiration. [14:51] Finding the good in yourself. [17:15] Cleve shares his perspective about self-help programs. [20:23] Cleve shares his first experience at a AA meeting. [21:40] Celebrate Recovery, a place where you can be both spiritual and honest. [22:42] Misty shares her thought on the self-help format. [23:07] Misty talks about her book: Athlete Mental Health Playbook: A guide to mental wellness for athletes [25:43] One of the most difficult aspects of Cleve’s recovery was asking for help. [27:30] Drugs and addiction now and five decades ago. [28:27] “Drugs were a symptom of my problem.” [29:21] “God Always had his hand on me, I just did not realize it.” [31:32] An attitude of gratitude.   Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens.   At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery.   We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share.   "… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (NIV)   To learn more visit riversidehouse.org   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Inside Job, a show by offenders for offenders. Forget your past, forgive yourself, and get ready for a new beginning!