This podcast really brings a sense of awareness to those who have not been in the system. People like Aaron deal with many issues in life before their incarceration. A lot of factors go into why someone like Aaron would be placed in the system. The environment you are born into and how you grow up are factors in how you’ll act in society. Aaron is a perfect example of a child growing up in a bad environment, which resulted in his bad behavior. Child abuse and drugs were a starting basis for this type of behavior to begin. This type of negative exposure increases the chance of a crime to be committed. Aaron felt threatened with his surroundings growing up. His behavior became more aggressive and eventually was arrested for the violent crimes he committed. Once in the system, he quickly had to adjust to this new environment. During his early years in the system, Aaron struggled like many others who do entering the system. It took several years in prison, before Aaron’s mentality changed to better himself. He started to better educate himself through classes offered and became more involved in the prison overall. Aaron was slowly shaping into a new person from these experiences. He was granted mandatory parole after serving half the time of his initial sentence. Aaron’s story is an inspiration to individuals who are or have been incarcerated.

Talk about how the individual became involved in a life of crime and or discuss their time incarcerated. I decided to listen to Michael Whitehead’s story. The title “facing the death penalty” caught my attention, and the second I began listening to it I was interested. As stated in the title Michael faced the death penalty and he served a six year prison sentence. Michael was involved in a life of crime. He was first arrested for murdering his wife. He was also charged for theft. The courts gave Michael a plea deal that was ten years. Michael chose to serve twelve years, which he only served six of the twelve. Michael spoke about the hardships that he faced in prison. He revealed that he no longer had custody of his child during the trial period. Michael stayed away from making trouble in prison. He explained that the specific programs he joined while serving his time helped him stay out of trouble. He said that he learned a lot from these programs. In addition, he explained that the cognitive development program had educated him. 2. Discuss any aspects of reentry back into society and any struggles that the individual faced due to having criminal convictions. What could be a possible public policy change that could have made their transition into the community smoother? Michael spoke about the hardships that he faced when he re-entered into society. He explained the difficulty of being unemployed. Not only was Michael unemployed, but he had no personal possessions and no place to go which made his it much more difficult for him to re-adjust into society. Because Michael had criminal convictions, he explained that society makes it impossible for returning citizens to find a job. However, after struggling for some time he managed to get a job as a contractor. Although it may be difficult, Michael explained that he aspires to be a lawyer. He is currently in college to get his bachelor's degree. It was inspiring to hear Michael say that he won't let his criminal record get in the way of his success. If anything his past further motivates him to become successful. Michael explains that the struggle he went through in prison is enough to keep him out for good. He emphasized the importance of appreciating the things you have. A policy change that could make the transition into society smoother is giving inmates the opportunity to get an education while in prison and to get a job upon release. The question “Have you been convicted of a felon?” which appears on every job and college application hinders thousands of individuals from becoming successful, law-abiding citizens. I would develop and implement rehabilitation programs that will allow returning citizens to pursue an education, obtain vocational training, and eventually start on a career path. This type of education and skill-building helps promote the autonomy that each individual needs to become successful which is what Michael emphasizes in the podcast. If Michael had been given the opportunity to join a program such as vocational training he may have had a job lined up for him directly upon release. 3. Give an overall summary of the podcast and discuss a key policy change to improve juvenile and or adult criminal justice that you did not mention in questions 1 or 2. Make sure you post a copy of this response to the question on iTunes reviews as well Michael’s story was very inspiring. It made me realize not to take my education for granted. Returning citizens struggle to get into a college who is willing to accept them. It made me realize the importance of striving for success. Michael served a six year sentence in prison. While he was in prison he participated in programs such as the cognitive development program that he spoke about that helped him. He explained that these programs allowed him to get clean and it prevented him from getting involved into trouble while serving time. Although Michael was shunned by society after being released, he is motivated to become successful. He aspires to be a lawyer. He described that going to prison allowed him to transform his life. A key policy that should be implemented to improve the adult criminal justice system is instead of arresting individuals who are addicted to drugs, we must direct substance abuse and mental illness patients to community based treatment programs that would focus on empowering the individual. The programs should aid individuals in carrying out changes that promote life fulfillment. The issue is that while inmates are serving their time, very little is being done to rehabilitate them. Our criminal justice system must include rehabilitation programs that prepare individuals to re-enter society, without the feeling of being shunned, labeled, excluded, or abandoned.

Overall, Mario’s podcast was very inspiring and detailed a very nice reform story. It showed the lengths an individual would go to better themselves and turn their life around. Regardless of the crime Mario committed and the sentence he had to serve, he still had an urge to not give up and not waste the life he still had. Mario was lucky that he had the opportunity to self-assess his life and not fall victim to his situation. He educated himself to better himself and others and proved that regardless of being sentenced he can still make something of his life. Mario took the second chance he was given and used it to redeem himself. An key policy that may help improve the juvenile and adult criminal system would be to reform the laws regarding the sentencing of juveniles in the adult system. Mario fell victim to this back in 1995 and this is still happening today. No matter the crime a person who is 16 should not be locked up with a person that is 35. Juveniles should be considered such until they pass the age of 18, maybe even 21 in some cases. Age is in important factor to consider regarding criminal justice, a 16 years-old still has a large chunk of their life to live before they mature and understand the real world. Throwing them into an adult facility is the same as throwing their life away. Not all kids are like Mario, some will give up with their life if they are sentenced, let alone for 19 years. Changing this key policy will assist and preventing most kids form throwing their lives away and losing hope.

The Kinzel podcast was basically how Kinzel got into a life of crime, his experiences in a high security penitentiary, and how his life after prison was. Aaron describes how hard it was for him to find work, and that he didn’t find a real job until after getting his Master’s Degree. Kinzel states how education was the ultimate factor that turned his life around for the better, and how other incarcerated individuals should seek opportunities and be more open, rather than the “overly-masculine” mentality that plagues many new prisoners. Kinzel closes off the podcast by encouraging anyone doing time to seek help and opportunities from the get-go, rather than make the mistake of waiting 9 years like he did. Overall, I felt like the podcast wasn’t just directed towards prisoners, but anyone who was seeking good advice. I say this because when he mentioned how it’s important to get involved within the community, and not just fill out a job application and hope for the best, it really hit home with me. This is because I applied to several jobs on the University of Michigan Dearborn’s campus, and I’ve never heard a single word back from any of them. Kinzel gave me the advice to actually go meet with the employers, see their faces, and show them that you need this job. I also felt like me and Kinzel had a similar situation. That being that we both disregarded the advice from wiser peers, until we got older and wiser ourselves. I think that anyone should take everything Kinzel said to heart, and that everybody deserves the gift of education and involvement. One of the biggest changes to the criminal justice policy has to be regarding felonies. I just think that felonies are way too detrimental to any formerly incarcerated individual because they strip them of so many things that people in modern society need to have a healthy lifestyle. Kinzel’s story just proved my point even further, because he states that it was so hard for him to find a job, and that he sent hundreds of applications, but as soon as he checked the “felony” box, he never heard back from them again. I think felonies should not take any rights away from formerly incarcerated citizens, because I feel like the punishment they deserved was already served in prison. The way felonies are currently structured kind of reminds me of the “War on Drugs.” It reminds me of it because it was supposed to be a way to scare people into not doing drugs by showing what severe punishments would result if anyone did do drugs. However, we’ve seen time and time again that the war on drugs did little to nothing to help, and might have made the situation even worse. It just boils down to the fact that harsh punishments don’t equate to better citizens, which is why the recidivism rate is so high in our country. If we did away with the current meaning of a felony, then I predict that our recidivism rates would go down, and that we would have even more hard-working citizens putting money into our trillion-dollar debt country. I also think it would lead to happier prisoners, because they know that life outside bars will still yield them great hope, and will motivate them to do good things and probably even pursue education and all the things Kinzel advised in this podcast.

3)Jeffry’s story is a very inspirational one and shows that even the educated and well-respected people in society fall down the wrong path and make mistakes. Jeffry was an established attorney who pled guilty to 3 counts of charges, wire fraud, mail fraud and tax evasion. Throughout his prison sentence he took the time to educate, inform and reflect back on his mistakes. He wanted to help prisoners have an easy transition back into society as well as better himself. Upon his release he lived in a halfway house that had very poor living conditions. Jeffry helped several felons find jobs and maintain them. Although his license was revoked, he left a mark on many people and led several people down the right track. Key policy changes need to be made to improve the criminal justice system. Policy needs to be implemented to fix living conditions for former inmates. When prisoners come out and have no place to stay they are put into a halfway house. With poor living conditions this can only made their situation worse. Policy makers need to better living conditions in halfway houses because if these people don’t have jobs and cant afford rent, it is likely that they may start doing illegal things to get out of these conditions and end up back in prison. Another thing policy makers must do is offer advisors/leaders to help each one of these formerly incarcerated men/women get their lives back on track. This will result in follow up meetings to see how that person is doing, give drug test and offer counseling if needed. We need to rehabilitate reentering members of society rather than letting them figure it our on their own.

The overall summary of this podcasts is a bout a man who is convicted at the age of 17 for first degree murder. While in prison, Even though he spent most of his beginning years and isolation, he came to the conclusion that he wanted to make a change for his life. He realize that when he began to change his mindset, the more positive energy and conversations surrounded him. Jesse Barnes talks a lot about determination and having a positive mentality towards reaching one’s goals. Michael Santos gives a good analogy about planting a seed and how it takes water and fertilizer for it to grow into a tree. In other words, in order to grow, the seed has to grow through a lot of levels to become a tree. A key policy change to improve juvenile and or adult criminal justice would be to better prepare prisoners who have been in prison for a long time and you are about to get out of prison and back into society. For example, for those about to be released, should be educated on modern times. The judicial system cannot expect those who have been in prison for decades to just get out and snap back into society normally. There has to be some sort of help given to these individuals to better transition their life, but also their minds into believing that they can change and become better.

After listening to Mario's podcast, I felt that it really changed my perspective on things. Some people really have it rough and aren't as lucky as others may be. Even though people commit such violent crimes, they should still be eligable for some things while being incarcerated, like getting a proper education for example. Some people just like Mario go in at such a young age, they shouldn't be deprived of such important factors. What i thought was really important in this podcast was when Mario finally realized that he needed to straighten up and how he wanted to get an education and help the people who needed it. He has that passion to help people, which many people don't have. A key policy that would help change to improve juvenile and adults in the criminal justice system would maybe be to have support groups or meetings for those incarcerated. It can help those who are about to be released or those who are still in prison. It can teach things like behavioral issues, education, mental issues, and other things that can support those struggling within the prison walls. Being able to talk to each other and being able to help each other out can really help some of these inmates.

This man was a very successful lawyer who made allot of money, and also committed many white collar crimes (such as fraud) that added to his success. He was finally indited for his crimes, and sentenced to 5 years in prison. As soon as he entered the criminal justice system he wanted to get the most out of the experience that he could. Like I stated early, he wanted to come out a better person. He spent his time learning about many religions, reading over 1000 books, teaching G.E.D classes to other inmates. While he said he worked with many other talented individuals that could take an engine out of a care, take it out of a car and put it back together in less than a day. Overall Jeff learned a significant amount from his time, and he even created a business that helps previously incarcerated people, helps them create a resume, an elevator pitch. He also teaches inmates how to best speak to employers about their experience and their skills. A key policy change that I believe needs to happens is providing some type of college education opportunity. Maybe even just a chance to receive an associate’s degree, would be beneficial and a head start for these people. This would be obtainable if an inmate has a G.E.D or high school diploma that they earned inside prison or before. This would give them a leg up when they get released and gives them a greater chance for success, stability, and opportunity when they are back in society. Education also may associate someone who is a better role model/support system. Introduces inmates to people that can further them in their careers, and give them proper positive support.

Kenneth Kennedy became a familiar face in the criminal justice system at the age of 18. He started a life of crime with shoplifting and assaults that turned into a drug addiction. He was 25 years old when he was charged with his first felony. He spent the next 15 years going in and out different prisons in the state of New Jersey. Every time he was released, he would just turn back to a lifestyle of drugs. It was a vicious cycle and Michael Santos notes that Kenneth was a “prisoner of addiction” as well as to the criminal justice system. In his 40s, Kenneth realized he wanted to change his life around for good. He got his high school diploma and then enrolled at a community college to obtain his Associate degree. At this point in his life, Kenneth is almost 50 years old. As a result, there needs to be a public policy in place to help with the lack of educational opportunities available in prison. However, I feel that the main issue here, is the lack of attention to juvenile delinquents. If Kenneth was given more opportunities as a juvenile, he might not have turned back to the streets. For example, a drug assistance program to help juveniles turn away from a potential life of drug abuse. This would prevent juvenile offenders from reentering the criminal justice system.

Listening to Aaron’s podcast was very interesting. From such a young age Aaron explained that throughout his childhood he was exposed to a life of crime. With family members being involved in crime, Aaron became a sponge and picked up on the behaviors that were occurring around him. When Aaron was sentenced 19 years to prison he was still aggressive and violent. What I found amazing is the fact that Aaron took a different approach on his prison sentence and bettered his life. Aaron took a bad situation and made a positive out come out of it. Aaron would soon take a college course in prison and that’s when his life changed. When Aaron was released from prison he pursued his college career and earned his associates and bachelors degree. Still with much improvement, Aaron still faced problems with finding a job, he did not give up. Later on after continuing his college education Aaron got a job opportunity when he went on to a doctorates program at the university of Michigan. It amazed me with such barriers and roadblocks through out Aaron’s life he continued to strive and did not give up. Usually when individuals return home from prison they take a negative approach, which leads to bad decisions and outcomes. Not very often do people come across individuals such as Aaron Kinzel. Aaron is living proof that it is never to late to strive for a better life when the odds are against you. A key policy change to improve juvenile and or adult criminal justice would be mandatory education for prisoners. Education is a beautiful tool to acquire. Many teenagers in prison suffer from the lack of education prior to being sentenced. With this being the case most of these juveniles turn to crime since they are neglected from education. While in prison these individuals should learn the proper skills that they are going to need once released from prison. Now a days you can barely get a good paying job without a degree and good education, so why not help these individuals prepare for what is to come once they are released. We live in an era where education is on the rise. When these individuals are released from prison, they are going to have a very hard time with bettering their lives due to the fact of lack of education. Aaron Kinzel is a prime example of this policy; an individual who turned to education to better his life.

The overall summary of this podcast is about a well-educated lawyer who made a ton of mistakes in his career. He went to jail and served five years while he was in jail he made sure he stayed busy. The jail experience for my individual was a type of rebirthing. The time he spent incarcerated was used for reading, learning about God, discovering new religions find a passion in helping others and ultimately journaling it all for the day he got out. Once my individual was freed from incarceration he ultimately started his own business called National Workforce Opportunity Network NWON (Links to an external site.) (The title is hyperlinked if you want to check out the company's website) in which he focuses on helping previously incarcerated citizens transition smoothly back into society and get great jobs. One key point that I want to mention regarding public policy change is that we need to work on reducing or eliminating mandatory sentencing minimums. Mandatory minimums are putting a lot of these type of individuals in jail for crimes that aren't even worthy of wasting 5 to 10 years of precious life on. We all make mistakes and for the criminal justice system to have to abide by their rules and incarcerate a good person who just made a couple mistakes for up to 10 even 20 years because of a mandatory minimum sentencing is just heinous and we have no room for this type of behavior in a criminal justice system designed to protect us.

I am delighted that Mario changed his life around. He has strength and perseverance in continuing his journey with helping others' transform their lives. A key policy change for ex offenders would be to allow them citizenship like those citizens who do not have a criminal record. It would give them the respect and opportunity to become productive citizens within their community and society. When this is taken away, ex offenders become vulnerable to crime.

The podcast talks about a man named Micheal, who served 6 years in prison after he had a lot of plea deals and changed his life around while he was serving his sentence.There should be many policies developed to help shape more lives of the ex-cons. One policy not mentioned, is to create a policy to provide medical expenses such as full coverage of insurance, the ability to own a home, unlike Micheal he can't own a home that's why he is renting one from his landlord. Also to create a policy to were the ex-cons can use their education, such as their bachelor degree, diploma, masters, and find a job that can actually provide them some good source for their future. And also creating more and more organizations to provide as much help for the ex-cons.I really liked this podcast, it was nice listening to Micheals story.

Michael Santos came to speak to my politics class at UC Berkeley and inspired everyone! Thanks to him, I am planning to start working with the formerly incarcerated club not only on my campus but hopefully on campuses around the country. This is a topic that is not discussed enough in mainstream academia but I think with Michael at the helm of this issues we can help regain their lives. Such an inspiring show

This is a great podcast bringing awareness

I'm currently listening to an amazing interview with a fellow MIchigander who works at U of M. Michael Santos is an amazing, amazing man and I have followed him for years. As a Ph.D. student in Criminal Justice/Criminology, I am 100% behind what Santos is doing and what Prison Professors do and what their goals are. I cannot say enough positive words about them- thank you so much for doing what you do. I'm very proud to be helping these amazing people move their agenda and their help to so many forward.

Very inspirational! Moving! I listened to episode #17 with Tarra Simmons as she shares her early strugges and how she overame them to attend law school. Learning from these stories allows us to see how we can overcome our own challenges.

I just enjoyed the remarkable and inspiring story of Tara Simmons. After serving her time in prison, she got her law degree, and is now a practicing lawyer. This groundbreaking show opens a brand new perspective on the American prison system from the perspectives of the founders of the show, who each did extensive time in prison and from the guests on the show who served their own time or work within our with the system. The main message is that any indivual can reshape and rebuild their lives after a prison experience. Well done and so hopeful.... Bravo!

Very interesting I stumbled on this and am saving all the episodes when my husband gets back home . He is in a federal prison for a white collar crime This is so encouraging as for him being and entrepreneur I have no doubt he will bounce back but it’s just so encouraging people can come out of this strong

I listened to one of their podcasts and found it extremely informative...then listened to all of the others back to back. I’m definitely going to be tuning in daily. The insight and motivation I’m finding on this channel daily is something that’s hard to find many other places.

These Podcasts are great. The knowledge and experience found here is unparalleled In the genre. If you are interested in preparing for success in prison or In life in general this is for you. Michael Santos and his team are helping people turn their lives around and learn how to thrive through adversity. Michael,Shon and Justin have all been through incredible journeys and used these principles to achieve best possible outcomes. No matter the circumstances there are always steps that can be taken to prepare for what lies ahead.

I really appreciate what I've been able to learn from the podcast. Michael helped me work on a sentence mitigation strategy And I know that I'll kearn a lot more from the stories he tells and the people he interviews. I will Make the most of this podcast and i highly recommended it.

I am thankful for stumbling upon this podcast. Great content and inspiration! I look forward to upcoming episodes.

I have no experience with the prison system, but these episodes totally inspire and educate me. We all face hardships in life and it is inspring to learn from former executives who have fallen on tough times. I admire their resolve and willingness to teach others from their mistakes. Thanks to Michael, Shon and Justin for sharing these stories. Your podcast is fantastic.

Before prison, during prison, after prison. These guys know what they are talking about and have been through it all. These guys are the prison experts!

Michael, Justin and Shon are three guys who have taken possibly the worst situation that can happen to a person in life, incarceration, and have turned it around by sheer hard work into the success story that is this podcast and their other businesses. You will learn things from their experience and that of their guests that you can’t find anywhere else. Thanks for all your hard work guys.

Hope and direction are key to surviving this journey. Thank you for providing both!

Having to know Justin and Michael, you guys are top class. If anybody is potentially facing having to go to prison, you are the number one resource I'm sending them to. I hope you can help as many people as possible!

The podcast is really explains in depth for the criminal justice system. With 2.2 million people locked up in the United States, there’s no question that this podcast will help people who have questions or are facing challenges regarding the process and many other aspects of being investigated, indicted or incarcerated within the federal or state level.

I have worked with Micheal, Shon and Justin many times and I cannot recommendation them more highly. The insight they offer is priceless. They have added so much to my practice even after 26 years. I am so grateful to have them on my team. Anyone who is facing federal charges should immediately hire these men. They are truly inspiring and will help You in ways you can’t imagine.

I have nothing to do with the prison system; however, I've been arrested for someone else's crime. Regardless of what experience you have with being locked up, this show is a super interesteding listen, with unique perspectives and inspiring guests.

Great episode. Though not having ever had to deal with going to prison, I have friends that have and hearing Justin's story and torment awaiting a decision of whether or not he'd go to prison is ver enlightening... "the process is the punishment" — interesting perspective and lots of good insight.

The Prison Professors podcast will teach people how to overcome a prison sentence. It also explains how the United States became the leading incarcerator in the world and how we can reform the system.

Thank you for sharing these stories so that people can learn from others shortcomings. It is incredible to know I am able to get ahead of any issues I may have unknowingly caused in the future so I will continue to listen in the future.

love it!

I listened to each of the co-founders of Prison Professors. All three give me hope. My family member went into the prison system without a plan. By listening to these episodes, I have a better idea of how to offer support and guidance. I like the inspiring message and the actionable advice. I’m looking forward to hearing more of these voices from people who went through prison but came home successfully.

Great podcast. Justin is a man w good character who genuinely cares about helping people. He made his mistakes and is now using them to teach others. His knowledge and guidance will help you transition in all aspects of your journey.

This podcast is amazing! Justin and his partners, Michael and Shon, are truly helping people. I highly recommend listening to what they have to offer!

For anyone involved in any way in our justice system, you will find this content extremely useful. The Prison Professors have actually lived and hugely succeeded through many years in prison. Prison can be a confusing place and these guys can provide the hope and advice that you will not find anywhere else! If all prisons would offer this material to inmates the world would be a much better place.

Amazing podcast with a wealth of information as well as stories from those who have overcome adversity. Definitely recommend!

I applaud Prison Professors for taking on such an important and often overlooked conversation. Criminal Justice and True Crime can often be viewed through an entertainment lense and the human realities are often untold. Thank you for putting out such great content! I am very interested in learning more about this.

Stumbling across this podcast definitely threw me for a loop. Michael is uniquely qualified to host this show, and I'm looking forward to more. Clink!

Michael Santos’ new Prison Professors podcast is a fresh approach to understanding prison and all the people who are affected by prison. He interviews interesting people with different backgrounds and unique stories. The message--that it is possible for anyone to rewrite their narrative and build a successful life, even if prison is part of the story—comes through loud and clear. It’s an inspiring perspective from an authentic voice.

My name is Justin Paperny and I’m a co-founder of Prison Professors. Through our podcast, we show a different perspective on how to approach prison. We show the value of going in with a strategy. Listen and learn from our daily episodes. Sometimes we feature inspiring interviews with people who’ve gone through the system. Sometimes we offer strategies that will help people and families. We hope you subscribe and become a part of the Prison Professors project.

So thrilled to review this episode with my friend and cofounder, Shon Hopwood He is incredibly inspiring. Shon went to prison for bank robbery. While he served time he became an expert on the law. Now he is a professor of law at Georgetown Law School and he is also a co-founder of Prison Professors. Through this episode, listeners get to hear about the best possible outcome from prison. So glad to feature him on the show.

I’m really enthusiastic to listen to the Prison Professors podcast. I’ve known Michael Santos since he finished serving his prison term. At the time, I was working in San Francisco. We worked together to develop his websites. And when he became a professor at San Francisco State University, I joined him on several occasions. I wish him and others success in their efforts to show that anyone can get out of prison successfully. Go Prison Professors!!