IdentityShattered Identity

The interviewee describes how he lost everything when he went to prison and how his life and identity became a blank canvas.

GrowthFinding Life Through Stories

The interviewee describes how much some of his in-prison classes meant to him.

GrowthStruggle and Release

The interviewee describes how he used negative coping patterns to survive prison and how he was able to change that.

ChallengesCircumscribed Options

The interviewee describes how is life is limited in the reentry process.

ChallengesGod Wouldn't Help Me

The interviewee describes his trial experience and they heavy weight and stress of it all.

IdentityResentment Poisoning Him

The interviewee describes how he turned into an angry man to cope with his reality.

IdentityBetter Understanding of Myself

The interviewee discusses his experience before the parole board.

GrowthEnjoying Life and People

The interviewee discusses his process as a returning citizen and the multiple activities he has been involved with to maintain a productive life and enjoy every opportunity presented to him.

GrowthFour Sentences

Interviewee discusses the sentences he has received and his three strikes that lead to his life sentence.

GrowthJoy in Seeing Others Heal

Interviewee discusses his desire to help others who have been through the criminal justice system. He expresses the joy he feels when witnessing their healing.

Growth“That Pain Will Always be There”

The interviewee speaks on the loss of his son and his son’s mother and how the pain he felt will always be there no matter if he goes to therapy or not.

GrowthFamily Difficulties and Connections

The interviewee describes her relationship with her family members. Though her relationship with some people in her family were rocky, she overall appreciates many of them.

GrowthJoining KYROS

The interviewee realizes he hasn’t fully healed when he gets in a fight. He describes transforming when he goes to KYROS, a spiritual gathering.

GrowthVisit From an Angel

The interviewee describes having a dream where he is enveloped in light and told he can be healed and forgiven if he puts in the work. He realizes that his traumatic childhood is connected to his actions later in life.

GrowthOnce the Law Started Changing, We Changed Too

Interviewee describes the how his hope in a new law allowed him to reflect on his actions and create a positive impact in his life.

Growth"I'm Getting Married!"

Interviewee shares his excitement about his future outside of prison, including getting engaged. He expresses the eagerness he feels.

Growth"I Haven't Forgiven Myself For Everything"

The interviewee talks about how he is working through the process of forgiving himself.

GrowthReentry Relapse Prevention

The interviewee discusses employment challenges in reentry and how he used his relapse prevention plan after he lost his job.

GrowthFinding Community After Prison

The interviewee describes finding community after prison with his local church, new friends, and other activities.

GrowthMentoring Children in Prison

The interviewee describes participating in a program in prison where he could mentor at-risk youth.

GrowthMeditation and Mindfulness

Interviewee describes how meditation and mindfulness helps to keep him grounded, humble, and coping with life.

GrowthAdjusting Your Mindset

Interviewee describes how he tries to adjust his mindset when he is feeling rattled and maintaining a connection with community.

IdentityFuture Dreams in Reentry

The interviewee discusses some of his dreams for the future, including his love of music.

GrowthHelping Unhoused People

The interviewee discusses some of his financial problems and his commitment to helping unhoused people.

GrowthTaking Responsibility

The interviewee talks about taking responsibility for his part in the crime, his path towards personal growth, and his friends still inside.

GrowthEncouraging Therapy

The interviewee describes how some of his peers in prison would encourage him to try therapy.

ChallengesPost-Prison PTSD

The interviewee discusses experiencing PTSD symptoms after his decades in prison.