More Life: The Reentry Podcast

In part two, Sharif discussed effective ways to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during reentry. Sharif makes a compelling case for why individualized reentry plans are not just beneficial, but necessary, for supporting successful reintegration. One-size-fits-all approaches often fail to meet the nuanced needs of people with disabilities who are exitin...

In part one of this two-part conversation, Sharif Brown, the Director of Reentry at Alliance of Disability Advocates, dives into the unique barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals with disabilities. He discusses how stigma, poor disability screening, and limited access to healthcare and services affect reentry—and why race and socioeconomic status make these challenges even harder to o...

What resources are you utilizing to support you on your entrepreneurship journey? In this episode, we explore how organizations can play a transformative role in supporting entrepreneurship for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Our guest is the St. Louis County Library, home to the innovative Small Business Launchpad program—an initiative specifically designed to empower formerly...

How could entrepreneurship be your pathway to empowerment and financial freedom? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, VanKevia Garner sits down with CJ Johnson, founder of Samsonite Painting & More, LLC. CJ Johnson shares his journey of mindset transformation, discipline, and resilience. Against all odds, CJ highlights the power of self-employment and how challenges can be turned in...

What if the key to reducing recidivism isn’t found in a courtroom — but in a kitchen? And what if entrepreneurship is the most powerful form of rehabilitation? In this powerful episode, we meet the visionary— Muhammad Abduli-Hadi — behind Down North Pizza , a Philly-based pizzeria that’s not just slanging pies — it’s changing lives . Built on a mission to combat recidivism, Down North exclusively...

How do you rebuild your sense of self after incarceration? What does it really take to believe you’re worthy of success again—after the system tried to break you? Can you start a business with nothing but grit, a vision, and a second chance? In this inspiring episode, VanKe’via and Wayne discuss more than just building a business. VanKe’via and Wayne discuss building a sense of worth—one decision,...

Do you have a business idea but aren’t sure where to start or if it’s realistic? Have you assessed readiness to start a business and feasibility of the business? In this episode, VanKevia and Joe Lamberti talk about the real first step most people miss: assessing readiness and feasibility . Before writing a business plan, you need to know if the idea makes sense, if the timing is right, and if you...

How committed are you to achieving your goals? Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset? In this episode, VanKevia and Bobby Bostic share insights on developing an entrepreneurial mindset, highlighting key traits of successful entrepreneurs. This discussion focuses on the importance of persistence, vision, and creativity, drawing from Mr. Bostic’s personal experience. He explores the necessity to sh...

What challenges will I run into as an entrepreneur? How do I address or overcome these challenges? In this episode, VanKevia, Dr. Robinson, and Dr. Fernhaber discussed the unique barriers faced by individuals who are formerly incarcerated or have a criminal record when attempting to enter the world of business, highlighting challenges such as stigma and limited access to funding. Dr. Robinson and...

Can I start a business after incarceration? What will entrepreneurship offer me? In this episode, VanKe'via and Dr. Damon J. Phillips discuss entrepreneurship as an alternative option for success and employment for formerly incarcerated people. Throughout this conversation, we highlight the importance of providing support and resources for entrepreneurs, particularly those with criminal records, a...

Securing stable employment after incarceration can seem like an almost impossible challenge. But what if entrepreneurship could be the key to a fresh start? In this season, From Incarceration to Entrepreneurship , we will explore the potential of entrepreneurship as a means for formerly incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives and create opportunities for success. By sharing real-world stor...

In our final episode of the season, our host, VanKevia, reflected on the major takeaways from the season and conveyed the importance of civic power. VanKevia explored thought-provoking questions and presented pathways for system-impacted individuals to engage with the movement. Tune in to learn more about how you can harness civic power in your communities. Complete our listener survey to tell us...

In this powerful episode, Avalon Betts-Gaston and VanKe’via explore the importance of improving public safety within the communities and emphasize the need for community connection for system-impacted people. Avalon provides a unique perspective on civic engagement, focusing on individuals as a whole rather than just their actions. Tune into learn more about the value of civic engagement for syste...

In this episode, Nicole Porter and VanKe’via explore the current trends of criminal justice reform and the ongoing efforts towards expanding voting rights regardless of incarceration status. Nicole emphasizes the long-term impact of expanding voting access and ways to join the movement to help shape the future of democracy. Join us as we look ahead to the possibilities and challenges in restoring...

In this episode, Dr. Justin Smith discussed social activism among formerly incarcerated and the effects of political participation on formerly incarcerated. Tune into learn more about the impact storytelling of release stories has on advocacy and civic engagement. Interested in learning more about Dr. Justin Smith : Western Kentucky University Professional Website Interested in learning more about...

In this episode, Brother Rahim Buford shares his personal experience with incarceration and its influence on his activism and ongoing efforts towards voter restoration. Brother Buford introduces us to his organization, Unheard Voices Outreach, and highlights the impact of the organization on his community. Tune in to learn more about how Brother Buford uses his experience to inspire others with si...

In this episode, members of Chicago Votes (Touissant, Darrion, and Freddie) join VanKe’via to engage in a conversation about expanding voter access, empowering individuals through civic education, and reforming voting policies for system-impacted individuals. Throughout this discussion, Chicago Votes members emphasize the importance of being informed and the need to amplify the voices of those sys...

Dr. Marc Meredith and VanKe’via dive into the barriers that prohibit formerly incarcerated people from participating in the political process. In this episode, Dr. Marc Meredith explored voter turnout among formerly incarcerated and the systemic barriers that individuals may encounter when attempting to exercise their right to vote. Tune into to learn more about barriers to voting rights and ways...

In this episode, Desmond Meade guides us on a journey of his personal experience towards restoration and his efforts to challenge disenfranchisement in the state of Florida. Throughout this conversation, Mr. Meade emphasizes the importance and impact of voting. Tune into this episode to hear a powerful story on the impact of felony disenfranchisement and how communities can continue to fight towar...

In this episode, Dr. Ron Hayduk and VanKe’via Garner dive into the complex intersection between noncitizen voting rights and the legal system. Throughout this discussion, Dr. Hayduk explores the challenges and legal frameworks that impact noncitizens’ ability to participate in civic processes and the broader implications for voting rights. Tune into this conversation to learn more about legal rest...

Dr. Christina Rivers and VanKe’via dive into the deeply intertwined racial history of felony disenfranchisement, exploring how laws designed to limit Black political power during Reconstruction continue to influence modern-day voting rights. The discussion uncovers the systemic barriers that persist and the need for reforms that promote justice and equity. Tune in to hear a powerful conversation t...

In this episode, VanKe’via led a conversation on the complexity of felony disenfranchisement and its impact on individuals of marginalized communities. The conversation dives into the historical roots of felony disenfranchisement in the United States and state-by-state restrictions. Tune in to gain an understanding of the origins of felony disenfranchisement laws and the last effects of felony dis...

In the opening episode of this new season, VanKe’via and Brother Robert Lilly emphasize the importance of understanding the historical factors that influence voting experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals. Brother Lilly shared his lived experience with the legal system and the challenges of powering through the system’s restrictions on civic engagement. Tune into to learn more about how B...

In this trailer episode, we introduce our new season, Civic Redemption: Empowering the Formerly Incarcerated Vote . This season is dedicated to exploring the power of voting and civic engagement for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. We’ll provide an overview of the key themes, topics, and guests featured in the upcoming episodes, offering a glimpse into the powerful stories and ex...

I have served my time, can I expunge my record? A commonly asked question by those with criminal records. A question that people also tend to not know how to answer. In this episode, VanKe'via and J.J Prescott delve into a conversation on the power of a clean slate. J.J. Prescott is the Henry King Ransom Professor of Law at the University of Michigan. His research interests revolve around criminal...