Prison to Promise

Rodney Taylor recorded this four-part podcast series on a tablet inside a cell on death row in the North Carolina Prison system. The contact info for Death Row Gambit is now crackingatoms@gmail.com Click here for more Death Row Gambit podcasts.

Rodney Taylor engages in a conversation with Paul Brown, also known as Mr. Blue, discussing the importance of cultivating family connections for individuals on death row and the challenges in sustaining those ties. The contact info for Death Row Gambit is now crackingatoms@gmail.com Click ⁠here⁠ for more Death Row Gambit podcasts.

In a candid exchange, Rodney Taylor engages in conversation with a 35-year-old man condemned to Death Row in the North Carolina prison system since the age of 21. Together, they explore questions from the public in an unfiltered and raw exploration of lives, choices, and the profound burden borne by those facing the relentless ticking clock of the ultimate penalty. The discussion provides a deep a...

Rodney Taylor talks with Priscilla James Thomas about what it was like to receive notice that the state is prepared to execute them. The contact info for Death Row Gambit is now crackingatoms@gmail.com Click ⁠here⁠ for more Death Row Gambit podcasts.

We're kicking off 2024 with an unprecedented five-part series that takes you behind the prison walls, beyond the bars, and into the lives of often-forgotten people. The contact info for Death Row Gambit is now crackingatoms@gmail.com.

In this riveting continuation of Rodney Wrice's profound narrative, join host Dr. Craig Waleed for Part 2 of the Prison to Promise podcast. Having explored Rodney's early experiences behind bars and the transformative role of empathy in Part 1, this episode delves even deeper into the layers of his journey from incarceration to compassionate connections. Discover how Rodney's commitment to underst...

In the inspiring narrative of Rodney Wrice, the echoes of a life transformed resonate with the power of empathy and compassion. Rodney's journey is a testament to the possibility of redemption and the profound impact of understanding on the path to rehabilitation. Behind the bars that once confined him, Rodney faced numerous obstacles that tested the limits of his resilience and determination. Dur...

Eugene Nelson, affectionately known as Geno, is deeply entrenched in the interfaith ministry, particularly aiding individuals returning from incarceration. This isn't just a job for him; it's his "passion." Geno is integral to a 43-year-old non-profit organization committed to supporting justice-impacted individuals. These individuals often find themselves disenfranchised, marginalized, and unders...

Andy Williams Jr. emerges as a multifaceted figure— a social entrepreneur, spiritual abolitionist, statesman, and a Presidential Candidate for 2024. Hailing from Aurora, Illinois, his journey unfolds from an unconventional start as he departs from high school, finding himself within the confines of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Undeterred by adversity, Andy's relentless pursuit of self-i...

William "Mecca" Elmore's life has been marked by the highs and lows that few individuals experience. Mecca's story took an unexpected turn on March 30, 1991, a day that would alter the course of his life forever. In a desperate attempt to protect a friend embroiled in a drug deal, Mecca found himself entangled in a web of tragedy. He fired a gunshot toward a parked and occupied van. Little did hek...

Walter, a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform, is a beacon of resilience and determination. He wears many hats — from being a motivational speaker and author to a radio host, life coach, legal analyst, and relationship expert. With a college degree in General Education under his belt, Walter's journey took a dramatic turn when he got accused of a crime, faced a trial, and received a stagg...

Khalil Osiris is a trailblazer in education, restorative justice, and social impact. His groundbreaking eBook, titled "Second Chances: The Benefits of Hiring Returning Citizens," serves as a crucial guide for employers, business leaders, HR professionals, DEI officers, and returning citizens themselves. At the forefront of change, Khalil leads the way with Truth & Reconciliation Conversations...

Cierra Cobb is a beacon of strength and resilience in the face of injustice. As the wife of a wrongfully convicted man, she has channeled her unwavering dedication into a powerful mission: fighting for justice and supporting families affected by the criminal justice system. In her multifaceted role as a prison/jail coordinator and a family advocate, Cierra provides essential support and guidance t...

Kenny Robinson is a resilient advocate for criminal justice reform and reintegration whose personal journey has inspired his dedication to helping others rebuild their lives. At the age of 23, Kenny found himself facing a daunting 10-year federal prison sentence, a pivotal moment that would shape his future and fuel his passion for change. Upon his release, Kenny encountered the harsh reality of r...

This is a continuation of pt. I of the conversation.

Andre Smith is a practicing Buddhist, an activist, and a teacher of meditation and anger management.  Through the Kadampa Center in Raleigh, NC, he has worked with incarcerated people for more than fifteen years, and through Murder Victims’ Families for Reconciliation, he advocated for the enactment of the NC Racial Justice Act. He is now an active volunteer with the  NC Coalition for Alternatives...

Devin D. Smith is the founder and CEO of Ship and Anchor LLC, a social impact enterprise. As an entrepreneur and strategist passionate about inclusion and working with other entrepreneurs and leaders to bring innovative ideas to life, Devin is committed to employing his gifts and experiences to serve and build capacity in others. Devin has recently begun incorporating his creative and artistic nat...

If you haven't had the chance to listen to Part 1 of my conversation with Daquan, I highly encourage you to return to the previous episode, 'From Incarceration to Empowerment: Daquan Peters' Journey of Redemption pt1.' In this episode, we'll pick up where we left off, exploring the turning points, triumphs, and wisdom Daquan gained through his experiences.

Daquan Peters is the visionary Founder of LEX V-(Lived Experience Voices), a dynamic consulting company that collaborates with non-profits, stakeholders, and decision-makers to address the detrimental effects of the criminal legal system and advocate for social justice. At 32, Daquan Peters faced a daunting reality: a 262-month (22-year) prison sentence for possession of crack cocaine. This senten...

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, we sit down with Emunah "Mona" Evans, a remarkable individual who has survived the harrowing experience of mass incarceration and dedicated her life to helping others affected by the criminal legal system. Monah, a loving mother of three, now serves as a Family Reunification Advocate at Benevolence Farm and is the Founder of the Bonding Families Suppo...

In this two-part podcast episode, Holly Coomber shares her life experiences growing up in the foster care system and the events leading up to the murder of two convenience store workers when she was a teenager. Holly's teen years can only be described as horrible. She was put up for adoption as a child. She endured many beatings and broken bones until she was put in a Wayne County foster home of W...

In this two-part podcast episode, Holly Coomber shares her life experiences growing up in the foster care system and the events leading up to the murder of two convenience store workers when she was a teenager. Holly's teen years can only be described as horrible. She was put up for adoption as a child. She endured many beatings and broken bones until she was put in a Wayne County foster home of W...

Damien finds himself confined to a life sentence within the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, all due to a murder he is adamant he did not commit. In a recent conversation lasting fifteen minutes, he and I managed to connect over the phone. During our brief dialogue, Damien recounted the story of his wrongful conviction, expressing his yearning for the eventual revelation of the accu...

Steven Mangual is a long-time Advocate and Activist in the fields of health, social, and criminal justice, both from behind the walls and in his community. He started his career in 1997 as a Facilitator, Peer Educator, and Organizer within the New York State Department of Corrections while serving a 14-year sentence, joining the leadership of such prison organizations as Latino Organizations and t...

George O'Briant originally hails from Roxboro (Person County), NC; at 14, his family relocated to Durham, NC. Following a significant injury from a car accident, he fell in with an unsavory crowd, leading to involvement in substance abuse, alcohol, and minor criminal activities. As a result, George decided to leave school--as a result, he got placed in foster care. With the support and guidance of...