The Conviction Fiction w/Antoine Rivers

What happens to the children when a parent goes to prison? In this episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers explores the often-overlooked impact of incarceration on children. From the confusion and emotional trauma of separation to the long-term effects on mental health, education, and trust — this conversation dives deep into the invisible wounds these young people carry. Antoine share...

Getting out is one thing. Getting everything you need to move forward? That’s a whole different battle. In this solo episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers breaks down the exact steps to get your state ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, and other essential documents —even if you’re starting with nothing. You’ll learn: How to apply when you have no ID or proof of residence Wh...

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction , we sit down with Matthew Stephens —a man once labeled “incorrigible” by the U.S. government, who is now a Regional Detox Specialist and a fierce advocate for Restorative Justice . After serving 18 years across five separate prison bids, including a 15-year federal sentence as an "armed career criminal," Matthew made a decision that changed...

In this emotionally charged episode of Conviction Fiction , we explore the heartbreaking reality that sometimes, even your growth won’t be enough for the people you love. What do you do when your apology is met with silence—or worse, judgment? When your success is seen as a threat instead of a triumph? We unpack the fantasy of unconditional family support and the painful disconnect that can follow...

What if everything you thought you knew about justice… was a lie? Welcome to The Conviction Fiction , the podcast that exposes the untold stories of those silenced by the criminal legal system. In this powerful trailer, host Antoine Rivers introduces the mission: to challenge stigma, uncover truth, and amplify the voices of the formerly incarcerated, their families, and those fighting for real jus...

In this solo episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers shares his deeply personal journey of returning home from incarceration to find his credit wrecked—and not by his own doing. After discovering someone close to him used his name to open an $8,000 line of credit, Antoine had to make an impossible choice: pursue legal action against a loved one or carry the debt himself. With raw hones...

In this special episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers gets personal, sharing his own journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship. What started as an uncertain LLC eventually became RiverPro — a successful commercial cleaning business and budding media platform. Antoine walks you through the exact steps he took to go from idea to execution, including how passion evolved into purpos...

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers is joined by returning guest Eric McDaniel to unpack how society views incarceration—and how those perceptions impact real lives. Together, they confront the myths, media narratives, and cultural judgments that paint formerly incarcerated people as broken or dangerous, rather than human and evolving. From the job hunt to housing,...

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction , we sit down with activist, storyteller, and system-impacted leader Christopher Willars to confront the hard truths about incarceration in America. From the inside out, Christopher shares what prison really does to people, families, and communities — and how the penal system often fails to deliver justice or rehabilitation. We explore questions like:...

In this solo episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers dives into one of the most complex and controversial topics in communities impacted by incarceration: the “no-snitching” code. From prison yards to neighborhood corners, silence has long been equated with loyalty—but at what cost? Antoine explores the historical roots of the anti-snitch culture, how it's enforced behind bars and...

Second Chance Month is often a time to celebrate new beginnings after incarceration — but what about those moments when you are the one giving a second chance? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, we explore the emotional journey of forgiveness — not just as a concept, but as a radical act of healing. Whether it’s a parent who wasn’t there, a friend who betrayed you, or someone w...

In this special bonus episode of the Conviction Fiction, we take you straight to the pavement of the 2nd Annual POD Car Show - where the engines were loud, the vibes were right, and the stories were powerful. Hosted live by Antoine Rivers, this episode features on the spot interviews, community energy, and behind the scenes moments you won't want to miss. We're spotlighting the culture, th...

In this powerful Second Chance Month episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast , host Antoine Rivers walks listeners through the deeply human experience of returning to society after spending 15+ years behind bars. This isn’t just about release dates and paperwork—this is about identity, survival, and transformation. From the overwhelming first 48 hours of freedom—figuring out where to live, how t...

In this gripping episode of The Conviction Fiction, we peel back the layers on one of the most damaging practices in the prison system: solitary confinement. Originally intended as a path to reflection and rehabilitation, solitary has become a widespread method of punishment - with devastating consequences. Host Antoine Rivers explores how 23-hour lockdown, sensory deprivation, and total isolation...

Addiction doesn’t just ruin lives—it traps people in a relentless cycle of incarceration, relapse, and despair. In this episode of Conviction Fiction , we take a hard look at the deep connections between drug use, the criminal justice system, and the struggle for lasting recovery. Through personal experience and hard-hitting analysis, we’ll explore how substance abuse leads to legal troubles, how...

In this episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers sits down with Christopher Zoukis, a nationally recognized federal prison expert and Director of the Prison Consulting Division at the Criminal Center. They discuss the vital role of prison consulting in preparing individuals and families for incarceration and successful reintegration. Christopher shares his personal journey, insights fro...

"What do you do when people still don’t believe in your success, even after all the work you’ve put in?" In this episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers sits down with Eric McDaniel to talk about the struggle of overcoming doubt—both from others and from within. No matter how much you grow, there will always be people who refuse to see past your past. But does their doubt def...

After serving 21 years and 7 months in prison, Donte Hayes emerged with a mission—not just to rebuild his own life, but to guide others toward freedom and success. Now the Director of a Behavioral Health Company and Reentry Director at Dreambuilders Foundation , Donte is proof that transformation is possible when given the right opportunities and support. In this episode of Conviction Fiction , Do...

In this compelling episode of Conviction Fiction , host Antoine Rivers sits down with Eric McDaniel and special guest Robbie to explore the harsh realities of incarceration at a young age. Robbie shares his powerful story of being sent to prison at just 16 years old—facing a system built for punishment rather than rehabilitation. He opens up about the struggles of growing up behind bars, the impac...

In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction , we dive into the transformative power of accountability. Taking ownership of past actions is not just about admitting mistakes—it's about using those lessons to build a better future. We explore what true accountability looks like, how it impacts personal growth, and why it’s essential for rebuilding trust after incarceration. Through real stori...

What happens when love, resilience, and purpose collide? In this powerful episode of Conviction Fiction , we sit down with Ebony Ross-Stover, the inspiring co-founder of Dreambuilders Foundation. Ebony’s journey is deeply personal—she recently married a man who is incarcerated and turned her experience into a mission-driven nonprofit that supports at-risk youth and individuals reentering society a...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Conviction Fiction, we dive into the resilience and determination it takes to build a foundation for success while navigating life behind bars. Special guest Jessica Jones, founder of the nonprofit Beyond the Chains, joins us to share her insights and stories of individuals who refused to let incarceration define their futures. Together, we explore how lo...

In this thought-provoking episode of Conviction Fiction, we delve into the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance—what it is, how it impacts decision-making, and why it’s particularly significant for individuals navigating life after incarceration. Through candid discussions, we explore the inner conflicts that arise when values, beliefs, and behaviors clash, and how these struggles mani...

In this powerful episode, we turn the spotlight on women and incarceration, exploring their unique challenges and triumphs within the justice system. Our special guest, April Paulk of AP Rose Entertainment, shares her insights and experiences, shedding light on the resilience of women navigating life before, during, and after incarceration. We also dive into the reality TV phenomenon @thequeenable...

As the calendar turns to a new year, it's a natural moment for self-reflection and setting intentions. But what if thriving in the year ahead is less about resolutions and more about understanding your deeper needs? In this episode of Conviction Fiction, we dive into the power of self-reflection and explore how Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs can serve as a guide to identify what fuels us on our journ...