The Path Forward Podcast

💡 In This Episode David Whitesock, founder and CEO of Commonly Well, shares his journey from a troubled youth in North Dakota to overcoming addiction and incarceration. David discusses the pivotal moments in his life, including the judge's intervention that led him to a sobriety program, the importance of mentorship, and his eventual transformation through education and the creation of the Recove...

💡 In This Episode Augie speaks with Courtney Buchholz about her journey from a troubled past to finding purpose through employment and education. Courtney shares her experiences with addiction, the challenges of reentry into society, and the importance of education, culminating in her recent achievement of obtaining a GED. She discusses her work with the Center for Employment Opportunities (ceowo...

💡 In This Episode Dr. Will Moreland, president of Moreland Training & Associates, shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled youth in Compton, California to becoming an Army veteran, global speaker, and author of over 50 books on personal development. Dr. Moreland reflects on the critical turning point when a judge gave him a second chance — one that led him to enlist in the military an...

💡 In This Episode In this special episode of The Path Forward Podcast, host Augie introduces Nunzio—the show’s official mascot—and shares the heart behind the podcast: to bring hope, inspiration, and real resources to those impacted by incarceration. Augie takes listeners inside the mission of the 2nd Opportunity Program, a powerful initiative designed to support reentry through life skills train...

💡 In This Episode Augie sits down with DeAndre Brown, whose early life was shaped by hardship and family struggles that led him down a difficult path. But behind the prison walls, DeAndre made a decision that would change everything—he transformed his mindset, took accountability, and became a model of what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance. 🔗 Resources to Help You Move Forward 📘 Creat...

💡 In This Episode Drew Carr opens up about his early life and the road that led him to incarceration. With honesty and humility, Drew shares how self-reflection became a turning point during his time inside. He also dives into his journey into the trucking industry—shedding light on the path to becoming an owner operator, the sacrifices it requires, and the freedom it can offer.  🔗 Resources to...

💡 In This Episode In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kenny Hunter, whose story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of education behind the wall. Raised in a close-knit, faith-filled home in Virginia, Kenny's life took a sharp turn when he left home and turned to selling drugs as a means of survival. That decision led to a 23-year sentence. While incarcerated,...

💡 In This Episode Everyone deserves a second chance, and this conversation with Tamara Springs, a training manager at Center for Employment Opportunities, is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and resources, rebuilding a successful life after incarceration is possible. Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a roadmap to opportunity! Visit ceoworks.org to learn more about of t...

💡 In This Episode James White III, a prosecutor in the largest county in Georgia, shares his incredible journey from a challenging upbringing in a low socioeconomic environment to becoming a lawyer. James discusses his early life, the choices that led to his incarceration, and how he transformed his life through education and mentorship. 🔗 Resources to Help You Move Forward 📘 Create Your Reentr...

💡 In This Episode Augie speaks with Ruth Mercy, who shares her inspiring journey of working with incarcerated individuals through the Deep Heart performance group. Ruth discusses her early life, her passion for the outdoors, and how she found her calling in prison outreach. She recounts her life-changing accident during a hiking trip, which led to a miraculous rescue and a deeper commitment to he...

💡 In This Episode Augie speaks with acceptance coach Chris Mamone about the challenges of grief, loss, and trauma, particularly in the context of incarceration. Chris shares his personal journey through profound loss and how it led him to help others heal. The conversation explores the importance of self-forgiveness, the role of journaling in understanding emotions, and the transition from incarc...

💡 In This Episode Augie speaks with Sheridan Correa, who shares her profound journey from a chaotic childhood in Louisiana to a life marked by addiction, incarceration, and ultimately, transformation. Sheridan discusses the impact of her upbringing, her struggles with mental health, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help and find hope. Through her experiences, she emphasizes the import...

💡 In This Episode This conversation continues exploring the transformative journey of Ulises Valdez, who shares his experiences from incarceration to reintegration into society. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of navigating freedom, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives him. Ulises emphasizes the significance of support systems and personal willpower in overcoming ob...

In the first episode of 2025, host Augie Ghilarducci interviews Ulises Valdez, a friend and former cellmate, who shares his incredible journey from a troubled youth involved in crime to finding faith and purpose during his time in prison. Ulysses discusses the challenges he faced growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American, his descent into crime, and the pivotal moments that led him to redi...

On our last episode of 2024, Augie speaks with Ruben Gaona, a formerly incarcerated individual who has transformed his life and now helps others navigate their reentry into society. Ruben shares his challenging upbringing in El Paso, Texas, his military service, and the struggles he faced after incarceration. He emphasizes the importance of asking for help, setting realistic goals, and the need fo...

Probation and parole are often seen as steps toward freedom, but for many, they are fraught with emotional challenges and systemic barriers. In the latest episode, we delve into the complexities of supervised release and the lived experiences of Tanaine Jenkins, navigating the probation system. Check out the work that REFORM Alliance is doing to transform the probation and parole system in the US...

What happens when trauma meets incarceration? Ron Self and Isaiah Thompson, formerly incarcerated veterans, explore the staggering number of veterans in prison, the impact of trauma and PTSD, and the innovative programs being developed to support these individuals. Check out Veterans Healing Veterans, an organization dedicated to trauma recovery for incarcerated veterans at veteranshealingveterans...

In this installment, Augie speaks with Trina Wasylenko, who shares her inspiring journey from addiction to recovery. Trina discusses her early life in Canada, her struggles with alcohol and opioids, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. She emphasizes the importance of mental health treatment and personal growth, advocating for those in recovery and sharing her experiences to inspire...

Adam Clausen, a former life-sentenced individual turned leader in social impact and criminal justice reform, shares his remarkable journey, highlighting the power of hope, mentorship, and community support in his path to rehabilitation. He opens up about the obstacles of re-entering society and the mindset of belief, focus, and discipline that fueled his transformation. His story serves as an insp...

In this powerful episode of The Path Forward Podcast™, Stacey Books shares her journey from a troubled childhood and time behind bars to becoming a guiding light for others navigating similar paths. Stacey discusses the vital role of action over words, family dynamics, and the pressures of single parenthood. She opens up about her struggles with mental health, addiction, and the difficult reintegr...

In this episode of The Path Forward Podcast™, Augie sits down with Jeff Abramowitz, a former trial lawyer who found a new purpose after incarceration. Jeff shares how he turned his time in prison into an opportunity for change by teaching adult basic education to his fellow inmates. Since his release, Jeff has dedicated himself to helping others find educational and career opportunities through hi...

Rodney Phillips, a former gang member from Chicago, has a story that could have ended tragically. After spending years in and out of jail, Rodney found himself part of a violence interruption program that opened his eyes to a different way of life. However, financial difficulties led him back to dealing drugs, and he found himself in the newspapers as an example of failure. Despite being publicly...

Trigger warning: Attempted suicide is mentioned in this episode.  In this episode, Augie interviews Brent Cassity, who shares his journey from hitting rock bottom to finding purpose and passion after serving time in Leavenworth prison. Brent recounts the life-changing lessons he learned from his father's incarceration when he was just 15, the very path he vowed never to take, yet found himself wal...

In this emotional installment of The Path Forward Podcast™, Augie interviews Pat Phillips, a former 2nd Opportunity student who shares his journey from a troubled past to a hopeful future. Raised by his grandparents, Pat found himself entangled in the pill epidemic, leading to drug dealing and incarceration at 26. He opens up about how the 2nd Opportunity program in Putnam County, and an amazing p...

In this powerful episode of The Path Forward Podcast™, Augie sits down with Jason Doty to explore his incredible journey from a troubled childhood and a life of crime to finding hope and redemption. Jason shares his story of stealing cars, his time in the military, the impact of PTSD and substance abuse, and how he turned his life around through the Persevere program, where he learned coding skill...