All My Friends Are Felons

Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Ryan 01:30 - Sponsors 02:44 - Younglife 04:40 - Didn't Fit In 07:20 - Sexual Trauma 10:20 - The Substance Spiral 12:50 - Broke His Dad's Ribs 14:00 - 20 Years of Relapse 19:40 - A New Kind of Addiction 22:00 - Mapping Out a New World 22:50 - My Story Matters 25:50 - Finding Vision 29:35 - We Attract What We Are 33:00 - Your Opinions are a Reflection of Yourself 46:30 - Continued use of the My Story Matters tools 48:50 - Final piece of advice “My Story Matters Will Change Your Life”

A Double Lifetime Sentence Sponsors & Partners  The Other Side Academy - theothersideacademy.com  My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org  Freedom Scholars Academy Timestamps 00:00:00 George Smith  00:01:38 Sponsors  00:02:39 Young Life  00:08:38 Back to Compton at 16  00:15:08 Filling a Need  00:23:00 Double Life Sentence at 18 years old  00:30:35 A Moment of Reflection   00:47:40 Discovering Miracles  00:50:30 Being an Agent for Change  01:01:50 From Life-Sentence to Free  01:08:34 Advice for Young Self  “Ask for help… It's okay…” - George Smith

Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Travis Richey 01:39 - Sponsors  03:17 - Positive Adolesence  03:40 - Working in Finance 09:40 - “You should've known better.” 11:00 - No Smoking Gun in His Case 13:45 - A 2 Year Sentence for an Oversight 16:10 - A Bizzare Disparity in the Judicial System 22:00 - “jail was the worst part of the experience” 27:18 - Finding Opportunity in the System 30:35 - Power in Brokenness  41:30 - Establishing a New Program 49:50- Writing a New Story

Sierra's Story & The Other Side AcademySponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com Time Stamps 00:35 - Sponsors! 01:50 - Her Story 03:50 - High School 05:00 - DUI at 15 07:16 - Heroine & the Domino 09:40 - Running from Withdrawls 12:00 - Losing Trust 13:00 - Jail at 18 19:00 - Trying to Get Back on Her Feet 26:50 - Moving into a Trap House 28:40 - Starting to Wake Up 30:50 - The Other Side Academy 35:00 - Sincere Desire for Change 39:00 - Finding Purpose & Sharing Her Story 41:00 - Choose Your Hard 43:30 - Finding Power in her Story

Manny Lopez LevelupIOP.com Levelup Instensive Outpatient ProgramsYoutube & Tik Tok: SL Manny Boy Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com Time Stamps 01:45 - Sponsors! 03:38 - Manny's Story 09:15 - A Bad Deal 11:00 - Learned Love 18:00 - Bonnie & Clyde 23:40 - The Hail Mary 25:40 - The Eleventh Time 13:00 - Self Elevating 35:00 - “Don't give up on people.” 50:00 - Going Back to Prison in a New Way 51:00 - Mysti Lopez

Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Andrew Lewis 01:37 - Sponsors 2:50 - Younglife 5:30 - Early Influences 11:00 - Young Kid Under Pressure 13:31 - Diagnosed with Cancer 14:30 - Drug Store Candy Shop 15:15 - “I wanted to die.” 22:45 - The Other Side Academy 33:15 - Growing with the Company 42:15 - Healing with His Family

Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Jeff Allred 01:36 - Sponsors! 02:40 - His Young Life 05:10 - The Rebellious Kick 10:38 - Married at 18 13:20 - Cut Off at 21 18:29 - Arrested for Domestic Violence 20:20 - “All About Me” 24:00 - “Functional Family Man” 26:40 - Losing the Function 29:50 - Losing the Family 32:00 - Rock Bottom 34:15 - The Other Side Academy 41:00 - Shifting the Paradigm

Double Lifetime Sentence + George SmithSponsors & Partners  The Other Side Academy - theothersideacademy.com  My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org  Freedom Scholars Academy Timestamps 00:00:00 George Smith  00:01:38 Sponsors  00:02:39 Young Life  00:08:38 Back to Compton at 16  00:15:08 Filling a Need  00:23:00 Double Life Sentence at 18 years old  00:30:35 A Moment of Reflection   00:47:40 Discovering Miracles  00:50:30 Being an Agent for Change  01:01:50 From Life-Sentence to Free  01:08:34 Advice for Young Self  “Ask for help… It's okay…” - George Smith

Born to an addict mom, Savannah Bushman spent her early life living with her aunt and uncle and in spite of their care, she was molested by her cousin over several years. Returning to live with her mother for a short time, she couldn't fathom how her mom could choose drugs over her own daughter, but even so, her mom had her try meth at age 14. Savannah was immediately addicted. In and out of juvenile detention and several foster homes, she found herself in kiddie prison first, and then at age 18 in the state prison and pregnant. Listen in as she tells her story of giving birth as an inmate and being separated from her newborn son. When released from prison, she did all she could to make ends meet and to stay sober for her child. Working several jobs and unable to pay the bills, she decided to start selling drugs again without using; a stint that didn't last long. Finding herself back in jail and pregnant once again, she tells how she turned to God, something she had never been taught nor had she ever done before, and how those feelings propelled her to get out, stay clean, and do incredibly hard things to make her life work for herself and for her kids. Now 12 years clean, listen to how she is living the American dream. Hers is a powerful story of coming from nothing and with God's help, making a great life. Where it all began 2:20 Dating 35 year old Utah's most wanted man at 14 years old 10:00 Using again 23:00 Pregnant again and praying for 30 straight days 26:45 It's often a PO who cares that makes a difference 30:40 The man who was there for her 37:30 “On my 13th birthday…she was off the hook and had people there, and I was like ‘Ya know mom, I never understood why you chose drugs over your kids.' and she's like ‘Well soon you'll learn. Here–' And I smoked meth for the first time with my mother.” 7:00

Travis Richie has a very unique story. In spite of growing up in a single parent home, his young life was good. Showing a propensity for numbers and finance, he found himself deep and successful in that field. An oversight in his venture capital world found him in prison in Arizona, where his perceptions of the incarcerated community took an immediate turn. During his 15 months down, he became a bit of an instructor, helping his fellow inmates learn successful financial skills. His booklet, Don't Buy a Cheeseburger with a Credit Card, has developed into the largest non-governmental, non-profit organization serving the incarcerated population. Currently, his program is in over 1,300 prisons across the United States. Like me, only on a grander scale, he has drank the Kool-Aid of the necessity of prison reform. If you're interested in creating change and growth, you will love his story. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Travis Richey 01:39 - Sponsors  03:17 - Positive Adolesence  03:40 - Working in Finance 09:40 - “You should've known better.” 11:00 - No Smoking Gun in His Case 13:45 - A 2 Year Sentence for an Oversight 18:40 - A Bizzare Disparity in the Judicial System 23:30 - “jail was the worst part of the experience” 29:48 - Finding Opportunity in the System 32:55 - Power in Brokenness  44:00 - Establishing a New Program 52:20 - Writing a New Story

Welcome to Part 2 of Dave Duroucher's episode of the All My Friends Are Felons Podcast. Dave describes his childhood self as "Dennis the Mennis on steroids." He came from a solid home but by age 12, he started committing crimes which led him down the path of drug addiction and time behind bars. In prison, he became a shot caller for his gang, but eventually realized that his life was on a horrible trajectory. Through hard work and self-reform, Dave sought therapy and was able to turn his life around with the help of Delancey Street. Tune in to hear the rest of his incredible story of transformation and hope. Becoming the shot caller and an animal 1:40Cop chase and going back to prison for life 10:50Pleading for another path 14:50Treatment centers: “The size of the solution does not match the size of the problem” 20:00Dave's story is not unique and few understand the truth 35:05Therapeutic communities are working miracles 38:00Adderall 40:55Our understanding of the system is wrong 51:00Advice to help someone on a similar path 63:40The Other Side Academy 66:30Changing our prisons 72:00“Mark, listen to me when I say this. I was a liar, a cheater, a thief, a manipulator, a violent, self-centered, self seeking–I had become an animal in a human body. I had become an animal, and we live in a world today where we're like ‘*Gasp* You can't say that to people!' Why? Why can't we tell people the truth? It wasn't until I got to Delancey Street that my peers told me who I was that I was able to change. We are so deathly afraid to tell people the truth. I wouldn't be here today if people didn't point out who I had become. That is who I'd become!” 4:10

I'm joined by Dave Duroucher on this episode of the All My Friends Are Felons Podcast. Dave describes his childhood self as "Dennis the Mennis on steroids." He came from a solid home but by age 12, he started committing crimes which led him down the path of drug addiction and time behind bars. In prison, he became a shot caller for his gang, but eventually realized that his life was on a horrible trajectory. Through hard work and self-reform, Dave sought therapy and was able to turn his life around with the help of Delancy Street. Tune in to hear his incredible story of transformation and hope.  Sponsors 1:34Dave's rambunctious childhood 2:40Getting into sex at an early age 13:30Graduating and going to meth and drug dealing 17:20Getting arrested and building a reputation 25:20Seeing the ugly in and out of prison 33:00Drug bust 42:15Belonging in prison 45:55“I'm so immature, right? It's all about Dave. ALL about me. I really didn't understand what I was up against. I was just being a loser, a liar, a manipulator, a sneaky, selfish kid just doing everything I could for my own indulgence and my own feel goods and saw nothing wrong with it.” 20:00

Chris Robertson's story is one of being all in. His mother describes his personality as being able to go from zero to a hundred in nothing flat. As you listen, you'll see why. When he commits to something, good or bad, he goes full throttle. Perhaps that's why, at his last arrest, he went on a three-hour high-speed chase. His prison stint started at 18 and he found himself in and out of federal or state prison for nearly 20 years. During another federal prison term, he started to realize he was just living up to the system's expectations and that maybe there was something different. In 2018, that something started to kick in as he started studying the psychology of the human brain. And then several years later, while in prison, he enrolled in Captain Your Story inside USCF in Salt Lake City.  Now he finds himself feeling different, thinking different and acting different. Still living with his all-in personality, he is all in and living a healthy, productive life full of intention.  Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy (FSM) My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Chris Robertson 02:00 - Sponsors 03:07 - Young Life 05:20 - Parents Drug Use 07:15 - Started Selling Drugs at 16yo & Using Meth 09:10 - Federal Prison 12:55 - The High Speed Chase 15:50 - Back to Federal Prison 20:30 - Back Again 22:00 - Changing His Appearance & Taking Care of His Health 24:35 - Getting a GM Position at Buffalo Wild Wings 28:30 - Financial Crisis & Cocaine 30:50 - Back to Meth & The Spiral 43:20 - Getting Back In a Positive Direction 44:55 - Addressing His Emotional & Physiological Needs 47:50 - Applying the Principles of Captain Your Story 52:40 - Interview for the Nonprofit My Story Matters 53:20 - Freedom Scholars Academy 57:55 - FSM Integrating with the Captain Your Story Model 1:07:55 - For Donations contact MarkH@mystorymatters.org 

Drew Wilson was born and raised in Cottonwood, California. He grew up in a home that was safe and stable with two parents who with nothing but good intentions almost loved him too much. Protecting Drew from ever experiencing consequences on a small scale when the stakes were low ended up having serious consequences in the long run. Listen as Drew shares a cautionary tale for all of us and as he tells how taking accountability, changing his attitude, and finally finding his own self-worth out of prison and into an incredible, successful life. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Drew Wilson 01:12 - Sponsors 02:50 - Young Life 05:25 - Coping by Lying & Manipulating 07:50 - Over-protective Parents 08:40 - From Stress Headaches to Narcotics 14:00 - Stealing From Neighbors 18:30 - His First Few Arrests 26:00 - Love and Accountability 33:15 - His Wife Files for Divorce 36:10 - Growing as a Family 38:40 - His 3rd Suicide Attempt & Landing in Prison 41:45 - Hitting Rock Bottom & Viktor Frankl 43:18 - Practicing 48:30 - His Life Now

Elizabeth Myers emotional story begins in the suburbs of California. Graduating early from high school, she was quickly drawn into the gangs of the nearby ghetto. There her life took dives into places she can barely describe. After several prison stints there, she comes to Utah to escape that world that soon finds her here. She, “never thought about not getting high”. Finally, after 2 prison stints in Utah and an amazing mother in law, she gets 5 years clean. Thinking she was on her way, she didn't stay connected and then horrible trauma arrives as she owes money to the cartel and they come calling. Hear her emotional description of that horrendous encounter. That throws her back into addiction and into prison. Finally, completing another program in prison, she leaves never to return to her old life. Now she has found her purpose working in the addiction recovery space. Her emotional story is one for the ages. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Elizabeth Meyers 01:41 - Sponsors! 02:58 - Her Story 06:49 - Faced with Death 13:00 - Getting Back with the Guy that Threatened Her 16:00 - Getting Out of Prison 18:20 - Moving to Utah 22:40 - Sparking Change 27:30 - Owing the Cartel and Getting Assaulted 31:30 - The Nightmares 37:20 - Rewiring Her Brain 42:00 - Connecting with Others 48:50 - Navigating the Resources 54:40 - USARA  UtahRecovers.Org 56:04 - “Ask for help.”

Sy Snarr and her husband and four children were your typical all-American family living a completely normal life. Crime and addiction had no part in their story. Then, on August 28, 1996, everything changed. Listen as Sy shares her incredible story as the mother of an 18-year-old son who was murdered by a stranger and how she and her family went from seeking the death penalty for the offender to fighting for forgiveness. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Sy Snar 01:08 - Sponsors! 02:40 - Life for the Snar Family Prior 04:27 - August 28, 1996 09:20 - Dealing with the Unimaginable 13:25 - Wanting the Death Penalty 18:00 - 11 Year Long Legal Process 19:40 - Learning About the Perpetrator  23:30 - Crushed by the Pain 26:45 - Turning the Tide 28:20 - Receiving a Letter from Him 34:20 - Fighting for Him to be Released 39:50 - “I wish everyone could know him like I do…”

Ron Williams life began in Montana. The son of alcoholic parents, he found himself alone and unsupervised most of his young life. He describes how he felt uncomfortable with the mainstream kids. At 12 he spent the night in an adult drunk tank. At 13 he stole his first car. The only love and belonging he felt through his youth was one summer he spent at a youth ranch where momentarily he felt love belonging and security. Ron learned to run at an early age. He ran away from home, from the law, from anything that was difficult. That trend continued for many years. In and out of prison 6 times he found himself getting old and tired of running. Finally with the support he has found at The Other Side Academy, he has stopped running, found value in his life and learned to face his demons. His story of triumph over a lifetime of pain is one you will want to hear. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Ron WIlliams 01:39 - Sponsors 02:45 - Young Life 04:35 - Being Fed Beer in a Bottle 06:30 - Withdrawn as a Child 07:40 - Spent the Night in a Drunk Tank at 12 12:40 - Landing in the Juvenile System 14:00 - Learning to Take Care of Himself 18:00 - Joining the Army 19:45 - Getting Kicked Out 22:45 - Prison 27:00 - Losing his Brother & Parents 28:50 - The Other Side Academy 39:00 - Doing The Work

Laura Ostler's life was saved by The Other Side Academy in Salt Lake City. Born into a family where her parents were preoccupied, she found herself alone feeling she was never enough. Settling became a part of her life. Pregnant and married at a young age, life overcame her as she found herself, after a surgery, addicted to Lortabs. Drugs soon became her solution to any problem, that and a new boyfriend. Though she has always had deep religious leanings, her struggles with identity and drugs continued to leave her in a lurch. Then she was introduced to The Other Side Academy and she started the process of coming to herself. Listen in as she tells the heart wrenching story of the death of two of her siblings, the battles with her addictions and mostly how she came to herself with the help of the academy. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Laura Ostler 01:36 - Sponsors 02:35 - Young Life 08:00 - Internalizing a Negative Narrative 09:29 - Running Away to Mexico to Get Married 11:10 - Divorce, Adoption & The Loneliness 16:15 - Getting Surgery 19:50 - Getting Larger Prescriptions 21:19 - Finds Out Her Daughter is Getting Abused 24:30 - Hitting a Low Point & Turning Things Around 26:25 - Crashing Again 31:05 - Losing Her Sister 34:00 - The Other Side Academy 37:27 - Losing Her Brother 40:15 - Creating Her Own Identity 47:20 - Pay Attention to Others

The first feature you see when you meet Chris Nelson is his baby blue eyes. He grew up in California under the thumb of an alcoholic step dad. At a young age his athleticism stood out and he was deeply involved in football, basketball and baseball. However over time, he gravitated towards the “stoners” and started down that slippery slope. Turning his back on the sports he loved, by the age of 22 he found himself a meth addict. His sister told him how the light had left his beautiful eyes. 14 years and 3 trips to prison later he finally started to come to himself and facing another prison term he was given the opportunity to go to Delancey Street in San Francisco where he spent 4 years realizing the man that should have been. There he met Dave Duroucher. Following him to The Other Side Academy he now lives a life of service and purpose helping others to come to themselves and become the good person God made. His is a story of triumph.The first feature you see when you meet Chris Nelson is his baby blue eyes. He grew up in California under the thumb of an alcoholic step dad. At a young age his athleticism stood out and he was deeply involved in football, basketball and baseball. However over time, he gravitated towards the “stoners” and started down that slippery slope. Turning his back on the sports he loved, by the age of 22 he found himself a meth addict. His sister told him how the light had left his beautiful eyes. 14 years and 3 trips to prison later he finally started to come to himself and facing another prison term he was given the opportunity to go to Delancey Street in San Francisco where he spent 4 years realizing the man that should have been. There he met Dave Duroucher. Following him to The Other Side Academy he now lives a life of service and purpose helping others to come to themselves and become the good person God made. His is a story of triumph. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Chris Nelson 01:50 - Sponsors 02:50 - His Young Life 05:20 - Living a Duplicitous Life 09:30 - Driving Off a Cliff 13:00 - Big Boy Jail 14:05 - Meth at 22 17:40 - Prison & Fatherhood 20:15 - Out On Another Run 21:20 - Back Behind Bars 26:13 - Delancey Street 32:30 - Reaching Self-Belief 39:40 - Things are Looking Up: The Other Side Academy 46:45 - “Stop seeking validation from other people.”

Brandon Nelson's story comes from inside the Central Utah Correctional Faacility in Gunnison Utah. Thanks to the UDS for allowing us access to the facility. Brandon he relates the good, the bad and the ugly of prison life. He talks about how, after 7 years of living the cesspool of prison politics, he came to realize that he could do and be better. How he became an integral part of UPrep, a grassroots postsecondary education program started by inmates for inmates rising to be the leader in that life changing program. Later, he tells of a curriculum called Captain Your Story, a lifestyle that has allowed him, in spite of still being incarcerated, to become free and envision and create a life now, on the inside that is truly preparing him for when he hits the streets. Though still incarcerated, he lives a productive life mentoring and helping other inmates who seek the same change and growth he has found.Sponsors & PartnersThe Other Side Academy - theothersideacademy.comMy Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org00:00:00 Brandon Nelson00:02:16 Sponsors00:03:04 His Experience in Prison00:11:40 Being Sent to CUCF00:15:45 Opportunity to Choose00:24:45 Taking on More Responsibility: U Prep00:32:00 Fighting for Opportunity00:37:40 Opportunity Lost00:46:45 Integrity Despite Outcomes

Collin Carter grew up in Utah. Without a father in the picture and a mother who struggled with her own demons, it wasn't long before bad influences led him down a path that ended in a 27 year prison stay. It was there, fifteen years into his incarceration that Collin caught the vision of his true potential. Whether you're struggling with a child that is making poor decisions, struggling to discover your own potential, or are just wanting to witness the true power of education and hope, you're going to want to listen as Collin shares his story on today's episode of All My Friends Are Felons. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Collin Carter 01:09 - Sponsors 02:35 - His Story 08:00 - The Complexities of His Environment, Community & Race 15:10 - His Grandmother's Influence 16:15 - Moving Out at 14 20:05 - Grappling with the Influence of His Friends 25:15 - Hitting a Turning Point 28:45 - Moving to Another Facility and Finding Opportunity 35:59 - The Power of Someone Believing in You 48:00 - Associating with Good Influences

Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Patrick 01:36 - Freedom Scholars Academy 01:47 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:00 - The Other Side Academy 03:10 - The Beginning 12:30 - Missing Guidance 16:30 - Juvenile System 23:04 - First time in Jail 30:00 - “The small things are holding me back.” 42:15 - The Seeds of a New Life are Growing 44:00 - Captain Your Story 48:00 - His Life Now 49:40 - The Real Me 52:30 - Advice for you Captains

Known by her “new” brothers as their “Palangi” sister, Paige Norton is an incredible advocate for those incarcerated in the prison in Salt Lake City. Though small in stature, she stands tall amongst the men and families she serves in her non-profit, Paige Norton Advocate. A little farm girl whose family has deep roots in her faith, Paige has found herself deep in a world she could never imagine and that she would never turn away from. Victor Hugo's favorite motto was, Aimer c'est Agir. (to love is to act). That is Paige's persona. Her's is a compelling story of faith and love turned into action. Inspired to enter prison for the first time to visit a complete stranger, she and her husband Chris find themselves on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. You will love to listen to her emotional journey. Sponsors & Partners Freedom Scholars Academy My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com 00:00 - Paige Norton 01:35 - Sponsors 03:40 - Her Story 08:45 - Agricultural Advocacy 11:50 - Connection Between Agriculture & Drugs 14:20 - Her Past Paradigm on Prisoners 19:30 - A Bizarre Experience 23:10 - A New Life Blossoming 25:45 - Dealing with Paranoid Friends & Neighbors 29:40 - The Turning Point 31:10 - Practical Empathy 34:24 - “… liberty to the captives…” 39:00 - Shoutout to Director Brian Redd 44:40 - Finding Hope & Dealing with Opposition 54:41 - What We Can Do to Help PaigeNorton.org

Robbie Simpson spent much of his young life in a rural community. Problems at home mixed with struggles to fit in sent him down a rabbit hole of self-doubt and insecurity. Sadly, he learned to cope by escaping into pornography which really messed with his ability to engage in authentic relationships at any level. 3 marriages, 2 prison terms and a lot of infidelity later he finally decided he wanted to be truly happy and realized he need a new path. Now, he has come to himself and with the base of the Captain Your Story model, he has finally found real happiness and contentment. Much of his story is so relatable to so many people. Listen in as he describes his remarkable story of self-recovery and regaining self-worth. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Robbie Simpson 01:28 - The Other Side Academy 01:43 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:29 - Young Life  03:30 - Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms 07:30 - Porn & the Internet 10:44 - A Really Bad Car Accident 14:05 - Going on a Rampage 15:30 - A Sting Operation 17:30 - Getting Charged 28:40 - First Day in Prison 30:25 - Facing Hopelessness & Discovering the STRIDE Program 37:10 - Discovering My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 47:00 - Parole  49:40 - Landing a Dream Job 52:00 - Losing the Job 55:00 - Landing Another Dream Job 58:30 - Implementing the ‘Captain Your Story' Model 1:02:10 - MyStoryMatters.Org

Matt Harward's story is a bit of an anomaly. In spite of finding himself in the punk rock world at a young age, Matt never got involved in the drug or alcohol scene. Married at a young age, he did his best to provide for his wife and young son. Then anxiety set in and mix that with the counter culture popularity of his band, he found himself on his way to prison. Serving a 0 to 5 sentence, he describes some of the crazy parts of prison life. Soon, he finds himself in a privileged section and is introduced to Captain Your Story, the lifestyle model I have the privileged of guiding every Monday inside CUCF in Gunnison. Matt describes the positive effect it had on himself and the guys he lived with and how it continues to guide him and his family as he has gained parole and is living a good life. Listen in as he tells his story. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - The Punk Rocker 01:33 - The Other Side Academy 01:48 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 03:08 - Jumping in With Both Feet 07:50 - Substance Abuse is Not His Thing 10:00 - His High School Experience 13:30 - Financial Struggles 17:00 - Having a series of Mental Breakdowns 19:00 - Spiraling into Affairs 20:15 - Losing His Community Overnight 22:40 - Confessing to the Police 28:00 - His Prison Experience 40:00 - Making the Most of His Time with Classes 46:00 - My Story Matters 57:50 - Final Piece of Advice

Asia Willis grew up in a strong middle class family with caring parents. She was very active in sports and was a standout on the basketball court. After a stint at college, she returned to her old neighborhood and found herself choosing to go after the fast money. Those decisions found her in trouble with the law for the very first time followed by a 7 year prison sentence. There, rather than finding politics and gangs and racism, she tells her unique story of find nurturing, caring women in prison who showed her a better way. She proudly claims that “All Her Friends are Felons.” After parole, she finds herself living a productive life, making her way with the help of her friends.Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Asia Willis 01:27 - The Other Side Academy 01:42 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:30 - Young Life 05:50 - Moving to Louisiana  08:15 - Going back to CA  10:20 - Getting Pulled into Gang Life 12:20 - Fighting Her Case and Running 15:50 - Struggling with Accountability and All of the Other Factors 17:10 - Her Experience in Prison 22:12 - Educating Herself in Prison 25:00 - Struggles getting back into Society 31:10 - The Humanity is Clear 33:50 - Her Life & Vision Now ‘I Am Asia Willis' on Youtube 36:18 - “Be gentle wIth yourself… Be loyal to yourself… God is your best friend.”

If I were to describe Justin Kruger, I would say he is, “the most interesting man in prison” and now on the streets. Arrested at 16 and incarcerated for over 20 years, his entire education was acquired by his own efforts on the inside. His young life turned to turmoil as his mother passed away when he was 14 and he was abandoned by his father. He quickly learned to adapt and survive. That skill followed him into prison. Articulate, thoughtful, well rounded, Justin lives a very productive life still solving problems for businesses. He has a unique and interesting story.Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Justin Kruger 01:28 - The Other Side Academy 01:43 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 01:26 - Losing His Parents 05:50 - Turning to Robbery 08:44 - Charged with Murder at 16 Y/O 15:14  - Fighting for Opportunity Behind Bars 22:50 - Finding Good Influence 27:00 - Searching for Knowledge 30:00 - Seeing the Board and getting out in 2018 34:40 - Forms of Intelligence 38:45 - Getting Out & Buying Property 40:00 - Living with a Blank Slate 45:20 - Final Piece of Advice

Morgan Dimmitt grew up in a fairly normal world. Though his parents were divorced, he felt cared for and nurtured. Finding his place on a football field, he was a standout on his high school football team, even headed for college. Problem was, he couldn't control his aggression and found himself fighting, again and facing charges. That aggression was likely greatly enhanced because of the use of weed and alcohol. His life began to spiral soon becoming addicted to about every drug on the market. Listen in as he tells his near 20 year journey in the world of drugs and crime until one day, facing a long prison sentence, a judge gave him the break he needed and he, almost overnight, came to himself. Using the advice of his sponsor who tells him, “I don't care about your feelings. Who are you helping today” and thanks to Alcoholics Anonymous he is 3 years sober. Listen in to hear him describe his journey from hell to heaven. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Morgan Dimmitt 01:47 - The Other Side Academy 2:02 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:43 - Young Life 04:30 - Dealing with Aggressive Tendencies 08:00 - Finding Community through Athletics 9:50 - Watching His Dad Struggle with Addiction 10:20 - Dealing with a Major Setback 12:20 - Discovering Opiates and Withdrawls 18:50 - Getting into Harder Drugs 21:30 - ‘Escaping' to California 26:00 - Spiraling and Getting Arrested 34:13 - Getting Out  37:10 - The Cycle of Relapse 43:00 - Pleading Guilty 48:30 - Shifting His Paradigm

Jay Alexander's young life was anything but stable. Always on the move, he struggled to find a place in the world. While stumbling through high school, an assistant principal identified his difficulties and brought him and gave him the assignment of helping other students who struggled to learn math and English. Little did he know that would reappear later in life has he worked as a recovering addict in the First Steps rehabilitation facility in Salt Lake City. Throughout his life, Jay had people who, in spite of being in his own way, believed in him giving him hope for recovery. Listen in as Jay tells his compelling story. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Jay Alexander 01:28 - The Other Side Academy 01:43 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:20 - Jay's Upbringing 09:45 - Grandmother Dies 17:15 - Moment of Intense Desperation 22:15 - Getting Shot 30:00 - Details on his Arrests 35:00 - Relapsing in Drug Court & Getting in a Car Accident 39:40 - Things are Looking Up 45:20 - Final Piece of Advice

Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Brittany Blake 01:38 - The Other Side Academy 01:52 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 03:21 - Early Life 13:30 - Criticism and Frustration 15:45 - Finding Acceptance   18:00 - A Close Call 20:15 - Her High School Experience 24:00 - Surgery and Opiates 29:50 - Telling Her Parents about the Abuse & Starting Therapy 36:00 - The Importance of a Support System 46:25 - Her Life Now 47:58 - Final Piece of Advice

Nate Williams started gang banging at a very early age in Compton California. He stole his first car, a low rider, from a rival gang at age 13. By 17 he was arrested and eventually sentenced to 25 to life in prison. After 32 years down, he now spends his life as an advocate for cultural reform. For the past 11 years, as the founder of Choices For Freedom, Nate spends his time working in the juvenile detention facilities in California, his life is dedicated to helping other youth avoid the path he took. He is also deeply involved inside San Quentin helping others realize the changes they can make towards living a good life. Try and keep up as Nate tells his lively story about a world most of us know little about.Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org Nate Williams' Organization https://www.choicesforfreedom.org/ 00:00 - Nate Williams 01:28 - The Other Side Academy 01:43 - My Story Matters 02:30 - Young Life 04:20 - Little Kid in a Gang 05:40 - Taking the Fall for a Fellow Gang Member 08:20 - Stealing a Car at 13 Years Old 10:20 - Juvenile Tried as an Adult 12:10 - Making the Prison His Home 14:10 - “Nobody Stays the Same” 20:20 - The Turning Point in Prison 22:40 - Converting to Religion 25:00 - Helping Gang Members to Change 29:15 - Choices For Freedom Program 38:39 - How Do We Help? 39:50 - Healed People Heal People 43:40 - Final Piece of Advice 45:10 - His Movie “Rites to Passage”

Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Jim Plant 01:19 - The Other Side Academy 01:33 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 02:29 - Young Life 07:30 - Hitting A Low Point 11:04 - Where Things Really Go South 15:01 - Confession, Prison & Growth 21:15 - The Night He Was Arrested 27:50 - Journaling and Identifying Patterns 33:10 - The Prison Experience 38:20 - His Life Now 40:18 - “Communicate”

Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00 - Mianta McKnight 01:42 - The Other Side Academy 01:56 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 03:00 - Her Story 04:07 - Tried as an Adult, sentenced 15 Years to Life 09:25 - Taking Initiative  12:00 - The Aftermath and Her Family Now 14:00 - Finding Help & Hope Within the System 16:00 - Becoming a Mother 17:50 - Life in Prison 20:40 - Her Appeal 22:20 - Developing Vision 24:40 - SWAG (Sisters With Artistic Genius) 30:50 - Making Opportunity Within the System 34:20 - “What Do You Want?” 37:30 - Becoming a Massage Therapist & Life Coach 39:15 - Her Final Hearing 42:30 - Becoming a Coder 47:09 - Living With the Stigma 51:00 - “You Are Enough”

Imagine growing up in a life where, from your first memory, abuse was a daily part of life. Verbal, physical, sexual, drugs, alcohol. For Jennifer Granberg, it was a reality. Only her grandmother who was not a part of everyday life showed her any positive reinforcement. It's hard to imagine the mental anguish that created in her. In fact it pushed her to points even she can't believe. What is a true miracle is where she is now. It's hard to imagine surviving what she experienced. It's amazing to see how today she is thriving and sharing and helping as a counselor to other women who have been through it. Her story is so very sad and traumatic and at the same time, so powerful because of what she has overcome. Join me as Jennifer tells her story. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Jennifer Granberg 00:01:40 - The Other Side Academy 00:01:54 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:57 - Her Young Life 00:09:24 - Experiencing Morphine as an 11 Year Old 00:11:44 - Rebelling as a Way to Cope 00:12:40 - Getting Caughting by Her Mother 00:16:50 - The Spiral Continues 00:20:50 - Arrested for Murder… 00:23:30 - The Breaking Point 00:28:25 - Becoming a Drug and Alcohol Counselor 00:29:40 - Reintegrating into Society & Helping Others  00:42:00 - Final Piece of Advice

Vandrick Towns grew up in a tough neighborhood surrounded by many great influences. His was a close nit, hardworking, religious family. He was heavily involved in all these things as will as his prowess as a young football star. Then, when he was 16 years old, after a football game, we was struck by a bullet that lodged in his calf and changed forever the trajectory of his life. His fall was fast and furious. In spite of having no previous experience in gang life, he was drawn in and jumped in with both feet. Then, within just over a year, he was in jail facing a double life sentence. Listen in as he tells his articulate and amazing story of his free fall into hell, his survival skills he learned, how he comes to himself and then faced an identical situation where his good decision would send him down a road where he has spent the past over 17 years helping himself and others find true peace and success. Vandrick is an amazing human being. His story is lifechanging. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Vandrick Towns 00:02:02 - The Other Side Academy 00:02:21 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:03:10 - LA in the 80's 00:06:50 - Surviving a Shooting 00:08:40 - Joining a Gang for Revenge 00:18:00 - Landing in Prison 00:28:50 - Earning a Reputation 00:30:45 - Returning to His Roots 00:33:00 - Losing his Mother & Brother on the Same Day 00:35:50 - Coming to a Fork in the Road 00:45:15 - Granted Parole on July 4th 00:51:13 “We're more alike than we are different.” 00:52:20 Teaching Law & Ethics in the Prison 00:55:10 Final Piece of Advice

Growing up in Compton California in the early 90's Yanira Armster was living a great childhood. Then one day she discovered some photos in her Dad's desk that unraveled her life. He was living a double life with a second wife and family. Feeling betrayed and somehow responsible, she jumped headlong into the gang life. Never using herself, she started selling drugs and at the age of 17 found herself in a courtroom facing a triple life sentence. Listen in as she tells her amazing story of survival in the prison system and then her transformation as she started to thrive. She tells how the board found her “suitable” and in 2015 she was released. Her emotional story is worth a listen. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Yanira Armster 00:01:33 - The Other Side Academy 00:01:48 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:46 - Young Life 00:04:02 - Finding out that her dad had another family. 00:07:55 -  Creating a New Identity 00:11:38 - Arrested at 17 00:20:29 - ‘Prison Saved Me' 00:22:05 - Three Life Sentences 00:27:35 - Her Prison Experience 00:36:00 - Letting the Seed Grow 00:44:07 - “Watch Me” 00:49:30 - Found Suitable and Going Home 00:52:00 - Becoming a Counselor 00:56:47 -  Final Piece of Advice

Corey Glassman was living in a great family. Mom, Dad, sports, camping, things were great. Then tragedy struck. He father, his hero passed away and his life went into a tail spin. The loss for him was devastating. What's more, the “replacement” father figures were complete failures and he found drugs and alcohol. Sentenced to a 25 to life sentence when he was 17, Corey first survived prison life then he came to himself and started to thrive spending the last 15 years of his time growing, help and serving. He tells a powerful story of the effort required to regain credibility for himself and receive redemption. You won't want to miss the story of Corey Glassman. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Corey Glassman 00:01:32 - The Other Side Academy 00:01:47 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:45 - Losing His Dad at 9 Years Old 00:06:48 - A Very Complicated Relationship 00:12:20 - From Peer Pressure to Murder 00:14:50 - Sentenced at 16 Years Old - 25 Years to Life 00:17:25 - Surviving Prison 00:21:00 - Getting Involved & Finding Hope 00:33:25 - Communal Accountability 00:38:58 - Found Suitable Two Times & Rejected by the Governor  00:42:35 - Winning On Appeal 00:46:50 - Returning to His Child Self 00:48:00 - Operations Recovery Services OptionsRecoveryServices.com 00:49:05 - Corey's Life Now 00:50:35 - Final Piece of Advice

Imagine growing up in a white picket fence life; tight, close knit, religious family, loving parents, great brothers, tons of friends, sports etc. That was the life of Collin Cooper. Returning from his LDS mission he finds himself dealing with a lower back injury acquired from participation in high school football. He fell into the opioid epidemic at the turn of the century followed by 15 years or so of the lies and pain caused by addiction. His is not an uncommon story. In and out of every rehab in his area as well as in and out of jail found him ready to end his life. Listen in as he recounts the emotional time when his mom comes to get him, weighing 119 lbs, his weeks in the hospital regaining his health and his enrollment in The Other Side Academy, where Collin has his life back. This is a story you don't want to miss. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 Collin Cooper 00:01:33 The Other Side Academy 00:01:52 My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:35 Colin's Background 00:09:00 Back Injury Prescription  00:11:00 Dipping His Toes 00:14:01 Realizing He Was Addicted 00:17:44 Landing in Jail 00:20:00 Cheating Drug Court 00:25:59 The Haven in SLC 00:29:38 High at the Wedding 00:33:15 Come to a Head 00:37:37 Rock Bottom & Asking For Help 00:41:28 The Other Side Academy 00:50:20 TOSA Saves Lives 00:53:30 Last Piece of Advice

Jessica Searle spent all of her early years dealing with dysfunctional parents. Drugs, alcohol and even abuse were part of her young life. She left home at 13 living in the Mission district of San Francisco where she was jumped into a gang. Finally finding herself in Utah, any hope of change vanished as she continued down the path of drugs, and bad relationships. She lived that way for 25 years until she was finally done. Enrolling in The Other Side Academy changed her life. Now she is articulate, authentic, and purposeful. She is not the person she spent 38 years becoming. She has a light in her eyes and hope in her heart. Her story is one of triumph over insurmountable odds. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Jessica Searle 00:01:36 - The Other Side Academy 00:01:50 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:40 - A ‘Hectic' Childhood 00:04:45 - Early Abuse 00:06:28 - Learning to Hide from Good Influences 00:08:35 - Finally Opening Up About the Abuse 00:10:20 - Running Away 00:13:55 - Moving Back in with Her Parents & Culture Shock 00:17:17 - Pregnant at 15 00:20:30 - Surgery & Opiates 00:23:59 - Going on a Crime Spree & Landing in Prison 00:27:02 - A Moment of Stability 00:28:00 - Starting to Slip 00:29:14 - “Lighting Myself On Fire to Keep Everybody Warm” 00:33:58 - Losing Her Partner & The Kids 00:38:35 - Her Mom Passes Away 00:41:28 - Writing to The Other Side Academy 00:49:40 - 4 Years at TOSA 00:54:00 - A Piece of Advice For Herself

Leticia Ledezma's young life was full of struggles. Her young dreams of growing up to be a lawyer soon gave way to following her brother into the street life where she remained for the better part of 25 years. Her current bright smile was, for so long covered in drugs and abuse and pain and hopelessness. A continuous cycle of bad relationships and a life that found her booked into jail 40 times, with no idea how to escape what she found a “normal”. Then things changed as she was introduced to The Other Side Academy. Now over 7 years sober and living a great life, describes her transformation where she is full of hope, optimism and purpose. You will love her story. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Leticia Ledezma 00:01:29 - The Other Side Academy (TOSA) 00:01:44 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:30 - Growing Up in the Party House 00:05:38 - Caught with Narcotics at 14 Years Old 00:08:59 - Pregnant at 18 00:13:15 - The Cycle 00:18:02 - Losing Her Kids 00:24:43 - The Beginning of the End—TOSA 00:28:30 - The Other Side Academy 00:34:30 - Struggling with the Rules 00:37:00 - Deciding to Jump All In 00:38:40 - “I Feel Like I'm Leaving Him Behind…” 00:42:45 - Now 7 Years at TOSA 00:43:45 - Destiny Garcia's Non-Profit, Clean Slate Utah cleanslateutah.org 00:44:14 - Not a Felon Anymore 00:47:10 - Choose Your Hard

Jessica Grundie describes her young life as “typical to me”. It was however, anything but functional. Domestic violence, drugs and alcohol were all around her daily home life so much so that at 11, DCFS came knocking and she went to live with an Aunt and Uncle for a time. Rather than, as so many kids do, look to drugs and alcohol to hide her pain, she turned to anger. Fights and juvenile detention were a constant part of her young life until one day, at 15 years of age, while trying to escape from a detention facility, she stabs a worker. Sentenced to 5 years to life in the state prison, she sends her first 5 years in max; 23 hour lockdown. Her story is heartbreaking yet her outcome is glorious. Join me as she tells her story losing the anger and finding peace. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Jessica Grundie 00:01:42 - The Other Side Academy (TOSA) 00:01:57 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:47 - Her Young Life 00:05:25 - DFS Intervention 00:13:25 - Grand Theft Auto @ 12 years old 00:16:15 - Learning to Prefer Incarceration 00:27:15 - That Escalated Quickly 00:35:30 - They Loved Me The Way They Knew How 00:38:25 - Prison Summary, from 15 to 27 00:47:40 - Graduating Odyssey House  00:52:15 - “Talk to Somebody”

Dylan's Gibson's young life started in trauma; duplicitous, addicted parents, a predator baby sitter, divorced parents at age 9. All of which he thought to be “normal”. Though successful in school and very successful in soccer, the rest of his life was chaos. To make it worse, at age 17, his father and brother were killed. And then things went downhill. Finally, after countless arrests, 52 incarcerations and 9 years in prison, the allowance of a judge, a nudge from his grandmother, and the audacity of the people at The Other Side Academy, Dylan's life starts to make a turn. Listen in as he describes his new life of service and help and vision and purpose. Sponsors & Partners The Other Side Academy (TOSA) - theothersideacademy.com My Story Matters / Captain Your Story - mystorymatters.org 00:00:00 - Dylan Gibson 00:01:24 - The Other Side Academy 00:01:43 - My Story Matters / Captain Your Story 00:02:24 - Earliest Memories 00:14:10 - Near Death Experience 00:20:50 - Changing Peer Influence 00:27:30 - Losing His Father & Brother to DUI 00:33:37 - Recognizing His Addiction 00:40:32 - In & Out of Jail 52 Times 00:44:00 - The Other Side Academy 00:54:00 - Becoming Vulnerable 00:59:50 - The Other Side Builders 01:02:00 - Anyone Can Change