Escaping The Odds

Myron Pierce has always been an entrepreneur. Growing up in North Omaha was plagued with violence and dysfunction. Unfortunately he became a product of his environment and spent 8 years incarcerated. But during that time away he had a mindset shift. Upon his release he began his legitimate hustle. Fast forward 10 years, Myron was able to help transform the entrepreneurial land scape in Inner city Omaha with his SHIFT business incubator. His incubator has spawned over 30 businesses and over $1 million in revenue collectively. @myronpierce Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Marlon Chamberlain didn't realize that losing his freedom and spending a decade in federal prison would be the catalyst for the “Fully Free”Campaign. This is a campaign Led by Marlon and the goal is to end permanent punishment. This campaign was started in his home town of Chicago and has become a statewide effort partnering with a multitude of prison reform organizations. Marlon discusses how prison was a welcomed reality and a way to escape to a better future. He immersed himself into learning and honing his craft of entrepreneurship. Today he is the Campaign Manager of the Fully Free initiative sponsored by Heartland alliance. To end permanent punishment is to begin real citizenship for the justice involved individuals. Marlon stated , If people can't find opportunities, if people can't find employment, if people can't find housing, it's almost like you're forcing people to go back to a lifestyle that they may not necessarily want to go back to,” Marlon is changing the narrative and is truly Escaping the Odds. @Marlonchamberlain IG --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(Full video www.Escapingtheodds.com) We decided to celebrate Second Chance Month by taking a look at extraordinary people who are helping changing the narrative as it relates to justice involved individuals. Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Investment Strategist for a National Bank. However, as he worked along side executives, the topic of labor shortages was becoming a common topic. Jeff begin to explore the idea of what the labor markets would look like if employers adopted a more inclusive policy on hiring people with criminal records. His initial thought spawned into a book, entitled “Untapped Talent”. We discussed the book and how society will benefit by tapping into this pool of overlooked talent. Learn more about Jeffrey and his journey to where most employers dare to go at www.JeffKorzenik.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

David Edwards story is an absolute comeback story. Growing up in Chicago south side and north side. He was always an entrepreneur owning a salon/barber shop. His life took a drastic turn when he was arrested for 2 homicides at his place of business. Eventually serving 10 years in Illinois State prison. David returned to the streets with a plan to stay on the right path. A trip to New Mexico would help change the trajectory of his life.A meeting with a gentleman who legally grew marijuana and veggies/fruits allowed him to see the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture. He came back to Chicago with a plan to build out an urban farming location. Smooth & Social root cafe was born. The new found business is a mixture of urban farming, cafe and veggie/fruit distributor. David's business has caught the attention of local and National media. He's now serving a different kind of “Green” and is having a positive impact on the community. I highly encourage a visit to the store in Chicago at 1517 west warren Blvd . @smoothandsocialroots Instagram. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Luis Centeno known as Lou the trainer spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested South Side of Chicago options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to  multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise  was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never  imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago. His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders. Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Lu is Centeno known as Lou the trainer ,spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, his options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago. His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders. Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Deshawn Nelson wasn't going to be a product of his environment. Despite growing up on the tough streets of the West side of Chicago, he has started a successful moving company, Nelson Movers. At one point is Deshaun's life ,he was moving in the wrong direction which led to time in prison for Gun possession. After his release, he started Nelson Movers after a prompt from a child hood friend. (All employees are formerly incarcerated) He currently has 2 trucks and has been featured on ABC news and countless media outlets. The recipient of “leadership Award”. Nelson Movers are “Movin' on up” with the goal of acquiring 10 trucks and 20 movers within 5 years. @Deshawn4100 Instagram Mrnelsonmovers.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Dre Rodriguez was raised in the Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, a predominantly hispanic community. After spending a decade in federal prison for drug trafficking , he vowed to never return. Upon his release, Dre wanted to give back to the same community he was once apart of destroying. After spending time as a director of an Outreach non profit ,focusing on youth development he started offering the young men the opportunity to shoot music videos to keep them out of trouble. This is where LUV City media was started. Currently Dre is living out his passion of running a digital media company and giving access to inner city youth. His 1st short film is currently available entitled “Cap and Gown”. Dre also renovates properties and is a licensed Realtor in the Chicagoland area. @luvcitymedia Instagram. LUVCITY.ORG --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

..Jacques Loftin did not imagine becoming an Airbnb expert while doing time for drug distribution. However,after seeing an oppurtunity in this new space she put her all in and now has properties in Atlanta,Miami,and Houston. In this episode she demystifies the Air BNB Game with great tips on setting yourself apart. Follow her on IG at iamjacquesr. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch video podcast www.Escapingtheodds.com Ed Hennings , The Comeback coach , grew up on the tough streets of Milwaukee ,Wisconsin particularly in the zip code 53206 which has the highest incarceration rate of black men in the United States. So as you can see the Odds were hard to Escape. At 24,ED Hennings was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a homicide. After redeeming himself, he set on a path to change his life whether he was coming home or not. Ed was released in 2016 and has sent started a Trucking company with 5 trucks and recently sold his salon. He's also an awarded wining author which has led to a growing Public speaking career. The comeback coach is motivating life to wholeheartedly believe that we can bounce back from any adversities. So as Ed says, Let's GO!!! EdHennings.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Travis Richey, who has personal experience with incarceration, noticed there was a gap in what inmates were learning and what skills they needed upon release. Travis spent about 2 years incarcerated in the Arizona Department of corrections. But because of his MBA, Travis was released from the yard everyday and taught a Business 101 course at the local community college.“I realized any and all curriculum on the yard was garbage and so I wanted to not just complain about something, but actually make a difference.” Richey realized that he was on to something and started AccomplishED in 2013 — a digital program that provides job skills and training for incarcerated and returning individuals. AccomplishED, which is now on 500,000 tablets in 122 prisons nationwide in the United States, provides in-prison programming and education, along with online education and job training, support and employment opportunities for returning individuals. Travis also is an avid investor with holdings in real estate to fitness gyms. Tap in with Him at Travis@accomplishedventures.org i_am_Travis_Richey Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Ryan Willis was most likely to succeed, receiving a scholarship to De Paul University in Chicago. However, the Chicago streets possessed an allure that Ryan chose not to escape. While attending college, Ryan seen an opportunity to sell cocaine and marijuana to the affluent students on campus. This behavior led to an arrest for possession with the intent to distribute , heroin,crack and marijuana. With his freedom uncertain , a sense Of hopelessness fell over Ryan as he thought about the dissapointment on his moms face. He knew that he was better than jail and illicit hustles. Eventually, Ryan was convicted but later was able to receive an expungement of his record. He began to look at life and his career differently. With a knack for numbers and business, he embarked on learning the financial markets including crypto currency and running a successful TURO car rental business. This discussion was not only insightful but inspiring. You will hear how he lives life on his own terms, travels to a new country once Per month and leads a cult like following with his Trade bangers investment group. @deanofforex to reach out to Ryan Willis . --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

In this 1st interview on his platform Aaron Smith sat down the co founder Yasaman Hadjibashi of Stretch finance( www.stretch.money) which is an online bank that provides banking/Full time employment to the formerly incarcerated about his life and all things finance. Aaron Smith is a native of the South Side of Chicago and lived in the Dearborn homes public housing and the South Shore area. He earned a bachelor degree in business Management from Columbia College of Chicago. It wasn't long after that he began his journey within the criminal justice system.  In 2009, He was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for Distribution of Heroin/Fentanyl  resulting in death. Aaron led a Heroin operation making upward to $15k per day while attending college and after. The business sense was there, but as he likes to say “ I was selling the wrong product, so I had to switch hustles” Aaron admits he loss himself in the streets and God used his incarceration as a way to gain freedom from his warped mindset. Aaron says, “he began to dream again and get back to the essence of who I was” while in prison. He was  released from federal prison after 9 years 5 months in February 2019. With his belief In God and a lot of hard work his focus was to live out his passion of  entrepreneurship and make an impact through his Media company Escaping the Odds.In December 2019,  Aaron launched Escaping  the Odds Podcast as a way to build his social capital and tell amazing stories of redemption through business. He interviews the formerly incarcerated who are now successful entrepreneurs. His story has been featured on Fox 32 Chicago, the Wall Street Journal, Minnesota Business Journal. He's the Recipient of 2021 Media for a Just Society Award in the  podcast/radio category. escapingtheodds.com escapingtheoddspodcast@gmail.com , @iam_aaronsmith instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Im Aaron Smith & my fed prison number was 18798-424. started this podcast after serving 9 years 5 months for distribution of Heroin and Fentanyl. It was inside where I realized that if I can run a heroin operation in Chicago making 10k-$15k per day I can switch Hustles and go legit. I'm highlighting stories of the formerly incarcerated who are now successful entrepreneurs. Enjoy. Be inspired. Bounce back.Escapingtheodds.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Sammy Rangel is the CEO of Formers Anonymous & lifeafterHate.org. He is a TedX speaker ,Consultant and earned a MSW. Early on life for Sammy could only be described as torture and neglect. Abused by close family members and hitting the streets of Chicago 11 years old. Joining a gang was his only sense of family and structure. Eventually his life on the streets led to 16 years in various prisons and earning the status as a high ranking maniac Latin Disciple. Sammy was radicalized in prison and hate became his best friend. His organization now helps the same kind of people filled with same kind of hate he once carried in his heart. This story epitomizes that a changed mind leads to a changed life and love conquers hate. Follow Sammy journey lifeafterhate.org Facebook SammyRangel --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Todd Dubose CEO of Returning Citizens Magazine. It’s the official magazine of the justice involved community. The magazine can be read electronically on inmates computer tablets throughout jails and prisons nationally. He is providing an outlet for the men and women in bondage. His magazine goes in depth on providing information on topics like expungement, second chance housing, second chance jobs, and other badly needed the entry programing. Stay tune for more services to enrich the former and current inmates throughout the world. Returningcitizensmag.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full video @ Escapingtheodds.com Lester Young is a New York native but spent a significant amount of his life in South Carolina. He is the Founder of Path2Redemption. At the age of 19, he was convicted of 1st degree murder in a drug deal gone wrong. He was sentenced to life in prison with a 3% chance of parole. This was an odd that most prisoners didn’t escape in the state of South Carolin. During his incarceration, he became a positive role model and leader from behind the wall. Redemption was his focus rather that meant freedom or death in prison. Journaling was his escape and this excercise paved the way for his book 5 stages of incarceration. This is a must read. In the interview he discusses facing the spirit of his victim in his jail cell. Lester is now a free man and Escaped the Odds by receiving a pardon by the Governor of South Carolina. Follow his life at path2redemption.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Erika king is the president of Chicago Neighborhood Intiative and Maleia Scufield-Ransom serves as the Program Manager of PERC. They’re both on a mission to empower the formerly incarcerated through entrepreneurship. Their organization trains and funds small businesses ran by the formerly incarcerated throughout the Chicagoland area. I personally graduated from this program (PERC) and the tools learned has helped me become a better entrepreneur. Listen as they discuss why they invest so much into this forgotten group of men and women. Follow their work Follow their work at www.Percempowers.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Sean Hosman is the CEO of Vant4ge point, a data analytics company in the criminal justice space. Sean is an attorney and criminal justice expert with more than 20 years experience. However his lived experience as an inmate himself is what helps him lead an organization dedicated to really helping inmates while incarcerated and upon their release. His non profit arm of Vantage Point, Persevere teaches inmates become software developers and provide real jobs in tech after their release. His story is really inspiring and speaks to a changed mindset. Follow Sean and his companies at Vant4ge.com and Perseverance.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch the full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com. John Collum is the CEO of Bar nunn trucking out of Chicago. He owns and operate 4 semi trucks. John was born in poverty on the west side of Chicago. He decided early on that he wanted the finer things in life and the only way to attain it was through drug dealing. This mindset led him to prison for 1st degree murder at 18 years old. While incarcerated he was introduced to the world of trucking. After his acquittal of the murder charges, he vowed to live a honest life. He took his last $2000 and attended trucking school to earn his CDL. After 9 years and 4 trucks later, he is an example of perseverance and determination. Follow his extraordinary life of grit @johncollumreal on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Richard's story begins on Wall Street, where he worked at several large investment banks. He became a partner at the infamous Wolf of Wall Street firm, Stratton Oakmont, depicted in the Movie starring Leonardo Dicaprio, The Wolf Of Wallstreet. He eventually started his own financial services firm, which he grew to 500 employees, generating $100 million in annual revenue. Unfortunately, some of his business practices were outside the law, and despite having paid everyone back, he was convicted of securities fraud, and served two years in a federal prison. Upon release, he was destitute and homeless, but got back on his feet, and became Director of Defy Ventures, a prominent non-profit in the reentry space. In 2016, he left Defy to launch 70MillionJobs, where he serves as CEO. He currently is CEO of Commissary.club which is a social Network ( think Facebook) for people with criminal records. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

From crack to rap to tech --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview at Escapingtheodds.com ) Myron Pierce born and raised in Omaha,Nebraska. From early on he got involved in gangs which led to serving 8 years in state prison. Upon his release, no longer was he a gangbanger but a reformed Pastor, businessman and community leader. Even Without any formal business experience he scaled a roofing company to multi millions in sales. It was this kind of experience that led Myron to spearhead SHIFT. His Omaha based entrepreneur program trains the undeserved community of North Omaha about the nuts & bolts of starting a company. Myron Pierce’s mission is to inspire hope in world changers, families and churches. Follow his journey on all social media outlets @Myronpierce. Myronpierce.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Andre Peart is the CEO Of tech Startup ConConnect.com , which is being described as the LinkedIn for the formerly incarcerated. Andre was raised in Yonkers, New York and pushed to the streets at the age of 15 and eventually perfected his craft distributing large quantities of marijuana. He attributes his business acumen to hustling on the streets. He was indicted for a shooting and drug distribution spending over 5 years in a New York State prison. While incarcerated he published a book in his 1st year of prison. After his released, he spent time building up his professional network and experienced the challenges of trying to re enter society. Those challenges birthed Conconnect. Continue to follow Andre’s grind on Instagram @Andrepeart and Conconnect.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

( Watch full video@ Escapingtheodds.com) Porscha Dlyte is the CEO of Opulence Brow and Beauty based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Life hasn’t always been a life of glamor. She spent over 3 years in Federal prison for tax related crimes. She kept a low profile while incarcerated and focused on developing herself. She knew that her time away would be a time of reflection. In her last year she enrolled in a business plan course and really focused on building a beauty empire upon her release. Opulence Brow and beauty offers training nationally to indivuals that aspire to earn a living as permanent make up artist. Currently there are 40 locations nationally. Continue to watch her grind and support Porscha @opulencebrows_n_beauty & wwww.opulencebb.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Andre Norman, “The Ambassador of Hope”was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. By the time he was a teenager he was heavily in the streets full time and a high ranking gang member. At 18, he began to serve what Would ultimately be 14 years in both state and federal prisons across the nation. It was in those prisons, where he realized he was the “king of nowhere “ About halfway through his sentences while in solidarity confinement, he taught himself to read with the goal of attending Harvard and reversed his case leading to his release. Andre is now a sought after violence interrupter in countless prisons, author, and professor. He successfully runs Academy of Hope throughout the world. His impact has been felt Liberia, Sweden, Honduras, and Trinidad to name a few. Continue to follow Andre’s remarkable journey at www.AndreNorman.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

( full video podcast seen on Escapingtheodds.com). In the last episode of our inaugural season, I sat down with these 3 men againwho are doing extraordinarily well in business after prison. Ben Gordon of Allied Innovation Group, David Figueroa of 2nd chance renovations and Vocci Greer of Luxuraint Commercial Cleaning of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They discussed overcoming The pandemic in business and prison. This is a must listen and share. Thank you all riding on this journey. Look for our 2nd season 2/2/20. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

2020 has been a crazy ride and as we close out our year l, I wanted to bring back some guest and catch up on their businesses. Coco Davis us a 9 time book Author, operates Talk2mefoundtion.org, she runs Sisters of Support transitional home, and Xqusite Premiere’ Event space in Chicago. She didn’t almost 14 years in federal prison.. Yohance Lacour us the CEO of YJL leather designs where he specializes in hand made bags and Sneakers. Yohance picked up this skill set while in Federal prison serving a 10 year drug sentence. He’s a sought out leather craft maker instructor. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Episode 39 Escaping the Odds podcast we sat down  with Melissa Odell of Defy ventures along with participants Javier Reyes( 16 years incarcerated) and Ed bachner  ( 5 years incarcerated). Defy Ventures trains  individuals after incarceration to  turn their goals of entrepreneurship into reality. Javier Reyes has started FURR beauty which helps pets and ED Bachner has started Stateline payment processing service both in Illinois.  These skill sets learned have created new businesses and jobs in communities across the country. The men /women of DEFY VENTURES have learned to switch hustles and Defy the odds after incarceration. More information about the upcoming virtual class can be found at Defyventures.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Full video on Escapingtheodds.com Kevin Miller spent 13 years in federal prison on a drug charge out of Baltimore, Maryland and has Switch'd Hustles to start the book publishing company, Rock Bottom. His latest book is a 4 part series called " A park heights Tale", which he penned while Incarcerated. This brother has been home less than 90 days and Its a MUST READ. Tune in and hear his story on developing a publishing company from prison and building a team as an entrepreneur. Reach Kevin at @Rockbottompub on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(full video on escapingtheodds.com)Ronnie Reed survived 15 years in prison and now runs a successful Cryotherapy service in Dallas , TX. This unique service burns 500 calories with every 3-minute treatment reducing your body temp down to -240 degrees wow. His mobile service is the one and only in north Texas. Listen as he breaks down how he came up with this idea while in prison. He also discusses his growth while in prison and several books that he penned while behind the wall. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Kiedrain Brewster CEO of Brewster logistics spent 13 years in prison and not long after was able to create a successful life in the trucking industry. Well on his way to being a millionaire,he started with 1 truck and now owns/operates 5 trucks in 2 states. The trucking game has afforded him a life he can only dream of growing up on the streets of Dallas, Tx. This story is a must watch and share. check him out at brewsterlogistics101.com for more info on his trucking mentorship program. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(Watch full video escapingtheodds.com)Several years of working out in a prison yard has produced real life gains for Jermaine " Max Maine " Branner. Who would have thought a former drug dealer  from the streets of Pontiac, Michigan would return from incarceration and totally switch hustles. Max Maine was released from prison after 7 years and turn his passion for healthy living into a brand of post workout smoothies and a fitness gym, co branded with ANYTIME FITNESS.  Listen as he discusses creating the  brand while still on parole . Follow Max Maine on instagram @keepgoing2020. Maxeffecthealth.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Antwoin "Chef fresh" Gutierrez,  At the age of 16, He demonstrated the 1st signs of of an emerging, but misguided entrepreneurial spirit when he began to sell illegal narcotics on the streets of New York. He eventually was incarcerated a few times and realized he had to Switch Hustles or spend his life cycling in and out of prison. Chef Fresh created FRESH TASTE BAKERY, a delicious brand of alcohol infused pastries served at some of the most prestigous events in the Country. Chef fresh has appeared on Good Morning America's and has worked closely with national liquor brands. Listen as he discusses his life and the Culinary Hustle. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

This story of Charles D Clark is made for this big screen. After 8 years in federal prison on drug charges he became a sought out actor with reoccurring role the hit TV show Empire. His new role in Charm city Kings releases on Oct. 8 produced by Will and Jada Smith, Starting rapper Meek Mill. Tune in and be inspired. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Kevin Anderson grew up hustling on the streets of Minneapolis and St. Louis at 12 years old. Business has always been a part of his DNA. Bit after several years in a Texas prison, He went from supplying cocaine to a master plumber as CEO of Ardent Plumbing. He has created a 7 figure legitimate business from scratch. Employs indivuals with as he like to say a "F" on their report card( felony). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Kaysia Earley thought her dreams of becoming an attorney was shattered when she was arrested on felony embezzlement. But for God, she returned to the same courtroom and thanked her judge who had sentenced her more than a decade prior. Listen to this remarkable story of perseverance. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

“Tone Success” has always done things differently rather in the streets as major heroin dealer or in his new hustle, the apparel industry. He has created a clothing brand SVCCESS that’s worn by celebrities and every day people seeking success. After time in federal prison on drug charges he knew he had to switch hustles. Listen as he breaks down his story and how he has built a time tested clothing brand. @SVccessclothingnyc --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

( watch full episode escapingtheodds.com David Todd spent 20 years in prison for 1st degree homicide and attempted murder. During his time away he honed his skill as a barber and now runs Groom Fly Salon. Check out the amazing story and biz tips. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

( Watch video podcast www.Escapingtheodds.com Pete "Esau" Keller made it out of one of Chicago's most dangerous housing projects. In and out of the penitentary and gun fights most of his life provided the experience to reach the youth with his organization ULON.life. He has penned an autobiograohy entitled Pete Keller, The Canrini Green Chronicles. This is a Must Read!!! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch video podcast www.Escapingtheodds.com . At 24,ED Hennings was sentenced to 40 years in prison for a homicide. After redeeming himself, he set on a path to change his life whether he was coming home or not. Ed has started a successful trucking company, Salon, Beard oil product, motivational speaker and Author. Tune in to an impactful story. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Tim Armour is the regional Director of training at NACA.com which is a not fir profit organization assisting individuals obtain property through the partnership with Bank of America. They provide no money down, no closing cost and below average interest rates. This is a great program for someone whose coming home from incarceration or who needs a fresh start. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/) From a Decade in federal prison on Heroin charges to running a state of the art multimedia creation studio, Lucas”Blaze”Alvarez is bouncing back with avenges. His career in the Entertainment industry dates back prior to his incarceration with collaborations with hip hop heavy hitters. He is behind the scenes but ahead of the game. Enjoy the show. Blaze_getlikeme on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/) Pierre Baker is the best example of "Doing the time and not letting the time Do You" .He's been incarcerated for marijuana and a robbery charge, but some how created an online affiliate marketing business FROM PRISON . He started a thousand dollar business before he left prison. This brother is unstoppable! I look forward to seeing what the future holds upon his release. Stay tuned! facebook @pierrebaker --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/ ) I sat down with Larry Roberts Jr. who has spent many years in Cook County Jail in Chicago, IL. However not as an inmate but an instructor/owner of Larry’s Barber college. He offers an accredited Barber college to inmate locked up inside juvenile and state facilities in Illinois. His program is changing lives of men and providing a viable skill set. Watch the YouTube video and subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9K_SgEDsCpZsxk2Gao6xbg facebook@larryerobertsjr --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Since his childhood, Eric Salzenstein has always been a go getter. Growing up in sunny Orlando, Florida was not always sunshine and beaches. His ambition led him down a dark path of addiction and fast money. In 2012, he was arrested for a armed robbery in what prosecutors would describe as a drug deal gone bad. He was sentenced to 4 years in state prison. This is where his personal and professional development began to take root. Erik learned to take that same ambitious energy and apply it to a legitimate grind. He now runs a successful Business coaching firm. Check out the youtube interview https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC9K_SgEDsCpZsxk2Gao6xbg --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Brandon Laster spent 10 years in federal prison for credit card fraud. However, his ambition and forward thinking is a true example of switching Hustles and a mindset. While incarcerated, Brandon wrote 75 CEOs of companies with the hopes of gaining employment. This strategy paid off and led to 37 job offers before being released. He is now a franchise owner of one of the companies-Enviro Masters. His extraordinary story of bouncing back has been featured in the Black Enterprise Magazine. He can be reached on Facebook @ Brandon Laster. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Kevin Reed is an expert on building and repairing credit and he learned this skill set while serving a 30 year federal drug sentence. Listen as he discusses rebuilding life and credit for success after prison with his business Top Dawg credit solutions. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Tameka Means was living a great suburban life when her world was turned upside down when her husband was sent to prison. From that day on she became a prison wife but not just any prison wife, but one that has flipped a negative situation and is helping all women use fitness as a way to gain back their life holistically. She is a woman with a wealth of wisdom and is a survivor. She can be followed @fitprisonwife on Instagram and YouTube channel. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Joseph Boyden is serving 10 of a 25 year sentence in federal prison for armed robbery. He is currently in a West Virginian Federal prison describing his his experience as an inmate staying safe from COVID 19. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Jmak will take you on a journey through his crime ridden environment on the South side of Chicago. Jmak introduction into the criminal justice system was for Unlawful use of a Weapon. It was then that he came to the realization that the streets or jail was not his final destination. With a passion for travel and a degree in history he decided to take the hood on a journey through his travel vlog Wereldkultuur. His motto is no matter where you COME FROM you can go ANYWHERE! Check out his YouTube Wereldkultuur. Instagram and Snapchat Worldtraveler_jmak. Please leave a review. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support