Welcome to God Behind Bars, a podcast where we explore the intersection of faith and incarceration. Join our CEO and Founder, Jake Bodine, as we take you inside prisons across the U.S. and have candid conversations with current and former inmates, Department of Corrections officials, and other various other guests and discuss why we believe God belongs in prison. Tune in every other week and be encouraged by stories of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God behind prison walls.
Casey Diaz opens up about his past in gangs, his time in prison, and the totally unexpected way his life turned around. It's raw, real, and honestly one of the most powerful stories you'll hear.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this episode, Gina and Davide open up about their past — the struggles, the bad choices, and the shame they carried for years. But more importantly, they talk about what happened when they finally let God in. It's an honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about finding freedom, healing, and purpose on the other side of rock bottom.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry shares his powerful story of brokenness, addiction, and redemption. Growing up in a violent home, Darryl reveals how childhood trauma fueled both his athletic success and personal struggles. Despite reaching the heights of fame with multiple World Series championships, he battled deep pain, drug addiction, and an identity crisis. Through the unwavering love of his wife Tracy and the transformative power of faith, Darryl found true healing beyond the spotlight. This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, restoration is possible through God's grace.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
He was 18, making $100K a year selling drugs. Guns in the trunk. Coke in the car. No hope for tomorrow. But God had other plans.In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman — a former drug dealer turned church planter — who shares his jaw-dropping story of redemption.From trafficking drugs across state lines… to surviving a shooting… to facing 40+ years in prison… Nick's life was spiraling fast — until a divine interruption changed everything.This isn't just another testimony. This is proof that nobody is too far gone.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Buckle up for an EXPLOSIVE true story of redemption! Trell "Donk" Webb went from facing a LIFE SENTENCE in Angola's most notorious prison to becoming a powerful minister who now leads hundreds to Christ. Shot, sentenced, and seemingly hopeless, Donk's jaw-dropping journey proves that NO ONE is beyond God's transformative power. Get ready for a heart-pounding testimony that will shatter everything you thought you knew about second chances and divine intervention!Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, listeners are taken on an extraordinary journey with Damon West, a man who transformed his life after facing a 65-year prison sentence. Damon shares his gripping story, from his successful high school football career to his descent into drug addiction and criminal activities, culminating in his arrest and incarceration.Through his experiences in prison, Damon encountered a mentor named Muhammad, who taught him the powerful metaphor of the "coffee bean" - the idea that one can change the environment around them, rather than being changed by it. Damon embraced this philosophy and used it to not only survive, but thrive, in the harsh prison environment.Damon's story is a testament to the power of faith, service, and personal transformation. He discusses the importance of building a positive brand, controlling what you can, and leaving a legacy of servant leadership.Listeners will be inspired by Damon's resilience, his willingness to accept forgiveness, and his commitment to helping others, even those he once harmed.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, redemption, and the courage to become a "coffee bean" in the face of adversity.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Juan Martinez went from one of the most influential drug dealing rings in Texas to reaching thousands of lives for Jesus.https://www.godbehindbars.com/Instagram: @GodbehindbarsFacebook: @GodbehindbarsTwitter: @GodbehindbarsConnect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Norman Dozier, a former inmate at Angola State Penitentiary who is now a free man and leading his own ministry. Norman shares his incredible journey from a life of darkness and drug dealing to finding redemption and purpose through Jesus Christ while incarcerated. Hear how Norman went from facing a life sentence to becoming a pastor, mentor, and inspiration to thousands of men behind bars. Discover the incredible transformation happening at Angola, including the seminary program and reentry initiatives that are changing lives.Don't miss this moving testimony of God's power to redeem and restore. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is hope. Reach out to the God Behind Bars team to connect with resources and support.Subscribe to the God Behind Bars Podcast for more stories of faith, redemption, and the life-changing work happening in prisons across America. Together, we can bring the light of Jesus to the darkest places.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Once addicted to drugs & now preaching the gospel in prisons. On June 16, 2017, Markus went from being a pro football player to sitting in jail. After growing up in inner city CA, he was all too familiar with fatherlessness, poverty, and gangs. He tried to fill the voids he felt in his life with the game of football and eventually went pro. But when he experienced a career ending shoulder injury, all he knew crashed around me. Without football, he felt no purpose and no identity and became addicted to taking the pain medication prescribed to him. In 2 years, he had become a completely deceived drug addict, broken inside. He lied, manipulated, and even used false identities to get what he thought he needed. After seeing 38 doctors for 59 prescriptions in just a few months, his wife left and took his daughter with her, and he found himself inside a jail cell.BUT GOD…“I didn't want my life anymore so I gave it to someone who did. It took me losing everything to realize that everything I ever needed was Jesus. I pleaded guilty to all my charges and the judge had mercy on me and sent me to rehab. From that day on, Jesus transformed my life, called me Son, restored my family, and now I get to travel the country and tell people about the man I fell in love with and saved me from deception!”Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
We traveled to Washington, D.C., for an exclusive interview with Chaplain Houston of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Throughout his career, Chaplain Houston has guided hundreds of men to faith in Jesus. Now, thanks to the fulfillment of a prophetic word spoken over his life, he serves as the Head Chaplain of the FBOP. Don't miss his incredible story!Today we're introducing you to the Community Reentry Network (CRN) and the Federal Bureau of Prison's volunteering program. What's the CRN?The Community Reentry Network (CRN) is made up of over 3,500 faith-based organizations that offer everything from prayer to legal services to returning citizens. Listen to this interview with Chaplain Houston, national coordinator for the CRN, where he talks about the power you can bring this community. It's a great opportunity to open your doors. https://crn.reentry.gov/crn/s/Volunteer with the FBOPYou can also share your strength with men and women while they're still in custody. Federal prison has over 200 volunteer programs listed on their official Inside Influence site – all you have to do is find one that speaks to you and sign up.https://volunteer.reentry.gov/Volunteer/s/opportunity-search?utm_medium=partner&utm_term=opportunities&utm_source=gbb_emailblastConnect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this episode we connect with Shawn Serfass who went from drug dealing to leading a ministry called Second Chance Mentors. Grew up with a normal family but after getting introduced to cocaine in college his world went down a slippery slope. Kicked out of college and later kicked out of the marines, Shawn made the decision to dive into a drug operation. Where he found success he found his world without success and decided to step away, but charges still found their way to lock him up. Losing his time with his family he decided to take the time locked up to improve himself. Shawn met God and worked to encourage others with the word with small groups. Years later, Shawn served his time and now leads Second Chance Mentors where underprivileged without their fathers can have a resource to get them ready with the world.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Francie Dog Chapman found out she was adopted in her late teens and her life completely unraveled. She walked through abuse in her adopted family, neglect in her real family, and decided to end her life... But Jesus found her and called her to a life of freedom in Himself! Now Francie has one mission, to spread the love of Jesus wherever she goes... Including prisons!Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Dog The Bounty Hunter grew up in an ab*sive home. He started running with a motorcycle gang in his teens. One night changed his life... He was CONVICTED of 5 years in prison for HOMIC*DE. Unknowingly, he was the getaway driver in a m*rder. During his time in prison, he rose in the ranks with the incarcerated and the prison staff. He also began cultivating a walk with Jesus... Dog was once a convict but now he is an ICON telling people about Jesus... He now goes into prisons and preaches the gospel to the very same men that he threw in prison. Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Keidrain Brewster, shares his story of growing up in a dysfunctional household and getting involved in criminal activity as a youth, leading to a 10-year prison sentence. During his incarceration, he found faith in God and experienced a pivotal moment that sparked his desire for change. After his release, Brewster faced challenges but ultimately found success as an entrepreneur in the trucking industry. He now uses his story and experiences to mentor and support others, particularly those transitioning from incarceration, helping them develop skills and beliefs to achieve their own success.Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@Jake Bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodineConnect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodineConnect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In an instant Shelby's life was shattered, when her father was shot and killed on December 3, 2021. Her father was her rock; the person that lead her to Jesus, encouraged her, and was always there for her. Days leading up to her father's funeral, she had a moment where she knew that she had to pick bitterness or forgiveness towards the man who killed her father. On the porch of her house, as tears streamed down her face, she had a moment with Jesus that changed her life. She had a vision where she saw Jesus on the cross, in pain, dying for her and for the man that shot her father. In that moment, she decided to forgive the man who killed her father and share Jesus with Him. She realized that, to say that Jesus can't forgive someone, would mean that you are telling God that He is incapable of something, and that's not true. Emotion-filled, she spoke at her fathers funeral, to share about her dad and the forgiveness of Jesus. Soon a video of her speech went viral across the world.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #13: At 18 years old, stand out athlete Greg Kelley, spent 1,153 days in prison after being sentenced to 25 years in prison. His recounts that time, and how the Lord delivered him and the truth prevailed. The worst thing that could've happened to him did, and He trusted God through it! Listen to him share about this time and be inspired by his faith!Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Reggie lived in a loving home, was a promising baseball player, but because of life disappointments left it all. One night at a party, everything changed for Reggie... He found himself on trial for murder and sentenced to 80 years. You may say that was the end of the road for Reggie... BUT GOD had other plans! Listen, share, and please leave a review!
A Bible in a prison cell SAVED ASAP PREACH'S life! “Throughout my childhood I experienced my parents having a lot of parties. There was a lot of drugs and drinking around, and I was exposed to a lot of things that I shouldn't have been exposed to. I had my first drink of alcohol at 5. At the age of 11 years old, I was se*ually ab*sed. Leaving me with a perverted view on life. All I could think about was lust and fulfilling fleshly desires. I felt like I couldn't tell nobody what I was going through so I just bottled it in. Trying to numb the pain of feeling rejected, I fell into dr*gs and started hanging out with gangs. In 2007, I was Rockbottom sleeping on the floor of random peoples houses. I ended up getting arrested at one of the hardest times of my life! To the point, I told the officer to “shoot me in the head I didn't wanna live anymore”. They arrested me and took me into my cell. There was a Bible in there and when I opened up this Bible, it started speaking to me as if there was somebody else in the room. I began to have this peace inside of this prison that I had never experienced before. I always believed that Jesus died on a cross for my sins, but I never knew you could have a true relationship with Him. But I felt the Holy Spirit in the cell and I called upon God and I said “Lord, if you're real, get me out of this place and I'll serve you for the rest of my life”. I really didn't know what that looked like to follow God since all I knew was the streets. But overtime, the Holy Spirit would convict me and show me things about me that I never knew but also things that he didn't want me doing anymore. So I started to let things go. Since then I have been travelling the world telling people about this hope that I have in Jesus! That he can Set them free from addiction, comfort them when they are broken and be a friend to them! Because that's what he was for me! He also told me that if I would do things that glorify him that he would provide for my family forever! And since I've been doing full-time ministry doing Christian hip-hop music! I was Somebody that the world counted out, but God counted in and made me part of his kingdom.”
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #10: Join God Behind Bars Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Calvin from behind bars in Florida. Calvin shares about his journey of being protected by the Lord even in prison, clinging to God's word, and turning his past trauma into his testimony. Calvin shows how God can take your brokenness and turn it into something powerful when you trust Him. Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@Jake Bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #9: Join God Behind Bars Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Sergio from the yard of San Quentin Prison. Sergio shares about his journey oof incarceration, his faith, and his passion for ministry.Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #8: Join God Behind Bars Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Larry from behind bars in Missouri. Larry shares about his journey with grief, facing his addictions even while incarcerated, and why he chose Jesus. Larry is a walking testimony of what God can do when you give him your brokenness and allow Him to use it for His glory!Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #7: Join God Behind Bars Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Greg from behind bars in Missouri. Greg shares about his childhood, his life as a pastor's kid, and how he ended up with the dealth penalty. Greg's passion for the Lord is contagious as you hear how he truly met Jesus from behind bars.Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #6: Join God Behind Bars CEO & Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Carrington from the yard of San Quentin State Prison. Carrington shares about his childhood, his desire to be accepted, and what inevitably led him to a sentence in San Quentin. His testimony is incredible and his love for the Lord is inspiring!Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #5: Join God Behind Bars CEO & Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Branden Terrell, a former inmate of San Quentin Prison. Branden opens up about what landed him in prison, what prison was like, and how he found Jesus in the midst of it all. Tune in to hear his amazing story!Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #4: Join God Behind Bars CEO & Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Anthony, a current inmate in Wichita Falls, TX. Anthony shares about his life growing up on the oil rig, the tragic fate that landed him 40 years in prison, and how Jesus has completely transformed his life.Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #3: A conversation with Holy Gabbana (Known as Boonk Gang) as he tells his testimony of the rise and fall of social media fame, how he found himself in a jail cell, and the man that told him about Jesus. Tune in to hear his radical encounter with the Holy Spirit and how his life has changed forever.Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@Jake_ Bodine@holygabbana#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #2: Join God Behind Bars CEO & Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Trent, a current inmate in Wichita Falls, TX. Trent shares his history with alcohol as a cowboy, growing up around rodeos, and how he found Jesus in prison.Connect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#GodBehindBarsPodcast #GodBehindBars #JakeBodine
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #1: Join God Behind Bars CEO & Founder Jake Bodine as he interviews Robert, a current inmate at Allred Unit in Wichita Falls TX. Robert shares his childhood history of broken homes, finding love and acceptance in a gang, the moment he encountered the devil in prison and how he turned to Jesus in the midst of that darkness.If you'd like to support the work of God Behind Bars and help us continue to bring the gospel into prisons across the country, please visit: godbehindbars.com/donateConnect with us on social!@godbehindbars@jake_bodine#podcasts #christianpodcast #truecrime #crimepodcast #godbehindbars #godbehindbarspodcast #christianpodcast2024 #podcasts2024 #christianpodcaststolistento