Invest In Yourself Podcast

Send us a textJojo is a man with a powerful story—once a former gang member who faced a sentence of over 45 years in prison. He courageously shares his testimony with us, opening up about the reasons that led him down that dark and dangerous path. Life in prison only grew more difficult for Jojo before it eventually began to shift toward something better. Ultimately, he surrendered his life to the Lord, choosing to leave behind the violence and pain of his past. Today, Jojo has faithfully walked with the Lord for many years, finding peace, purpose, and redemption.

Send us a textToday, I have a testimony that's not just a tale—it's a journey of transformation, redemption, and grace. Our guest today is Joe Loya. Joe will take us through the highs and lows of his life—a story that starts with a childhood filled with promise, but leads him down a dark path, joining a gang. He later found himself in the Navy, only to return home and face a life spiraling out of control, filled with pain and loss. Ultimately, Joe's journey landed him in prison. But in that place he encountered the Lord and chose to surrender his life.

Send us a textOur guest, Albert McFarland, has a story that is inspiring. Albert was raised in a challenging environment, one that ultimately shaped his path and led him down a violent and troubled road. In his youth, he became involved in criminal activities, including drug trafficking, which resulted in multiple stints in prison. However, during his most recent time behind bars, Albert experienced a serious change. He turned to the Lord for guidance, and since then, his life has been completely changed.

Send us a textToday, I am honored to be joined by Luis Perez. Luis's story begins in the depths of a life shaped by a gang affiliation from a young age. This decision led him down a dark and treacherous path, one that saw him repeatedly cycle in and out of prison. Ultimately, Luis faced serious charges, including a RICO case alongside his gang. But it was in the quiet, reflective moments before his trial that everything changed. Luis fell to his knees and gave his life to the Lord. After his release, Luis co-founded Bangin' 4 Jesus, a ministry dedicated to sharing the power of redemption with others.

Send us a textWelcome back, everyone. Today, I have a truly special testimony for you. Our guest is Aaron Cochran. Aaron was once a drug dealer, caught in a life of crime. For years, he associated with the cartel, lost in that dark world. But everything changed when he found himself in prison and surrendered his life to the Lord. It wasn't easy, but eventually, Aaron built a powerful relationship with God.

Send us a textToday, I'm joined by Rocco Morelli. Rocco was born into a mafia crime family, led by his grandfather, Rocco Morelli, the boss. He followed in his family's footsteps, becoming a “wiseguy.” Eventually, he became a police officer for a few years. He worked his way through college after that. Rocco later returned to crime, landing him in the Pizza Connection Case and prison. On the brink of being ordered to kill, Rocco gave his life to the Lord, transforming his life. Stay tuned to hear how God changed Rocco's life for good. 

Send us a textWelcome to another inspiring testimony. Today, I am honored to be joined by David Medina. David opens up about his early years, sharing how he found himself involved in criminal activity at a young age. His path eventually led him to join a gang, spending much of his youth in and out of juvenile detention. Over time, David's life spiraled further, resulting in multiple incarcerations. In a pivotal moment, David was shot in the head, narrowly escaping death as the bullet miraculously stopped before penetrating too deeply. Ultimately, David was charged under RICO as a shot caller and faced a tough legal battle. It was during a period of isolation that God truly captured David's heart and transformed his life. After his release, David founded his own ministry, Bangin' 4 Jesus, to spread his message of redemption. 

Send us a textChris Furlong is here to share his remarkable journey—a journey from darkness to light. He'll be opening up about his past struggles with addiction and his involvement in running drugs. But through God's grace and mercy, Chris was given the chance to surrender his life to the Lord and leave that life behind. Now, after years of transformation, Chris is living a life of service to the Lord. Just last month, I had the honor of hearing his cousin Brian Kinyon's testimony, where Brian spoke of Chris's journey. Today, Chris has the chance to share his own story, and I know it's going to inspire and move you.

Send us a textToday, I am sharing a little bit of my testimony from 2024. A Story of how the Lord has transformed my life. Over the past year, I have experienced change, from revamping my podcast and lifestyle to improving my health and embracing a healthier weight. However, the most powerful shift has been my  pursuit of a relationship with the Lord, which has truly redefined my purpose and my path.

Send us a textToday, I'm honored to be joined by Josh Brooks. Josh opens up about his past—running the streets, committing crimes, selling drugs, enduring high-speed police chases, battling addiction, and facing prison. After getting busted. Josh was given a life-changing opportunity to enter a faith-based program, where he discovered the love of Jesus Christ. Since that moment, Josh's life has been forever transformed. Today, he passionately spreads the word of God through his music and speaking engagements, sharing the message of hope and redemption.

Send us a textToday, I had the privilege of speaking with Jessica Flores and hearing her incredible story. Jessica's journey is nothing short of remarkable. She spent many years in a life of stripping, prostitution, and even pimping. Along the way, she faced numerous close calls with death. Time and again, the Lord spared her life. Then, one day, Jessica reached a breaking point. In desperation, she called out to the Lord and that moment marked the beginning of a radical transformation in her life. This is a testimony you will want to hear in its entirety, as it's a powerful reminder of God's redeeming love and grace.

Send us a textWelcome back, everyone! I'm beyond excited to bring you a truly life-changing testimony today. It's an honor to be joined by Roberto Mascorro, known to many as Bam Bam. He was once trapped in the dangerous world of gang life for many years. Today, he opens up about the pain, struggles, and the harsh reality of growing up in that environment. But the most powerful part of Robert's story is how, against all odds, God called him to something greater. That was to become a completely new man. This is a testimony that will leave you speechless. Trust me, you don't want to miss a single word of it.

Send us a textToday, I am honored to be joined by Brian Kinyon, a man whose story is a testament to the transformative power of faith. Brian has an incredible testimony of how he triumphed over the grip of addiction and the challenges of prison. After years of struggle, he found his way to a deep, personal relationship with the Lord—a journey that has since shaped his life in remarkable ways. Today, Brian continues to serve with unwavering dedication. He is a proud member of Gangsters for Jesus ministry, and his commitment to spreading the gospel through his music, as he creates Christian songs that inspire and uplift.

Send us a textToday, I have the privilege of sharing the powerful story of Justin Kimball. This is not just any story—Justin's testimony is raw, real, and heartbreaking. So, brace yourselves. Justin's life began in  pain, abuse, turmoil, and a series of events that led him down a path of violence and despair. He's also a veteran. It took years. years of struggle, of darkness for Justin to find the strength to step into a right relationship with the Lord. But against all odds, he did. Since then, the Lord has not only healed him, but has gifted him with the incredible ability to reach out and help others find their way to the Lord.

Send us a textToday, I am honored to be joined by Michael Mata. Michael's journey is one of profound transformation he was once a member of the notorious MS13 gang, but through the grace of God, he found redemption. Born into the harsh realities of gang life, Michael's early years were shaped by a path that seemed destined for destruction. His journey led him to prison. But in a story of unexpected grace, Michael shares how he came to Christ not by plan, but by divine intervention. Since his conversion, Michael has become a dedicated soldier in the ‘Gangsters for Jesus' Ministry, living out his faith with passion and purpose.

Send us a textToday, I am joined by Richard Montes also known by his gang name “Grandpa”. Richard was once a powerful gang leader, consumed by the darkness of addiction. He opens up about the painful journey that led him down a path of destruction. For over two decades, Richard was trapped in the brutal cycle of prison life. But through years of struggle and soul-searching, he found the light of the Lord, and in that moment, his life began to change. Today, he stands as a living testament to the power of faith, redemption, and second chances.

Send us a textWelcome back to another powerful testimony. Today, I have the privilege of speaking with Dave Evans. Dave is a former prison gang member who struggled with addiction but found salvation through the Lord. In this heartfelt conversation, Dave opens up about his childhood and the choices that led him down a destructive path. Today, Dave is an active member of the Gangsters for Jesus ministry, a group whose inspiring testimonies I have been honored to hear.

Send us a textToday, I have the privilege of being joined by Brother Lex, also known by his rap name, King Lexodus. In this heartfelt conversation, Lex opens up about how he was drawn into a life of gangs, drug dealing, and rap at a young age. His journey led him through years of struggles, with multiple stints in jail. But it was when he faced a life-changing case that ultimately landed him in prison that everything took a turn. It was in that darkest moment that Lex cried out to the Lord for help. Since then, his life has been completely transformed.The Balance of GrayHow does faith fit into today's world? Peace & purpose are found in The Balance of Gray. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Send us a textToday I am joined by Big Perk. Big Perk was known back in the day for being a hip hop artist, gang member, and drug dealer. Perk worked alongside many famous Texas rappers. One night Perk almost lost his life after getting shot 5 times in a drive by. If it wasn't for the Lord he wouldn't be here. Listen and learn how Perk transformed his life leaving the street life alone and became a preacher.

Send us a textToday I am joined by David Rocha! David was a well known rapper in the 90s - 2000s. His rap name was Sir Dyno. During the same time he was also a drug dealer and a gang member. David became very well known on the street by the police and from his music. He would eventually get arrested and go to prison. While in prison David surrendered his life to the Lord. Since he has been free he has been sharing the gospel. 

Send us a textToday I am joined by a man who is a former drug addict. His name is Joshua Zatkoff. Joshua shares his testimony of how the Lord saved him from drug addiction! Joshua is now serving God and sharing with people his testimony. 

Send us a textToday I have a returning guest coming on today named Jamie Botello. This is part #3. He is a former prison gangster that found God. Jamie shares today how prison changes you, how he studied about God for 2 years straight, how he got out of prison and had some slip ups, and how he eventually got back on track . Jamie has accomplished many things since he has given his life to the Lord. 

Send us a textToday I am joined by a former gangster who became a pastor! Gilbert shares with us today his life of crime and his family's influence with gangs. Gilbert speaks on doing drugs, robberies, fighting, and more with his gang. He ended up getting locked up and gave his life to the Lord! Gilbert has now been a pastor for over 40 plus years!

Send us a textToday I am Robert Ortega. Robert is a former gangster that found God. Rob speaks on how he went to prison and joined an organized crime gang (The Family). While in and out of prison and committing crimes he started to study the Bible and go to Bible studies. One day Rob had enough of the life he was living and cried a prayer out to the Lord. Since then nothing has ever been the same.

Send us a textToday I am joined by Steve Hopper who is going to share his testimony. Steve grew up training to be a professional football player. One night while he was in high school he went out to a party. At this party a fight broke out and Steve was charged for participating in the fight which led to someone being put in a coma. Steve ended up getting sentenced to prison for 10 years for this crime. During this time he was sent to a very deadly prison. While he was at his lowest point he called out a prayer to the Lord and in that moment everything changed for him!

Send us a textToday I am joined by Drew Anderson. Drew was abandoned and adopted at a very young age. He eventually turned to a life of crime while trying to find identity. Drew had a few taps on his shoulder from the Lord wanting him to change. Such as being shot in the face and run over by a car. There is a reason that Drew is still alive today and sharing his life story with us. Pay close attention as Drew takes us back to when the Lord saved his life on more than one occasion. 

Send us a textToday's podcast I am joined by a former prison gang member named Jamie Botello. This is his second time being on my podcast. If you haven't seen the first one the link for that is in the video description. In today's podcast we dive deeper into Jamie's time in prison. Because not only did he join a prison gang but he also gave his life to the Lord. We go into detail about the work he put in for the prison gang he joined. And most importantly we talk about the work God was doing on Jamie. Jamie has totally reformed his life around and gave his life to the Lord! He is living proof that with God you can achieve many things.

Send us a textToday's podcast I am joined by a former Crip gang member named Jahcal! He shares what it was like growing up in Cleveland and what led him to joining a gang. He describes some of the crimes he was doing while he was in the gang. Jahcal would go on to encounter the Holy Spirit. Shortly after that he gave his life to the Lord and left his gang behind.

Send us a textToday's podcast I am joined by a former prison gang member named Jamie Botello. He talks about his early life of crime and how it escalated. Jamie went on to go to prison twice for selling drugs. While in prison he was involved in riots and a lot of violence. Then one day the Lord came knocking for Jamie when he didn't see it coming. Jamie has totally reformed his life around and gave his life to the Lord! He is living proof that with God you can achieve many things. 

Send us a textOn today's podcast I am joined by Troy Evans who is a former gang leader! Troy takes us back to his early life and what events lead him to joining a gang. He worked his way up in this organized gang and became a leader of his own set. During his time as a leader there was a gang war that was going on that led him to moving away. Troy would eventually leave the gang life behind and give his life to the Lord. He has now changed his life around and has become a pastor. Troy's Website- https://troyevansspeaks.com/?ai Subscribe to the Invest In Yourself Podcast Platforms

Send us a textOn today's podcast I am joined by a former gang member named Isaiah Blancas. During our chat today we talk about Isaiah's early life, joining a gang, dealing drugs, & going to prison many times. Then towards the end of the podcast Isaiah shares how he came to find God. After that he had a burning desire to want to learn more about God.

Send us a textToday's podcast features a former blood gang member by the name of Skipp Townsend. Skipp speaks on why he joined the blood gang, robbed cars, did crimes, sold drugs, and went to prison multiple times. During Skipp's time on the street he did help form a drug crew where bloods and crips were working together. The end result was prison though. Skipp ultimately left the life of crime and turned his life. He's now helping at-risk youth. 

Today I am joined by Melvin Farmer. Melvin shares his story about being a co-founding member of the Eight Tray Crips. Melvin talks about his relationship with the founders of the Crip gang Tookie Williams & Raymond Washington. Melvin experienced a lot as a gangster first hand and he shares it all.

Today I am joined by JereMy Rankins. JereMy goes into his early life getting in trouble with the law and catching two felonies. While he was on the street he got away with a lot of crime. But he did end up getting caught for one and he got locked up for 5 years in prison. During this time he was involved with prison fights and all the other violence that goes on in prison. One thing he did decide to do was make a change in his life and enroll in college. After he did that it just became a snowball effect and that got bigger and bigger. He has accomplished so much since he has been out of prison.

Today's podcast features a former gang member named Paul Parson. Paul grew up poor in a gang-filled area which led him to becoming a gang member himself. He got deeper in the street life as he grew up but ended up changing his life around. Listen to how he turned his life around and found God.

Today's guest is So Rich Entertainment who was a drug dealer. While dealing, law enforcement started watching him and busted him months after he made the decision to quit selling drugs. When he got back on the street he ended up getting involved in a street battle and was charged with murder. He ended up going to prison for a number of years. During this time he decided it was time to make a change.

Today's podcast features Mikkle Hampton who is a former drug addict. Mikkle got himself into some deep trouble with his addiction and landed himself in prison. After leaving prison Mikkle has changed his life and dedicated his life to helping people getting sober.

Today I am joined by Greg Gunter. Greg was one of the most well known Graffiti artists in Chicago.  He was also once a Drug Dealer at one point in time to. Greg unfortunately got addicted to doing drugs and it took control of his life. He got locked up for a while and started thinking of ways to better himself. Greg has changed his ways since he has gotten sober!

Today I am joined by a former mafia associate named Jeff Crow! He explains how he got connected to the mob. Then he goes into how he started smuggling pot across state lines. He did end up forming a drug habit which did end up helping him avoid being sent to prison believe it or not.  Jeff has changed his life around since putting crime behind him. 

Today's podcast I am joined by a former cocaine smuggler named Pieter Tritton. Pieter shares his smuggling drug operation. Pieter got arrested a few times and then in the end he served over 10 years in a very dangerous Ecuador prison. When Peter got out of prison this last time he turned his life around. He gots his own business, he wrote a book, and is doing podcasts. 

Today I am joined by a former undercover agent that infiltrated a very notorious crip set. His name is Tegan Broadwater. Tegan put together a 51 crip gang member RICO take down on this gang leading to many convictions. He details how he worked his way in with the lower level crips then eventually working his way all the way up to the top of the crip ladder.

Today I am joined by Jamie Morgan Kane. Who served in the Vietnam War and eventually landed himself in prison for 34 years for murder. Jamie states in today's interview that he did not kill this person. He recently got out of prison and wrote a few books about his life. 

Today I am joined by a former prison gang leader named Garet Mclendon! Garet shares his journey through his drug-filled early life that led him to doing and selling drugs. This only led to more close calls to death for him while he was on the streets. Garet has been arrested so many times in his life that he built up a prison reputation. Giving him the status of Prison gang leader. Garet finally saw the light after a life changing moment. 

Today I am joined by a former drug kingpin named Uchendi Nwani. During his time as a dealer everything went smooth for a while until the police started investigating him. He ended up getting busted. Uchendi was able to escape a long prison sentence without becoming an informant. He went from making millions off of drugs to becoming a million dollar barber. The Eerie Side Podcast1 Mother & 2 Daughters True Crime Podcast - We cover the unexplained, mysteries, & more.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today I am joined by a cartel victim survivor named Steve Prohaska AKA Big Steve. Steve's family was tragically murder by members of the cartel and leaving him an orphan. Steve went through a lot during this time and was fortunate enough to get adopted and moved to the United States. He took full advantage of coming over to the USA and getting involved in business. He is overall known for being an orphan and becoming a millionaire! 

Today I am joined by a man of many past lives such as being a drug dealer, car thief, ex military, and a former rap artist. His name is Hondo Underwood. You may have recently seen him on a major platform called business insider on their segment how crime works. I decided to bring him on to cover his full in depth story. Raw and uncut. Hondo breaks down his life as a criminal, going on high speed chases, and almost losing his life after being shot. Hondo has completely turned his life around after he got locked up. La Fayette, We Are Here!French history podcast for Americans, by a Frenchman. Learn all about France's history.Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Today I am joined by Dr Clover Perez. After she started a business relating to immigration law. She was arrested for Federal Criminal Charges. During her trail her son was killed and she explains what impact it had on her mentally. She went to prison for 10 years because of this. She was in prison with celebrities such as Lauryn Hill. Since she has been out of prison she has been doing a lot of great things! 

Today I am joined by one of the best money counterfeits known, Arthur Williams Jr. Arthur shares his early life as a criminal which led him to counterfeiting a boatload of money. Arthur had a very interesting way of exchanging his money for real money. He had quite a run. But it all came down landing him in prison for a number of years. Since Arthur has been out of prison he has changed his life around. 

Today I am joined by former Jewelry Thief Byran Sobolewski. Bryan shares how his father and brother robbed over 22 Jewelry spots. He details out how they would plan a heist and how they would go in and rob the Jewelry. The Feds ended up pursuing a case against Bryan, His father, and his brother. They all ended up spending a number of years in prison. 

Today I am joined by former gang member Chris Curtis. He became a drug dealer and got into a lot of shoot outs with people. Chris ended up shooting a man that was trying to harm him. Chris went on the run for a while and was finally busted after a high speed chase. He ended up spending 20 years behind bars. 

Today I am joined by Jorel Lamer. Jorel takes us back to when he was robbing drug dealers. He would go right up in their house while there were people inside and in today's video you'll hear the whole process. Jorel served quite a bit of time in prison for doing this. In prison he finally had a change of heart. Jorel has an incredible redemption story and a new look on life.