More Than A FELON

In this episode of More Than A Felon, host Ladale Hayes chats about a simple topic; Healthy Eating. He desires to eat healthy not only as a personal choice but to allow others to see his progress in a way that will hopefully encourage others to also develop a consistent workout plan and develop a better diet over all.

The COVID 19 pandemic has changed our lives, the way we move, think and plan activities over the course of this last year and a half. On this episode of More Than A felon we dive into the conditions within the State of Mississippi where currently there are 20,000 students that are on quarantine and one teacher that has passed due to the virus with the new school year just beginning. It's time for our politicians and elected officials to stop playing politics with the lives of the American citizens and come together to save one life at a time.

In this episode of More Than A Felon, we look at if justice was truly served. In a Washington prison, an inmate was charged with the murder of his cellmate. The cellmate was the alleged sexual abuser of the attackers sister. The brother of the abused victim beat his cellmate to death by stomping on his head. Now the question that we will visit was if justice was truly served. To some this incident was justified, but to others this was over kill.

In this episode of More Than A Felon, host Ladale Hayes talks about how he invested in out of state real estate and why. He addresses the benefits of out of state rental income property and the projected length of time it takes to turn a profit plus future plans associated with rental income property and how it relates to loan equality.

After coming home from custody an ex-felon should come home with a financial mind set of getting a job. Having a job will enable you to not only provide for yourself and family, it will also allow you to apply for credit to boost your credit score for future home buying purchases or other items needed. The overall goal for all ex-felons should be owing your own business and allowing the money that you make to work for you.

In this episode of More Than A Felon we look at a current robbery situation that took place in the upscale shopping district of the Melrose area of Los Angeles, CA. There were two ex-felons who were currently on parole that made a robbery attempt only to find out that the robbery victim had a loaded gun in his possession and the robbery victim shot both suspects. The robbery suspects were caught and arrested by law enforcement and will soon face various charges in the court of law.

In this episode of More Than A Felon we explore the unfairness with sentencing guidelines for police officers versus citizens. I speak on the bias and unfairness being shown to white protected officers whose accused of killing black men. How did they reach the leniency argument in a recent case, from capital one murder which carries a life sentence to voluntary manslaughter which carries a three year with half time plus time served for prior good time credit? It's all unfair and things need to change.

In this solo episode Ladale Hayes expresses his thoughts over the Derrick Chauvin case. It is in his opinion that justice was not served following the arrest and successful conviction. How is it that he did not receive the maximum sentence? Was it because he was a member of law enforcement that he was shown some grace during the penalty stage of the case? How is it that those that are not of law enforcement would have received the maximum penalty? Justice will never be served until law enforcement officers are held to the maximum penalty.

Racism is the biggest disease ever to be taught on American soil. Racism only benefits, but opens up discrimination against the masses o those who suffer from less privilege opportunities. There are ways to combat racism and here at More Than A Felon we will be exploring this over the next several episodes.

In this episode of More Than A Felon we want to address police brutality and the excessive and unwanted force being used against people of color. We want to know why is it happening so much and why have law makers failed to institute policies to protect citizens from suspected forms of civil rights violation. Law enforcement has violated public trust with rogue politics and racism. We need to know how can we change a broken system and gain trust of law enforcement and elected officials.

In this episode of More Than A Felon, Ladale Hayes had the opportunity to talk with ShaRonne Lee who experienced prison through the eyes of a woman. ShaRonne, who is from Los Angeles but currently living in San Antonio, TX is a former inmate who after her release focused on education and family. While raising her son with the support of family and friends, she started off at Mt. San Antonio College and obtained two associate degrees before transferring to California State University, Los Angeles, where she earned her Bachelor's in Communication as well as earning a Master's in Management and Leadership. After graduation she entered back into the workforce and now is working for a Fortune 500 company. ShaRonne has a passion for communication and changing the narrative for ex-felons, especially those ex-felons who are women

In this episode, More Than a Felon founder Ladale Hayes, takes an even deeper dive conversation with his better half Dr. Dena Watson. Here, they uncover the transparent truths of handling a relationship with an ex-felon and how it has evolved into a blossoming relationship where they bring together a blended family and then begin their own family. Dr. Dena takes us on a journey from the female perspective about the pros and cons of such a relationship. She leaves no stone unturned. Dr. Dena believes that you have to look at the person for who they are and lets us know that there is nothing wrong with falling in love with an ex-felon. Both Ladale and Dr. Dena have grown together, they learn together and are true entrepreneurs as they strive to build a life of love, laughter, truth and family.Dr. Dena is a mother, a director in the field of human resources and is a business woman in her own right. She is the Founder of The GID Agency which provides busy executives and small business owners with virtual assistance with a specialty in business mapping. She is also the CEO/Founder of Blinged Lifestyle which provides one with FUN, FABULOUS AND AFFORDABLE $5.00 accessories.Feel free to connect with Dr. Dena Watson at:Virtual Assistant AgencyInstagram@g.i.d.agencythegidagency.com$5.00 AccessoriesInstagram@blinged_lifestyleblingedliestyle.com

More Than A Felon host Ladale Hayes sits back down with his cousin Michael Whitfield who opens up about how losing his big cousin to the prison system affected him. This conversation shows the true energy of a family bond and tells the story of how when one goes to prison how it affects the entire family structure and not just the person who was given the time to serve. Michael tells the story of trust, hurt, and anger and expresses the desire to want to understand what happens to one once they are locked up. Michael is a Territory Manager for RJ Reynolds Tobacco who holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and resides near Memphis, Tennessee.

In this episode of More Than A Felon we had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Edward Jabbar Small who is a high school teacher in Watts, CA with a background as a commodity broker, banker and financial advisor. He not only teaches math and finance but he also holds the position of Assistant Varsity Football Coach at New Designs Charter High School in Watts. He takes his knowledge of math and finance and brings to life real life experiences in the classroom as well as on the field. His experiences of coaching youth in the areas of football, softball and baseball allow him to be relatable on and off of the field.    

For an ex-felon any contact with law enforcement can be very intimidating if not terrifying. It brings back memories that one has tried to bury and also the fear of the unknown. In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Eboni who has been in the field of probation for almost twenty years. And as you can imagine, she has seen and heard it all from the ex-felons that have been repeat offenders to the ex-felons who learned their lessons from their time served and are doing all that they can to stay on the positive side of the tracks. She brings about a different perspective and let's into her realm of the laws, why they exist, programs and resources available to ex-felons as well as what probation and parole officers hope will happen once an ex-felon is released and mainstreamed back into society.

Go back to Episode 7 to catch part 1  of"Rapping Beyond Bars with 16 da Life"In this episode 16 da Life continues to share with us that after serving 24 years, on a 16 to life sentence, rapper "16 da life" is finally free and putting out quality music with top tier lyrics that at times, reflect his experiences on the streets and in prison. Anyone that has ever served time, or indulged in that lifestyle should surely check his music. Despite his street related material, " 16 da life " is a true music artist and can't be labeled a " gangsta rapper " he effortlessly changes topics and still stands out regardless of the subject matter.He sat down with More Than A Felon to give his viewpoint on life beyond the walls and what that has meant for him. He also shows us through the passion of his music that “hip hop ain't dead; he just had a life sentence.”Feel free to connect with 16 da life at:Youtube Channel16 da LifeInstagram@16_ta_life

Did you catch part 1?  It was Episode 3.  If you missed it head back over and check it out!Being behind the walls of a state prison for over 10 years learning how to fight fires was a trade that Anthony Bracey learned. In this episode Anthony continues to open up our eyes on how he turned his prison term and what he learned about Wildland Firefighting from the prison yards to his full time profession upon release. He researched, he trained and he educated himself on the importance of Wildland Firefighting. Anthony also helps us to understand that with perseverance and consistency you will achieve the job of your dream. He reminds us that it's not easy but to keep pushing forward the mark and that your vision and your goals will be achieved and to never stop giving back.

Episode 9 "Choices" with Robert Wynne In this episode of More Than a Felon we had the pleasure of sitting down with Robert Wynne a thirty-one year old from Sacramento, California. He tells us of his battles with drug sales and drug use that landed him in prison for 7 ½ years. He also takes us through how he became an inmate Wildland Firefighter which gave him the skill set to then become a seasonal Wildland Firefighter with Cal Fire.With almost three years of being released from prison Robert is now married with a baby on the way. His journey is one for the ages as he has a passion for helping others especially those that have suffered past trauma from life. With his lessons of victories and challenges he is still positive and wants to make sure that all of those around him strive for positivity. I'm very determined and family oriented. I strive to learn and overcome from my failures. I love fishing and just being around those that I love.

If you missed Episode 1 then stop right now and head back.  That was the first part of our conversation.  We jump right into the interview from the moment we left off.A native of Los Angeles, California and a graduate of Washington High School, Hasani Elllis matriculated to Clark Atlanta University where he graduated in 2010 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In this episode of More Than A Felon, Hasani continues to navigate us through his journey from prison to college life. He illustrates how a second chance allowed him to obtain a degree and work steadily throughout a new found career in accounting and real estate all while gaining valuable experiences that have advanced him in the financial industry. Hasani is currently a partner at Crenshaw and Clark Financial which is located in the same South Los Angeles community that he grew up in. 

This episode of More Than A Felon features Lonnell Jefferies known to some as Spider from BPS 21st a local street gang here in Los Angeles, CA. He tells of his challenges of life and how he dealt with the consequences of being incarcerated throughout his life growing up. Lonnell served up to seven years in California's penal system for various crimes. During his stretch of incarceration he had the opportunity to attend an inmate fire camp where he learned the skill of Wildland Firefighting and found out that he would be able to pursue this profession as a form of employment upon his release. He embarks on climbing through the path of different agencies where he would be able to utilize his skills. He emphasizes how his beginnings in an inmate fire camp changed his life and prepared him for a bigger role and that is one of being a father to two beautiful daughters.

More Than A Felon sat down Tommy Eugene Lewis III and is a forty-three year old from Los Angeles California. His life has been an arduous journey that consisted of so many twists and turns that caused him to spend twenty-four years of his life in prison due to a gun charge. Tommy has recently been released from prison at the age of forty-three this January 2021. Today, he is more than grateful and thankful for every breath that he is able to breathe. He is striving in living amends and hoping each day that his testimony and actions can be of benefit to those whose paths that he crosses.

In this episode, More Than a Felon founder Ladale Hayes, takes a deep dive conversation with his better half Dr. Dena Watson. Here, they uncover the transparent truths of handling a relationship with an ex-felon and how it has evolved into a blossoming relationship where they bring together a blended family and then begin their own family. Dr. Dena takes us on a journey from the female perspective about the pros and cons of such a relationship. She leaves no stone unturned. Dr. Dena believes that you have to look at the person for who they are and lets us know that there is nothing wrong with falling in love with an ex-felon. Both Ladale and Dr. Dena have grown together, they learn together and are true entrepreneurs as they strive to build a life of love, laughter, truth and family.Dr. Dena is a mother, a director in the field of human resources and is a business woman in her own right. She is the Founder of The GID Agency which provides busy executives and small business owners with virtual assistance with a specialty in business mapping. She is also the CEO/Founder of Blinged Lifestyle which provides one with FUN, FABULOUS AND AFFORDABLE $5.00 accessories.Feel free to connect with Dr. Dena Watson at:Virtual Assistant AgencyInstagram@g.i.d.agencythegidagency.com$5.00 AccessoriesInstagram@blinged_lifestyleblingedliestyle.com

More Than A Felon host Ladale Hayes sits down with his cousin Michael Whitfield who opens up about how losing his big cousin to the prison system affected him. This conversation shows the true energy of a family bond and tells the story of how when one goes to prison how it affects the entire family structure and not just the person who was given the time to serve. Michale tells the story of trust, hurt, and anger and expresses the desire to want to understand what happens to one once they are locked up. Michael is a Territory Manager for RJ Reynolds Tobacco who holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Central Arkansas and resides near Memphis, Tennessee. 

"Each One Teach One" is a strong code to follow. In this episode, More Than A Felon host Ladale Hayes guides us through why it is so important to learn, to do and to teach as an ex-felon for survival as well as positive reinforcement to navigate life through society and do things differently the second time around. 

In this episode 16 da Life shares with us that after serving 24 years, on a 16 to life sentence, rapper "16 da life" is finally free and putting out quality music with top tier lyrics that at times, reflect his experiences on the streets and in prison. Anyone that has ever served time, or indulged in that lifestyle should surely check his music. Despite his street related material, " 16 da life " is a true music artist and can't be labeled a " gangsta rapper " he effortlessly changes topics and still stands out regardless of the subject matter.He sat down with More Than A Felon to give his viewpoint on life beyond the walls and what that has meant for him. He also shows us through the passion of his music that “hip hop ain't dead; he just had a life sentence.”Feel free to connect with 16 da life at:Youtube Channel16 da LifeInstagram@16_ta_life

Ladale Hayes, host of More Than a Felon becomes super transparent about all of the fun and interesting things that he likes to do in his spare time. Showing that having fun and taking care of business can co-exist because we all need a little down time in our lives to relax and practice self care as well as just laugh.

Digging deeper into the life of an ex-felon during the journey of their new found freedom. From changing the narrative on society's view of such ex-felons to understanding the laws and political systems that encompass the pathway to prison and even to parole/probation. This episode seeks to shed light on realizing that we do not have all of the answers but that second chances can also bring about great progress.

Being behind the walls of a state prison for over 10 years learning how to fight fires was a trade that Anthony Bracey learned. In this episode Anthony opens up our eyes on how he turned his prison term and what he learned about Wildland Firefighting from the prison yards to his full time profession upon release. He researched, he trained and he educated himself on the importance of Wildland Firefighting. Anthony also helps us to understand that with perseverance and consistency you will achieve the job of your dream. He reminds us that it's not easy but to keep pushing forward the mark and that your vision and your goals will be achieved and to never stop giving back.

In this episode we sat down with Tabari Peoples. Tabari, who was once a felon is now working full time as a Homeless Outreach Coordinator. After years of trials and tribulations he was able to obtain a job that he loves and that is to help people in need. “In our community we as ex-felons need to show and prove.” He gives us the message of needing to do what you need to do no matter what your background even if that means you have come from a broken home. His message is one of positivity and encouragement and is sure to leave a mark on your heart and your mind. He wants the listeners to understand that things are hard for ex-felons, but he does shed the light with uplifting words for those that we can change as long as we can see the bigger picture. 

More Than a Felon host Ladale Hayes talks about his why on what lead him to decide to reach into the realm of podcasting. He felt that it was important for people to understand that just because an ex-felon served prison time does not make them a bad individual nor is it the end of the world. However, gaining public trust and reducing the recidivism rate by providing support and resources is so important to the continued growth of ex-felons as they strive to become productive citizens within society. 

A native of Los Angeles, California and a graduate of Washington High School, Hasani Elllis matriculated to Clark Atlanta University where he graduated in 2010 with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. In this episode of More Than A Felon, Hasani walks us through his journey from prison to college life. He illustrates how a second chance allowed him to obtain a degree and work steadily throughout a new found career in accounting and real estate all while gaining valuable experiences that have advanced him in the financial industry. Hasani is currently a partner at Crenshaw and Clark Financial which is located in the same South Los Angeles community that he grew up in.

More Than A Felon is a show designed to broadcast the positive nature of ex-felons reentry back into society. Their stories are stories of success that the media and local law enforcement fail to highlight to members of the community. More Than A Felon will give its listeners a different ideology and perspective of ex-felons who are now productive citizens within their communities. There are ex-felons who have reduced the rate of recidivism by obtaining and maintaining steady employment and the story of their lives and how they want to pay their debt to society in their own way after release from custody. From behind the walls of a state penitentiary to obtaining college degrees, those that have become successful business owners right in the inner city and those changing the lives of others are all highlighted. The transparency of each journey is one for all to hear.