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In this bonus episode, Amy and Natalie take a deep dive into Bloom Trust Co. CIRCLE—what it is, why they started it nearly five years ago, and how it's evolved since that very first session in 2021. They reflect on how CIRCLE grew from just an idea about how to connect with other florists into a trusted, small-group community for florists who want a safe, candid space to talk about the real work of owning a flower business. They cover how CIRCLE works (and why it's not a course), the importance of community, transparency, and talking about numbers. And they discuss the unexpected impact it's had helping businesses develop systems strong enough to allow them to sell when the time was right. Whether you're thinking about opening a shop, wanting to take the next step to expand and grow your retail business, or just curious what CIRCLE really is, this episode gives you an honest look behind the scenes. If you are interested in joining either CIRCLE Retail or CIRCLE Weddings, you can contact Amy directly through email or DM to find out more. You can find show notes and more episodes of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast at botanicalbrouhaha.com, and you can find Amy on IG at either @botanicalbrouhaha or @bloomtrustco and Natalie at @hey.nataliegill or @native_poppy This episode of The Botanical Brouhaha Podcast was produced by Joel McGee. Original music by Landon McGee.
Scott Manthorne joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into The Military Effect—a movement focused on connection, trust, leadership, and shared responsibility between civilians and the veteran community.In this episode, we explore:• Why connection is the true currency of success after service• How veterans transition from rank to relationships• The role civilians play in strengthening veteran outcomes• Why mentorship and trust outperform resumes and titlesWhether you're navigating military transition, leading in business, or looking to better support veterans and their families, this conversation delivers clear, human-centered insight you can apply immediately.Scott Manthorne is the author of The Military Effect, founder of the Inside Circle, and a globally recognized expert in relationship-driven leadership. His work focuses on amplifying veteran voices, strengthening community trust, and activating civilian leadership through service.The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, military spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see them thrive.• VET S.O.S. • VET S.O.S. – Operation Startup• VET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline• VET S.O.S. Presents: The ScoopWebsite: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast#TheMilitaryEffect #VETSOS #VeteranTransition #VeteranLeadership #CivilianSupport #VeteranMentorship #LeadershipPodcast #ItsOurTurnToServe #VeteranCommunity #GrabTheLifeline
Join Andrew Young as he decodes the world of crypto with special guest Rachel Mayer, VP of Product at Arc. Listen in as they discuss Circle's launch of Arc as a USDC-centric layer one network designed for predictable gas fees, instant finality, and compliant privacy, the rapid shift in stablecoin regulation and the impact of the GENIUS Act, the rise of non-USD stablecoins and tokenized FX markets, how RWAs, Morpho-style vault structures, and tokenized treasuries could reshape global capital flows, and why Arc's architecture, interoperability strategy, and potential transition to delegated proof-of-stake position it as a core platform for the next wave of institutional onchain finance.
As we close out the year, Eldra Jackson III returns to a theme that has surfaced again and again—in his own life, in Inside Circle's work, and across the communities we've sat with: fear, and the choices we make when it shows up. In this reflective year-end episode, Eldra looks back at conversations with guests like Ari Rosen, Felix Mickens, and Ian Manuel—three powerful stories of courage, accountability, and transformation. Their journeys offer living examples of what it means to move toward healing, community, and purpose even when uncertainty or danger looms large. Through their experiences and his own, Eldra invites listeners into a simple but essential inquiry: In the face of fear… how do you show up? Join us for a grounded, heartfelt close to the year—and a call to step into 2026 with intention, openness, and hope. Learn more at insidecircle.org
In this episode of the Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III speaks with Nick Jonsson, global keynote speaker and bestselling author of Executive Loneliness, about the hidden cost of success and the healing power of vulnerability. After reaching the top of his corporate career, Nick's life began to unravel—leading him through isolation, addiction, and loss before discovering the courage to speak his truth. Through that journey, he learned that real strength isn't found in status or control, but in honest connection and community. Together, Eldra and Nick explore how breaking silence, sharing our stories, and showing up authentically can transform not just individuals, but entire systems of leadership. It's a conversation that embodies Inside Circle's mission: turning pain into purpose and isolation into connection. Connect with Nick Jonsson: nickjonsson.com Learn more about Inside Circle: insidecircle.org
In this episode of Unchained, Laura is joined by Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly, and Sam MacPherson, Co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Labs, to break down the fast-moving world of stablecoins and stablechains. They discuss Ethena's USDe $5 billion drop, the rise of “stablecoin-as-a-service” models, the emergence of payment-focused blockchains like Tempo and Codex, and the return of TradFi heavyweights like Visa, Mastercard, and Western Union to the digital dollar race. From liquidity challenges to regulatory shakeups and tokenized deposits, the conversation explores what it really takes to win the stablecoin wars, and, importantly, whether any of these players can even make a scratch to king Tether. Thank you to our sponsors! Binance Guests: Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly Sam MacPherson, Co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Labs Links: Previous coverage on Unchained: Stablecoins Are Popping Up Everywhere. What's the End Game? Why Every Chain Suddenly Wants Its OWN Stablecoin - The Chopping Block Timestamps:
In this episode of Unchained, Laura is joined by Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly, and Sam MacPherson, Co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Labs, to break down the fast-moving world of stablecoins and stablechains. They discuss Ethena's USDe $5 billion drop, the rise of “stablecoin-as-a-service” models, the emergence of payment-focused blockchains like Tempo and Codex, and the return of TradFi heavyweights like Visa, Mastercard, and Western Union to the digital dollar race. From liquidity challenges to regulatory shakeups and tokenized deposits, the conversation explores what it really takes to win the stablecoin wars, and, importantly, whether any of these players can even make a scratch to king Tether. Thank you to our sponsors! Binance Guests: Rob Hadick, General Partner at Dragonfly Sam MacPherson, Co-founder and CEO of Phoenix Labs Links: Previous coverage on Unchained: Stablecoins Are Popping Up Everywhere. What's the End Game? Why Every Chain Suddenly Wants Its OWN Stablecoin - The Chopping Block Timestamps:
In this episode of the Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with chef, restaurateur, and Inside Circle facilitator Ari Rosen. Ari shares his journey from growing up in Northern California with loving parents, to navigating bullying, building successful restaurants, and ultimately finding himself burned out and disconnected from his emotions. A pivotal moment came in 2017, when Ari entered New Folsom Prison for an Inside Circle weekend intensive—an experience that cracked open years of numbness and showed him the beauty and raw humanity that exists even within prison walls. Today, Ari continues to bring that same work back inside prisons and into his own life as a father, husband, and community leader. With honesty and humility, he speaks about the costs of always “handling everything,” the lessons learned from his children, and the transformative power of stepping into vulnerability. This conversation is an invitation to all who long for connection, safety, and freedom to feel. Learn more about Inside Circle's work—or make a donation to support their mission at insidecircle.org
Want Sam's Playbook to Uncover Billion-Dollar Business Opportunities? Get it here: https://mfmpod.link/rve Episode 724: Sam Parr ( https://x.com/theSamParr ) and Shaan Puri ( https://x.com/ShaanVP ) break down $1B+ product crazes and why they worked. If you want to help those on the inside, donate to The Last Mile (https://thelastmile.org/donate) and Inside Circle (https://insidecircle.org/) — Show Notes: (0:00) Labubu (3:19) The "gotcha" mechanic (10:53) The lipstick effect (12:53) The lalapalooza effect (15:17) $1B+ crazes (20:48) Tony's Chocolonely (31:10) Sam goes to prison (37:18) The Larry story (41:26) Shaan joins a prison gang (51:15) Sam vows to quit the internet and money (54:52) Pomp's SPAC — Links: • Pop Mart - https://www.popmart.com/us • Tony's Chocolonely - https://tonyschocolonely.com/ — Check Out Shaan's Stuff: • Shaan's weekly email - https://www.shaanpuri.com • Visit https://www.somewhere.com/mfm to hire worldwide talent like Shaan and get $500 off for being an MFM listener. Hire developers, assistants, marketing pros, sales teams and more for 80% less than US equivalents. • Mercury - Need a bank for your company? Go check out Mercury (mercury.com). Shaan uses it for all of his companies! Mercury is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Column, N.A., and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC — Check Out Sam's Stuff: • Hampton - https://www.joinhampton.com/ • Ideation Bootcamp - https://www.ideationbootcamp.co/ • Copy That - https://copythat.com • Hampton Wealth Survey - https://joinhampton.com/wealth • Sam's List - http://samslist.co/ My First Million is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by HubSpot Media // Production by Arie Desormeaux // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano
You don't meet many people like Eldra Jackson III.A man who once lived behind the walls of New Folsom Prison, Eldra doesn't just talk about transformation—he embodies it. What began as a sentence meant to contain him became the very soil where his healing took root.Inside a maximum-security yard, Eldra sat in his first men's circle. He showed up with walls, but walked out with something deeper: truth, vulnerability, and the terrifying freedom of being fully seen. That journey led him out of prison—and into purpose.Today, Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a writer, mentor, and public speaker whose TED Talk on healing and masculinity has impacted thousands around the world. His work is a lifeline for at-risk youth, incarcerated men, and anyone ready to stop performing and start healing. In this episode of The Brave Wrk Room to Grow Podcast, Eldra and I talk about:Why emotional honesty is the foundation of true masculinityHow systems break men—and how circles can begin to rebuild themWhat it means to lead from love instead of fearThis isn't just a story of rehabilitation. It's a call to all of us to stop pretending, go deeper, and lead from the heart.To learn more or support the work, visit insidecircle.org.
In this powerful conversation, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with Ian Manuel—activist, poet, and author—whose life was irrevocably changed after being sentenced to life in prison at age 13. Ian shares his remarkable journey from solitary confinement to the national stage, where his poetry and voice are transforming narratives about justice and healing. With raw vulnerability and grace, Ian recounts his friendship with the woman he harmed, the struggle to rebuild life after release, and how art helped him survive two decades in isolation. A moving exploration of restorative justice, resilience, and redemption. To learn more about Ian Manuel, you can follow him on Instagram at @ianmanuelofficial and on Twitter at @ianmanofficial. His memoir, My Time Will Come, is available from Penguin Random House wherever books are sold. To learn more about the work of Inside Circle, visit www.insidecircle.org.
Tune in live every weekday Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM Eastern to 10:15 AM.Buy our NFTJoin our DiscordCheck out our TwitterCheck out our YouTubeDISCLAIMER: You should never treat any opinion expressed by the hosts of this content as a recommendation to make a particular investment, or to follow a particular strategy. The thoughts and commentary on this show are an expression of the hosts' opinions and are for entertainment & informational purposes only.
Felix Mickens joins host Eldra Jackson III to reflect on a life shaped by early loss, decades of service in juvenile justice, and a profound journey of healing. From his childhood in East St. Louis and New Jersey to his leadership in bringing Inside Circle into New Jersey's juvenile justice system, Felix shares moving stories of grief, disconnection, growth, and the quiet power of second chances. Now cancer-free after a decades-long battle, Felix embodies the resilience and compassion he offers to the young people he serves.
After a devastating rugby injury left him paralyzed from the neck down at just 25, Wayne Forrest could have given up. Instead, he tapped into something deeper. In this moving conversation with host Eldra Jackson III, Wayne shares how he transformed trauma into triumph, rediscovered purpose, and now helps others access their inner warrior. Tune in to hear how this farmer, father, and coach turned adversity into fuel for a powerful new life. Learn more about Wayne at https://www.wayneforrest.com/ Connect with Inside Circle at https://insidecircle.org/
In the final episode of 2024, host Eldra Jackson III reflects on a transformative year for Inside Circle and its mission to empower system-impacted individuals to ignite healing and change within themselves and their communities. From reintroducing circles inside New Folsom Prison after six years to launching the first Inside Circle program at the Zaanstad Justice Center in Amsterdam, this year has been about one theme: igniting community. Eldra revisits three standout episodes that exemplify this theme, sharing powerful stories from guests like Jason Bostic, Wesley Jeffries, Janelle Hudson and Manuel Ruiz. Join us for an inspiring retrospective on how Inside Circle has worked to eliminate all forms of violence, empower self-healing, and spark change in communities around the globe. As we head into 2025, we invite you to join us on the front lines of service and transformation. Consider making an end of year gift at: insidecircle.org Thank you for your continued support. Let's ignite community—together.
In this powerful episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with George Nolan, a re-entry recovery advocate and motivational disruptor. George shares his transformative journey from a life of crime, addiction, and prison to becoming a force for positive change. At 45, he had a life-changing epiphany that led him to pursue a path of intention, authenticity, and recovery. George opens up about the importance of aligning actions with values, the hard work of personal development, and how he's now helping others realize that their past doesn't have to dictate their future. From prison tattoos to entrepreneurship awards, George's story is a testament to the power of internalizing change and making it personal—whether in public or in the dark. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, recovery, and the impact of intentionality. If you're interested in learning more about George and his work, visit his website at GeorgeNolan.net, or his podcast site at OutlawsToAdvocates.com. You can also connect with him directly at 480-527-6326, or follow him on LinkedIn and TikTok (@George2021).
In this episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III and guest Jackson Hightower explore the transformative power of sexual energy. Jackson shares his holistic approach to helping men overcome issues like shame, performance anxiety, and porn addiction. By focusing on diet, fitness, and mindset, Jackson shows how harnessing sexual energy can boost confidence and positively impact every aspect of life. This episode challenges taboos and offers practical insights for men seeking to elevate themselves and achieve lasting success. Learn more at - www.jacksonhightower.com/
This week we dive back into the world of the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement. A church that many call a cult. We speak more specifically this time about their homes for "troubled teens". Some of these teens sent to these homes needed mental health counseling, some were being "ungodly", and others sent away for simple things such as smoking a cigarette. Regardless of the reasons we learn this week that these homes were at best ill equipped to help and at worse an abusive place that brutally punished and terrorized those they were asked to help. I talk with Amanda Householder who was featured in the documentary "Let Us Prey" that exposed IFB for what it is. She grew up in the troubled teens homes that were AGAPE and Circle of Hope not necessarily because she was a troubled teen herself, but because her parents (now charged with over 100 crimes) ran the facilities. This is a powerful chat._____________________________________Amanda's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/berlinvonmortis/_____________________________________Link to all things Not in a Huff Podcast: https://linktr.ee/notinahuffpodcastPlease follow/subscribe to the podcast to be the first to see new episodes when they come out each week. Be extra awesome and rate us on Apple Podcast and Spotify! :)
Join Eldra Jackson III on this inspiring episode of "The Inside Circle," where he welcomes Al Lewis, a pivotal figure who witnessed the evolution of civil rights organizing firsthand in Memphis. Al shares his unique experiences growing up during the tumultuous civil rights era and discusses his journey to the Underground Railroad Training Odyssey. In a heartfelt conversation, Al expresses his enduring hope and belief in the potential for growth and healing within communities. This episode delves into how we can tap into our collective humanity to mend the deep-seated historical pain and trauma that lingers in places steeped in such rich history. Listen in as Al explains the importance of this pilot project in Memphis, emphasizing the vast opportunities for positive change and the strong desire among the community members to heal and move forward together. https://inwardjourney.org
Dive into a compelling episode of the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III, featuring guests Jason Bostic and Wesley Jeffries from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. This episode illuminates the transformative healing journey of two former rivals, brought together by the programmatic efforts of Project Restore. Through the dedicated healing work facilitated by Inside Circle, they embark on a path of discovering commonality, embracing a new way of being, and fostering community healing. Their story highlights the crucial work of Project Restore and Inside Circle in facilitating personal transformation and reconciliation. Listen in for a powerful narrative of hope, change, and unity. This is an essential episode for those interested in the profound impact of healing and programmatic intervention on individuals and communities.
Join host Eldra Jackson III for a compelling episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, spotlighting the transformative journeys of two remarkable individuals enrolled in Inside Circle's Young Adult Empowerment (YAE) program. Listen as they recount their histories and the profound impact of the program's holistic approach, which helped them reshape their futures by pairing emotionally supportive male role models with life skills training, addiction recovery, workforce development, and financial literacy. Through candid accounts of struggle and growth, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the world of young men born into extremely challenging circumstances who, with deep personal commitment and the right support at the right time, found their way out.
Jeff received four degrees at MIT (Physics, Math, Mech E and Robotics). He hosted “Time Warp” on the Discovery Channel about the wonders of science, and made large-scale art for 15 years. By external measures, he was incredibly successful. But inside, something was missing. This disconnect led him to a deep depression in high school, and chronic pain for almost 20 years after that. Jeff learned quantum mechanics before learning about his emotions. He marvels at the fact that we can measure the external universe to 10-decimal accuracy, but most of us don't learn about our insides: our emotions, what leads to flourishing, how to take great care of ourselves. Years of personal exploration transformed him, leading to a determination to not have the road to joy be difficult for others to find. He has spent the last 15 years training in meditation, personal development, and group dynamics for well being, facilitating high school students through a 3-week intensive and adults through an 18-month program. He speaks around the world on the topics of art, science, education, healing, and consciousness. See more of his work at bea.st. Additionally, I'll be donating to and raising awareness for the charity or organization of my guest's choice with each episode now. This episode, the organization is called Inside Circle. Any and all donations make a difference! You can connect with Jeff on: Website: https://www.sleepawake.camp/ His TED Talk on Science & Spirituality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0--_R6xThs The Large-Scale Art he's Created: https://bea.st/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepawake.camp/ To connect with me: Interested in working with me as your coach? Book a complimentary 15 minute call here. https://calendly.com/mike-trugman/15min LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-trugman-37863246/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mytrugofchoice/?hl=en Website - https://miketrugmancoaching.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUPyP3vEWc-oDlGASe2XIUg Please leave a review for this podcast on Apple Podcasts! - https://podcasts.apple.com/vg/podcast/mike-s-search-for-meaning/id1593087650?utm_source=Mike+Trugman&utm_campaign=dcbd0b11b0-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2022_03_08_12_14&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33d78ffe68-dcbd0b11b0-510678693 Resources/People Mentioned: The Body Keeps the Score - Bessel van der Kolk M.D. Buddha's Brain - Rick Hanson The Myth of Normal - Gabor Maté MD Wilhelm Reich
Join Eldra Jackson III in a powerful conversation with Manuel Ruiz, Chairman of the Board at Inside Circle. In this episode, Manuel details his journey from a 21-year life sentence to his pivotal role in the organization today and shares about how he learned to feel, the complexities of shedding his identity as a former prisoner, and how he helped bridge racial divides in prison. Reminding us all to breathe and emphasizing the value of self-reflection and reframing our internal narratives, Manuel's story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of Inside Circle.
In this inaugural 2024 episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III introduces Taylor Code, an individual whose journey in restorative justice began in his youth at a Los Angeles probation camp. Taylor shares his transformative experience from gang member to empowered poet, discussing the pivotal role of vulnerability and creativity in reclaiming his identity. As a Credible Messenger Coordinator, Taylor now dedicates his life to mentorship and community restoration, reflecting on his profound evolution and commitment to change. Join us as we explore Taylor's powerful narrative of redemption and impact. Find more about Taylor's work at iamtaylorcode.com
Det här ett återpublicerat och reklamfritt samtal som spelades in 2019.För många är kanske Eldra Jackson III mest kände från dokumentären ”The Work”. Han har avtjänat 24 år i fängelse varav två av dem i isolering. Idag arbetar han för organisationen ”Inside Circle” som grundades i New Folsom-fängelset i Sacramento 1996. ”Inside Circle” fokuserar på att stötta och rehabilitera män i deras personliga arbete under tiden de sitter i fängelse. Det var tack vare ”Inside Circle” som Eldra blev frisläppt från den dom som egentligen innefattade livstid.Besök Inside Circle härTa del av Eldras TEDxTalk här Här hittar du alla samtal från Hur kan vi?Utforska Hurkanvipedia för att lära dig mer Stötta Hur kan vi? 3.0 genom att bli månadsgivare härBoka oss till ditt team, ledningsgrupp eller företag Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On today's episode Luis is joined by writer and speaker Eldra Jackson III. Luis had seen Eldra in The Work, and was deeply moved by the documentary. At the time of filming, Eldra was serving a life-sentence in prison; he is now the co-executive director of Inside Circle, the non-profit who hosts the men's groups shown in the documentary.As a survivor of childhood trauma, Eldra had developed an internalized story that said that to thrive you must become a predator, in order to not become a victim again. This led to decisions and a lifestyle that ended in a conviction for illegal activities. Forced to continue bypassing his emotions, he went from from hiding fear, sadness, and grief, and moved directly into a survival response for a life in prison. During this time he was invited to join the men's group, where he began developing a different relationship with pain, so that he could grow, and show up for other people. Luis and Eldra discuss self-relating and self-parenting, transmuting trauma, and the medicine that lives right besides pain.You can learn more about Inside Circle here: https://insidecircle.org/You can watch The Work here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B077GGWH8P/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Discover the transformative journey of Heru Enkamit, who found liberation after 27 years of incarceration. His life's tapestry is woven with poignant moments of awakening pulled from the street, prison, fatherhood, work with Inside Circle, and his journey from release to entrepreneurship. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue that inspires deep reflection on your own life choices.
Leaders at the vanguard of ideas and change inspire us to loosen our grip on the comfortable status quo, in favor of exploring new possibilities that better align with the altering patterns of our personal and professional lives. As we shape a world where people love their life's work, this live conversation series showcases global leaders who embody the curiosity and discernment that stimulates a new relationship with change.Join CEO of inviteCHANGE, Janet M. Harvey, MCC, and her co-host, CEO of Choice Magazine, Garry Schleifer, PCC, with their guest, Eldra Jackson, III, Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle. Explore the idea of being comfortable with the tension that exists between Control and Agility. Build your roadmap for how to have a different kind of conversation with your peers, clients, communities ... and yourself!Read the article exploring this tension deeper: https://tinyurl.com/bdhjkxpuDownload the Tensions of Presence Reflection Activities and Register for the Series: invitechange.com/vanguard-conversation-seriesAccess the audio, transcript, and chat: https://tinyurl.com/3r6zehhyGrab your free issue of choice Magazine here - https://choice-online.com/
Eldra Jackson III joins us once again, and we hit the ground running, diving into his life's most valuable lessons. Hailing from a challenging background, he spoke of the significance of self-worth and the often overlooked role of support, especially for men. His own journey highlighted the immeasurable power of authenticity and embracing one's past for personal growth. Before we wrap up Act 2, Eldra touches on the pivotal importance of self-acceptance, personal evolution, and propelling oneself ahead.A writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project.Website: https://insidecircle.org/
In this deeply insightful conversation, Eldra Jackson III fearlessly shared his life journey, from growing up as a military brat during the Cold War era to facing the consequences of his choices, leading to incarceration. He opened up about the constructs he created to protect himself and how they shaped his path, though despite the darkness, Eldra found strength in resilience and the importance of self-forgiveness, highlighting the significance of seeking support within a men's group. His transformation is a testament to the power of self-discovery, passion, and courage, reminding us that taking the first step paves the way forward.A writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project.Website: https://insidecircle.org/
Get early access to our latest psychology lectures: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 In this talk, we will seek to demystify and remove the 'loaded' feelings that oftentimes arise for so many when we hear the term "toxic masculinity". The term has become a part of the current lexicon and can serve to castigate half of the human population as inherently 'bad' or 'negative'. Masculinity is not a negative aspect of the human condition in and of itself, but like anything else, left unchecked, almost anything can be harmful without constructive and healthy direction. In the confines of the belly of the beast that is New Folsom prison, a movement was born that gave way to what is known today as Inside Circle. A movement that began with convicted felons...many serving life plus who had grown tired of killing for the sake of killing and wanted to learn how to feel again. Today the circles that these men began over 25 years ago have come to be known as 'healing circles'. From within the pits of despair, destruction and ruined lives...and from inside of one of the most 'toxic' environments on the face of the planet; what lessons are available about how men can grow to be healthy within their masculinity? --- Eldra Jackson III, is the Co-Executive Director-Inside Circle, a writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation, and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth and acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor. --- Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events/ - Eldra's profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eldra-jackson-iii-inside-circle - Eldra's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Eldra_Jackson_ - Eldra's TED talk: https://bit.ly/3VrXrI1
In this episode, we turn the microphone around and ask podcast host and Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, Eldra Jackson III, a few questions about the work that Inside Circle does. Eldra was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. Today, he's a coach, healing circle facilitator, writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around “toxic” masculinity. Tune in to hear from this living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry.
This former gang member sentenced to 24 years in prison is the perfect example of how transformation exists if we feel supported and heard. Today's guest is Eldra Jackson. At just 14 years old, Eldra was convicted of a series of gang violence crimes. Locked up in prison, he had to live alone with his mind due to the environment around him until the Inside Circle community gave him the opportunity to transform himself. Eldra, who is the Co-executive Director of the aforementioned non-profit community, teaches incarcerated, former, and young people to achieve self-acceptance. He says self-awareness is capable of great things within us. Listen to this magnificent story of overcoming and healing, where a man “found freedom in a life sentence.” ABOUT ELDRA JACKSON Writer, speaker, and advocate for at-risk youth, criminal justice rehabilitation, community building, and overcoming toxic masculinity. As a living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, his life's work now — as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor — includes actively supporting others in overcoming their limiting beliefs. CONNECT WITH ELDRA Website: www.insidecircle.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideCircleOrg/ WHAT YOU WILL HEAR [2:38] Who's Eldra Jackson? [5:46] The feeling after the verdict. [7:53] Prison survival plan. [9:04] The most challenging part of being in prison. [11:10] How to deal with loneliness in prison. [12:00] The positive consequence of being in prison. [13:03] The Inside Circle job and how this community changed his life. [22:21] Finding freedom in prison. [27:33] What is life like after prison? [30:34] How healing circles can change lives. [34:00] What can society do to help the incarcerated? [46:08] Current generation VS. the previous ones. [48:44] Where are we going as a society? If you look at the civilized world and think, "no thank you," then you should subscribe to our podcast, so you don't miss a single episode! Also, join the uncivilized community, and connect with me on my website, YouTube, or Instagram so you can join in on our live recordings, ask questions to guests, and more. Click here to sign up for the Kill the Nice Guy course. Get a copy of my book, Man UNcivilized
Join CPP Founder Fritzi Horstman and guests as they discuss the objectives and approaches involved in bringing trauma awareness and compassionate healing to the forefront of public conversation. https://youtu.be/59fKdmiB4MU Originally filmed to be included in our Trauma Talks program, this conversation includes a discussion about resilience and solitary confinement. It is our goal that we break the cycle of violence that exists in our prisons, our communities and our families. Our Returning Citizen Roundtable Part 2 features Jason Bryant, Eldra Jackson III and Robert Mosqueda. Jason Bryant is the Program Director for CROP (Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs), holds a BA from Adams State University with an MA in Philosophy from California State University and an MS in Psychology from California Coast University. He has 20 years of lived experience within the CDCR. Jason dedicated his term of incarceration to higher education and serving other people through thoughtful conversations and coaching about new possibilities for people's lives. In 2020, Jason's sentence was commuted by Governor Newsom who ordered his immediate release from prison due to his remarkable contributions in transformative and rehabilitative work while incarcerated. Eldra Jackson III is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle. A writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was living at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project. Robert Mosqueda is the Program Manager with the Women Center Youth and Family Services located in Stockton, CA. He is passionate about criminal justice; having grown up in the Department of Corrections with a father who was an Associate Warden and was incarcerated in California Department of Corrections. He speaks from personal experience how those in correction play a vital role in the rehabilitation process. Donate to our non-profit Compassion Prison Project
Join CPP Founder Fritzi Horstman and guests as they discuss the objectives and approaches involved in bringing trauma awareness and compassionate healing to the forefront of public conversation. https://youtu.be/BI27-qxQIUI Originally filmed to be included in our Trauma Talks program, this conversation dives into the ACE Quiz as well as a discussion about the prevalence of childhood trauma in the trauma to prison pipeline. This conversation is included in Episode 2 of our series which is being implemented in several prisons and communities in the United States. It is our goal that we break the cycle of violence that exists in our prisons, our communities and our families. Our first Returning Citizen Roundtable discussion about childhood trauma featuring Shaka Senghor, Jason Bryant, Eldra Jackson III and Robert Mosqueda. Shaka Senghor entered prison in 1991 for committing second-degree murder. Today, he's a best-selling author, lecturer at universities, and leading voice on criminal justice reform. During his 19 years incarcerated—including seven in solitary confinement—Shaka began a journey of self reflection, inspired by reading and writing as a means of understanding his past, his present, and his future potential. By embracing forgiveness, hope, and everything that's possible when you refuse to be defined by your past, he's become a leading voice on the potential inherent in us all when given support and a second chance. In the decade since his release, he's written books, garnered awards and fellowships, lectured at universities, started and worked with nonprofits seeking to lift people up, visited the White House, been interviewed by Trevor Noah and Oprah Winfrey, given award-winning TED talks, featured in a song with Nas, and tirelessly worked to help create the personal and societal change we need for a more inspired, just, fulfilling future. Jason Bryant is the Program Director for CROP (Creating Restorative Opportunities and Programs), holds a BA from Adams State University with an MA in Philosophy from California State University and an MS in Psychology from California Coast University. He has 20 years of lived experience within the CDCR. Jason dedicated his term of incarceration to higher education and serving other people through thoughtful conversations and coaching about new possibilities for people's lives. In 2020, Jason's sentence was commuted by Governor Newsom who ordered his immediate release from prison due to his remarkable contributions in transformative and rehabilitative work while incarcerated. Eldra Jackson III is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle. A writer and sought after public speaker on the topics of at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity, Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was living at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time on the outside to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project. Robert Mosqueda is the Program Manager with the Women Center Youth and Family Services located in Stockton, CA. He is passionate about criminal justice; having grown up in the Department of Corrections with a father who was an Associate Warden and was incarcerated in California Department of Corrections. He speaks from personal experience how those in corrections play a vital role in the rehabilitation process. Donate to our non-profit Compassion Prison Project
Rick Misener has been out for 15 years, but his 30 years inside still impact him deeply. In his second interview for The Inside Circle Podcast, Rick addresses the difficulties and joys of living with your romantic partner, the journey to supportive work after transitioning to the outside, and the incredible support Inside Circle offers to system-impacted people. Rick Misener is now a lead facilitator and certified coach for Inside Circle, and he's been part of the project of building Inside Circle from its earliest days. Rick shares simple, profound ways that sitting in circle can fuel personal growth and help you follow the path you want for your life.
Gethin Aldous co-directed and produced The Work, an award-winning documentary about Inside Circle's emotional healing work at New Folsom State Prison in California. Listen as he shares the unexpected series of connections that inspired him to get involved with the documentary project and describes how doing “the work” with Inside Circle changed his life and inspired the creation of All Kings - a New York based group that puts together therapeutic circles and hosts retreats for formerly incarcerated men and others.
The subject of a documentary entitled, Visiting Day, Scott Nolan was close to his incarcerated cousin, Patrick Nolan, who founded what is known today as Inside Circle. Their relationship, kept alive through letters, conversations and occasional visits, influenced Scott's work and inspired him to make art and music with incarcerated people. Tune in for a conversation loaded with rich, humorous stories and unexpected insights from a perceptive artist. This lively interview goes deep into the meaning of Inside Circle's work and illuminates how to make it real in our lives and our hearts.
In this episode, you'll hear a recording of an Inside Circle call with special guest Danny Kerr. Danny Kerr of Breakthrough Academy (no relation to the Breakthrough company I founded) is a leading business expert who helps business owners lead teams. He has an amazing story about how he transformed his life, but in this call he talks about situational leadership. For most of that are clinicians, we aren't trained in business and we have to go back and learn business and management skills. One of those critical skills is situational leadership. Most of us as clinicians use I told you so management. The mental error we have as a manager lies in not utilizing situational leadership and meeting our staff members exactly where they are. If we don't understand the principles of situational leadership, we can quickly drive our practices off a cliff and get ourselves in trouble. When I learned about this, we implemented it immediately in my practice and were able to accelerate the development of our key staff members into better managers over time.
In this episode of the ManKind Podcast, host Paul Newell sits down with Eldra Jackson III to talk about the various sides of human work, the areas most fail to acknowledge and integrate. Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of The Inside Circle, a healing community using the power of human connection found in peer-guided healing circles, we transform lives, positively impacting each system we touch by reducing violence inside and outside adult and juvenile prisons, lowering recidivism rates, and building social-emotional literacy. He is also the Host of the Inside Circle Podcast, a space to expand our concept of personal transformation and what it means to begin change from within.Key takeaways from this episode: Developing a new relationship with woundsWhat are the areas of self-careWhat can integration mean for those doing their inner workDistinction between "healing a wound" vs. "revealing strength from a wound"Practicing authentic connection with selfThe benefits of being in a sharing communityYou Can Find Out More Here:Connect with the Inside Circle, go to: https://insidecircle.org/New to men's work? Introductory Training Website: https://mkpusa.org/themenswork-bipocSupport the show
From the Inside: Architecture's Impact on Criminal Justice Reform
In this episode I speak with Eldra Jackson III, Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit that runs programs within prisons and the community with the aim of empowering system-impacted people. We discuss Eldra's experiences within the justice system, his experiences with Inside Circle, and the amazing trajectory that this involvement had on the rest of his life. I truly hope you're as inspired by this episode as I was. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/fromtheinsidepodcast/support
Raymond Garcia spent 20 years in prison. Since his release, he's become a vital part of Inside Circle, facilitating circles and participating in groups as part of his unfolding reintegration on the outside. In this special in-person interview, Raymond talks about how he found Inside Circle, the impact that sitting in healing circles has had on his life, and what he hopes to bring to others as a facilitator. Tune in to enjoy Raymond's beautiful understated wisdom that offers a guiding light to anyone seeking to change and deepen their understanding of themselves.
Revealing how the work of Inside Circle extends far beyond prison walls, retiree Jessica Coronado shares how she found Inside Circle and in doing so, tapped into a deep well of support while battling stage 4 cancer. Full of life and hope, this conversation is incredibly inspiring. Don't miss Jessica's hard won pearls of wisdom and the opportunity to witness how individuals who have healed themselves and built lives free of the justice system can make a profound and positive impact on the communities they return to - one circle at a time.
Join host Eldra Jackson III as he sits down with Rick Misener, a formative member of Inside Circle who found himself in the healing circles Inside Circle is known for. In this dialogue, Eldra and Rick go right to the heart of vulnerability, love, and wisdom as they reveal that every drop of contentment in our lives is worth working for. This kind of community, these moments of connection, are the heart of transformation. Today, Rick shares his powerful lived-experience as a coach and facilitator for Inside Circle. You can join his virtual drop-in support group every Wednesday 6-8 pm PST. We think you'll want to after you hear this incredible conversation.
Jillian Richardson is a coach and community organizer whose work focuses on how to build and sustain nourishing relationships and communities. She curates The Joy List, a weekly email of positive community events in New York, and leads a program called “New Yorker in 90 Days.” There's a depth to Jillian's work and the way she approaches her own personal growth that resonates with Inside Circle. This interview highlights unexpected connections among different types of community building and transformational work.
James McLeary was part of the original group that brought men's circles to New Folsom Prison after the 1996 riots that led to the formation of Inside Circle. He's been part of the men's work movement for over 25 years and his wisdom shines through this beautiful, rich conversation. James has made incredible contributions to initiation practices and circles over the years - especially for black men and people inside prison, but above all, he's committed to doing his own work.
This episode's guest is Steve Kawaja, a businessman who got interested in personal transformation and the prison system about ten years ago. He started visiting prisons with Inside Circle in 2015. Through sitting in circle with incarcerated folks, Steve has found something that sounds an awful lot like deep personal transformation. In this conversation, Steve gets real about what personal growth looks like for him, how vulnerability frees us, and the joys of being a little lighter and freer in the world.
Both a group facilitator and organizational leader at Inside Circle, Aaron Burris is passionate about his work expanding the reach of our healing circles and leading struggling justice-involved people through transformative group processes each day. In this profound conversation, he shares about his darkest moments in prison and the challenges of confronting intergenerational trauma. Having committed his life to breaking cycles of incarceration, Aaron's decades of hard personal work shine through this dialogue, highlighting his beautiful, grounded, uplifting perspective on how we can all learn and grow by sitting with ourselves. If you don't like the person you see in the mirror, there's hope. Show up and do the work.
In this incredible conversation, Eldra Jackson III of Inside Circle talks to DJ Vodicka, a former prison guard and special investigations unit officer in the California prison system. Exposing a corrupt gang of prison guards and officers known as the Green Wall, DJ's experience of institutional corruption, from the warden to the administration and even the prison guard union, drives home yet another problem with the prison industrial complex. The guards and officers at a prison are often corrupt and set up incarcerated people to be abused, treated unfairly, and disrespected. Listen as DJ Vodicka describes how he stood up against these abuses. His immense sacrifice and work are an important step to making the path through incarceration an opportunity for people to find stability and healing.
Eldra Jackson III is a writer and public speaker on at-risk youth advocacy, effective criminal justice rehabilitation, and turning around ‘toxic' masculinity. Eldra brings clarity of purpose, mission focus, and inspiration to his role at Inside Circle. He was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that eventually led to his release in 2014 and his current leadership role. A living example of successful rehabilitation and re-entry, Eldra has dedicated his free time to serving at-risk youth, acting as a facilitator, trainer, and mentor for organizations like Youth Empowerment and Goals Association, Shoulder to Shoulder, and the Alternatives to Violence Project. Watch Eldra's TED Talk here, How I unlearned dangerous lessons about masculinity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vCIktrORFU Watch the documentary here, The Work: https://www.topic.com/the-work. "Inside the chapel at California State Prison, Sacramento, three members of the public enter into an intensive group-therapy session with convicts. Over four days, the men tear down their defenses, laying their pasts bare in emotional and sometimes physical ways. The prisoners and civilians are brought face-to-face with the men they were—and the men they want to become." Become a Prisoner Penpal: https://insidecircle.org/penpal-program Check out Inside Circle here: https://insidecircle.org Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside__circle Follow him Twitter: https://twitter.com/inside_circle_ Follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideCircleOrg Be sure to check out the new Inside Circle podcast: https://insidecircle.org/podcast _________________________________________ Follow me on Instagram @LongDistanceLoveBombs: https://www.instagram.com/longdistancelovebombs Looking for a heartfelt gift? Visit my print shop here: https://www.longdistancelovebombs.com/theshop Sign up for my weekly newsletter! Each week, I share a personal story and my favorite books, tunes, articles, and ideas. Click here: http://eepurl.com/T0l91. It's easy and takes five seconds. Check out a list of 120 of my favorite books here, including many my guests have written and recommend reading: https://bookshop.org/shop/LDLB Here is all of my favorite stuff on the planet: https://www.longdistancelovebombs.com/favorites --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/longdistancelovebombs/message