Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III. Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes’ greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, ‘men’s work’, and what it means to ‘lead change from within’. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, clas ...
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Unlocking the Hidden Workforce with Trent Griffin-Braff - Episode 72
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In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Trent Griffin-Braff, founder of The Success Map Initiative. Trent shares his journey of growing up in the Bronx during the crack epidemic and his rise from cleaning toilets at the Marriott to becoming a general manager. Now, through his nonprofit, The Success Map Initiati…
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Intentional Living: From Prison to Purpose with George Nolan - Episode 71
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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 …
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Unlocking the Power of Sexual Energy with Jackson Hightower - Episode 70
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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 boo…
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Empowering Men of Color with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing - Episode 69
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In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III engages in a profound conversation with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing, founder and facilitator of Men of Color—a supportive community for men of color to grow and prosper in all aspects of their lives. As a personal and professional coach, Charles shares insights from his journey in busine…
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Jenelle Hudson on Transformational Housing - Episode 68
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Join Eldra Jackon III and guest Jenelle Hudson, founder of Pyramid House Foundation, an organization bridging the gap from homelessness to independence, as they delve into the incredible power of safe, supportive, and empowering transitional housing. Jenelle, with a background in sociology and social work, shares her journey from the Caribbean to N…
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Hiding Inside a Man with Matthew Sloane - Episode 67
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Welcome to the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III. Today, we’re joined by Matthew Sloane, a committed father, husband, and integral coach. Matthew's soulful book on masculinity, Hiding Inside a Man, is coming out in November 2024. He is also working on Raising Spirited Daughters, an illustrated story for mindful fathers. In this episode, …
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Reversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66
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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. …
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Breaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65
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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 facilitat…
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Transformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64
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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 thei…
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Learning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63
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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 …
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Credible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62
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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 reclaimi…
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The Art of Versatility: From Circus to CEO with Robin P. Zander, Episode 61
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In this episode, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Robin P. Zander, an entrepreneur, strategist, and best-selling author with a unique background in management consulting and the circus. Robin, founder and CEO of Zander Media and author of the national bestseller in Japan, "How to Do a Handstand,” shares insights from his diverse career experiences, …
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Standing in the Gap with Hawi James Ouma, Episode 60
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Sometimes, you must push past the voice that whispers, "I'm not the right person for this." Hawi James Ouma did precisely that when he began working with children affected by the justice system. Recognizing the need for positive male role models in the lives of young men, James founded Life Song Kenya. Join Eldra and James as they discover universa…
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Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Episode 59
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In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first Surgeon General. Join us as we explore her pioneering efforts in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and reshaping our understanding of health and resilience. Together, we uncover the stories of those touched by her work, hear from experts inspired …
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Don’t Miss the Blessing with Heru Enkamit, Episode 58
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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 …
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It Could happen to Anyone with Sarah Hainstock, Episode 57
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Flight instructor, life coach… felon? Sarah Hainstock trusted the wrong person and ended up serving time in the Ohio State prison system for drug trafficking. What she experienced during her 18 month sentence was marked by chaos, absurdity, and a profound sense of waste. With one in four adults in America now having a criminal record, Sarah's goal …
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Breaking Through a Broken System with Sean Wilson, Episode 56
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Sean Wilson knew better, and fortunately, he never forgot who he was and what he was destined for. In the 17 years he was incarcerated, he dedicated himself to learning as much as he could, even finding a loophole in his prison’s maximum book policy by requesting photocopied versions of books. Now, 6 years later, he is the organizing director of Dr…
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Peak Performance with Justin Danforth, Episode 55
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Experience the inspiring journey of Justin Danforth from incarceration to serial entrepreneurship. After serving a sentence of over 14 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Justin's life took a remarkable turn and through daily dedication and unwavering commitment, he was able to transform his life. Join us and prepare to be inspir…
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The Love Factor with Stacey Gonzales, Episode 54
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Discover the inspiring story of Stacey Gonzalez, a former alcohol addict turned Therapeutic Counselor and Men's Coach. Join him as he shares how he overcame his struggles and now dedicates his life to helping men embrace their masculinity, overcome their traumas, and tackle their greatest obstacles. Explore the pivotal role that love played in his …
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Precious Time with Calen Robertson, Episode 53
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Calen Robertson was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was gang-impacted from a young age and through a personal epiphany he came to understand the preciousness of time and decided to stop wasting his own. He now actively works to bring kids in his community out of gang life through safe community partnership with the organization New EDS 1…
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What’s in the Water? with Tommy Shakur Ross, Episode 52
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Tommy Shakur Ross was paroled in 2022 after being imprisoned for over 36 years. Shakur was formative in launching radio programing at San Quentin, producing stories for KALW in San Francisco and in 2017, Shakur received an award for excellence in journalism by the Northern California chapter of the Society for Professional Journalism. In this episo…
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Voice of the Voiceless with Jabari Jackson, Episode 51
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A survivor and product of the streets of San Francisco, community activist, Jabari Jackson was raised in a violent, chaotic world that was defined by addiction, crime and incarceration. After decades in and out of prison, Jabari shares how change became possible for him. Today, he’s committed to the restoration of underserved communities and lives …
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Doing the Work with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 50
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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 curren…
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Barrier-Free Mental Health with Dr. Trina Clayeux, Episode 49
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Join host, Eldra Jackson, as he sits down with Dr. Trina Clayeux, the extraordinary CEO of Give An Hour, a non-profit that provides population-based, no-cost access to mental health care for veterans, formerly incarcerated people, refugees, survivors of mass shootings, and many more. In this uplifting conversation, Trina discusses how she turned he…
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Lead with Gratitude with Antong Lucky, Episode 48
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Returned citizen, author, speaker, activist, group facilitator and now President of Urban Specialists, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate violence in urban culture, Antong Lucky, is the epitome of redemption and transformation. After transforming his own life, he has worked tirelessly to transform his community, bringing peace, understan…
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Appreciating the Truth with Tracy Scott, Episode 47
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Tracy Scott got out of prison in 2022 after serving a 28 year sentence. Listen as he shares his powerful story of trauma, pain, transformation, and how he found his commitment to a life of good works. Today, he works with youth in and out of the prison system and is passionate about rehabilitation. Tune in as Tracy and host, Eldra Jackson III, disc…
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Making the Imagination Real with Juan Velez, Episode 46
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The son of immigrant parents, writer Juan Velez was the first child in his family to graduate college. In this episode, he talks about the hard work, focus, and family support it took for him to write as he worked other jobs and faced challenges like depression, anxiety, and loss. Listen as Juan discusses the therapeutic aspects of both his writing…
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Vulnerability is Strength with Jason Broadway, Episode 45
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In this conversation, Eldra Jackson III talks to his longtime friend, Jason Broadway. Recently released from federal prison after serving 15 years, Jason’s done all he can to turn his life around. He’s become a writer and activist since he was first incarcerated and in this episode, he expands even further. Listen as he opens up to a whole new leve…
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Work for a Brighter Future with Joseph McNeil Jr., Episode 44
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Enrolled Member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and General Manager for SAGE Development Authority, a renewable and sustainable public power authority in balance with Natural Law, guest Joseph McNeil Jr. weaves community and activism to bring vitality and resources to the Lakota Sioux. Hear about SAGE’s wind farm, Anpetu Wi, and the arrival of com…
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Rebuilding Hope with Nora Spencer, Episode 43
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In this wonderful conversation, we hear about the extraordinary work of Nora Spencer, founder of Hope Renovation, a non-profit organiztion that provides trades education for women and non-binary people and performs renovations and improvements that help seniors remain in their homes as they age. A delightful exchange between two inspiring change-ma…
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Humanity is Everything with Eugenia Carter, Episode 42
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Coming of age amongst Sacramento’s gangs in the city’s housing projects, Eugenia Carter witnessed and experienced countless violent crimes. Though she is still impacted by those experiences, Eugenia has managed to transform her past pain into medicine she uses to help others grow and thrive in similar situations through mentoring, dance, and teachi…
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The Courage to Live How You Want with Rick Misener, Episode 41
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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-im…
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Circle is Community with Gethin Aldous, Episode 40
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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…
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The Poetry of Visiting Day with Scott Nolan, Episode 39
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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 …
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Humanizing Our Systems with Stephen B. Walker, Episode 38
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The work of our corrections officers is often difficult and dehumanizing. The prison system perpetuates harm on both sides of the bars and Stephen Walker, a corrections officer for over 30 years - most notably in facilities for incarcerated youth - is passionate about changing that for everyone impacted by incarceration and abuse. He is not proud o…
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I’m Not the Worst Thing I've Done with Cheryl Armstrong, Episode 37
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Entrepreneur, author and speaker, Cheryl Armstrong, is ready to inspire others with her story of perseverance and personal transformation. Incarcerated as a teenager, she spent almost twenty years in prison. After years of bitter darkness, she started to focus on what she could actually change and made incredible progress - both in her outlook on l…
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Transforming Systems with Jarrell Daniels, Episode 36
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Jarrell Daniels is passionate about changing the narrative of the criminal justice system to ensure that justice and democracy are applied equally to all. Tried as an adult when he was 17, Jarrell was released after serving a six year sentence. Today, as Founder of Justice Ambassadors Youth Council - an interactive social-emotional program for disa…
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One Thing Led to Another with Luis Manzanares, Episode 35
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Luis Manzanares spent 15 years in prison and eventually, after witnessing and participating in so much violence, something finally shifted inside him and he realized that he needed to change. Luis had long believed in the righteousness of his gang and what it stood for but through long, unglamorous years on the inside, he came to understand that th…
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A Fire Inside Your Chest with Raymond Garcia, Episode 34
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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 …
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Circle of Support with Jessica Coronado, Episode 33
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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 t…
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Rediscovering Your Humanity with Cartis Wilcox, Episode 32
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Cartis Wilcox and Eldra Jackson III met while serving life sentences in prison. Both are free now and have incredible stories to share. Join them for a wild ride as Cartis details his journey through darkness, strife, and grief to find himself and reflects on his most important lessons this side of transformation.…
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The Psychology of Knowing Yourself with Dr. Curly Moloney, Episode 31
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Join host, Eldra Jackson III, as he sits down with Dr. Curly Moloney to learn how she and her team developed The Cambridge Code, the first digital tool capable of reading and interpreting the mind’s subconscious behavior. With incredible potential to support folks who might have trouble accessing therapy or other psychological support, the Cambridg…
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Still Working to End Slavery with Sam Brown and Jamilia Land, Episode 30
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Samuel Nathaniel Brown and Jamilia Land are an inspiring duo. Sam was in prison for 24 years, and he got out 16 days before this interview. But his grace and insights in the midst of this transition are matched only by the extraordinary wisdom and strength of his wife, Jamilia. Collaborating with deep faith and commitment to the work and their comm…
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Build Your Safety Net with Alvin Hall, Episode 29
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Alvin Hall is an incredible historian and producer who documents the history of Black people in America through books, films, podcasts, and television - he’s also a deeply warm and empathetic person. Sharing his favorite wisdom drawn from life, his family and deep study of finance, he’ll pull you in to this practical, heartfelt, and fascinating con…
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Finding Your Voice with Nina Simonds, Episode 28
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An executive coach and community facilitator focused on anti-racism and peer learning, Nina Simmonds approaches her personal transformational work with rigor and compassion. Taking us right to the heart and soul of some of her most difficult work, Nina lends a gentle and powerful perspective. Tune in as she and host Eldra Jackson III discuss how to…
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Truth Without Fear with Rick Misener, Episode 27
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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 o…
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Belonging with Jillian Richardson, Episode 26
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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 per…
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Answer the Call with James McLeary, Episode 25
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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…
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A Beautiful Struggle with Stephanie Lane, Episode 24
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Today’s conversation is a true opportunity to sit down in circle, to feel the connection and growth that happens when we make space together to sit with our vulnerability in mutual trust and support. Stephanie Lane has spent more than half her life in and out of the juvenile and adult prison systems. She’s been out for two years now, and she is not…
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Transforming Education with Maurice Regalado, Episode 23
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Maurice Regalado is a life-long educator who has been serving students in economically disadvantaged communities in the Los Angeles region since 1988. In this inspiring dialogue he sheds light on the forces driving the school-to-prison pipeline, highlights the challenges that violent, chaotic, impoverished home lives bring to school achievement, an…
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