Escape The Odds

Travis Richey, who has personal experience with incarceration, noticed there was a gap in what inmates were learning and what skills they needed upon release. Travis spent about 2 years incarcerated in the Arizona Department of corrections. But because of his MBA, Travis was released from the yard everyday and taught a Business 101 course at the local community college.“I realized any and all curriculum on the yard was garbage and so I wanted to not just complain about something, but actually make a difference.” Richey realized that he was on to something and started AccomplishED in 2013 — a digital program that provides job skills and training for incarcerated and returning individuals. AccomplishED, which is now on 500,000 tablets in 122 prisons nationwide in the United States, provides in-prison programming and education, along with online education and job training, support and employment opportunities for returning individuals. Travis also is an avid investor with holdings in real estate to fitness gyms. Tap in with Him at [email protected] i_am_Travis_Richey Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aaronesmith/support

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/ )Befitting for a queen is the best way to describe Ms. CoCo Davis. Growing up on the West side of Chicago, Coco made a name for herself as a hustler distributing Kilos of Columbian produced Cocaine. Her status in the streets was that of a Queen pen but the fast life caught up with her in 1999. She was convicted and sentenced to 262 months in federal prison as a 1st time offender. I will let you all do the math. During her incarceration she became an author and upon her release she is now the founder Xsqusite Premiere banquet hall. In addition, Sisters of Support transitional housing and Founder of Talk2mefoundation.org. This is a remarkable story of switching hustles and bouncing back. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Sean Hosman is the CEO of Vant4ge point, a data analytics company in the criminal justice space. Sean is an attorney and criminal justice expert with more than 20 years experience. However his lived experience as an inmate himself is what helps him lead an organization dedicated to really helping inmates while incarcerated and upon their release. His non profit arm of Vantage Point, Persevere teaches inmates become software developers and provide real jobs in tech after their release. His story is really inspiring and speaks to a changed mindset. Follow Sean and his companies at Vant4ge.com and Perseverance.org --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

David Gathers is an amazing guy who continues to Escape the Odds. After spending 15 years in a gang infested Maximum security Prison in Illinois, he found his voice, In this episode, he speaks on his experience in the criminal justice system and his successful life as a Motivational Speaker. This is an inspiring story packed with how to tips on becoming a highly successful Speaker. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

(Full video www.Escapingtheodds.com) We decided to celebrate Second Chance Month by taking a look at extraordinary people who are helping changing the narrative as it relates to justice involved individuals. Jeff Korzenik is the Chief Investment Strategist for a National Bank. However, as he worked along side executives, the topic of labor shortages was becoming a common topic. Jeff begin to explore the idea of what the labor markets would look like if employers adopted a more inclusive policy on hiring people with criminal records. His initial thought spawned into a book, entitled “Untapped Talent”. We discussed the book and how society will benefit by tapping into this pool of overlooked talent. Learn more about Jeffrey and his journey to where most employers dare to go at www.JeffKorzenik.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Myron Pierce has always been an entrepreneur. Growing up in North Omaha was plagued with violence and dysfunction. Unfortunately he became a product of his environment and spent 8 years incarcerated. But during that time away he had a mindset shift. Upon his release he began his legitimate hustle. Fast forward 10 years, Myron was able to help transform the entrepreneurial land scape in Inner city Omaha with his SHIFT business incubator. His incubator has spawned over 30 businesses and over $1 million in revenue collectively. @myronpierce Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

We are sadden by Deans passing. We hope his words resonates and live on.Dean Dipierro was serving 20 years in federal prison when he decided to take the law into his own hands. He seen not only the injustice within his own case but of countless others doing time around him. This particular case that you all will hear is a sensitive one and Dean could have been killed for helping this guy.This is a chapter 2 from his debut book, "Against the Odds in Life & Law". --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Marlon Chamberlain didn’t realize that losing his freedom and spending a decade in federal prison would be the catalyst for the “Fully Free”Campaign. This is a campaign Led by Marlon and the goal is to end permanent punishment. This campaign was  started in his home town of Chicago and has become a statewide effort partnering with a multitude of  prison reform organizations. Marlon discusses how prison was a welcomed reality and a way to escape to a better future. He immersed himself into learning and honing his craft of entrepreneurship. Today he is the Campaign Manager of the Fully Free initiative sponsored by Heartland alliance. To end permanent punishment is to begin real citizenship for the justice involved individuals. Marlon stated , If people can’t find opportunities, if people can’t find employment, if people can’t find housing, it’s almost like you’re forcing people to go back to a lifestyle that they may not necessarily want to go back to,” Marlon is  changing the narrative and is truly Escaping the Odds. @Marlonchamberlain IG --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

David Edwards story is an absolute comeback story. Growing up in Chicago south side and north side. He was always an entrepreneur owning a salon/barber shop. His life took a drastic turn when he was arrested for 2 homicides at his place of business. Eventually serving 10 years in Illinois State prison. David returned to the streets with a plan to stay on the right path. A trip to New Mexico would help change the trajectory of his life.A meeting with a gentleman who legally grew marijuana and  veggies/fruits allowed him to see the opportunity to learn about urban agriculture. He came back to Chicago with a plan to build out an urban farming location. Smooth & Social root cafe was born. The new found business is a mixture of urban farming, cafe and veggie/fruit distributor. David’s business has caught the attention of local and National media. He’s now serving a different kind of “Green” and is having a positive  impact on the community. I highly encourage a visit to the store in Chicago at 1517 west warren Blvd . @smoothandsocialroots Instagram. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support

Lu is Centeno known as Lou the trainer ,spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, his  options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to  multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise  was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never  imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago.

His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders.

Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/aaronesmith/support