The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III

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.

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 her personal story into a life’s work driven by ethics and dedicated to meeting communities where they are and providing long-term support for healing. Tune in to enjoy this living example of how we can all come together to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities.

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, understanding, and awareness to incarcerated folks and gang members on the streets of Dallas, Texas and beyond. Tune in to hear how he organized a major peace treaty between rival gangs and about his men’s groups. Antong Lucky has incredible insight into the humanity of each of us and in this episode he beautifully articulates how we can unearth it - even when it feels dangerous and is buried within deep layers of fear. Let this inspiring man show you how to open up and be the change you want to see.

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, discuss the amazing potential for folks throughout the prison system – workers, wardens, and incarcerated folks – to transform their own lives and support a more vibrant and healthy society.

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 and his relationship with his community.  In his newly released debut novel, The Argom's Influence, he honors the community bonds that sustain him by introducing historically marginalized people into the world of fantasy fiction, a genre traditionally dominated by characters of white European descent.

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 level of his own humanity. By walking through anger with vulnerability as his guiding light, Jason connects to the presence and power of his own emotions. Don’t miss this one, folks.

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 community banking to tribal lands in North Dakota. This is truly amazing work in deep accord with nature and humanity - get inspired here today.

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-makers, Nora opens up about the emotional challenges of her intensity to push herself and starts taking steps toward her own transformation in this dialogue. Listen as this motivated woman explores her anger at inequity, tries to find her center, and learns how to care for herself.

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 teaching self-defense. She is also a talented fashion designer and the CEO of Pink Gorilla, a clothing line. Her story is about growth, tune in to hear how she found faith, choice, and inner strength.

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.