The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III
Eldra Jackson III
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, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.
Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra's TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.
Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.
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, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.
Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra's TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.
Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 22, 2022 • 41min
One Thing Led to Another with Luis Manzanares, Episode 35
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 there were other things that really mattered to him, people who truly cared about him and who he could live for. In this conversation, Luis tells his story of darkness and loss and how he came out the other side. Luis is now running an inspiring YouTube channel called "A Prisoner's Awakening," spreading his message that there is so much good to live for and believe in outside of gangs, violence, and anger. With love, humanity, grace, and humor, Luis is now living free and sharing what inspires him.
Apr 8, 2022 • 21min
A Fire Inside Your Chest with Raymond Garcia, Episode 34
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.
Mar 25, 2022 • 33min
Circle of Support with Jessica Coronado, Episode 33
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.
Mar 11, 2022 • 42min
Rediscovering Your Humanity with Cartis Wilcox, Episode 32
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.
Feb 22, 2022 • 38min
The Psychology of Knowing Yourself with Dr. Curly Moloney, Episode 31
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 Cambridge Code is a powerful new tool for looking at your own mind. In today's conversation, learn about what's going on during your most difficult moments and hear all about how the subconscious mind drives your actions, how to find resilience and how to make empowered choices.
Jan 28, 2022 • 52min
Still Working to End Slavery with Sam Brown and Jamilia Land, Episode 30
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 community, they are working on both legislation and programs to improve experiences, education, and outcomes for system-impacted people.
Jan 14, 2022 • 44min
Build Your Safety Net with Alvin Hall, Episode 29
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 conversation! And please, don't forget to check out Alvin's work at https://alvinhall.com/, you won't regret it.
Jan 3, 2022 • 38min
Finding Your Voice with Nina Simonds, Episode 28
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 navigate through fear while guiding yourself through big life transitions.
Dec 17, 2021 • 1h 11min
Truth Without Fear with Rick Misener, Episode 27
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.
Dec 3, 2021 • 36min
Belonging with Jillian Richardson, Episode 26
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.
