Best Eldra Jackson III Podcasts (2025)

1
Healing, Identity, and the Power of Mentorship with Thomas LaGrave Jr. - Episode 76 38:42

27d ago38:42

38:42

Therapist Thomas LaGrave Jr. joins Eldra Jackson III to explore the loss and reclamation of identity through addiction, the healing power of nature, and the role of strong male mentors in shaping lives. Drawing from his work in the prison system and the Honor Bound Academy, Thomas shares raw insights on accountability, transformation, and what it t…

1
EPISODE 12: WILL HENSHALL partner and CEO of METAL, a premiere community for men 43:03

5d ago43:03

43:03

Most of us are familiar with the concept of a men's group, which generally brings to mind a small, intimate circle of men sharing openly with each other, supporting each other and generally connecting on a deeper level. The concept of a bigger men's club might, in contrast, evoke images of sports-related organizations, poker nights, or even those o…

1
Defending the Defenseless with Alexander McLean - Episode 75 39:26

1M ago39:26

39:26

In this powerful episode, Eldra Jackson III welcomes Alexander McLean, founder of Justice Defenders, an organization transforming lives by training prisoners and prison officers to become paralegals and lawyers. Alexander shares his incredible journey, from washing and advocating for abandoned patients in Uganda as a teenager to building a movement…

1
Healing Our Politics with Skippy Mesirow - Episode 74 44:19

3M ago44:19

44:19

In the first episode of 2025, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Skippy Mesirow, certified master coach and founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC), for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about healing our politics, addressing addiction, and confronting the unspoken realities of mental health and suicide. Skippy shares his journey f…

1
2024 Year in Review: Igniting Community - Episode 73 25:46

4M ago25:46

25:46

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 …

1
Unlocking the Hidden Workforce with Trent Griffin-Braff - Episode 72 46:17

5M ago46:17

46:17

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…

1
EPISODE 11: THEO WILSON - Slam Poet "Lucifury", CNN contributor, TED giant and "black voice of the Kennedy Campaign" talks inspirations, regrets and suffering police brutality 51:49

5M ago51:49

51:49

Theo Wilson, a.k.a slam poet, Lucifury, is a founding member of the Denver Slam Nuba team, who won the National Poetry Slam in 2011. He began his speaking career in the N.A.A.C.P. at the age of 15, and has always had a passion for social justice. Theo attended Florida A&M University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance. He…

1
EPISODE 10: ELDRA JACKSON III from serving a life sentence in prison to serving humanity with a life mission 1:01:34

6M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

To describe Eldra Jackson III as a "prison reform success story" would not only be a vast understatement; it would also leave unacknowledged the trauma, the trials and the transformation this extraordinary man has gone through to become who he is today. Eldra is an inspiring public speaker, author and co-director of Inside Circle, a healing communi…

1
Intentional Living: From Prison to Purpose with George Nolan - Episode 71 51:07

6M ago51:07

51:07

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 …

1
Unlocking the Power of Sexual Energy with Jackson Hightower - Episode 70 45:27

7M ago45:27

45:27

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…

1
Empowering Men of Color with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing - Episode 69 42:51

8M ago42:51

42:51

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…

1
Jenelle Hudson on Transformational Housing - Episode 68 40:01

9M ago40:01

40:01

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…

1
EPISODE 9: DR. EDMUND W GORDON legendary educator and mentor, 103 years old and still publishing! 28:32

9M ago28:32

28:32

Ed Gordon, as his friends call him, has more accolades in the academic world than can be listed here. Commissioned in 1956 by president Lyndon B. Johnson to lead the development of Head Start, this renowned psychology professor and researcher went on to earn a whopping NINE honorary degrees from prestigious establishments such as Brown University, …

1
Hiding Inside a Man with Matthew Sloane - Episode 67 40:57

10M ago40:57

40:57

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, …

1
Reversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66 43:07

11M ago43:07

43:07

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. …

1
Breaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65 1:01:31

12M ago1:01:31

1:01:31

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…

1
Transformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64 21:16

1y ago21:16

21:16

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…

1
Learning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63 37:41

1y ago37:41

37:41

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 …

1
Credible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62 46:51

1y ago46:51

46:51

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…

1
The Art of Versatility: From Circus to CEO with Robin P. Zander, Episode 61 38:31

1+ y ago38:31

38:31

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, …

1
Standing in the Gap with Hawi James Ouma, Episode 60 29:02

1+ y ago29:02

29:02

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…

1
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Episode 59 49:45

1+ y ago49:45

49:45

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 …

1
EPISODE 8: KODAH PIPITONE the man who became a woman who became a man again 1:18:56

1+ y ago1:18:56

1:18:56

I met Kodah at an interactive social event in LA and instantly found him to be interesting, charismatic and eloquent. I had no idea about his transgender backstory and experience, but when I was told about it, I knew he would make for a compelling interview subject. Trigger warning: the subject of transgender is controversial and polarized to begin…

1
Don’t Miss the Blessing with Heru Enkamit, Episode 58 39:44

1+ y ago39:44

39:44

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 …

1
It Could happen to Anyone with Sarah Hainstock, Episode 57 36:36

1+ y ago36:36

36:36

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 …

1
Breaking Through a Broken System with Sean Wilson, Episode 56 1:53:49

1+ y ago1:53:49

1:53:49

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…

1
Peak Performance with Justin Danforth, Episode 55 45:22

2y ago45:22

45:22

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…

1
EPISODE 7: JOHN FUGELSANG renowned political commentator, comedian, TV host, writer, actor and cultural critic 48:10

2y ago48:10

48:10

John Fugelsang is a cultural maverick whose glib humor and razor sharp wit provide a reliably entertaining delivery mechanism for his gently challenging views and observations. Imagine an east coast intellectual with a decidedly liberal/progressive disposition who happens to also be a faithful Christian. I call John the "gentleman iconoclast" in th…

1
The Love Factor with Stacey Gonzales, Episode 54 35:04

2y ago35:04

35:04

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 …

1
Precious Time with Calen Robertson, Episode 53 36:25

2y ago36:25

36:25

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…

1
What’s in the Water? with Tommy Shakur Ross, Episode 52 40:09

2y ago40:09

40:09

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…

1
EPISODE 6: TYSON ADAMS - trauma-informed personal coach who helps men outgrow pornography, objectification and infidelity 48:17

2y ago48:17

48:17

Not all men's coaches are created equal, and Tyson Adams truly stands out from the burgeoning crowd with his unique approach to men's inner health. San Diego resident Tyson identifies himself as a trauma-informed men’s coach who utilizes Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) to help men outgrow unwanted sexual behavior such as habitual pornography …

1
Voice of the Voiceless with Jabari Jackson, Episode 51 49:36

2y ago49:36

49:36

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 …

1
EPISODE 5: LISA ROMERO - personal development author, public speaker and Anthroposophical meditation teacher on masculine and feminine forces 44:57

2+ y ago44:57

44:57

Spoiler alert - this episode gets deeply esoteric! Lisa brings a uniquely spiritual perspective to our topic, leading into new territory for the podcast. Speaking from a point of view that incorporates considerations of karmic purpose and mission, she discusses the connection between violence and subverted sexual energy and how the capacities inher…

1
Doing the Work with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 50 34:42

2+ y ago34:42

34:42

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…

1
Barrier-Free Mental Health with Dr. Trina Clayeux, Episode 49 47:17

2+ y ago47:17

47:17

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…

1
Lead with Gratitude with Antong Lucky, Episode 48 52:12

2+ y ago52:12

52:12

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…

1
Appreciating the Truth with Tracy Scott, Episode 47 40:29

2+ y ago40:29

40:29

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…

1
Making the Imagination Real with Juan Velez, Episode 46 28:52

2+ y ago28:52

28:52

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…

1
Vulnerability is Strength with Jason Broadway, Episode 45 59:46

2+ y ago59:46

59:46

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…

1
Work for a Brighter Future with Joseph McNeil Jr., Episode 44 44:35

2+ y ago44:35

44:35

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…

1
Rebuilding Hope with Nora Spencer, Episode 43 38:21

2+ y ago38:21

38:21

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…

1
Humanity is Everything with Eugenia Carter, Episode 42 56:23

2+ y ago56:23

56:23

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…

1
The Courage to Live How You Want with Rick Misener, Episode 41 29:26

2+ y ago29:26

29:26

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…

1
Circle is Community with Gethin Aldous, Episode 40 34:04

3y ago34:04

34:04

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…

1
The Poetry of Visiting Day with Scott Nolan, Episode 39 1:01:42

3y ago1:01:42

1:01:42

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 …

1
Humanizing Our Systems with Stephen B. Walker, Episode 38 48:09

3y ago48:09

48:09

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…

1
I’m Not the Worst Thing I've Done with Cheryl Armstrong, Episode 37 38:56

3y ago38:56

38:56

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…

1
Transforming Systems with Jarrell Daniels, Episode 36 43:37

3y ago43:37

43:37

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…

1
One Thing Led to Another with Luis Manzanares, Episode 35 41:24

3y ago41:24

41:24

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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Eldra Jackson III Podcasts

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