In this powerful solo episode of Prison to Promise, I will share a deeply personal and unfiltered monologue about a decades-long friendship that turned toxic. From shared childhood memories and unwavering loyalty during incarceration to painful betrayal and unexpected threats, this story pulls back the curtain on the emotional toll of staying connected to people who can’t accept your growth.

This conversation explores the transformative journey of Anyakara, who shares her experiences of incarceration, the healing power of art, and the importance of community and storytelling. Through her personal narrative, she highlights how art became a tool for coping with trauma, fostering connections among incarcerated women, and advocating for change within the justice system. Anya-Kara emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding towards those impacted by incarceration, aiming to break down barriers and redefine identities beyond labels.

Takeaways:

Art can serve as a powerful tool for healing and coping.

Personal transformation often occurs through adversity and reflection.

Community and connection are vital for emotional support.

Storytelling can bridge gaps between individuals and foster understanding.

Art can change the culture within incarcerated environments.

Empathy is essential in addressing the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals.

The impact of loss can lead to profound personal growth.

Creating safe spaces for expression can empower others.

Art can challenge societal perceptions of identity and worth.

The journey of healing is ongoing and requires community support.

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, host Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with James Tompkins, an early-career researcher and MSW student whose journey from justice involvement to academic and professional excellence is inspiring and instructive. James shares what sparked his passion for social justice and recovery services and how higher education played a pivotal role in his transformation.

Together, they explore the structural barriers formerly incarcerated individuals face when accessing recovery resources and higher education and the innovative programs and policy shifts that can pave the way for true equity and inclusion. James offers thoughtful insights on the future of social work, his upcoming initiatives, and what it means to turn a prison sentence into a promise of purpose.

Whether you're an advocate, educator, student, or justice-impacted individual, this episode offers essential perspectives on healing, higher education, and the systemic change we need now.

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, host Craig Waleed sits down with Anisa Sabur-Mumin, a fierce advocate, organizer, and leader who has directly impacted the movement to end solitary confinement. Anisa shares her deeply personal journey from surviving incarceration to becoming a central figure in campaigns like Unlock the Box and New York's HALT Solitary legislation.

Together, they explore the emotional and physical toll of solitary confinement, the systemic injustices it perpetuates—especially for women and people of color—and the urgent need for reform. Anisa offers insights on coalition-building, policy change, and the healing power of storytelling. With honesty and hope, she discusses the challenges of organizing against entrenched systems, the importance of caring for one's spirit, and how listeners can join the movement for a more humane and just society.

Whether you're an advocate, policymaker, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of the carceral system, this episode will leave you inspired to act.

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with Dr. Evan Ashkin, Director of the Formerly Incarcerated Transition (FIT) Program at UNC, to explore the critical intersection of incarceration, healthcare, and reentry. Dr. Ashkin shares how his journey as a physician led him to create a groundbreaking program that bridges the gap between prison and community healthcare. Together, they dive into the urgent health disparities facing returning citizens, the lasting trauma of solitary confinement, and the systemic barriers that stand in the way of wellness and dignity. This conversation sheds light on innovative solutions, policy opportunities, and the power of collaboration to improve outcomes for justice-impacted individuals.

In this powerful episode of Prison to Promise, I sit down with Donald Hinton—author of From Prison to Properties and founder of 2nd Chance L.L.C.—to explore his journey from incarceration to empowerment through real estate. Donald opens up about the formative experiences that led to his imprisonment, the turning point that sparked his transformation, and how he discovered a passion for real estate while behind bars.

We dive deep into the realities of reentry, including the stigma of a criminal record and the challenges of building a business after prison. Donald shares how mentorship and community support helped him rise above barriers and create a purpose-driven enterprise that integrates housing, employment, and education for others returning home.

He explains why real estate is a promising path for justice-impacted individuals, offers practical advice for aspiring investors with criminal records, and shares a heartening success story from 2nd Chance L.L.C. We also reflect on the writing process behind his book, the systemic shifts needed to support reentry, and the legacy he hopes to leave.

Whether you're navigating life after incarceration, working to support others, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode reminds you that redemption is possible and that second chances can build futures.

Listen in to learn how Donald Hinton turned confinement into a calling—and how you can help advance the mission of 2nd Chance L.L.C.

In this powerful and overdue episode of Prison to Promise, recorded on March 11, 2025, I sit down with Phillip A. Jones—incarcerated but far from idle in his pursuit of justice, healing, and transformation. Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts and production delays on my end, this important conversation did not air as originally intended. But I believe stories like Phillip’s have no expiration date, and I’m proud to finally bring it to you.

Phillip speaks with transparency, clarity, and wisdom about his life's early chapters that led to incarceration and the inner work that sparked a radical transformation behind bars. He shares how education and mentorship shaped his personal development, how he became a voice for justice reform, and why he founded Inside/Outside Consults, a platform to bridge the gap between incarceration and reentry through restorative practices.

Phillip also opens up about overcoming stigma, building trust post-conviction, and the power of second chances. This episode is a testament to human resilience and the belief that no one is defined solely by their past.

Tune in to hear how Phillip embodies the Prison to Promise philosophy—and why hope and purpose are never truly out of reach.

In this inspiring episode of Prison to Promise, Dr. Craig Waleed sits down with Dr. Clover Perez, Founder and CEO of A Beautiful HEART, to explore her powerful journey from incarceration to national advocacy. Dr. Perez shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her path and inspired the founding of her organization, which empowers justice-impacted women through support, education, and leadership development.

Together, they explore the unique challenges formerly incarcerated women face, the stigma they must overcome, and the importance of self-worth and opportunity in the reentry process. Dr. Perez offers a passionate critique of current policies and a bold vision for reform while sharing tangible ways we can all be part of the solution. Her voice is a force for transformation, and her work is a blueprint for change.

This conversation is a must-listen if you're seeking inspiration, insight, or action steps to create a more just society.