In this powerful episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Warner, Founder and CEO of REACT Corporation. Derrick, a formerly incarcerated individual, is on a mission to prevent youth from falling into the traps of the criminal justice system before they’re even caught. He’s dedicated to intercepting at-risk youth, providing them with guidance, and showing them that there is a way out—before they ever step foot in jail.

Derrick shares his personal story of overcoming trauma and breaking free from a system designed to trap people in cycles of incarceration. He dives deep into how REACT is working to offer youth alternatives to incarceration and how we, as a community, can step up and make a difference. Derrick also addresses the “new age slavery” he believes is embedded in today’s criminal justice system and how reform efforts still miss the mark when it comes to truly helping marginalized youth.

If you’re passionate about criminal justice reform, youth empowerment, or breaking the cycle of incarceration, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in now to hear Derrick's inspiring story and learn how we can all make a difference.
#ConvictionFiction #Reentry #YouthPrevention #CriminalJusticeReform #ReactCorporation #BreakingTheCycle #NewAgeSlavery #YouthEmpowerment #JusticeReform #EndIncarceration #SocialChange #Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Claudia Shivers, an inspiring entrepreneur who has rebuilt her life after incarceration. Claudia shares her journey from overcoming the stigma of reentry to becoming the proud owner of Queen Coffee Bean in High Point, North Carolina.

Claudia’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and giving back. As a board member of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, she’s helping other formerly incarcerated individuals find their path to success through entrepreneurship. In this episode, Claudia opens up about the challenges of reentry, the importance of second chances, and the rewards of creating a business that not only sustains her but also uplifts her community.

Tune in to hear Claudia’s insights on navigating life after prison, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the work she’s doing to empower others to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship.

#ConvictionFictionPodcast #Reentry #Entrepreneurship #SecondChances #InmatesToEntrepreneurs #Transformation #Resilience #BusinessAfterIncarceration #QueenCoffeeBean #ClaudiaShivers #CoffeeShopOwner #NoTurningBackBook

In this inspiring episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with Zeke Wallace, an innovator who transformed his life after spending over four years in prison. Zeke’s journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship is nothing short of remarkable. After his release in 2024, Zeke taught himself CAD, picked up a refurbished 3D printer, and created a game-changing sanding block designed for resurfacing tough materials like commercial walls, auto finishes, and more.

What started as a personal need soon became a groundbreaking tool that’s now helping professionals in various trades work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Zeke’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, persistence, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can create something that leaves a lasting legacy.

Join us as Zeke shares his journey of overcoming adversity, how a simple idea turned into a revolutionary product, and how he’s paving the way for others to redefine their own narratives.

Listen now to hear how Zeke Wallace turned his struggles into success and created a product that’s changing the game.

#ConvictionFiction #Reentry #SandingBlock #Innovation #SandTurtleTools #SecondChances #Entrepreneurship #Redemption #StartingOver

In this inspiring episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Nowack, co-founder of Breaking Free Industries, a t-shirt printing business dedicated to offering second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals. Josh shares his remarkable journey of overcoming personal setbacks—including homelessness, open-heart surgery, and a tough divorce—while rebuilding his life through entrepreneurship.

As an instructor and recent board member of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit that helps individuals break the cycle of incarceration by teaching them how to start and grow successful businesses, Josh is passionate about creating opportunities for others to rebuild their lives as well.

In this episode, Josh talks about the importance of second chances, how he’s helping others do the same through Breaking Free Industries, and the power of entrepreneurship as a pathway to reintegration. Tune in to hear how Josh’s story is changing lives and breaking down barriers for those who need it most.

Listen now and learn how you can support second-chance businesses and initiatives that empower formerly incarcerated individuals to thrive.

#ConvictionFictionPodcast #SecondChances #Entrepreneurship #BreakingFreeIndustries #InmatesToEntrepreneurs #Reentry #Redemption #BusinessForGood #FormerlyIncarcerated #Empowerment #RebuildingLives #SupportSmallBusiness #NonprofitImpact #BreakingTheStigma #Transformation #SocialChange #GiveSecondChances #BusinessWithPurpose #Inspiration

In this powerful solo episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers dives deep into the realities of relapse and the strategies for relapse prevention. With candid insights and practical advice, this episode explores the psychological, emotional, and environmental triggers that can lead to relapse and offers actionable steps to stay on track. Antoine shares personal reflections on the challenges of maintaining recovery and offers tools to build resilience, stay aware of warning signs, and develop a strong support system. Whether you're navigating recovery from substance use, reintegration after incarceration, or just seeking tools for personal growth, this episode provides the guidance needed to prevent setbacks and keep moving forward. Tune in for a raw, insightful conversation on overcoming one of the toughest parts of any journey—relapse.

Topics Include:

• • The Reality of Relapse
  • The Science of Relapse Prevention
  • Relapse Triggers and the Importance of Awareness
  • Moving Forward and Staying Strong in Recovery
  • Call to Action

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  #ConvictionFictionPodcast #RelapsePrevention #RecoveryJourney #NoTurningBack #AddictionRecovery #Relapse #MentalHealthAwareness #Reentry #PersonalGrowth #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #SupportSystem #RecoverySupport #SelfAwareness #StayStrong #Resilience

In this powerful episode of The Conviction Fiction Podcast, host Antoine Rivers sits down with Travis Freeman and Matthew Stephens—two men who walked through the fire of gang life, incarceration, and personal transformation.

Travis, once known for his reputation on the streets and inside, shares how a final arrest, recovery mentorship, and giving his life to God changed everything. Matthew brings raw insight into the systemic divisions behind bars and how education and self-awareness became his tools for liberation.

Together, they explore:

• • The early pull of gang culture
  • How incarceration shapes identity
  • The pivotal moments that sparked change
  • The role of faith, mentorship, and forgiveness
  • Why job access and opportunity are essential for reentry
  • What they’d tell their 13-year-old selves today

• This episode is more than storytelling—it’s a call to action, a message of hope, and proof that redemption is real when the work is put in.

  🎧 Tune in now and join the movement to rewrite the narrative.

  #TheConvictionFictionPodcast #ReentryMatters #FromPrisonToPurpose #FaithAndRecovery #RedemptionStories #CriminalJusticeReform #BreakingTheCycle

Coming home after incarceration is often painted as a triumph—a clean break into freedom, a fresh start. But what happens when the real work begins, especially in the relationships you return to?

In this episode of Conviction Fiction, host Antoine Rivers peels back the layers of post-incarceration relationships. From the awkward first dates to marriages built on years of letters and phone calls, to family dynamics forever altered by absence, we explore the messy, hopeful, and sometimes hilarious reality of reconnecting after time inside.

We’ll tackle:

• Why dating after prison feels like jumping into a moving car—blindfolded
• How marriages can survive (or implode) when freedom finally comes
• The delicate art of rebuilding trust with kids, parents, and partners who had to keep life going without you
• Why independence is more than a holiday—it’s a lifelong process of reclaiming your identity and your place in the world

Whether you’ve lived it, loved someone who has, or simply want a deeper understanding of reentry, this episode shines a light on the human side of freedom most people never see.

Grab your headphones—and maybe your sense of humor. You’re going to need both.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.

#ConvictionFiction #Reentry #PostIncarceration #Relationships #IndependenceDay

What does it really take to come home after prison?

In this episode of Conviction Fiction, we go beyond the headlines and statistics to explore the human side of reentry—where resilience meets reality.

You’ll hear why nearly 76% of people released from incarceration are rearrested within five years, and why starting over is often far more complicated than simply “staying out of trouble.” From the struggle to find housing and work to the quiet moments of self-doubt and hope, reentry is a journey filled with challenges most of us never see.

We’ll discuss:

• How personal stories can dismantle stigma and spark empathy
• The hidden barriers that keep people trapped in cycles of poverty and incarceration
• The small but powerful ways communities can make a difference

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to rebuild your life after prison—or how you can help create a more inclusive future—this episode is a place to start.

Tune in and discover why storytelling isn’t just about sharing experiences—it’s about changing the narrative, one voice at a time.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.