Background Check Podcast

EP 22 ”Let ’em Go, Let ’em Go!” David O’Neil- Texas Parole Lawyer

Show Summary: I met David when I appeared before a lead voter in one of my best friends parole hearing. I was introduced over the phone, and I had lots of questions for Mr. O’Neil. I was not about to let my friends drop a lot of money on a parole lawyer that I didn’t think would even be worth their money. David was very gracious as I vetted him and asked him lots of questions. He had questions for me too and I answered them all. Together, with some fo the other family, we worked to get my friend out on his first parole on a ten year sentence. That was unheard of for his type of case in Texas. As I got to know David more I found that he was willing to help people, who couldn’t afford his fees, to put a parole packet together by pointing them to some information that would be helpful. When we launched the podcast I thought it’d be great to have him on the show to share his story and his heart. He shares what to look for, what to avoid, and some great stories on past clients. He stood up to a system that was only winning one case per year and protected the rights of these inmates. If you want more you’ll have to listen. Check out some of the stories and his website on the show page. Please send to anyone you know who might need a parole lawyer. David represented Robert Coney, who was wrongfully convicted, and sentenced to life in prison. He was known for escaping and trying to win back his freedom. Check out the short documentary on the show page. There are so many resources on David’s website so check out the resource page. You can check out all the resources mentioned in the show by visiting: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck If you're listening on Apple please rate us and leave us a review. 

EP 21 ”Education in Prison” Windham School District- Kristina Hartman and Travis Henderson

Show Summary: I sit with Windham School District Superintendent Kristina Hartman and Travis Henderson and we discuss all things education in Texas Prisons.  We talk about GED's, vocational trade classes like welding, HVAC, and family literacy classes. Kristina spent a lot of time in the Florida Corrections system and accomplished so many things.  Then she brought all of her expertise back to Texas with her and now she and Travis are making the prison school district a shining star in Texas.  For all the resources mentioned in the show as well as pictures and more, please visit the show page at: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck Thank you Kristina and Travis for a great interview

EP 20 ”Hurt People Hurt. Healed People Heal.” Priscilla Bordayo

Show Summary: Priscilla Bordayo has been sought out as a motivational speaker by numerous community organizations such as, The Local Law Enforcement, The National Guard, Prisons, both Public and Private Schools to discuss her story and bring awareness through education to end sexual abuse. She has been invited to speak before the senate and House of Representatives. Priscilla has been featured on TCT, Moms Of Miracles, Driven By Women, The Every Day Series, Every Dope Girl, Cover Of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine (2019) and Crimes for Safety and Justice national platform. She was the 2019 Women of the Year and 2019 winner for, 10 over the next 10 award. She is currently up for the Governor’s award! Jay Dan and Priscilla talk about everything from her dysfunctional childhood to her accomplished adult life. You don’t want to miss this episode. Share it with people you know needs healing. For the resources mentioned in the show and more pics, please visit: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck  

EP 19 ”Foster Care, Felonies, and Forbes!” Chris Cavallini -Nutrition Solutions

Episode Summare: Chris was passed around the foster care system as a child, arrested 17 times before his 18th birthday, given a choice between the military or jail time. He was a navy deep sea diver, drug dealer, and now CEO of an 8 figure business.  Chris Cavallini, has been featured in Forbes magazine, on Fox News, and he is the CEO of Nutrition Solutions, business that has a second chance program helping addicts, felons, and other knuckleheads. He host his own podcast, Start Today, He’s an amazing man, with a huge heart, strong mind, and a very in shape physique. Let’s do a BACKGROUND CHECK! For all the show notes and resources mentioned please visit the show page at: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck Please leave us a review and rate us on Apple podcasts.  You can listen on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, and from the show page. 

EP 18 ”We Met in Prison” Dr. Karla Evans and Dr. Veronica Tetterton- Anticipate Joy

Show Summary: I sit down with Dr. Tetterton and Dr. Evans and talk mental health and prison. They both worked as counselors in the federal prison system and shed a lot of light on best practices. I was impressed with some of the things the federal system does that the state does not. We talk about the effects of solitaire confinement on human beings. I enjoyed this interview so much. I could’ve talked with them for hours. They have such great insight. You’ll love this episode. For all the show notes visit: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck  

EP 17 ”18 Days in a Coma”- The Daniel Lindsey Story

Special Episode ALERT!!!! Jay Dan brings his 7 year old daughter, Jessa, on a mini-episode before Daniel Lindsey comes on. Jessa helps Jay Dan talk about their upcoming North Texas Giving Day fundraiser and to help introduce Daniel.  Daniel's story is unbelievable. He was passed around from household to household hoping someone could talk some sense into him. At 15 he was party to a murder that he did not commit but was given a forty year sentence as a 17 year old.  He talks about his time in prison but says it's hard to talk about some of it. He was in an 18 day coma and TDCJ informed his family that after a certain amount of time they would pull the plug.  For all the resources mentioned in the show or to learn more about Forgiven Felons, please visit the show page on the website: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck To help our show get more exposure please listen on Apple, rate, and review us: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

EP 16 ”Dave’s Killer Bread” Dave Dahl

Happy Labor Day on Monday September 7, 2020 In today's episode Jay Dan talks with Dave Dahl, creator of Dave's Killer Bread. Dave talks about his childhood, his teen years, the choices he made as a young kid that affected him when he got older.  Dave tells us his journey from the military, to prison, to Killer Bread fame, and talks about his downfall that eventually led to the sale of the company.  Admitting that he struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, Dave fought his way back and now works with organizations and companies that work with inmates and parolees. You're going to love this story.  For the show notes and all the resources mentioned in the episode, please visit: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck To help the show out, please leave us a rating and review on apple. Thanks for listening and please spread the word. If you have a loved on in prison, who needs a transitional house, please visit the House page on our website. 

EP 15 ”My Heart is in Corrections” Rep. Carl Sherman Sr.

You know, each guest we have on Background Check is so special and important and I don’t take any of them for granted. It’s an honor to speak with them. And today that honor is magnified because I get to talk with an elected official. But it’s not just any official. It’s my districts representative and he’s on the Corrections committee down in Austin. I met him at a leadership event after he was elected, and we’ve been friends ever since. C’mon, let’s do a background check. Everything mentioned in today's show can be seen on our show's page: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck Please take the time to leave us a rating and review. It really helps the show. 

EP 14 Life Giving Life ”The Recovery Project” Jamie and Rachshel

So todays’ guests are Jamie McKibbon and Rachshel Canton from Life Giving Life, "The Recovery Project" in Montgomery, TX. Today we talk about a topic that affects nearly everyone whose life has been impacted by incarceration, but lots more in our regular society. It has torn apart homes, wrecked businesses, and caused lots of problems all over the world. Substance abuse. There are more addictions that just the ones we will talk about today. But we will hear from these two amazing ladies about their own addiction and recovery journey has taken them into the sphere that they work in now, which is helping others. I can’t wait for you to hear their stories and how they got this organization stared. Let"s go. For all the links and notes from today's show visit the show page: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck If this or any episode touched you in some way please leave us a review on Apple. You may also listen to the show on Spotify and Google Podcast. 

EP 13 ”Grab the Mouse.” The Way Back Reentry Program- TRay and Katie

In this episode I sit down with Katie and T-Ray from The Way Back Reentry Program. We talk about what they offer to men and women coming out of prison and the challenges they face in doing that.  We talk about the future plans and share some success stories since these two took this organization over.  For all the show notes, the websites. and links mentioned, please visit the show page: forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck Please leave us a review if you're listening on Apple and give us a rating as well.