#008 This Correctional Facility Is Creating Leaders, Not Just Inmates

In this extraordinary episode of Living on Incline, we go behind bars at Sampson Correctional Institution, a prison that’s turning incarceration into transformation. From college degrees and reentry coaching to emotional healing and leadership development, this facility is doing something few others are: believing in the people inside.Join host John Eklund as he sits down with three key leaders who are changing the future of incarceration: • Robert Van Gorder – Facility Warden II • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager & Reentry Coordinator • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator & AdvisorTogether, they unpack what makes Sampson different—from trauma-informed recovery and Christian programming to real education and community reintegration.Chapters / Timestamps:00:00 – Reflections from inside Sampson Correctional01:10 – Campbell University and the Second Chance college program02:15 – One man writing his memoir from prison03:00 – Finding purpose inside the fence03:50 – Mr. Wooten’s vision for reentry and dignity05:45 – A cultural shift: less violence, more respect07:25 – Mr. Faison’s story: from incarcerated to site coordinator09:50 – “15 In, 15 Out” – the Campbell graduation goal12:40 – How Recovery Alive is changing lives on the inside14:00 – Vulnerability, honesty, and emotional transformation15:20 – Complaint stats drop dramatically17:10 – The difficulty of reentry, even after release18:35 – Why second chances matter—even for lifers20:15 – Recovery Alive’s impact behind bars21:30 – Domestic violence awareness & Reaching Out From Within23:00 – Walking the yard: generational impact of mentorship25:00 – Warden Van Gorder: leading with heart and hope26:10 – Society benefits when prisons invest in people27:40 – Combating shame and stigma28:30 – “This man is more free than most on the outside”30:00 – Final thoughts: “You’re not what you’ve done.”Guest Info: • Robert Van Gorder – Warden, Sampson Correctional Institution • Charles Wooten – Facility Case Manager / Reentry Coordinator • Anthony Faison – Campbell University Site Coordinator for Sampson Correctional InstitutionListen & Subscribe:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/living-on-incline/id1828304603Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/78HwNrRWZHGAHL8Zv90nO0?si=e4b5d032e9214debYouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZdyfS2K4OE4WFJRWSuAgsQRSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2521959.rssWebsite: https://www.livingonincline.comSponsored by Recovery AliveLiving on Incline is proudly sponsored by Recovery Alive, a Christ-centered recovery movement helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and renew their faith.Website: https://www.recoveryalive.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryaliveinc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryaliveincYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@recoveryaliveSend us Fan Mail