Episode 35: Rewriting the Narrative - Michael Buxton’s Path from Prison to Business and Community Empowerment

In this unique episode of What I Know Now, host Cole Williams sits down with Michael Buxton—Grand Rapids business owner, film director, and formerly incarcerated man—for an unfiltered conversation about growing up in poverty, navigating the realities of the juvenile and adult justice systems, and rebuilding a life after incarceration.Michael Buxton shares his journey from a childhood surrounded by single-parent households and street influences to becoming a young father and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He opens up about the impact of absent family support, the challenges of re-entering society after ten years behind bars, and the flaws in a system that claims to rehabilitate but often leaves people unprepared for life on the outside.Listeners will hear candid reflections on healing, hope, and the importance of relationships and community in breaking the cycle of incarceration. Michael Buxton also discusses his entrepreneurial path, the lessons learned from failure, and how he uses his lived experiences to invest in the next generation through mentorship, business ownership (shoutout to Loaded Spud!), and community leadership.Whether you're interested in juvenile justice reform, personal transformation, or the human stories behind America's justice system, this episode is a must-listen. Join us for insights into accountability, the power of a good name, and why changing the narrative matters—for individuals, families, and whole communities.