Shawn Johnson Episode 1: Clemency episode artwork

EPISODE · Jan 29, 2026 · 26 MIN

Shawn Johnson Episode 1: Clemency

from The Circle of the Panda Podcast · host JD Ross

JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. PeaceIn this powerful episode, JD reconnects with Shawn Johnson, a man he first interviewed while Shawn was still incarcerated and serving what was effectively a life sentence. Nearly two years later, Shawn is home—his entire sentence commuted through executive clemency.Shawn shares the extraordinary journey that led to his release: the reality of being sentenced to 60 years for a self-defense case, the long road of incarceration, and the unexpected opportunity created by New Jersey’s clemency process. He opens up about the discipline of praying every night at the same time with a small group of men inside the prison, the unwavering expectation that God would answer, and the transformation that happened along the way.This conversation goes deeper than a legal victory. Shawn talks about choosing to grow instead of giving up, helping change the culture inside a maximum-security prison through faith, leadership, and service, and how one committed group of men can shift an entire environment.This episode kicks off a multi-part series catching up with Shawn and exploring what life looks like after freedom, faith under pressure, and the power of consistency, community, and hope when the odds are stacked against you.

JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. Peace In this powerful episode, JD reconnects with Shawn Johnson, a man he first interviewed while Shawn was still incarcerated and serving what was effectively a life sentence. Nearly two years later, Shawn is home—his entire sentence commuted through executive clemency. Shawn shares the extraordinary journey that led to his release: the reality of being sentenced to 60 years for a self-defense case, the long road of incarceration, and th...

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Shawn Johnson Episode 1: Clemency

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This episode was published on January 29, 2026.

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JD here. Just click this link to get a message to me. PeaceIn this powerful episode, JD reconnects with Shawn Johnson, a man he first interviewed while Shawn was still incarcerated and serving what was effectively a life sentence. Nearly two years...

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