TGM Classic | John Jackson | From Solitary Confinement to Freedom

Today I’m talking with John Jackson, Director of Correctional Partnerships for Hustle 2.0, an evidence-based, trauma-informed curriculum used in more than 450 jails and prisons across the country. He is a co-author of ten books, a TEDx speaker, and a keynote speaker for multiple organizations advocating for second chances. After spending 18 years incarcerated, John earned four SHU terms before coming to one of California's most notorious supermax prisons, Pelican Bay. He also earned his GED, a Baylor University certificate, and led networking events for top executives and investors in prison. His life changed when he was hired to work for Hustle 2.0 in 2019, where they help corrections departments to effectively program more of their population with minimal impact on facility staff and space resources. Now, John works with gang leaders nationwide to interrupt generational cycles of violence and incarceration. In this episode, you will learn how John was subjected to crimes at an early age, how he became a gang member in prison, and how the “worst of the worst” found a second chance in life. Topics include: Experiences that led John to prison at a very young age Structure of prison gangs and how he became a member of one The turning point that made him want to turn his back on his gang and change his life The challenges and discriminations John had to face after he was paroled from Pelican Bay How he stumbled upon Hustle 2.0 And other topics… Connect with John: Website: https://www.hustle20.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnjackson/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jmjacksonca/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708