PODCAST · society
17 Winters Podcast
by Bro. Mike X
Welcome to "17 Winters with Brother Mike X," a thought-provoking podcast where we dive deep into the realities of prison life and the journey of reintegration into society. Join me as I explore the challenges faced by individuals after serving time and the transformative changes that have allowed myself and my guests to become productive members of the communities we once impacted negatively. Through candid conversations and powerful stories, we aim to shed light on the complexities of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of second chances and the path to a better life.
Episodes
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Episode #44: Do It Anyway
In Episode #44, I step behind the camera and take full ownership of the entire production—from the cameras and audio to the set, topic, promotion, and distribution.Is it perfect? Nope. Am I like a professional production crew? Not yet. But that’s the point: DO IT ANYWAY!!!I reflect on my summer...
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Episode #43: Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself?
In this episode of 17 Winters Podcast, it’s just me—no guest, no script, just a camera and an honest conversation.I share pieces of my origin story, reflect on my personal reentry journey, and wrestle with what it means to be a formerly incarcerated person stepping into the role of “podcaster”...
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Episode #42: Nate Johnson, Next Chapter Solutions - Reentry, Transformation & the Next Chapter
In this episode of 17 Winters Podcast, I sat down with longtime friend and fellow formerly incarcerated leader Nate Johnson, Co-Founder of Next Chapters Solutions.Meeting more than 20 years ago at MTU, we reflect on our journeys from incarceration and transformation to becoming leaders in...
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Episode #41: Adam Grant, CEO of A Brighter Way
The Road to 50 starts here. For Episode #41, I'm joined by Adam Grant, Executive Director & CEO of A Brighter Way, for an honest conversation about leadership, sacrifice, and building a new vision for reentry in Michigan. Adam shares why he made the difficult decision to take a pay cut at the...
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Episode #40: Generational Incarceration and support featuring Alexis Devon Smith
Episode #40 of the 17 Winters Podcast dives into the painful and often overlooked reality of generational incarceration. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with author Alexis Devon Smith to discuss his impactful book, Momma Does My Daddy Still Love Me, and the emotional toll incarceration...
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Episode #39: The Sentence That Changed My Life Featuring Sidney Black
In this episode of the 17 Winters Podcast, the roles are reversed as Sidney Black steps in as the interviewer to walk me through the story behind the name.We go back to the days, weeks, and months leading up to the moment that changed everything—the decisions, the environment, the mindset, and…
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Episode #38: Tugg and Reaff, "Back Home, History, and Hip-Hop"
Episode 38 was completely unplanned—and that’s what made it special. Local artists Tugg and Reaff pulled up to the studio just to kick it, and the conversation turned into something worth sharing. Fresh home after serving 7 years in the MDOC, Reaff opens up about his bid, the realities of...
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Episode #37: Starr Austin "FELONY Girls impacting the movement from Huron Valley"
This episode is a milestone for 17 Winters. For the first time, I sit down with a TV star from BET+’s American Gangster: Trap Queens (Season 4, Episode 7), and for the first time ever, we feature a formerly incarcerated woman with the camera rolling—telling her story on her own terms. Episode 37…
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Episode #36: Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Tony Gant "The Landscape of Criminal Legal Work 2026: Where is the Movement Going?"
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and Tony Gant for a necessary, honest conversation about the past, present, and future of criminal legal reform. We reflect on the changes in Michigan over the 25 years since Dr. Shakur’s release, the 10 years since Tony and I have...
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Episode 35: Sidney Black II "Formerly Incarcerated Impact on CVI Work (Part 2)”
The conversation continues. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the role of formerly incarcerated people in Community Violence Intervention (CVI), I sit down with my co-defendant, my best friend, and one of the sharpest minds in this work—Sidney Black, Lead Neighborhood Change Agent for Advance…
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Episode #34: "Formerly Incarcerated Impact on CVI work" (pt. 1)
In this solo episode of 17 Winters, I step into the studio alone for the very first time—no guest, just me, the mic, and a lot to unpack. Fresh off the “Michigan School Based Community Violence Intervention” webinar hosted by FORCE Detroit, The Michigan Transformation Collective, and End Gun...
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Episode #33: “Advocacy Behind the Walls: Alisha Kohn and the Prisoners Brain Trust”
In this second special FAMM Conference episode, we sit down with Alisha Kohn, a transgender activist and leader with the Prisoners Brain Trust of New York—an organization whose staff is mostly still incarcerated, including its executive director. Alisha opens up about her time inside an all-male...
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Episode #32: “From Commutation to Community: Kyle Hedquist’s Oregon Story”
Recorded on the ground at the FAMM Conference’s Second Chances Working Group, this special episode features a candid conversation with Kyle Hedquist of the Oregon Justice Resource Center. After spending 28 years inside and receiving a rare Governor’s commutation, Kyle has turned his second chance...
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Episode #31: D. Walls Can Talk — From Juvenile Life Sentence to Community Visionary
In this powerful episode of 17 Winters, I sit down with Demetric Walls, better known as D. Walls Can Talk, to unpack a story of transformation, redemption, and purpose. D. Walls opens up about the events that led to his incarceration as a juvenile and what it was like growing up behind bars. He...
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Bonus Episode: “Live from the Human Library”
In this special bonus episode of 17 Winters, I step off the mic and into a chair — as a Live Book in the Ingham County Human Library. Just like traditional libraries offer mystery, memoir, or poetry, this space offers living, breathing stories — told by real people who’ve walked through real...
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Episode #30: "From the Crack Era to Real Estate Success" featuring Marcus Miller
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of 17 Winters, I sit down with Marcus Miller — a Lansing native whose journey from the streets to success is nothing short of remarkable. Marcus shares his story of growing up in Lansing during the crack era, his early involvement in the drug trade…
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Episode #29: “Committed to the Change” featuring Brother David X (Bates)
In Episode 29 of 17 Winters, Brother Mike X sits down with Brother David X (Bates), a formerly incarcerated man who returned home in 1999 and has since lived a life rooted in purpose, faith, and transformation. A dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, Brother David shares his powerful story of...
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Episode #27: "Faith, Freedom & Finding Manhood” with Brother Malachi Muhammad
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brother Malachi Muhammad, a deeply rooted voice of transformation, truth, and liberation. We trace his incredible journey—from navigating the complex relationship between the Nation of Islam and the Melanics, to joining the Nation of Islam and our shared...
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Episode #28: “Sentenced, Resentenced, Redeemed?” with Joei Jordan
In this raw and reflective episode, I reconnect with Joei Jordan, calling in from behind the walls, for a powerful follow-up to his first appearance on the podcast. The last time we spoke, Joei was serving life without parole (LWOP)—sentenced at just 20 years old. Today, his future looks...
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Episode #25: Ethan Calloway’s Journey After 9 Years"
“Time is the most valuable asset in life…” In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Calloway, who served 9 years in MDOC. Ethan shares his firsthand experience with the challenges of prison programming, the gaps in rehabilitation, and how these issues impact reentry. But this conversation is also...
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Episode #24: Steven X (Jones), Entrepreneur
“Everything that happened had to happen that way to make me who I am…” In this episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we delve deep into the life of Steven X Jones, a man whose journey through the tumultuous landscape of crime and redemption offers profound insights into the human experience. Serving...
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Episode #23: Hakim Nathaniel Crampton, Organizer/Author
"Breaking the cycle of incarceration.” In this eye-opening episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we meet Hakim Crampton, a resilient individual who spent 15 years in the Milwaukee prison system for a crime he did not commit. Now, nearly two decades after his release, Hakim shares his incredible...
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Episode #21: Chamar Avery, Actor/Comedian (Exonoree)
In this powerful episode of The 17 Winters Podcast, I kick it with Chamar Avery, who shares his harrowing journey from being sentenced to 20-50 years for a murder he didn’t commit to his exoneration after serving 8 years behind bars. Chamar opens up about the struggles he faced during his time in...
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Episode #22: PTSD (pt. 1) with Sidney Black
In this thought-provoking episode, Sidney and I engage in a compelling discussion as we explore the complexities of the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution. This episode delves into the nuances of justice, freedom, and the implications of incarceration. One of the key questions we tackle is...
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Episode #20: LaVonte X, Legalize the Hustle
“Prison saved me from me…” In this episode of I sat down with entrepreneur and visionary, Vonte X, the founder and driving force behind Legalize the Hustle. Vonte opens up about his early struggles, including the challenges he faced when returning home and the business missteps that shaped his...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to "17 Winters with Brother Mike X," a thought-provoking podcast where we dive deep into the realities of prison life and the journey of reintegration into society. Join me as I explore the challenges faced by individuals after serving time and the transformative changes that have allowed myself and my guests to become productive members of the communities we once impacted negatively. Through candid conversations and powerful stories, we aim to shed light on the complexities of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of second chances and the path to a better life.
HOSTED BY
Bro. Mike X
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 17 Winters Podcast have?
17 Winters Podcast currently has 25 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 17 Winters Podcast about?
Welcome to "17 Winters with Brother Mike X," a thought-provoking podcast where we dive deep into the realities of prison life and the journey of reintegration into society. Join me as I explore the challenges faced by individuals after serving time and the transformative changes that have allowed...
How often does 17 Winters Podcast release new episodes?
17 Winters Podcast has 25 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to 17 Winters Podcast?
You can listen to 17 Winters Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 17 Winters Podcast?
17 Winters Podcast is created and hosted by Bro. Mike X.
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