Background Check Podcast

SPECIAL EPISODE FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN ON THE INSIDE. Waxahachie, TX Fireworks Show. Fireworks were synced to music from KBEC 99.1 radio. They own the rights to play. We don’t any of it or make money off any of the music we share here. When men and women get out of prison, one of the most popular episodes, second only to the Christmas lights episodes, is the fireworks episodes. So, this is an episode where Jessa and Jay Dan talk a little shop then show highlights of the Forgiven Felons Freedom Open House, including the water balloon fight, and the fireworks. This year, we brought the drone out for a little bit, but had technical difficulties. Happy 4th of July people. You can watch on Apple Podcast, Podbean, and maybe YouTube. Tell your loved ones on the inside they can watch on the podcast app and eventually the Edovo app.   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise  https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home?   Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

C.R.E.A.M.   Christ Rules Everything Around Me In this episode we sit down with the founder and co-owner of C.R.E.A.M. Luxury Coffee, Michael Etcheson. He's also an executive relations manager at PEP, Prison Entrepreneurship Program. He was in the graduating class 22 in that program inside the prison walls. Michael shares is childhood with us, and talks us through being born to a teenage mom, then becoming a dad himself at the age of 15. He shares what led him to prison and describes his journey to God as well as his idea for CREAM coffee. He's the recipient of several community awards and his company gives back to a nonprofit each month. His co-owner is Army veteran, Nicole Yelder. This month they are giving back to Forgiven Felons. From July 1-31, 10% of all purchases goes back to our ministry. Y'all this is good coffee too. I've already been buying it for 6 months. How to connect with CREAM Luxury Coffee and purchase product: Website: https://www.creamcoffee.shop/ Instagram: @cream_luxury3 Facebook: @CREAMLuxuryCoffee TikTok: @cream.coffee3 Special Blend for Forgiven Felons for July, Second Chance Reserve. Limited time only. You only have one chance to get Second Chance Reserve. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Special! From inside the Fountain Correctional Center in Atmore, AL Christian Hip Hop Artist shares his incredible journey of coming from the street life, into the loving arms of Jesus. It didn't take hold the first couple of times, but God doesn't give up on us. After a few judicial miracles, facing life in prison, to only having to do a short time, Landy finally settled into what God called him to do, minister to the youth.  He now goes into juvenile centers and adult prison, sharing his story and his life-changing music.  So many men came to know Jesus because of the testimony and music of Landy. Listen to him share his story, then enjoy the concert.  You can find Landy on all social media platform, including YouTube.  All songs and videos used with permission from Landy himself.  Big thanks to the Warden, Chaplain, and staff at Fountain Correctional Center   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home?   Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Quick Background Check-In to give an update on Mama, and share some other things. Our family is doing ok. Details on the memorial service to come soon.

In this episode we sit down with BOTH of the Earle brothers. And boy, having them both on doesn't disappoint. We ask them questions like "Who's better......?" and have them pick. It's so funny. John and Guy are former professional football players for the NFL and Canadian Football League. They have been doing prison ministry for a long time now and cover almost all of the Texas prisons. They do pod ministry exclusively and it is so effective in reaching the ones who will never set foot in a chapel or gym. We talk about being a dad, their dad, and being a spiritual dad.  How to connect with Think Twice Ministries: https://www.thinktwiceministries.org/ To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, we sit down again with speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, and now author, Shawn from 2nd Chance Fitness and 2nd Chance Mentors. This time we talk about everything from his story that led him to federal prison, his relationship with his son and how that affected his parenting, marriage, his new roofing company that he started, AND his book release. We laugh, but we also dig into some deep topics. You will enjoy this episode and want to share it with someone you know. How to connect with Shawn, his organization, and his companies. Shawn's Book: https://www.forgivenaf.com/ 2nd Chance Mentors: https://www.2ndchancementors.com/ 2nd Chance Fitness: https://2ndchancefitcamp.com/ Alpha Storm Roofing & Construction https://www.alphastormroofing.com/ To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode we sit down with Bill and Stephanie Everts to hear one of the most fascinating God stories I've ever heard, and I ain't playing games. But their lives cross in an online game called Empires and Puzzles. Their stories individually are incredible, but their together story is filled with redemption, love, sacrifice, and Jesus. Bill is the Executive Director of Less Than The Least Ministries which is heavily involved in the prisons across Texas. They also host, together, The Edge Podcast and is one of the most watched prison podcast on Pando. You've got to watch this episode and share it with someone you know who could use some encouragement. Connect with Less Than The Least Ministries: Website: https://lessthantheleast.org Facebook: @lessthantheleast Instagram: @lttl.pm YouTube: @TheEdgePrisonPodcast Inside Prison: Pando App To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106  Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa talk about everything from her short sermon coming up, date nights, inmate graduation classes, dad jokes and funny commercials, Jay Dan's trip to the ER, the Ranger's, Jessa's new club volleyball team, and what we learned when we went to the Ellis County Rodeo. We also highlight one of our newest residents at the house. It's a fun episode where Jessa gives some shout outs to her junior high friends. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Hey Background Check family, just wanted to give everyone on the inside a quick update with what's going on with my health. We got some great episodes coming with Jessa and Bill and Stephanie from The Edge Podcast, but just wanted to share with you what's been happening to me the last 9 days.    Thank you for your prayers. 

Audrey works for a roofing company, that she found through a second chance staffing agency, which she found because she was connected to B.I.G. Love Ministries. Audrey's motherhood journey is a rough one, but God is redeeming the time in her life and she is living a life that her family admits is very different. She's involved in church leadership, recovery groups, and prison ministry. We cry and laugh through her story that involves, abandonment, drug using and dealing, jail, a raid with her own son, prison, and falling on her knees crying out to God. Share this with a mom you know needs it. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Facebook Post: "She didn’t know it then… but the woman watching that podcast from a prison cell ….would one day be sitting on it. 🔥"- Sarah Burt   This episode we sit down with Sarah Burt and talk life, addiction, muscle deterioration, motherhood, prison, plea deals, and losing custody of children. We talk a lot about Jesus too.   It wasn't too long ago that Sarah was sitting on her bunk watching the podcast from her prison unit. Now she's out, involved in helping people out here, and back inside prison, all while on her journey to get her relationship with her kids restored. "We serve a God of restoration" says Sarah.   We play a tribute to all mothers everywhere at the beginning of the episode with a poem about mother's and some pics of some amazing ladies. We laugh and cry our way to talking for almost 90 minutes. It's that good of a story.   Share with someone you know, especially a mom.   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Thank you to all the staff, including the wardens, and Matt Petty, at the Farmington Correctional Center in Farmington, MO for allowing us to invade their unit with Jesus. Thanks to Jimmy Carter for the recording, and editing of the event. Thanks to Real Vida for letting them use your song at the end. After a brief introduction and shout outs, I air the original production, in it's entirety (with one small, inconsequential edit at the end). Share with everyone you know. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise  https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode we sit down with Cheyenne from the Cheyenne Pitts Band. Cheyenne's story takes all the normal twists and turns of addiction and family dysfunction, but then adds some guitar, country music, and a "suicide by cop" element to it. Cheyenne admits that most of his trouble came as a result of his anger issues, which, with the help of God, and his time in prison, has been under control. Cheyenne travels and plays on the weekends but holds down a job during the week in which he is a project manager. After we chat for a little bit, Cheyenne breaks into a few songs for us in studio. Share this with everyone you know, and let your loved ones in prison know that it's probably available on their tablets. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

This check in comes from being on the road in Oklahoma for Jessa's volleyball tournament.  We talk about several things including upcoming episodes, and do some shoutouts. 

Jessa competed in church fine arts and won first place in the Short Sermon Jr. category. This is her sermon. She will compete at nationals in late July. Stay tuned. 

Just an array of topics from shout outs, to sports, to Walker Texas Ranger, and prison.    Music Videos by Landy used with permission. 

In this episode we sit down with Angelo, aka Gino, and hear the most incredible story.  From being born prematurely, to tasting alcohol as a young boy, to in and out of juvenile and adult prisons, to finally having an encounter with God that changed his life.  We talk about mentoring, accountability, community, recovery, his son asking him to give up his parental right so he could change his name, to living at Driven Reentry and working for Amazing Finish Construction.  Angelo discusses the dream he had of speaking in front of crowds with no tattoos on his face and his journey to get them removed.  You don't want to miss this episode. You will want to share this story with someone.    Brought to you by Forgiven Felons and Cross Country Mortgage. Are you about to start a home buying journey such as first home, refinance, need a HELOC, or just want to get prequalified?  Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn't hold you back, it should pay you back.   

Checking In from the Alabama prison road trip.  Music from Landy   Used with permission. 

Shorter versions of Background Check Podcast, in between the longer versions.   

In this episode, “I Got Your Back”, Reggie share his life story in a very unique way, from being called a “mistake” to being one of the most sought after school assembly speakers in the world. Born to an unwed teenager, Reggie Dabbs considers himself fortunate to be alive. With no place to go, the pregnant teenager ended up living in a chicken coop in Tennessee. It was there she remembered a former school teacher, Mrs. Dabbs, who had said to her students, “If you ever need anything, call me,” and gave the students her home phone number. The girl called. Mrs. Dabbs and her husband, whose six children were adults by this time, took the girl into their home and cared for her until after the baby was born. They continued to care for little Reggie as foster parents until he was in the fourth grade, and then they officially adopted him and gave him the Dabbs name. As the Dabbs’ reared Reggie, they instilled in him strong moral values, for which he is genuinely grateful. They also ingrained in him the fact that in every situation he faced, he had a choice. What he did with those choices was entirely up to him. In the sixth grade, Reggie began playing the saxophone and hated it. At the insistence of his parents he continued to practice and to play. Not until his freshman year in college did he actually enjoy the instrument, and today, he plays with fervor and expertise. After graduating from college, Reggie began his public speaking. During one speaking engagement, his host asked if he would be interested in addressing a high school assembly. From that small beginning in 1987, Reggie has become a popular public school speaker. When addressing a school assembly, Reggie talks to the kids in a humorous style about choices each of them has when faced with drugs, alcohol, suicide, etc. Reggie gets in kids faces and tells them that he never smoked a cigarette, never did drugs, never drank alcohol, because he chose not to. He assures them that they can make the same kinds of choices. Reggie talks to kids about family and how thankful they should be that they have families.  Most of all, Reggie drives home the fact that “You can never change your past, but you can change your future!” From being a “Problem” to an unwed teenager, Reggie is fast becoming one of the most in-demand speakers who helps teenagers meet their problems head-on and overcome them. Reggie has been invited to speak to our military, including the Navy Seals, professional sports teams, and more. We laugh (hard), Reggie inspires, he plays his saxophone, and shares a message of hope to everyone, inside of prison, and out. Watch this clip, then head over to our YouTube channel to hear the full story and listen to some of his inspirational music. Thank you Reggie, for sitting down with us and sharing your story with our audience. Thank you to his wife, Michelle, for hanging out with us (off screen) and rolling your eyes at our jokes. You don’t want to miss this episode. You will want to share it with someone.   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.   Reggie's soundtrack credits: Bruno Mars- "Just the Way You Are" Easy Karaoke Players Version Shawn Mendes- "If I Can't Have You" Sing King Karaoke Version Marc Anthony- "Vivir Mi Vida" Agrupacion LatinHits Karaoke Version DJ Snake, ft Justin Bieber- "Let Me Love You" Karaoke Famous Version Rascall Flatts- "Bless the Broken Road" Karaoke Version Karafun    

Background Check-In The Drop Off Line 

This is a replay for the men and women inside prisons all over the nation.    Live concert in Plano, TX    With permission to record and play on this platform.   Enjoy guys

Super Bowl Background Check In With Jessa and Jay Dan, talking about various things from the Olympics, to volleyball, to a devotion about the Super Bowl teams. 

Jessa and Jay Dan do a quick Check In, highlighting two successful former inmates, talk about sports, fine arts, the sleet that's happening in the Dallas area, and we they pray over the inmates. 

We are bringing back the shorter episodes, Background Check In's, to hold us over til the next full episode is ready.  Preparation. Prayer.  Have a great day. 

We are bringing back the shorter episodes, Background Check In's, to hold us over til the next full episode is ready.    Have a great day. 

This is our annual tour of lights for the men and women still incarcerated. Before we start the tour, we do announcements, recap of events like Christmas party, talk sports, show video shout outs from residents and other organizations. This episode plays on their tablets inside prisons and jails across the nation. They can call their loved ones on the tablets, and the whole family can look at lights together. This year, we had technical trouble at Prairie Lights so we went to Dallas Zoo Lights. We did salvage a couple of angles from Prairie Lights that we added to the end. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise  https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

John Montana performs "There For You" Written by John Montana and Terry Solley We air this here but it's for the men and women behind bars to enjoy too. If you have a loved one on the inside, across the nation, tell them to watch on the Edovo app, the Podcast App (Securus), the NCIC tablet (county jails).    To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.  

In this episode we sit down with John Montana. John is an author, speaker, father, husband, and prison minister. He comes from a family of partiers but now, they’re all prison ministers and serving the Lord. After having surgery at a young age, he became addicted to Vicodin and then eventually found Zannax. While giving his child a bath, an accident happened and his child was burned. He felt so guilty and ashamed, that he prayed and told God that if He gave him 30 years he would sign it. He was offered 30 years so he took it. What seemed like the end, was only the beginning. After a conversation with an atheist, and a visit with his grandma, He gave his heart to the Lord and began growing every day. While in prison, he got his B.S. in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Baptist Seminary. He was also part of the Field Minister team and the worship team. When he entered prison he had a 3rd grade reading level. You will want to hear him tell his story, part of his dad’s and sister’s story and how they’ve all broken al the generational curses in their family. He also sings a couple Christmas songs and original songs for the men and women behind bars. To buy John’s book: https://a.co/d/ayQIv4L To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Would you like to be a sponsor on the show? Contact Jay Dan at [email protected] Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of I Scoop Poop, Steven Trevino. We had fun recording this episode. We talked about everything from him getting hooked on hydrocodone at 15 after an injury, to how he started his poop scooping company while still on an ankle monitor. We laughed hard when he tells the story of him waiting on the corner, in the middle of a neighborhood, with bags of poop, waiting on his dad to come get him.  We also laughed when he prayed and asked God, “Dear Lord, help me whoop this fool” I saw his Facebook post a few months ago and knew we had to get him on the show. This is the first time he has begun sharing his story publicly and he did a great job. He share’s some hard stories where he was forced to fight but those scenarios are what led him to a deeper relationship with God.   He started his poop scooping company on foot, in his neighborhood, on ankle monitor, with no drivers license.   He spent federal and state prison time but since then, he’s gotten married and had his first child on November 7th.   You will love Steven’s story and I promise there’s someone out there to share this story with someone.   Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel so you won’t miss an episode.   Please visit our sponsor’s website:   The Way Back   RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED?   THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY.   https://thewaybackhouse.org   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Other ways to support us:   Cash App: $ForgivenFelons   Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home?   Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, Jessa and Jay Dan recap the Forgiven Felons Thanksgiving Open House, Jay Dan’s trip to Chicago to see the Steelers and visit Stateville prison, tell thanksgiving jokes, and so much more. We talk about the upcoming Building Blocks 4 Kids event we are having so please sign your kids up. We share a devotion on remaining stable in this unstable world. And we do Thanksgiving shout outs from loved ones. Please subscribe to our channel and share it with someone you think might be encouraged by our show.   Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org   To Register for the Building Blocks 4 Kids event   https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-blocks-4-kids-forgiven-felons-tickets-1965218456305?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa share big events coming soon, air some shout outs from men who just got out, tell jokes, talk about our fishing trip, and the golf outing.   We share our Thanksgiving gatherings coming up. First one is this Saturday and the second one is on Thanksgiving day. Details in the podcast.   We also share about a community event coming up that is for justice impacted kids. Whether the kids parents are still in prison or already out, we'd love for them to join us. Details in the podcast.   Please subscribe to our channel and share it with someone you think might be encouraged by our show.     Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

One of my favorite episodes. I know I say this a lot, but Cassie has helped so many of our men coming to the transitional house. The Way Back has been a sponsor of the show for a while now, and even though we had the directors on the audio version a long time ago, we have been waiting to get them back on in studio. Cassie is a case manager for The Way Back, and Drew, who has his own amazing story, is her husband, and he joins the conversation. He's a master plumber. Cassie is on her journey to be an LCDC. They share everything in their addiction journey, including the way they met on Social Media (hint, POKE). They share parenting tips as well as talk about how they had to get rid of music that wasn't Christian music because it as pushing them further from God. You will laugh, cry a little, and want to share this with someone you know. Please subscribe to our channel and share it with someone you think might be encouraged by their story.   Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back! RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/     To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

In this episode, we sit down with Stevin "Hedake" Smith, a former college and professional basketball player known for his promising career that was derailed by a point-shaving scandal. He was a two-time All-Pac-10 selection at Arizona State, but in 1994, he was involved in a scandal where he bet on his own games, ultimately leading to a prison sentence and ending his NBA prospects. Today, Smith works to educate young athletes about the dangers of gambling by speaking in universities across the nation. We talk about how his wife never left his side through the whole ordeal and was also his source of strength, as well as his accountability partner. Stevin has been featured in "Bad Sport", a Netflix documentary series, and on "Here and Now" with Shaun Rabb's Fox 4 News. You can follow Stevin on Social Media IG: @therealhedake Facebook: Hedake Smith LinkedIn: Stevin "Hedake" Smith You can buy Stevin's book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6nyKj9F Jessa tells a great joke and we talk about her very first homecoming parade, hers and Jemma's mums, her birthday party, sports, Christmas lights, and shout outs. Please subscribe to our channel and share it with someone you think might be encouraged by his story.   Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise  https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

Short video of one of our former residents and his boss.    Buddy is one of the reasons why we do this.    To help us continue helping others like Buddy, please consider partnering with us.  forgivenfelons.orghttps://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Due to technical difficulties on the tablets inside prison, we are replaying this special Christmas Lights episode for the men and women on the inside. 

EP 213 “Know Your Own Truth” Separated by Wrongful Conviction, Restored by Exoneration In 1987, just a few months after they were married, shortly before they had their son, the Spencer family was devastated and separated by our broken legal system which led to a wrongful conviction, for 34 years. We sit down with Ben and Deborah Spencer to hear their love story, and their wrongful conviction of Ben journey. Throughout their journey, their faith was up and down, including a time where Ben was suicidal and Deborah denied the existence of God. They even got a divorce at Ben’s request, but they never were apart and loved each other the whole time. They both survived Ben being in prison for 34 years and their story will inspire you. There’s some twist and turns to every part of their story and you will be amazed. You will laugh, so hard, and want to scream and cry on some parts. Our system gets it wrong, more than you know, and they got it wrong with Ben, twice.  Bringing Ben Home Book: https://a.co/d/gQoMiqI When the Truth is All You Have: https://a.co/d/4jjU0fr Atlantic News Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2018/01/no-way-out/546575/   Please subscribe to our channel and share it with someone you think might be encouraged by their story. Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]   Your background shouldn't HOLD you back, it should PAY you back. 

OUR WHY   Please watch this short music video.   The lyrics to this song were written by a Sgt. at a correctional center. It's a song about reentry and they have a pretty good reentry program there.   I asked him if we could use the song to show what we do at Forgiven Felons.   So, whether it's inside, outside, t-shirts, podcasts, or Breakfast Bible Study, everything we do takes time, energy, money, and so much more.   Thank you for partnering with us. Some of you have been giving for over 15 years, thank you. Some of you have just started today, thank you. Some of you have given large amounts, thank you. Some of you have given small amounts, thank you. Some have donated items, thank you. Some have bought off our wish list, thank you. Some have gone into prison with us, thank you.   Some have come our podcast, come to breakfast, gave our guys rides, clothes, shoes, thank you. Some of you have prayed for us and the people we serve, thank you. Some of you will help with the ranch, thank you.   Because of all of you, we can do what we do. Thank you. Will you help us continue to do all of this, and more with the ranch? North Texas Giving Day is open. Your gift goes further. Will you help? _______________________________________________________________________________ Urgent needs for North Texas Giving Day. Tomorrow September 18 Zero turn lawn mower to mow about 6 1/2 acres. $8-10k (pending) $10k to run electricity to our ranch property. $14k monthly budget for our whole ministry. Ways to give: Check in person or by mail Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, Tx 75106 Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Our website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/ Or the North Texas Giving Day site: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organi.../ForgivenFelons Jessamy and I, as well as all the people you help us help, thank you in advance for your generosity, no matter how big or small. Jay Dan and Jessamy

EP 211 “Driven”   This episode is jammed packed with fun. We start off with announcements and we talk football and baseball. And yes, it’s fun because I’m a Steeler fan. I fixed some things Jessa messed up in the studio.   We show the recap video from the Arts of Oppression art show, put on by Miles of Freedom. Some great art.   Then show the shout out video zoom call. There’s some special guests on there too.   I share a quick devotional on staying close enough to God to hear His reminders .   Then, Scott and Tabitha from Driven Re-Entry. Their story is crazy good and Jesus was all up in their story from the addiction chapter, to the prison ministry chapter, to the re-entry house chapter.   You need to hear their story and probably send to several people you know. There’s resources mentioned in this episode that will help people in addiction.   https://www.drivenreentry.org/   https://www.amazingfinishwindows.com/   https://www.amazingfinishroofing.com/   Tell them you heard it on Background Check Podcast   Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back   RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY.   https://thewaybackhouse.org/     To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support     Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. To start your journey, email her at [email protected] or message her.   "Your background shouldn't HOLD you back, it should PAY you back"

SPECIAL EPISODE We start with a long version of announcements and fun with Jay Dan and Jessa, including some questionable jokes from Jessa. We do some shout outs from men who have gotten out recently that watched the show from the inside. We share about our back to school drive and shout out to a married couple. Then, we end the announcement segment with a devotional on Kleenex, Toilet Paper, and Paper Towels, Now, to the good stuff. We traveled to North Dakota from August 18-22 and visited all the prisons in the state. Recap video coming soon. NDSP, a men's maximum security prison, has an audio podcast that is recorded from inside a converted prison cell. It's hosted by Zach Schmidkunz and Antonio "Dread" Stridiron. They invited us on their show first. We had Erick Wilson and Travis Henderson join us. Then we pulled out the video cameras and had Zach and Dread on our show. We had very little time so we didn't get into their stories much, but we will have a round two with these men for sure. We had fun talking about all the good they are doing on that unit. They had the Governor, the first lady, and the Lt Governor on the show, inside the cell with them. Crazy. Enjoy the show. Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. To start your journey, email her at [email protected] or message her.   "Your background shouldn't HOLD you back, it should PAY you back"

In this episode, we respond, light-heartedly, to Real Vida’s corn hole challenge and subsequent no show. Jay Dan appears on a fake podcast called Tell the Truth Shame the Devil in episode one titled, “Cornhole Cut-n-run” talking with host Emcy from Hog Mob. We relive the call outs from Real Vida and share our response and call out of our own. Then we share Forgiven Felons July 4th celebration as well as some of the fireworks from our own family celebration. After that, we share some preaching clips, worship, and panel discussion from the Fountain, Annex, and Holman units. We can’t show it all so we apologize in advance. The panel discussion is where Travis, Erick, John, and Jay Dan answer questions from each other as well as some great questions from the inmates. And we do some more Breakfast Bible Study Shout Outs.  Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected] "Forgiven Me" Emcy x KD Hog Used with permission

In this episode, Jessa and Jay Dan talk about the Guadalupe River crisis and pray for everyone involved.  We shout out all the books that have been sent to us by inmates as well as books authored by our guests on the show. We talk about our upcoming trips to Florida and North Dakota.  We air some shout outs from Breakfast Fellowship and share an important update on our current house in Dallas.  We practice some no look corn hole shots in preparation for the tournament at the Real Vida Memorial event. There's a quick devotional, then we dive in with our interview of Michael King. Michael is a long time drummer and has played in bands and church. Michael discusses his battle with alcohol and his recovery journey.  Michael shares about the woman he married and the tragic loss of losing her way too soon in life.  He shares some habit stacking tips and he introduces us to his "Kindness Project"  Visit kingofhabits.com to learn more. https://www.kingofhabits.com/   Please visit our sponsor’s website: The Way Back RETURNING TO THE DALLAS AREA WHEN RELEASED? THE WAY BACK IS HERE WITH THE SUPPORT AND SERVICES YOU NEED FOR A SUCCESSFUL REENTRY JOURNEY. https://thewaybackhouse.org/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at [email protected]

PRODUCTION NOTE: This is a re-airing of this episode, but with video this time. Jimmy and Beth have informed us that they are opening three more houses so they have more room.    In this episode we do announcements with Jessa including talking about the weekend we had at Breakfast Bible Study and church. We had two ladies drive from a Weatherford transitional house to go to ‪@SocialDallas‬ with us. Two men from another transitional house in Dallas came. David was celebrating his 44th birthday for the first time he could remember, that he wasn't drunk, high, or in jail. Robert shows off his juggling skills and man, is he good. We read chapter three in Proverbs for the Wisdom Challenge. Then we sit down with Jimmy and Beth Humphus from No Turning Back Ministries. They are a prison ministry and transitional house ministry. Follow them on Facebook. Jimmy and Beth take us back to when they first met, at a bar. She wasn't a Christian and he backsliding at the time. But God had plans for both. Jimmy talks a little about what landed him in prison twice, but loves talking about being redeemed by Christ, and marrying a virtuous more. They love their family of six, four daughters, and they love their family of choice, all the men in the houses, just as much. They also have had a prison ministry at the Estes unit in Venus, TX for a very long time. Longer than I've been out of prison, which is almost 18 years. Jimmy is a prime example of someone who doesn't let his background hold him back, but he definitely makes it pay him back. Tell your loved ones in prison and jails to listen on their tablets, through the podcast app. We are also on the Edovo app.  If your loved one needs a transitional house, please reach out to Jimmy and Beth at 817-266-5499 To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa take their time with announcements and have some fun. They do shout outs, show baptisms pictures, talk about breakfast Bible study, the ranch, the new truck, the new grill, and we show a video of Shannon Marshall, who was released in November of 2024, skydiving.   We address the recent “call out” from Real Vida podcast and their challenge in the corn hole tournament coming up.   Jessa tells some dad jokes and Jay Dan share a small devotion “The Screw in the Shoe”   Then we sit down with the current Chaplain of Babe’s Chicken Dinner House.   In 1977, at only 17 years old, Gene McGuire’s time living in freedom came to an end. He was one of three people that took part in a late-night bar robbery. His cousin, one of the men, fatally stabbed the bar owner. On the basis of a second-degree murder charge, Gene received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Nearly ten years later, Gene had a Christ-transformation after becoming influential in the prison culture.   Then after serving almost 35 years, a shocking miracle happened. On April, 3, 2012, at Wyoming County Courtroom in Pennsylvania, Judge Russell D. Shurtleff had made the decision that Gene was wrongfully convicted. With his life sentence reversed, he was released a free man – no parole. His inspiring journey from being imprisoned for life to being set free by the power of God’s love, forgiveness, and freedom gives everyone hope. He is an advocate for the community, a speaker, and the author of Unshackled: From Ruins to Redemption.   Gene serves as Chaplain for Babe’s Chicken and other restaurants owned by Paul Vinyard. He shares with his testimony and the gospel of Jesus, with all the staff for the Vinyard family, as well as the other two restaurants they own, Bubba’s Cook Country, and Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes.   Check out Gene on Facebook for all his latest speaking engagements.   Visit his website: https://genemcguire.org/   Order his book: https://a.co/d/golLUUk   Order Forgiven Felons or Background Check Merch: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   To learn more FORGIVEN RANCH we are developing now: https://youtu.be/za53kDdhQlY?si=8UelY6l3_ykLwf0I

In this episode we sit down with the Erick Wilsons, One and Two. We talk about fatherhood, sports, and so many other things. Sponsors: Mention Forgiven Felons, Background Check, Jay Dan or Jessa when you contact them. They all donate to Forgiven Felons when you do.   First Option Mortgage Jessamy Gumm Loan Originator- NMLS #2252597 [email protected] 972-897-5476   From On High Roofing and Construction Reginald Reed 469-922-0047 [email protected] https://fromonhighllc.com   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop  

On this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa tell some jokes, do a small devotion, play a shout out from Angelo, talk about sports, and Forgiven Ranch.  Ben's story intertwines with the previous week's guest, Kimberli Lemon. So many people's stories intersect in our broader Forgiven Felons family.  We talk yoga pants, peanut butter, satanic tattoos, and Jesus. We laugh so much and we get serious too. Watch the whole episode to hear how we navigate all these topics. Sponsors: Mention Forgiven Felons, Background Check, Jay Dan or Jessa when you contact them. They all donate to Forgiven Felons when you do. First Option Mortgage Jessamy Gumm Loan Originator- NMLS #2252597 [email protected] 972-897-5476 From On High Roofing and Construction Reginald Reed 469-922-0047 [email protected] https://fromonhighllc.com/ To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

In this episode, we air some Mother's Day shout outs from Alabama, we do a little devotional about having the keys, and we sit down with a mother.  Kimberli Lemon, a sister of an incarcerated man in Texas, shares her story of incarceration from a family's perspective. She shares how things were done in her family growing up, how she studied Buddhism for a very long time, and how she could feel God working on her through the incarceration of her brother Patrick, and the death of her father.  She shares her journey of motherhood, navigating life's trials and parenting at the same time. Kim talks about a time where she checked herself into a hospital to have people watch over her.  We laugh, we cry, we point people to Jesus this Mother's Day.    Sponsors: Mention Forgiven Felons, Background Check, Jay Dan or Jessa when you contact them. They all donate to Forgiven Felons when you do.   First Option Mortgage Jessamy Gumm Loan Originator- NMLS #2252597 [email protected] 972-897-5476 From On High Roofing and Construction Reginal Reed 469-922-0047 [email protected] https://fromonhighllc.com/   To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise   https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

We hung out at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, TX with Deanna Luprete and the crew from Epicenter Ministries, in support for House Bill 200, aka the Second Look Bill.   We interviewed a couple of second lookers and the father of a second looker. Thank you to everyone at Epicenter Ministries for taking the time to speak about the bill. Visit the website: https://secondlooktexas.org/

During announcements Jay Dan and Jessa talk about Easter, shout outs, sports, 2nd Chance Month, and upcoming prison trips.    Round Two with Dr. Letitia Scott Jackson from Keeping Families Connected.  Speaker, author, playwriter, and so much more, Dr Jackson sits down with Jay Dan again and talks about all she's been doing since the last interview.  From toy drives, school backpack drives, to writing a movie, and of course writing more books, she's been busy.  Visit her on the web at:Keepingfamilyconnected.org Check her out on all social media platforms under Letitia Scott Jackson or Keeping Families Connected.  Check out her latest book on Amazon: Queen: Come On With Your Money Making Self Grace and Favor: From Prison to Paid Sponsors: Mention Forgiven Felons, Background Check, Jay Dan or Jessa when you contact them. They all donate to Forgiven Felons when you do.   First Option Mortgage Jessamy Gumm Loan Originator- NMLS #2252597 [email protected] 972-897-5476   From On High Roofing and Construction Reginal Reed 469-922-0047 [email protected] To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

At 13 years of age, Fresh and his friend stole a pair of clippers from Minyards. The reason they stole them is because their families couldn’t afford a hair cut at the time. Fresh and his friend cut each other’s hair, but then started cutting all the kids hair in the neighborhood. Coming from a broken home, Fresh did his best along the way to avoid getting into gangs but couldn’t altogether avoid them. He ended up in juvenile detention for a few months and eventually ended up in prison, after being on the run for two years. When they saw his clipper’s tattoo he was encouraged to apply for intake barber. From there, he turned his skill into life. His skill gave him protection, finances, and confidence. He cut inmates and correctional staff’s hair. When he got out of prison he hustled to try to regain all the business he started with. Now, he’s in many dealerships across the Dallas area. One of the quotes that kept him going on the road to forever change is “What’s so wrong with change, if where you are and what you are, has got you where you’re at?” One of my favorite lines from our interview is “When I had to choose between God and a women, I chose to lean into God over a woman.” Fresh has truly shown what it means to not let his background hold him back, but make it pay him back.   Sponsors: Mention Forgiven Felons, Background Check, Jay Dan or Jessa when you contact them. They all donate to Forgiven Felons when you do. First Option Mortgage Jessamy Gumm Loan Originator- NMLS #2252597 [email protected] 972-897-5476   From On High Roofing and Construction Reginal Reed 469-922-0047 [email protected]   Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop   Song "The Club" by ASAP used with permission.