PODCAST · society
Background Check Podcast
by Jay Dan Gumm
Some episodes have profanity in them. All episodes have great stories though.
Episodes
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EP 241 "Pessimist vs Optimist, C-10 Truck Show, Surgery, Dad Jokes" with Jay Dan and Jessa Gumm
In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa just do what they love to do, talk. They talk about everything from Jay Dan's recent knee surgery, including the big incision reveal, to the C-10 Truck Show he went to, to sports including the Cowboys loss, and lots of jokes. Then the father and daughter duo…
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EP 240 "Alcoholics Are Born, Drug Addicts Are Made: We Do Recover" Dr Robb Kelly PhD, The Robb Kelly Recovery Group
ONE MORE FOR NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH (which was September, I know, I got distracted) In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Robb Kelly for a second time. We last spoke with him in September of 2022. A lot has happened since then. He went on a weight gain and weight loss journey and we dig into why...
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EP 239 "Judgement Free Zone: From Prison to Planet Fitness" with Amy Martinez
Amy ran the streets barefoot as a kid, and was raised in bars by her Grandmother. She was molested by her grandfather from age two until nine years old. Her life's story has so many twists and turns, including going to Bible school, just before going into prison. Her story of recovery is one that...
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EP 238 "Daddy, You Ain't Never Gonna Do Right" with Johnny Gleaton, Former Alabama Inmate
In this episode, Jay Dan sits down with Johnny Gleaton in Atmore, Alabama at the We Care Program. Jay Dan recently visited the Florida and Alabama prisons and had the chance to catch up with Johnny in person, outside the prison, after seeing him inside for over two years. Johnny's life…
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EP 237 "The Cruise & the Prison Trip" with Jay Dan, Jessa, and Jemma, featuring Reggie Hicks
In this episode, Jay Dan, Jessa, and Jemma talk about their cruise, Jay Dan’s dislocated knee and upcoming surgery, and lot of dad jokes. Jay Dan talks about his week with Reggie Hicks, from Brother’s Keeper Prison Ministry, in Alabama and Florida prisons. We talk about current events that affect...
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EP 236 "Background Check-In: Jessa, Jemma, and Jay Dan"
Checking In with Jay Dan, Jessa, and Jemma, after a month off.
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EP 235 "Remembering the Legacy of Jane (Gumm) Davidson: Matriarch of Forgiven Felons
In this episode, we honor the memory of my mom, Jane Gumm Davidson. This is the memorial service. We don’t own the rights to any of these songs. They were just my mom’s favorite songs by her favorite people. She love her weenie dogs and Robert Redford. That’s why the AI pics are in there. David...
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EP 234 "Forgiven Felons Freedom Open House 2026"
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...
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EP 233 "Transformation, One Cup of Coffee at a Time" with Michael Etcheson, Founder C.R.E.A.M. Luxury Coffee
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…
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EP 232 "From Looking at Life, to Speaking Life" with Landy, Christian Hip Hop Artist
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,...
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EP 231 "Update On Mama, Father's Day Check-In"
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.
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EP 230 Father's Day Episode "Two Brothers, One Mission" John and Guy Early, Think Twice Ministries
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…
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EP 229 "Prison Saved My Life" with Shawn Serfass, 2nd Chance Mentors
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…
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EP 228 "Empires & Puzzles: A Gamer's Love Story" with Bill and Stephanie Everts, Less Than The Least Ministries
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...
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EP 227 "What We Learned at the Rodeo" with Jay Dan and Jessa
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.…
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Background Check-In May 19, 2026 Health Update
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.…
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EP 226 "I'm Not That Person Anymore" with Audrey Guzman
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...
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EP 225 "Just One More Kiss Mommy" with Sarah Burt
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…
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SPECIAL EPISODE: Live from the Farmington Correctional Center in Farmington, MO
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...
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EP 224 "Suicide by Cop" The Cheyenne Pitts Story with Cheyenne Pitts and Live Music in Studio
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...
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Background Check-In with Jessa and Jay Dan
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.
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Special Episode "Even If: Commitment That Refuses to Bow" Jessa Gumm's Short Sermon
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.
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EP 223 "Jay Dan and Jessa Talk About Everything"
Just an array of topics from shout outs, to sports, to Walker Texas Ranger, and prison. Music Videos by Landy used with permission.
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EP 222 "I Was An Oops, But God Had Bigger Plans For Me" Angelo Gungino's Story
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…
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Background Check-In March 11, 2026 Landy, "What They Want From Me"
Checking In from the Alabama prison road trip. Music from Landy Used with permission.
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Background Check-In Feb 28, 2026
Shorter versions of Background Check Podcast, in between the longer versions.
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EP 221 "I Got Your Back" with Reggie Dabbs, Motivational Speaker
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…
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Background Check-In, Feb 18, 2026 The Drop Off Line
Background Check-In The Drop Off Line
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Live in Concert: ASAP Preach and Rare Of Breed, replay of live concert.
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
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Super Bowl Background Check In, Feb 8, 2026
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.
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Background Check In, Jan 24, 2026
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.
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Background Check In, January 21, 2026 "Preparation"
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.
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Background Check In for January 19, 2026
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.
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Take 4 EP 220 "Christmas Light Tour" 2025
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...
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Bonus Song: "There For You" by John Montana and Terry Solley
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…
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EP 219 "Seminary, Songs, and Stories" with John Montana
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...
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EP 218 "Dear Lord, Help Me Whoop This Fool" with Steven Trevino, CEO, I Scoop Poop
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…
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EP 217 Happy Thanksgiving with Jessa and Jay Dan
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…
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EP 216 "Have Patience" Announcements, jokes, fishing, golf, and a devotional, with Jessa and Jay Dan
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.…
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EP 215 "Change Your Music, Change Your Life" Drew and Cassie Gonzales
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...
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EP 214 "The Gamble That Didn't Pay Off, or Did It? with Stevin "Hedake" Smith
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...
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The Buddy and Russ Story: Our Why
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/
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(For those on the inside) Replay of 2024 Tour of Lights
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.
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EP 213 "Know Your Own Truth" A family separated by wrongful conviction, restored through exoneration. Ben and Deborah Spencer
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…
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Music Video Forgiven Felons: Our Why! Guard Towers in Lighthouses, written by Sgt. Jack Coppenger
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,...
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EP 211 "Driven" with Scott and Tabitha from Driven Re-Entry
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…
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EP 210 "Chainz 2 Changed" with Zach Schmidkunz and Antonio "Dread" Stridiron from inside North Dakota Prison
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...
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EP 209 "Cornhole Cut-n-Run, July 4th Celebration, Beto Gathering, Alabama Trip"
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...
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EP 208 "Habit Stacking and The Kindness Project" with Michael King
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...
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EP 158 February Love Stories "He's Crazy, But Dang He's Cute" Jimmy and Beth Humphus, No Turning Back Ministries.
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Some episodes have profanity in them. All episodes have great stories though.
HOSTED BY
Jay Dan Gumm
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Background Check Podcast have?
Background Check Podcast currently has 276 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Background Check Podcast about?
Some episodes have profanity in them. All episodes have great stories though.
How often does Background Check Podcast release new episodes?
Background Check Podcast publishes regularly with 276 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Background Check Podcast?
You can listen to Background Check 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 Background Check Podcast?
Background Check Podcast is created and hosted by Jay Dan Gumm.
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