PODCAST · health
The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III
by Eldra Jackson III
Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III. Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes' greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, 'men's work', and what it means to 'lead change from within'. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra's TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views.
Episodes
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10/02/2026 - Robin Graham on Trauma, Recovery, and 25 Years of Writers Behind the Walls, episode 95
Robin Graham was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and for 25 years she has given incarcerated writers a place to tell the truth. As founder and publisher of Spotlight on Recovery Magazine, she has grown a newsletter at a treatment facility into a publication featuring more than 400 writers…
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Eileen Ruiter: Building Inside Circle in a Dutch Prison, episode 94
Eileen Ruiter, founder of Inside Circle Netherlands, joins host Eldra Jackson III to share how a documentary about Inside Circle's work sparked a two-year journey to bring Circle into a Dutch prison — one met with security pushback, a strip search, and a culture where naming your own emotions is...
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William Harris: Building a Life From Scratch, episode 93
After 30 years inside William Harris is starting over in a city where he knows no one. Host Eldra Jackson III sits down with the longtime Inside Circle member, part of the group since its first Tuesday in the New Folsom chapel, to talk about the identity crisis that shaped his path to prison, the...
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Peace Was the Point: Keilen Crenshaw on Anger, Healing, and Learning to Respect the River, episode 92
Keilen Crenshaw learned early that the world responded to force. Taken from his mother at 10, cycling through foster care, carrying unchecked anger that eventually led to a four-and-a-half-year federal sentence — survival was the only thing he knew. What he didn't know was where that anger came...
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Building the Inside Circle Healing Home with Aaron Burris, episode 91
When Aaron Burris walks into the dining room of the Inside Circle Healing Home, he feels two things at once — joy and grief. Joy because a dream that was born in prison circles, in chapel chairs, in hushed conversations about what if we built something — is now real. Grief because some of the men...
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Breaking the Cycle: Edwin Lee on Self-Worth and Survival, episode 90
How do you find self-love after 15 years in prison? In this episode, Edwin Lee joins host Eldra Jackson III to share his raw journey from a lonely childhood in San Francisco's Chinatown to finding his humanity behind bars. Edwin discusses the "Tiger Parenting" that fueled his early resentment…
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From Lost to Leading: Dariel Pena on Identity, Justice, and Starting Over, episode 89
Fresh home after years of incarceration, Dariel Pena joins The Inside Circle Podcast to share a story shaped by loss, belonging, and hard-won transformation. Raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Dariel reflects on how a lack of connection at home and the pull of belonging in the streets drew him into...
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From a 40-Year Sentence to a Doctorate with Dr. Samuel Arroyo, episode 88
Dr. Samuel Arroyo joins the Inside Circle Podcast to share the journey from Spanish Harlem street life to a 40-year New York State sentence — and the slow, deliberate work of real transformation. After becoming involved in organized drug activity and serving nearly 15 years in prison, he began...
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What Prison Taught Me About Emotions, Faith, and Freedom with Kentric Devone McKoy - Episode 87
In this episode, Eldra sits down with Kentric Devone McKoy for a powerful conversation about prison, emotional healing, faith, and freedom. Kendrick shares his journey from a childhood marked by abuse and suppressed emotion, through decades in the California prison system, to life after release…
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This Life and the Fight Against Negative Emotion with Justin Smith episode 86
In the first episode of 2026, Eldra sits down with Justin Smith for a candid conversation about negative emotion, honesty, and spiritual growth without performance. Justin shares how his childhood—marked by poverty, a status-driven community, and his father's struggle with manic depression—shaped...
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In the Face of Fear: Year-End Reflections on Fear, Healing, and Hope - Episode 85
As we close out the year, Eldra Jackson III returns to a theme that has surfaced again and again—in his own life, in Inside Circle's work, and across the communities we've sat with: fear, and the choices we make when it shows up. In this reflective year-end episode, Eldra looks back at...
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The Loneliness at the Top: Nick Jonsson's Journey Toward Connection and Recovery - Episode 84
In this episode of the Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III speaks with Nick Jonsson, global keynote speaker and bestselling author of Executive Loneliness, about the hidden cost of success and the healing power of vulnerability. After reaching the top of his corporate career, Nick's…
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Facing the Water: Eldra Learns to Swim with Cori Myka - Episode 83
This month's Inside Circle Podcast takes a different turn. Host Eldra Jackson III shares a personal milestone: just last summer, he learned to swim for the first time—side by side with kids half a century younger. That experience sparked today's conversation with Cori Myka, founder of Calm Within...
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Cracked Open in Folsom: Ari Rosen on Freedom Through Feeling - Episode 82
In this episode of the Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with chef, restaurateur, and Inside Circle facilitator Ari Rosen. Ari shares his journey from growing up in Northern California with loving parents, to navigating bullying, building successful restaurants, and…
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From "Messed Up" to Mindful: Rick Culleton's Road to Calm - Episode 81
In this episode, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with entrepreneur, author, and former inmate Rick Culleton to explore what it really means to change from the inside out. Rick shares how he moved from addiction and anxiety to building a thriving business and a mindful life—one rooted in peace,...
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Dark and Tender: Aaron Johnson on Reclaiming Touch and Dismantling the Black Brute Myth - Episode 80
In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, Eldra sits down with social activist and founder of The CUT Project, Aaron Johnson, about the need for holistic, platonic touch in the lives of Black and BIPOC men. Drawing from personal experience and his work, Aaron explores how unaddressed trauma…
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My Time Gonna Come: Ian Manuel on Poetry, Prison, and the Power of Forgiveness - Episode 79
In this powerful conversation, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with Ian Manuel—activist, poet, and author—whose life was irrevocably changed after being sentenced to life in prison at age 13. Ian shares his remarkable journey from solitary confinement to the national stage, where his poetry and...
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Patchwork of Healing: Felix Mickens on Love, Loss, and Leadership - Episode78
Felix Mickens joins host Eldra Jackson III to reflect on a life shaped by early loss, decades of service in juvenile justice, and a profound journey of healing. From his childhood in East St. Louis and New Jersey to his leadership in bringing Inside Circle into New Jersey's juvenile justice…
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The Inner Warrior: Rising Beyond Limits with Wayne Forrest - Episode 77
After a devastating rugby injury left him paralyzed from the neck down at just 25, Wayne Forrest could have given up. Instead, he tapped into something deeper. In this moving conversation with host Eldra Jackson III, Wayne shares how he transformed trauma into triumph, rediscovered purpose, and…
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Healing, Identity, and the Power of Mentorship with Thomas LaGrave Jr. - Episode 76
Therapist Thomas LaGrave Jr. joins Eldra Jackson III to explore the loss and reclamation of identity through addiction, the healing power of nature, and the role of strong male mentors in shaping lives. Drawing from his work in the prison system and the Honor Bound Academy, Thomas shares raw...
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Defending the Defenseless with Alexander McLean - Episode 75
In this powerful episode, Eldra Jackson III welcomes Alexander McLean, founder of Justice Defenders, an organization transforming lives by training prisoners and prison officers to become paralegals and lawyers. Alexander shares his incredible journey, from washing and advocating for abandoned...
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Healing Our Politics with Skippy Mesirow - Episode 74
In the first episode of 2025, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Skippy Mesirow, certified master coach and founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC), for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about healing our politics, addressing addiction, and confronting the unspoken realities of...
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2024 Year in Review: Igniting Community - Episode 73
In the final episode of 2024, host Eldra Jackson III reflects on a transformative year for Inside Circle and its mission to empower system-impacted individuals to ignite healing and change within themselves and their communities. From reintroducing circles inside New Folsom Prison after six years...
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Unlocking the Hidden Workforce with Trent Griffin-Braff - Episode 72
In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Trent Griffin-Braff, founder of The Success Map Initiative. Trent shares his journey of growing up in the Bronx during the crack epidemic and his rise from cleaning toilets at the Marriott to becoming a general manager....
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Intentional Living: From Prison to Purpose with George Nolan - Episode 71
In this powerful episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with George Nolan, a re-entry recovery advocate and motivational disruptor. George shares his transformative journey from a life of crime, addiction, and prison to becoming a force for positive change. At 45, he had a...
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Unlocking the Power of Sexual Energy with Jackson Hightower - Episode 70
In this episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III and guest Jackson Hightower explore the transformative power of sexual energy. Jackson shares his holistic approach to helping men overcome issues like shame, performance anxiety, and porn addiction. By focusing on diet, fitness, and…
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Empowering Men of Color with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing - Episode 69
In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III engages in a profound conversation with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing, founder and facilitator of Men of Color—a supportive community for men of color to grow and prosper in all aspects of their lives. As a personal and professional…
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Jenelle Hudson on Transformational Housing - Episode 68
Join Eldra Jackon III and guest Jenelle Hudson, founder of Pyramid House Foundation, an organization bridging the gap from homelessness to independence, as they delve into the incredible power of safe, supportive, and empowering transitional housing. Jenelle, with a background in sociology and...
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Hiding Inside a Man with Matthew Sloane - Episode 67
Welcome to the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III. Today, we're joined by Matthew Sloane, a committed father, husband, and integral coach. Matthew's soulful book on masculinity, Hiding Inside a Man, is coming out in November 2024. He is also working on Raising Spirited Daughters, an...
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Reversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66
Join Eldra Jackson III on this inspiring episode of "The Inside Circle," where he welcomes Al Lewis, a pivotal figure who witnessed the evolution of civil rights organizing firsthand in Memphis. Al shares his unique experiences growing up during the tumultuous civil rights era and discusses his...
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Breaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65
Dive into a compelling episode of the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III, featuring guests Jason Bostic and Wesley Jeffries from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. This episode illuminates the transformative healing journey of two former rivals, brought together by the programmatic efforts of Project...
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Transformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64
Join host Eldra Jackson III for a compelling episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, spotlighting the transformative journeys of two remarkable individuals enrolled in Inside Circle's Young Adult Empowerment (YAE) program. Listen as they recount their histories and the profound impact of the...
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Learning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63
Join Eldra Jackson III in a powerful conversation with Manuel Ruiz, Chairman of the Board at Inside Circle. In this episode, Manuel details his journey from a 21-year life sentence to his pivotal role in the organization today and shares about how he learned to feel, the complexities of shedding...
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Credible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62
In this inaugural 2024 episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III introduces Taylor Code, an individual whose journey in restorative justice began in his youth at a Los Angeles probation camp. Taylor shares his transformative experience from gang member to empowered poet, discussing the...
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The Art of Versatility: From Circus to CEO with Robin P. Zander, Episode 61
In this episode, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Robin P. Zander, an entrepreneur, strategist, and best-selling author with a unique background in management consulting and the circus. Robin, founder and CEO of Zander Media and author of the national bestseller in Japan, "How to Do a Handstand,"...
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Standing in the Gap with Hawi James Ouma, Episode 60
Sometimes, you must push past the voice that whispers, "I'm not the right person for this." Hawi James Ouma did precisely that when he began working with children affected by the justice system. Recognizing the need for positive male role models in the lives of young men, James founded Life Song...
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Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) with Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, Episode 59
In this episode we are lucky to be joined by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first Surgeon General. Join us as we explore her pioneering efforts in addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and reshaping our understanding of health and resilience. Together, we uncover the stories of...
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Don't Miss the Blessing with Heru Enkamit, Episode 58
Discover the transformative journey of Heru Enkamit, who found liberation after 27 years of incarceration. His life's tapestry is woven with poignant moments of awakening pulled from the street, prison, fatherhood, work with Inside Circle, and his journey from release to entrepreneurship. Join us...
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It Could happen to Anyone with Sarah Hainstock, Episode 57
Flight instructor, life coach… felon? Sarah Hainstock trusted the wrong person and ended up serving time in the Ohio State prison system for drug trafficking. What she experienced during her 18 month sentence was marked by chaos, absurdity, and a profound sense of waste. With one in four adults…
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Breaking Through a Broken System with Sean Wilson, Episode 56
Sean Wilson knew better, and fortunately, he never forgot who he was and what he was destined for. In the 17 years he was incarcerated, he dedicated himself to learning as much as he could, even finding a loophole in his prison's maximum book policy by requesting photocopied versions of books.…
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Peak Performance with Justin Danforth, Episode 55
Experience the inspiring journey of Justin Danforth from incarceration to serial entrepreneurship. After serving a sentence of over 14 years in the North Carolina Department of Corrections, Justin's life took a remarkable turn and through daily dedication and unwavering commitment, he was able to...
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The Love Factor with Stacey Gonzales, Episode 54
Discover the inspiring story of Stacey Gonzalez, a former alcohol addict turned Therapeutic Counselor and Men's Coach. Join him as he shares how he overcame his struggles and now dedicates his life to helping men embrace their masculinity, overcome their traumas, and tackle their greatest...
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Precious Time with Calen Robertson, Episode 53
Calen Robertson was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. He was gang-impacted from a young age and through a personal epiphany he came to understand the preciousness of time and decided to stop wasting his own. He now actively works to bring kids in his community out of gang life through safe...
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What's in the Water? with Tommy Shakur Ross, Episode 52
Tommy Shakur Ross was paroled in 2022 after being imprisoned for over 36 years. Shakur was formative in launching radio programing at San Quentin, producing stories for KALW in San Francisco and in 2017, Shakur received an award for excellence in journalism by the Northern California chapter of…
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Voice of the Voiceless with Jabari Jackson, Episode 51
A survivor and product of the streets of San Francisco, community activist, Jabari Jackson was raised in a violent, chaotic world that was defined by addiction, crime and incarceration. After decades in and out of prison, Jabari shares how change became possible for him. Today, he's committed to...
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Doing the Work with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 50
In this episode, we turn the microphone around and ask podcast host and Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, Eldra Jackson III, a few questions about the work that Inside Circle does. Eldra was an inmate at New Folsom Prison when he found Inside Circle and began the inner personal journey that...
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Barrier-Free Mental Health with Dr. Trina Clayeux, Episode 49
Join host, Eldra Jackson, as he sits down with Dr. Trina Clayeux, the extraordinary CEO of Give An Hour, a non-profit that provides population-based, no-cost access to mental health care for veterans, formerly incarcerated people, refugees, survivors of mass shootings, and many more. In this...
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Lead with Gratitude with Antong Lucky, Episode 48
Returned citizen, author, speaker, activist, group facilitator and now President of Urban Specialists, a nonprofit organization working to eliminate violence in urban culture, Antong Lucky, is the epitome of redemption and transformation. After transforming his own life, he has worked tirelessly…
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Appreciating the Truth with Tracy Scott, Episode 47
Tracy Scott got out of prison in 2022 after serving a 28 year sentence. Listen as he shares his powerful story of trauma, pain, transformation, and how he found his commitment to a life of good works. Today, he works with youth in and out of the prison system and is passionate about…
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Making the Imagination Real with Juan Velez, Episode 46
The son of immigrant parents, writer Juan Velez was the first child in his family to graduate college. In this episode, he talks about the hard work, focus, and family support it took for him to write as he worked other jobs and faced challenges like depression, anxiety, and loss. Listen as Juan...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III. Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes' greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, 'men's work', and what it means to 'lead change from within'. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra's TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views.
HOSTED BY
Eldra Jackson III
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III have?
The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III currently has 96 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III about?
Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III. Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes' greatest...
How often does The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III release new episodes?
The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III has 96 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III?
You can listen to The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III 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 The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III?
The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III is created and hosted by Eldra Jackson III.
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