PODCAST · government
The Redemption Project
by Brandon Burley
The Redemption Project is an award-winning podcast recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists East Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards as Best Podcast of 2025.Hosted by Brandon Burley, TRP tells redemption stories, explains civic systems clearly, hosts fair public conversations and highlights people doing good work in Tennessee and beyond.Across its seasons, the show explores second chances, faith, government, economics, criminal justice, elections, leadership and the public systems shaping everyday life. The goal is simple: clarity over outrage, understanding over tribalism and
Episodes
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From Addiction and Prison to Recovery, Reentry and Purpose: The Redemption Story of Samantha Acy
Samantha Acy knows what it feels like to be labeled. Addict. Inmate. Felon. Criminal. For many people, those labels become permanent. They follow someone long after the jail sentence ends, long after the drug use stops, long after the person begins trying to build a different life. But Samantha...
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Simon White
Simon White’s story does not begin in prison. It begins in Dillon, South Carolina. From there, his life moved to Harlem, then Philadelphia, then Florida, then back to Philadelphia. Along the way, there were early warnings, bad decisions, addiction, pressure, family responsibilities, job loss and…
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TRP S2E14: Redemption Story — Jay Martinez: From Cartel Life to Christ
Jay Martinez joins The Redemption Project for a Season 2 Redemption Story about gang life, cartel involvement, federal prison, faith, transformation and what it means to use a painful past to point others toward Christ. Jay grew up in El Paso, Texas, in a home marked by violence, fear and...
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TRP S3E06: Systems Explained — Understanding the State Legislature
What does a state legislature actually do? In this Season 3 Systems Explained episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley explains how state legislatures work, why they matter and how they shape daily life far more than many citizens realize. Using Tennessee as the main example, this…
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TRP S2E13: Redemption Story — Alan Roberts: From Addiction and Arrests to Recovery Work
Alan Roberts joins The Redemption Project for a Season 2 Redemption Story about addiction, shame, recovery, pardon, second chances and what it means to help others find the way out. Alan grew up with a stable family and a strong moral foundation, but drinking, marijuana and later cocaine opened…
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TRP S3E05: Systems Explained — What the Governor Can Actually Control
What can a governor actually control? In this Season 3 Systems Explained episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley breaks down the real powers and limits of a governor, using Tennessee as the main example. The short version: governors are powerful, but they are not all-powerful. They can...
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TRP S2E12: Redemption Story — Chad Roberts: From Meth, Prison and Brokenness to Ministry
Chad Roberts joins The Redemption Project for a Season 2 Redemption Story about childhood brokenness, addiction, crime, incarceration, faith, treatment and what it means to become the kind of man he once needed. Chad grew up in a home where drugs, violence and spiritual darkness were part of his...
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TRP S5E01: Tennessee Good Work — Katie Growden on Voter Engagement and Civic Voice
Katie Growden joins The Redemption Project for the first episode of Season 5: Tennessee Good Work. Katie serves as the Tennessee state manager for Save the Children Action Network, an advocacy organization working at the grassroots level to connect people with the systems and policies that affect...
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TRP S4E13: Civic Conversations — Civil Miller-Watkins, U.S. Senate Candidate
Civil Miller-Watkins joins The Redemption Project for a Season 4 Civic Conversations episode about her campaign for the U.S. Senate, her background as an eighth grade math teacher, and the issues she believes Tennessee families are carrying to the kitchen table. Miller-Watkins lives in Fayette...
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TRP S4E12: Civic Conversations — Tennessee Gubernatorial Roundtable
What happens when Tennessee gubernatorial candidates from different political lanes are asked the same voter-submitted questions, under the same rules, in the same room? That was the purpose of this live roundtable from The Redemption Project: give voters a structured, fair conversation instead…
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Federal marijuana classification changes
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project When federal marijuana classification changes, many people assume practical rules shift immediately. In reality, state law, workplace standards, and enforcement decisions often continue operating under separate timelines for much longer than headlines...
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TRP S2E11: Redemption Story — Kendra and Amanda — Going to Jail Saved My Life
In this long-form episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley sits down with Kendra and Amanda, two women in early recovery whose lives were shaped by addiction, incarceration, and the long road back to stability. Both women share candidly about heroin, meth, fentanyl, jail time, overdoses,...
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New Opioids Move Unevenly
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Federal detections of a new synthetic opioid show why drug markets do not spread state by state the way most people assume. Federal laboratory detections of a new synthetic opioid known as N-propionitrile chlorphine are raising broader questions about...
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TRP S1E13: Redemption Story — Lyon’s Second Chance —“I Got Tired of Being Sick and Tired”
After leaving recovery too early, falling back into addiction, and eventually ending up on the run again, Lyon reached a point he describes simply: sick and tired of being sick and tired. In this episode of The Redemption Project, he explains how fentanyl, cocaine, repeated arrests, and years of...
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Police Officers carry the weight of a call, long after it ends
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project A call may close operationally and still remain mentally active much longer than people realize. That is part of why officer wellness is often misunderstood: many burdens do not appear when the report is written. I am a retired detective and criminal...
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Human trafficking and tattoo studios?
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Human trafficking indicators do not always surface first where people expect. Sometimes they appear where trust forms naturally and people spend enough time for unusual patterns to become visible. I am a retired detective and criminal justice /...
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Alabama Watching: What Jefferson County Says About an Emerging Synthetic Opioid
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Jefferson County officials say cychlorphine has not been detected locally, but the larger issue is how forensic laboratories decide what they are prepared to see. Jefferson County forensic officials say a newly engineered synthetic opioid known as...
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Social media as an investigative tool
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Investigative value online usually appears through patterns, not single posts. Repeated names, reaction behavior, deleted material, and timing often matter more than people realize. I am a retired detective and criminal justice / government educator...
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TRP S2E10: Redemption Story —After Being Robbed at Gunpoint, She Chose Jail Ministry
Years after being robbed at gunpoint, Susan Stoner found herself drawn toward a place many people would never choose to enter voluntarily: a county jail. In this episode of The Redemption Project, she explains why that traumatic experience did not harden her, but instead deepened her desire to...
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TRP S4E11: Civic Conversations — Lauren Pinkston — Candidate for Governor
A special political interview edition of The Redemption Project. In this episode of Candidate Conversations, Lauren Pinkston joins me for a long-form discussion on Tennessee’s future through the lens of energy, infrastructure, education, and independent politics. We discuss her proposal for...
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TRP S4E10: Civic Conversations — Jerri Green — Candidate for Governor
A special political interview edition of The Redemption Project. In this episode of Candidate Conversations, Jerri Green joins me for a long-form discussion on Tennessee policy, statewide strategy, and the issues shaping the governor’s race from a Democratic perspective. We discuss energy policy,...
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TRP S4E09: Civic Conversations —Monty Fritts — Candidate for Governor
A different kind of conversation for The Redemption Project. In this special interview series, Tennessee governor candidates are given space to answer direct policy questions in long form, followed by rapid-fire voter questions submitted in real time. In this first episode, Monty Fritts discusses...
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Ohio’s forensic system reflects a larger reality
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Ohio’s forensic system reflects a larger reality: emerging synthetic compounds often arrive faster than older detection expectations were built to manage. Labs usually meet that pressure before the public sees the pattern clearly. I am a retired...
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How Europe Spots New Opioids Early
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project European forensic systems are increasingly identifying synthetic opioids before those substances become fully visible in national overdose statistics, giving health authorities earlier warning as chemical markets evolve. Europe’s drug monitoring…
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Redemption Story: Steve Smith
When Steve Smith walked out of prison in August 2025, he didn’t walk into a celebration. He walked out alone. No family waiting. No friends. No car. No money. Nothing except the clothes he was wearing and a box of books he carried with him. From the prison gate, Steve came straight to Men of…
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TRP S1E12: Redemption Story — Steve Smith —no family support, no close friends, and nothing but the clothes on his back and a box of books.
Steve Smith was released from prison in August 2025 and came directly to Men of Valor Knoxville.He left prison with no family support, no close friends, and nothing but the clothes on his back and a box of books.Steve knew the life he had been living before incarceration was destructive. After a...
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Newer synthetic opioid vs narcan
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project As newer synthetic opioids appear, responders are again asking how consistently naloxone behaves across changing compounds. The key point remains: naloxone still matters, but chemistry rarely stays static for long. I am a retired detective and criminal...
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TRP S3E04: Systems Explained —County Commission vs. City Council: Who Controls What?
Many people know they vote for both city and county officials, but fewer people understand what each level of local government actually controls. In Season 3, Episode 3 of Systems Explained, Brandon Burley explains the practical difference between a city council and a county commission: who they...
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The Question We Rarely Ask After Prison
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Most criminal justice debate focuses on sentencing and incarceration. Far less attention is given to what happens after release, even though that is often where public safety outcomes are shaped most directly. We still measure criminal justice at the...
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TRP S3E03: Systems Explained —Police Department vs. Sheriff’s Office: Who Actually Has Authority?
Most people know that police officers and sheriff’s deputies both wear badges and answer calls, but the agencies behind them are built very differently. In Season 3, Episode 2 of Systems Explained, Brandon Burley explains the practical difference between a city police department and a county...
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Large narcotics investigations
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Large narcotics investigations often begin long before they look large. In many smaller communities, one officer noticing repeated movement, repeated names, or one local shift becomes the first signal that something larger may already be underway. I am…
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TRP S3E02: Systems Explained —Food Bank vs. Food Pantry: What Most People Get Wrong
Most people use the terms food bank and food pantry like they mean the same thing. They do not. In this first episode of Systems Explained, Brandon Burley explains how the food distribution system actually works: why a food bank is usually a large supply center, why a food pantry is the local…
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Cyberbullying and Law Enforcement
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Cyberbullying cases often become difficult because schools, parents, and law enforcement do not always operate from the same threshold. A disciplinary issue, a harmful message, and a criminal standard are not automatically the same thing; even when the...
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Welcome to season 3. Short form redemption stories
Hey! Welcome to season 3. In season 3, I will be focused on more short form storytelling from individuals who have overcome their demons. To recap: Season 1: Short form storytelling from men at Men of Valor Season 2: Long form storytelling from people in all walks of life Season 3: Short form...
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Should SNAP include sugary food and drinks?
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project SNAP debates usually sound like product debates on the surface. But underneath them sits a larger policy question: does the public still agree on what food assistance is intended to solve, and how should trust be maintained while rules evolve? I am a...
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Arizona’s fentanyl response often gets discussed through enforcement numbers.
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Arizona’s fentanyl response often gets discussed through enforcement numbers. But forensic systems carry another side of the burden: identifying compounds, confirming toxicology, and keeping pace with changing chemistry. Those pressures do not always...
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Why New Opioids Stay Hidden
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project A newly emerging synthetic opioid identified in Tennessee, Canada, and parts of Europe is highlighting a larger forensic challenge: surveillance systems often only detect what laboratories are already built to recognize. A new synthetic opioid is now...
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TRP S1E11: Redemption Story — Dewey Burton — After serving his time and being out of prison for just over a year, he was charged with aggravated child neglect.
Dewey Burton’s past isn’t easy to talk about — and it shouldn’t be. Before coming to Men of Valor, Dewey had already been convicted of robbery. After serving his time and being out of prison for just over a year, he was charged with aggravated child neglect. When that case crossed my desk years...
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Addiction pressure is not limited to large cities.
by Brandon Burley and The Redemption Project Addiction pressure is not limited to large cities. But access to treatment often is. In many smaller communities, the same need exists with fewer immediate options — which means geography quietly shapes recovery outcomes more than many people realize....
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New synthetic opioid
19 deaths tied to a newer synthetic #opioid One thing the public rarely sees: forensic labs often encounter new chemistry long before public warning systems catch up. The science usually arrives before the headlines. Get full access to The Redemption Project Newsroom at...
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TRP S1E10: Redemption Story — Dustin Morgan— Before prison, Dustin worked as a paramedic
Dustin Morgan’s story carries a weight that never fully goes away — and he doesn’t pretend that it should. Dustin was convicted of second-degree murder. He shot and killed a man. He pled guilty and received a 15-year sentence. There’s no minimizing that, and Dustin doesn’t try to. He owns it....
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“Reentry Starts on Day One” — Jesse Crosson
Jesse Crosson was arrested just after his 18th birthday and sentenced to 32 years in prison for a robbery and non-fatal shooting. For nearly two decades, prison was the only adult life he knew. When Jesse was granted a conditional pardon in 2021, he was released with just an hour and a half’s...
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TRP S1E09: Redemption Story — Jesse Crosson —“Reentry Starts on Day One”
Jesse Crosson was arrested just after turning 18 and sentenced to 32 years in prison for a robbery and a non-fatal shooting. Most people would have given up. Jesse didn’t. Instead of waiting for the system to save him, Jesse spent nearly two decades preparing—working jobs inside prison, learning...
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From Privilege to Prison Charges: TK on Addiction, Recovery, and What Actually Saves Lives
In this episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley sits down with TK, a licensed therapist and recovery professional whose life was nearly ended by addiction before it was rebuilt through faith, accountability, and community. TK’s story challenges stereotypes. He didn’t grow up in poverty…
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TRP S1E08: Redemption Story —Redemption Story: Sean Luttrell
Sean Luttrell’s first arrest came in 2023. By his own words, he wasn’t confused about how he got there. He was living an evil life — one bad decision stacked on top of another until the weight finally caught up with him. The arrest didn’t surprise him. In a way, it confirmed what he already knew:...
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TRP Trailer: Sean describes the moment he knew he had to change.
On February 23, 2026 you can hear the complete story of Sean Luttrell.
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TRP S4E08: Civic Conversations —When Ink Becomes Evidence: How Tattoo Studios Can Help Fight Human Trafficking
Human trafficking often hides in plain sight. In this narrated journalism episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley examines a new Tennessee law that requires licensed tattoo artists to complete human trafficking awareness training—and why that policy matters. Drawing from reporting,...
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TRP S3E01: Systems Explained —with Dr. Robin LaBarbera: Redemption, Research, and What Actually Works in Prison Reform A Conversation
What actually changes lives inside prison—and what only sounds good on paper? In this extended conversation, Brandon Burley sits down with Dr. Robin LaBarbera, a leading researcher on prison-based theological education, reentry, and well-being inside correctional systems. Drawing from years of...
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TRP S4E07: Civic Conversations —Addiction Is Distributed Evenly. Help Is Not.
In this narrated commentary, Brandon Burley reflects on his recent opinion piece examining why addiction impacts every community—but recovery resources often do not. Drawing from reporting in East Tennessee, the episode explores how smaller cities like Oak Ridge experience the same pressures as...
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TRP S1E07: Redemption Story —Michael King — From Maximum Security to Redemption.
From Maximum Security to Redemption. Michael Charles King was convicted of murder in 1992 and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. He spent years in maximum security, planned an escape for over a year—and was caught the same day.But that’s not where his story ends.In this full...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Redemption Project is an award-winning podcast recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists East Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards as Best Podcast of 2025.Hosted by Brandon Burley, TRP tells redemption stories, explains civic systems clearly, hosts fair public conversations and highlights people doing good work in Tennessee and beyond.Across its seasons, the show explores second chances, faith, government, economics, criminal justice, elections, leadership and the public systems shaping everyday life. The goal is simple: clarity over outrage, understanding over tribalism and
HOSTED BY
Brandon Burley
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Redemption Project have?
The Redemption Project currently has 52 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Redemption Project about?
The Redemption Project is an award-winning podcast recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists East Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards as Best Podcast of 2025.Hosted by Brandon Burley, TRP tells redemption stories, explains civic systems clearly, hosts fair public conversations and...
How often does The Redemption Project release new episodes?
The Redemption Project has 52 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Redemption Project?
You can listen to The Redemption Project 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 Redemption Project?
The Redemption Project is created and hosted by Brandon Burley.
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