The Jungle Podcast

Nikole is a speaker, writer, and ministry leader along side her husband, Anthony. Her book "50 Shades of Truth" unveils the life that she lived before... and after... God's amazing deliverance and transformation from drugs, alcohol and a life of sexual depravity. Addicted to porn and so many forms of instant gratification. This book walks through her addiction, and all the sinful bondages that result from a life consumed by methamphetamine. It is raw, real and transparent. Follow along in her book and behold how merciful and gracious God chooses to be towards those of us who have found ourselves in the lowest places of deep darkness, far away from His wonderful light. Proving, once again, that the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus Christ, was more than sufficient to save even the worst of sinners.

Nick is the owner of Become the After personal training in North Canton, Ohio. Nick has a powerful story of overcoming adversity and building an amazing life and he credits it all to God! Check us out and let's get that work!

Monica is the onboarding Chair Person for Building Freedom Ohio's Akron/Canton chapter. She is also the Reentry Liaison for South Street Ministries. We are discussing family, relationships and collateral Sanctions. Check her out.

Lamarr has spent over a decade behind bars and is now on the forefront of changing legislation and lives for felons. He is the Re-Entry Director at South Street, Founder and Program Director for Strategic Intervention for Youth in Crisis, Chapter Developer for Building Freedom Ohio, He teaches IOP for Core Plus but most importantly he is an amazing father and leader these days. Check out his amazing story!!!

Rachel is super mom of the millennium. Her superhero son Max was born with MCAP (Megalencephaly-capillary malformation syndrome) and Rachel was told time after time to "make arrangements". Step in and hear her amazing story of resilience and love.

Michael is the host and producer of  @LombardTruckin  podcast. He is an owner operator, industry advocate and fitness guru. Suit up and strap in because we're fully loaded going into season 4

Matt found recovery in June 2017 after witnessing the freedom and growth his childhood best friend found through sobriety. After treatment, he immediately knew he wanted to work in the recovery field, quickly getting a job as a behavioral health technician. Since then, Matt has grown a passion for helping men find freedom and happiness through various different roles such as recovery mentoring, discharge coordination, admissions, and Director of Recovery Operations. When asked what drives him, Matt said "Since getting sober, God has blessed me with a life better than anything I could have dreamed of. Before recovery, I was homeless, hopeless, and exhausted. Through the 12 steps, I've been able to turn my dark past into a story of hope for others struggling as I did." He's passionate and excited to have the opportunity to guide G3 Recovery members towards a new and fun way of life! 

Deanna is first and foremost my little sister. She is a Crisis Emergency Counselor for Coleman Professional and also a District Mental Heath Counselor fighting on the front lines for our at risk youth.

Gary is the Director of Operations at Hillway Recovery Home in Akron, Ohio. Gary has a huge heart for mentoring and working with people. From his childhood to prison, addiction to success story Gary is doin the damn thing

John is a main component in the Slow Down Move Over initiative across the US freeway systems. Overcoming a near death accident on the side of the highway and becoming addicted to painkillers he has made an amazing comeback. With an impressive social media following he is putting one foot in front of the other and making sure he makes a difference in the industry.

Lisa Parson is a Councilor at Skypoint Recovery in Akron, Ohio. Lisa came on and shared her personal journey of overcoming addiction and cancer, emphasizing the transformative power of recovery programs and her desire to help others in similar situations. Christopher and Lisa discussed their own experiences with recovery, highlighting the importance of embracing one's past and using it as a source of inspiration. They also explored the services offered at Skypoint Recovery in Akron, where Lisa works, and the potential for future collaborations.

Michael Prichard is the founder of Covenant Training Solutions. He is an Analyst for the Fresno Department of Behavioral Health, A DOT-SAP and much much more... Come on in while we discuss the Norwegian Prison Model and more.

Facing over 20 years at the time of her arrest. Shauntae Metcalf made a choice once incarcerated to BE BETTER!!!She is doing amazing work with the Stark County Re-Entry program, Owns her own cleaning company and is the Board Director for CTC Solutions.

Tori tells her story of addiction, arrest, struggle and perseverance in this episode. Now giving back as a residential aide with a local detox facility she is working to get her CDC.

Christopher and Anthony discussed their experiences with addiction and re-entering society after being felons. Anthony shared his story of growing up in northeast Ohio, his descent into drug addiction, and his discovery that he was adopted. Both agreed that addiction is not exclusive to any one type of community or upbringing. Towards the end, they expressed their surprise at the choices they ended up making, despite having all the advantages in the world. They also discussed their experiences with criminal activities, including home invasions and bank robberies, and their experiences in prison. Anthony shared how his addictive personality led him to such actions and the consequences he faced, including a lengthy prison sentence. Despite his multiple convictions, Anthony managed to serve a shorter sentence than expected due to good behavior. He acknowledged the importance of art, which was the only positive thing he found in prison, and his relationships with some inmates. He also acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his sentence, as it led to him being one of the first people to be sentenced via satellite link.

Sonny Von Cleveland shared his life story on The Jungle. Sonny had a difficult childhood, marked by abuse and encounters with the law. Despite his challenging past, he is now using his experiences to inspire others and prove that a felony doesn't have to define who you are. He emphasized the power of self-forgiveness, compassion, and kindness. Both Christopher and Sonny discussed their personal histories, including Sonny's experiences in prison, his move to California, and his various entrepreneurial and creative pursuits. Sonny shared his journey into YouTube, podcasting, and photography, as well as his philosophy of chasing success and his love for music. He also discussed his transition to California, where he started a successful cat cafe and pursued his passion for photography. Sonny shared his philosophy of keeping his passion at the forefront and seeing every person as an opportunity for inspiration. He and Christopher discussed the importance of responding to tragedy in a way that allows one to move forward and potentially inspire others. They also discussed the founding of Itopia, a coaching company focused on mental health, corporate burnout, and women empowerment, and Sonny's vision to expand the reach of Itopia through the Von Cleveland Foundation. Christopher and Sonny also shared their experiences and perspectives on life, highlighting the importance of morning routines, self-affirmation, and gratitude, as well as the importance of finding a life partner who is conducive to one's happiness and growth.

Kev the Trucker has amassed a significant following on TruckerTok. Climb in the cab as we talk about TikTok, Californias prison system and discuss why trucking is such a great starting point for guys fresh out of the gate.

Christopher and Noah discussed Noah's troubled past, including his parents' split, his descent into alcohol and smoking, and his time in prison. Christopher expressed his love and support for Noah, emphasizing the importance of learning from past mistakes. Noah shared his history of legal troubles, including his struggles with alcohol and Xanax, and the impact of his actions on his life. Noah and Christopher emphasized the importance of minding one's own business in prison and avoiding trouble. Christopher and Noah reflected on their past struggles with addiction and health issues, discussing the importance of self-care and facing their problems for healing.

Dr. L discussed the history and evolution of mental health institutions, the deinstitutionalization movement, and the challenges faced by mental health patients in corrections. They also touched on the different types of treatment facilities for criminals and the complexities of providing quality care in institutions.

Christopher introduced the new season of his podcast featuring Kenny Lambert, a community member from Akron who overcame adversity through drug and alcohol use. Kenny shared his backstory and how he turned his life around by running a clothing store with his daughter and planning to open a shelter for meetings. Christopher also shared his journey from growing up with a strong work and moral ethic to becoming a drug addict, experiencing the downward spiral of addiction, and eventually seeking help. He emphasized the importance of family and legacy, and his desire to continuously improve as a father and a person.

James shared his journey with addiction, which started in high school and included multiple drug trafficking charges and stints in jail. Despite his struggles, he found his way back to the 12 step meetings. He credited his time in prison with giving him the opportunity to get healthy and make better decisions. James also shared his experiences with ultra running and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. He was preparing for an upcoming 100-mile run with a 30-hour cutoff time. Christopher praised James's impressive list of achievements. They also discussed the challenges of rebuilding relationships after addiction and the importance of becoming a better person.

Mama Hazel stops in to talk about dealing with my bullshit, our amazing restored relationship and how life is today.

Jeremy shared his experiences growing up in a multi-alcoholic family, bouncing between schools, and dealing with parents' constant fighting and abuse. He also discussed his delinquent behavior and involvement in drug trafficking. Jeremy and Christopher discussed their personal experiences with drug use and its impact on their lives, including Jeremy's DUIs and marijuana possession. Jeremy also shared a story about his involvement in selling marijuana and the ensuing legal complications. They also discussed their legal issues, with Jeremy sharing his experience of being wrongfully accused of serious felonies and spending 69 days in jail.

Christopher and Danielle discussed the workings of the juvenile justice system, focusing on mental health counseling. Danielle, a clinical counselor, shared her passion for working with juveniles and expressed her desire to help kids who often don't get the help they need. They discussed the rehabilitation efforts within the juvenile justice system, focusing on the reduction in incarceration rates and the implementation of rehabilitative programs. However, they also noted the challenges in their work with troubled children, including the trauma many of the inmates have experienced. They discussed the concerning increase in teenage suicide rates and attributed this trend to the increased use of social media and online connectivity among young people. The conversation ended without a clear statement of their future goals or action items.

Chris and "George" discuss "Georges" childhood through adolescence. Narrowing in on "Georges" criminal activity that led him to the infamous Rykers Island in NYC. George talks of his continued criminal activity and what it took for him to finally make a change. *George is not the guests actual name. **The Jungle respects all guests privacy and will always maintain the anonymity of its guests when requested.

Christopher introduced Tyler, who shared his experiences growing up and the troubles he got into as a teenager, including drug use and legal issues. They discussed their shared experiences with the legal system and the impact of substance abuse on their lives. Ty and Christopher also talked about the importance of positive influences and the need to surround oneself with people who have their lives in order. They also touched on the challenges facing individuals with criminal histories in the United States, specifically high recidivism rates. Ty and Christopher emphasized the importance of personal accountability, rebuilding relationships, and self-change. They also discussed the need for effective rehabilitation programs and the necessity of learning to love oneself and rebuild trust.

Christopher introduced Will, sharing their fathers' past working relationship and Will's assistance to his brother over the years. The discussion mainly centered around personal experiences, with iPhone and Christopher sharing their upbringings, interests, and struggles. Christopher highlighted the importance of understanding people and their cultures, preserving life when possible, and using force only when necessary, based on his experiences in a psychological operations unit in the United States Army. The conversation also focused on the trauma and fear associated with being in a war zone, and the struggles of readjusting to civilian life after the military. The meeting ended with a discussion of personal struggles, including alcoholism and addiction, and societal biases towards people with criminal records.

Christopher interviewed his friend nick on a podcast, discussing their friendship which began in prison and has continued after their release. Both shared their experiences growing up in dysfunctional households and their eventual incarceration. They also talked about the positive changes they made in their lives after prison and aimed to inspire others in similar situations. nick discussed his criminal history, including his aggravated drug trafficking charges and the shock and disorientation he felt at the time of his arrest. He shared his experiences in prison, focusing on the intake process at Lorraine, the transfer process to Lake Erie and the takeover of a state-run prison by a private company, which led to increased violence and extortion. nick and Christopher discussed their experiences in prison, focusing on the importance of maintaining a routine and relationships with other inmates for safety. They also highlighted the importance of staying focused and not getting involved with gangs. nick and Christopher discussed their shared experiences of being in prison, noting the hierarchy and order among inmates and the transformation that happens when long-term inmates are moved to lower security facilities. They also talked about the changes in laws during their sentence which led to nick's early release. nick shared his life story, starting from his early upbringing in the construction industry, working as a teenager, transitioning to selling drugs and eventually getting arrested and imprisoned. Upon release, he found employment with his uncle's company, and later at Olive Garden when he struggled to find jobs due to his felonies. Both nick and Christopher discussed the availability of job opportunities for ex-convicts, mentioning that they had links on their website for companies that hire ex-convicts.

Christopher introduced his wife, Mary, who shared her personal journey, including her adopted status, strict upbringing, and divorce when she met Christopher, who had a criminal record. Christopher also shared his personal journey, emphasizing overcoming adversity and the importance of not being defined by societal labels. He also discussed his time in the Lake Erie Correctional Institution and the challenges faced by inmates. He further talked about his experiences working in a prison warehouse, getting caught smuggling items, and his future goals for a podcast to inspire and give hope. Christopher also shared his thoughts on recidivism, the importance of self-perception in personal transformation, and the need for accountability. He defined success as personal contentment and growth, and expressed gratitude to his team.

Christopher T the Host of “The Jungle podcast” , discussed his plans to focus on guests who have faced adversity such as felonies, jail sentences, and addictions. They aim to delve into guests' childhoods, first experiences with jail, and their paths to overcoming challenges. The podcast's goal is to give recognition and attention to those who have paid their debt to society. Christopher shared his own experiences and expressed gratitude for Brian's support. They also discussed their desire to positively contribute to society. Towards the end, Brian started questioning Christopher about his childhood, setting the foundation for their discussions.