The Road Less Traveled

There is a thing to be said of about timing... and that it's everything. It's funny how things are and aren't working out, but I'd that is timing, too. I've unfortunately been having more prison related dreams, and the last one was quite telling about my disappointment in not getting the job I had applied for and had been given an acceptance letter for. I tried not to get my hopes up and start cashing checks I hadn't earned yet, planning for a future that wasn't here, but the mind does wander and my imagination is quite strong. Oh well. I'm not one to give up. I guess that's why I'm still on the road less traveled. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Unfortunately, not good news on this episode. It's not confirmed that I didn't get hired for my felony, but it is basically exactly that. I understand that every denial is okay because of what I did; I have perspective and have been immensely humbled by the hurt that I have caused. Still, doesn't make the pill any easier to swallow. -db

Wow. I don't know when I went over two thousand listens, but thank you for everyone that has given this podcast a chance. I was away for a few weeks because depression is a bitch and comes in many forms. It doesn't have to be surface level, and there are many times when you won't even recognize it because everything is going well in your life. Life has been especially good for me lately, which is why it is difficult to say that I've been feeling sad. On this hundredth episode, I attempt to dissect the root of that, and why I pushed this episode off for so long. Thank you for listening and being respectful. Take care. -db   -Denis Baldwin

Apologies upfront for the poor sound quality. I think a lot of it was my allergies and how my whole head feels like it's underwater right now, but there may have been a loose connection as well. I finally settled in to the new place after the move so I'll hopefully feel better soon and will look into my sound issues. It's perfectly understandable, but it doesn't have the usual gusto that I give. Thank you for bearing with me and listening. - db

On this week's episode I reminisce a bit since I'm currently in the middle of moving (again!). It seems I've moved around quite a lot in my life, yet each time has presented new opportunities and new beginnings in my life. I'm openly looking forward to this next one even if it might have some challenges with it. As I've been packing boxes, I've been going through old photos, notes and story ideas I wrote in prison, and taking stock of where I am currently. I forgot to mention it in the episode, but I ended up throwing away the binder that had all my parole and house arrest information in it like supervision fees, restitution, work logs, etc. I've been off parole for years now, but I always felt that I needed that folder for some reason, like a weight I just couldn't get rid of. Well, it's gone, and I feel great about it. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

On this weeks episode I spiral down the rabbit hole and talk about ethics. I try to talk in mostly broad terms, but I do cite a few examples that have stood out to me recently and got me on this line of thinking. Join me as I lose my sanity, stay with me after you've lost yours. Cheers! As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

This episode is incredibly personal to me even though it isn't centered around my experiences in prison. Clark County School District (Las Vegas) is currently facing a $50 million deficit and the people in power are sitting on a mountain of money, refusing to help, even though we are nearly dead last in education. I spent time with hundreds of people in prison who never had the opportunities that education may have been able to afford them. Instead, we continue to blame the offenders after the fact when we never take the time to consider what kindness and investment in their futures through properly funded school systems may afford. We don't live in a vacuum. We are all a part of society, not apart from society. The decisions we make today are the ones that circle back decades later and are continuously ignored like it isn't a crisis. I wrote to my local legislators and called upon them to do the right thing, but I honestly fear I'll either go completely ignored or be dismissed. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

I've always been observant, and it's helped me navigate living in prison by learning the customs and who to avoid or respect, but it also continues to help me in my day to day life. These are some of the things that have been on my mind lately in regards to what I've noticed. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

On this weeks episode of The Road Less Travel, I rave about the movie "Shot Caller." If you're looking for a movie about prison that is authentic, well written, incredibly accurate, and maybe a little too close to home (for me), this would be the one. I relate it to my own personal experiences and count my blessings that only some of what is depicted in the movie was what I went through because I know for sure it my path could have been much different. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

Happy New Year 2026! Starting off with an episode of positivity and productivity! Not much else to say other than thank you for listening and wish you the best in this new year. - db

[Forgive me for noticing I had a loose wire during my recording. It still sounds okay, but I noticed it after when I was converting it to MP3.] This episode is about my rebound anxiety and coming off of the medication my doctor gave me. Thanks doc! I also make it tie in to more of my nonlinear autobiography and relate it to my experiences in prison. Thanks again for listening and Happy Holidays guys. - db

A little catch up in the beginning because my anxiety and heart are still out to get me, and then a return to form by going back and finishing up another portion of my scattered autobiography. It's all over the place guys, but I appreciate you still listening. Take care. - db

November was one hell of a month and I'm not going to lie, I'm very glad it is over. I hope everyone had a great holiday period. Mine was mostly full of stress and minor hardships to be honest. I am incredibly proud to share with everyone that I did finish my writing goal/contest of typing 50,000 words for www.reedsy.com and will be able to submit my rough draft of a book for agent consideration. It wasn't even close to easy given all the unexpected challenges I faced. At a certain point though, it went from "I can do this" to "I will do this." Possibly a small distinction, but it is an incredibly important one. Thanks again for listening everyone. Tune in next week!

Unfortunately I was hospitalized again for a panic attack that had my blood pressure through the roof and on the verge of an actual heart attack. Trying to remain positive and productive is hard when your own body is attacking itself. Then the financial aspect kicks in. Stressed that you don't have money? Go visit the hospital and get that bill.... then do it again. I never thought the challenges coming out of prison would be like this, but I'm still thankful to be alive in order to face each day. If you're going through your own challenges in life, just know that you aren't alone and to keep pushing. Hang in there. Hope to see you on the road less traveled. -db

This section of my impromptu and scattered biography covers ages 15 1/2 to 20. Yes, you read that correctly. I've been focused on preproduction for a short film that I wrote and want to direct, so I apologize that this one is a few days late and also ill prepared... even by audio diary standards. I do recognize within the episode that a lot of my coping skills to traumatic events is to either ignore them, distance myself, or insulate myself by throwing myself into a project or distraction. It's one of the main reasons I believe I have trauma and anxiety now that I'm trying to deal with. To be fair, I'm not saying how I handled things was wrong since I was a child and then a teenager, but it doesn't exactly resolve the issue by forgiving myself, which is the main point behind this podcast. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

I had a brilliant time with a new weight loss program brought to me by stomach flu. I guess my body enjoys the erratic release schedule for these episodes. Today's episode is on recent events in my life (congrats to my friend getting married!) and also one of my favorites simply because I'm in a much better place now both literally and figuratively. I'm truly thankful to still be alive and br able to be kind, be joyful, and be compassionate to the people around me. After years of darkness I've tried to stay in the light. I'd say I mostly succeeding on this road called life. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful.  - db

I apologize in advance that the middle portion turns into politics, but this is more of a state of affairs episode in the sense that I was catching up with a friend from prison and we couldn't understand the direction of things. This podcast is entirely for me trying to understand my situation having been in prison and the long term mental and physical affects it's had on me. My friend and I caught up and it had me taking stock of things. Hope if you're out there and you're listening that you're doing well, whoever you may be. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

On this weeks episode of TRLT I explain why I've been on hiatus for a couple weeks (hint: it's actually a good thing this time). I also reminisce and explain why I'm so thankful for the life I've led and where I am today. I've been through some incredible tough times in my life, some of my own making, and it's been crazy to look back and think on. Thank you for sharing in that journey. - db

A continuation of my autobiography covering ages 10-16. They were pretty rough years unfortunately, and I've been dealing with a lot of that trauma ever since. It's hard to get closure on family deaths when you lose them at a young age. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db [Note: The plug to my mic wasn't all the way in so it sounds like it gave the recording a hollow sound. I didn't realize until literally the very end. Doh.]

There will always be stories I miss, memories I forget, or moments that escape me... but hopefully I capture more than eludes me. Here are some of the stories I didn't share during the first part of my autobiography story arc. Have fun! As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

I'm finally getting around to the biography portion of this now-not-anonymous podcast. It started as an audio diary to help me cope and attempt to move forward after spending over five years in prison. I blacked out at home and woke up at the scene of an accident I had caused that claimed the life of an innocent person. Nothing said in this podcast/diary is an excuse or an attempt to garner sympathy. I'm still trying to this day to understand the difference between the good person that I was/am, with the person that did something so terrible. This was done entirely anonymously from the beginning up until now but has never been hidden. I've Googled myself. It's out there. My biggest hope is that if you're listening or happen to stumble upon this, there may be something in here that allows you to better yourself or avoid any mistakes I've made. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db   P.S. Sorry about the political views in the middle, but it does relate to how/where/by whom I was raised. Myrna was a beautiful and kind Canadian immigrant who I had the great fortune to be adopted by. Most parents get their kids by genetic lottery; a lucky few are chosen.

This episode focuses on storytelling as an artform, something that I believe in and also pride myself in. I always had my imagination fostered as a child (in addition to literally being a foster kid). I've come to love storytelling in various artforms and chose to study film and writing in college. I'm excited to share that my friend has tapped me for my expertise as a writer and assistant director for a 48 Hour Film Festival this weekend. I'd been struggling with motivation and feel like I've reignited my passion. Thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

I've been reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear and have been slowly incorporating it into my daily life. After I got out of prison I focused on paying off my financial and legal debts and took a break from reading books. (I had read over 600 books during my time inside so I felt okay with that decision... at the time.) I've realized that I need to get back to some of the routines that I had established when I had minimal distractions. Self improvement seems like a good start. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. - db

On this episode of The Road Less Traveled I give a few updates and reintroduce myself and the purpose of this podcast moving forward. It will always first and foremost be an audio diary of my experiences of my five years in prison, but it will also tangentially be related since those years are a part of me and inseparable at this point. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Freedom of Speech is only true in the sense that you are absolutely free to say whatever you want... and then deal with the consequences afterwards. As always, thank you for being respectful and for listening. -db

I'm clearly upset with things, so just know I go on a rollercoaster rant. (I enjoyed the vent, but I hate the situation.) As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. Hope everyone's doing well out there. -db

We live in a time period where people seem to confuse their belief's and strongly held convictions to be the same if not better than facts. I grew up with a passion for storytelling and went to college to study it as an artform. It blows my mind these days that people continually follow a false narrative or spread misinformation as if it were gospel. Independent thinking is at an all time low and it's only getting worse. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

All the insecurities, fears, self-doubt, self-hatred, and whatever negative thought you could have about yourself run through my mind like a bullet turned to shrapnel. I hate sharing those feelings with my girlfriend because in times like those it seems to hurt the most when someone is trying to be positive, tell you how much they mean to them, how important you are, the most important person in the world, and yet you only feel like you're sinking lower because you're unworthy of their love and kindness. That's what this experience has been like. But I'm still here. And I'm still trying. Love you babe. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

I had what I firmly believe was a mild heart attack a couple days ago. I could go on and on about regrets and feeling sorry for myself, etc., but the biggest thing will always be that I'm sorry for my actions that led to me drinking and driving back in 2016 and killing my victim. I don't regret prison, the loss of opportunities for myself, or how difficult and depressing life has become lately. I only regret the harm I caused. -db

Okay, okay, I'm sorry that it took a topical/political turn but I did try to relate it to my experience in jail/prison. I recorded this episode on time and meant to upload to keep my regularly scheduled programming... but as you might notice in episode 74, that didn't happen, and then things got worse. I'm hanging in there, but it's been more downs than ups lately. -db

I've mentioned on multiple episodes that I work at a restaurant... Well, the secret is out apparently. I wanted to do this episode over a year ago when all these changes started trickling down from corporate but I was also trying to balance and maitain my anonymity with respect to the place that employs me. Please note that I overall have nothing against PF Changs/The Company as you will hopefully understand if you listen to the entire episode. The real problem was the previous CEO and whoever's brilliant idea it was to appoint him (I.E. the shareholders). They took a brand name that is recognized the world over and tried to squeeze every last penny from it with no regard to the people that actually run the restaurants. It's a shame. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

On this weeks episode I talk about Olympians, DUI's, the hero complex, and a need for patience and understanding that just doesn't seem to be there these days. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

This week's episode is dedicated to Music! (Yes, with a capital M.) It's funny, I think I only mention a couple random bands since the episode's conversation is mostly about how significant music was to me in jail/prison, its influence on me creatively and emotionally, etc. etc. so when I mention that I was having "a music day" I was listening to 70's/80's hits. The energy in songs from those decades is catchy. Music is like a snapshot of an era. Anyway, enjoy the episode and thanks as always for listening! -db

I recorded this episode on Wednesday and then got sidetracked and forgot to upload it. I know, I'm operating at an average 4 or 5 for personality type 3's. Understand what I'm talking about? Don't feel bad if you don't, I barely do. This week's episode is dedicated to the Enneagram, otherwise known as the Riso Hudson personality test. There's way more to it than I had time to talk about in the episode, but at the end of the day it does help to know yourself better. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Sorry that I've been absent the last couple weeks, been going through a touch of depression. Turns out Mother's Day isn't my favorite. Not an excuse though, just shedding light on my current state. Hanging in there though, so until next time, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

On this week's episode I talk about my experience going into Parole and Probation for the last time. Spoiler alert: I'm getting my honorable discharge granted.

Tune in or tune out, this episode of The Road Less Traveled is an hour long of free form comedic discussion. After episode 65 I was feeling like I needed to recenter myself and get in my sarcastic form of therapy. Welcome to an hour of hopefully funny jokes mixed with life stories and venting. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db    #art #podcast #trlt #prison

Greetings! Anxious about the world? Scared of things you have no control over? Welcome to today's episode! I'm about three months away from my parole ending and rather than seeing the light at the end of the tunnel I'm starting to get more stressed, more anxious, and more fearful of what that looks like. On today's episode I try to analyze myself and why I think these stressors and fears are manifesting and how I'm trying to cope with the struggle inside. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Ever feel like people don't know what they're talking about? Me too. I'm usually the first to say I have no idea what I'm saying, but a lot of people operate from a position of arrogance confused with confidence. This episode is a smattering of examples on why I'm losing my mind. Enjoy! -db #podcast #trlt #prison #words

Greetings! Ever feel caught in a loop? It's not groundhog day, or the movie Looper, but it could be addiction or avoidance. Today's episode is an update as well as light exploration of some of my biological family's addictions and habits and why being aware of the generational loop is important. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

Everyone's talking about politics these days.... Don't worry! This episode is focused on the micro-politics that go on in jail and prison, not the macro-politics that apply to our nation our world (although I do try to tie the two together in my own meandering way). As always thank you for being respectful and listening. Enjoy!   -db

Today's episode covers a very heavy topic, although my approach is more of an open discussion on the importance of providing not only context and transparency when reporting statistics, but also the responsibility people reporting these facts have on how they are relayed to us. You only get one chance to make a first impression, let it not be a misleading one. -db   #podcast #theroadlesstraveled #trlt #suicide #usatoday

On this episode of the Road Less Traveled I talk about the years since my incarceration and how comparatively different everything is; I also open up about my relationship, fears for the future, regrets on the past, and a few hopeful tidbits. As always, thank you for tuning in and being respectful. Catch you on the road less traveled. -db   #podcast #trlt #roadlesstraveled #truecrime

On this episode I add a few additional thoughts and context to my previous episode. Consider this the third part to a three part story arc. As always, thank you for tuning in and being respectful. - db

On this special episode of The Road Less Traveled I finally open up about one of the most traumatic experiences I had while incarcerated... and it wasn't even inside prison. After so many events over the last few years, I thought I would revist the topic of PTSD, especially due to incredibly recent events. As always, thank you for tuning in and being respectful. - db

Welcome back listeners! This episode is dedicated to my newfound motivation to improve not only this podcast, but myself in general. I'm finally to the point that I've been out of prison for a few years and can now start effectively planning week to week rather than just trying to make it day to day. (This isn't to say I wasn't planning for things down the road, but there's only so much you can realistically accomplish when you're trying to start over.) I also think I found my stride with the podcast. The recording sounds great, I just needed to adjust a few things and rethink how I was going about it. As always, thank you for listening! -db

On episode 55 of The Road Less Traveled I disclose my financial and personal starting point upon being released from prison. I thought it would be helpful for people to understand that I wasn't starting from zero even though I was starting over. I am very fortunate and grateful for all the help I've received during my incarceration and my continued effort to move forward. As always, thank you for listening and being respectful. -db

With only 6 months left on parole, I feel like I have a clear direction for the next phase of my life... I lay it out on this episode, what led me to some of these realizations, and the very real fear behind some very real possibilities. As always, thank you for tuning in and being respectful. -db

The California Wild Fire's are burning out of control and hitting LA and the Pacific Coast Highway. I never thought I'd be fighting wild fires one day while I was incarcerated and can only imagine what those people are going through having seen firsthand what the Paradise fire in CA did. Stay safe and stay strong. -db

Happy New Year from the Road Less Traveled podcast! Be safe out there. As always, thank you for listening. I have nothing but gratitude for still being around to even experience life, so thank you for sharing a portion of your time with me. -db