Starting at just 8 years old, Jason Miles was involved in the justice system. When asked where things began to go “off track,” Jason replied, “You know, I never was on the track to begin with.” Later in life, he was able to identify much of his troubled youth, destruction of property, and rebelling against authority linked back to the anger he harbored for his father not being present. When considering what possible interventions that could’ve helped, Jason thinks he was just “too much.” Entering the prison system at 14 years old, he recalls being one of the youngest youths in the juvenile facility. After releasing from the juvenile prison, Jason’s experimentation with substances started to spiral out of control. Theft and breaking into cars eventually escalated to breaking into a gas station. Hanging around with a group of friends, they would drink, use marinara, and shoot guns. This behavior quickly turned down a dangerous path ending in tragedy. As a 17-year-old, Jason was facing murder charges for 5-20 years. While incarcerated, Jason became involved in groups that were brought into the prison to help with self-development. He started learning more about addiction, recovery, and ultimately what would be his one-way ticket out of prison. He started learning there was a different way to live his life, and his belief that he was “destined to be a knucklehead,” did not need to be his reality or future. Now, he shares all that he has learned with others in hopes he can help lead others to a life of freedom, and when times get tough, you do not need to face it alone. Jason’s story is one of redemption, hope, and the power of second chances. We wish you nothing but the best, Jason!

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Born and raised in California, Jamie said she had a good childhood from what she can remember. At just a few years old, her parents divorced which led to Jamie being raised alone by her mother. From a young age, Jamie identifies her addiction to substances really started with cigarettes following a very traumatic event. While cigarettes and alcohol use were very normalized in her home, Jamie recalls both her absent father and subsequent stepfathers struggled with drug addiction. As she describes a childhood plagued with watching her mother go from one abusive relationship to another, it was tumultuous for her to navigate. As a young adult when Jamie started experimenting with cocaine, she said from that moment on she was “chasing the drug.” From there, she went to college, found herself entering the workforce as a functioning addict, leaving one unhealthy relationship and entering a new one while her life was becoming unmanageable. For the first time in years, Jamie was able to regain her sobriety when she found out she was pregnant with her daughter, Mariah. For a few years, Jamie remained sober as she parented with the help of her mother. Jamie describes her journey through addiction and ultimately nearly a decade in federal prison. Her incredible daughter, Mariah, joined the podcast episode unsure of how much, or if she would join the discussion. To witness Mariah and Jamie’s bond, rewinding back to the past to learn how they got here today, is nothing short of inspiring. Jamie and Mariah, we wish you the very best!

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Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Eliza Barr describes her childhood as quite typical for the most part. Her parents were very protective of their large family of seven children. Reflecting on this, Eliza believes this was likely due to her parents experiencing “intense childhoods” they wanted to shield their children from. At the time of her birth, Eliza’s mother was incarcerated. With one ankle shackled to the hospital bed, Eliza shares what her mother shares with her each year on her birthday from those memories of Eliza’s delivery. At the young age of just fourteen, Eliza’s father spent decades in a cycle of incarceration. Her sophomore year in high school, her father broke this cycle with his final period of incarceration. Being a “daddy’s girl,” she describes it was very emotional for her during his absences; however, he worked very hard to be present for his children even when he could not physically be there. Eliza and her siblings developed a deep sense of empathy and caring for the “whole person” from their parents’ experiences. She shares the incredible journey of her parents and their dedication to helping others. Fueled by the passion she observed as her parents poured themselves into their community, Eliza grew up knowing she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She serves as the Executive Director for Reaching Out From Within, which is a national leader for rehabilitation programs for incarcerated men and women. She focuses on empowerment, education, gainful employment, and equipping people with the tools they need to be successful. Eliza, you are incredible, and we are so grateful for you sharing your tremendous story with us!

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This episode is incredibly special because Heather is sharing her journey for the first time on a public platform. Heather will tell you, “Hope is everything,” and we could not agree more. Born raised in South Central California, Heather DiDomenico Graves recalls what impacted her childhood most was childhood obesity. Reflecting, she describes how living in an area with such high beauty standards in Southern California, she struggled with lack of self-love and self-worth. With very strict parents who worked a lot, especially with her father in the military, she spent much of her time with her older siblings. In school, Heather was bullied for her weight which led her to a group where she found acceptance. Unfortunately, what she found was a “false sense of solidarity” as she began to experiment with substances at the age of twelve. From there, her story takes many curves ultimately leading her to where she is today. As a licensed cosmetologist for the past twenty years, she bought her first commercial property seven years ago. Heather’s first salon opened almost six years ago, Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa. She now has a boutique and café by Onyx as well as second salon location that has been open for nearly two years. It takes tremendous courage to tell your story; in doing so, this shows others there is a brighter tomorrow that can impact so many people. Heather, thank you for trusting us with your story, and we wish you nothing but the best!

Dustin Moore grew up in an idyllic setting in San Diego, California, where he surfed and lived the “country club” lifestyle. He claims his childhood was one of privilege and care, and he gravitated towards any sport he could be involved with. Starting college, that is when his life started to turn course; regarding addiction, Dustin remarks this is something you just “have in you” or you do not. He quickly felt a new, strong gravitational pull towards substances he had always stayed away from. Dustin describes when he identified as an athlete, his life was structured. When he went to college and the structure and his connections went away, he filled those voids and time with drugs, alcohol, and other people focused on “partying.” From there, his life began to spiral out of control with his addiction and a life of crime. Dustin describes his fatal flaw was not understanding the depth of his addiction, and ultimately what it would take to work his way out of. Finally, after breaking through the cycle of addiction, this is where Dustin’s life truly takes off when he learned there is much more to recovery than just abstaining from substances. In finding his purpose, he has been able to build bridges and close gaps in recovery and reentry through Artists Helping the Homeless. Dustin, we admire your passion and dedication to helping others!

Sheesh! What a wild ride! This past year has “kinda” been one for the books. As MG and K. Shook reflect on previous episodes, guests, new program initiatives, and just downright nonsense, this episode is a lot of fun. With thirty episodes published and going strong, Reentry Reframed continues to be a force to be reckoned with. Second chances are a beautiful thing when a person changes their course, puts in the work, and the community rallies behind them. We are here to celebrate and applaud the individuals who are standing up and giving back to others demonstrating there is a way out, and everyone is deserving of happiness. Reentry Reframed has a ton in store for the next year, so stay tuned and please join us for the ride!

As the first face welcoming those seeking sobriety walking through the doors of Topeka Residential Treatment, LaShanda Daniels says, “When you’re here, you’re family.” Emulating the ‘open arms’ approach of Mirror’s beloved director who passed away in 2020, Richard Gilchrist, LaShanda explains how she carries on his legacy every single day. LaShanda is always going the extra mile to help others, and she is the connecting point for lifesaving treatment for countless individuals. Before starting her career with Mirror, she explains how she was part of an extremely close-knit family. As a family, they have been devastated by violence, addiction, and incarceration over the years. LaShanda describes how she loved and supported her brothers during their absence from incarceration and ultimately the impact this had on their family. For her legacy, she wants to be known for always helping others. On behalf of your Mirror Family, LaShanda, thank you and we love you!