The Hustler Files
Self-Improvement
About
In this inaugural season follow the journeys of two ex-offenders, Keron and Kia, from their troubled pasts to their entrepreneurial aspirations and plans, they are taking control of their lives, and as they hustle to create a new future you’ll be inspired by their grit, passion, and perseverance to succeed. We'll also look inside the lives of other ex-offenders who have become successful entrepreneurs and the organizations that are available to help those who know their future lies ahead, not behind. Join me, Lisa Reilly, for a groundbreaking, episodic podcast series where the belief that failure isn't final has never been truer.
Episodes
- PLANTING: ONE SEED AT A TIME
This episode features Daisy Diaz, a justice-impacted mother who shares her experiences with addiction, incarceration, and separation from her children. Now clean and rebuilding her life, she focuses on helping other women.
- THE EMOTIONAL EPICENTER OF A CRIMINAL RECORD
This episode of The Hustler Files features Rahsaan Hall, CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, discussing the challenges faced by the 1 in 3 Americans with justice involvement. They cover the Urban League's mission, its role in…
- FROM FELONIES TO FUTURES, TWO STORIES OF SECOND CHANCE HIRING
This episode features two stories of individuals who received a second chance at employment. Brandon Downey, who was previously incarcerated, now works in reentry services. Lindsey Watzek found success at JBM Packaging after facing challen…
- FOUR WASN'T FAILURE, IT WAS FINDING FAITH
Tammy Franklin discusses her experiences with incarceration across four decades, her transformative journey of faith, and her current work with Prison Fellowship supporting justice-impacted individuals.
- THIEF, PRISONER, SOLDIER, PRIEST (a book by guest Paul Cowley)
This episode features Paul Cowley, who recounts his life journey from prison to becoming the Managing Director of Second Chance Partnership, an organization that helps former inmates find employment.
- FROM INCARCERATED TO INFLUENCER: THE JESSE CROSSON STORY
Jesse Crosson, author of 'The Best Part of Prison' and founder of the Second Chancer Foundation, transformed his life after receiving a 32-year prison sentence at 18. After nearly 19 years, he was released and now uses his experiences to h…
- FROM INCARCERATED YOUTH TO COMMUNITY LEADER
This episode features Pray'Eon, who transformed his life after juvenile detention to become a community leader advocating for change with the Coalition for Juvenile Justice. He shares his experiences and emphasizes the importance of second…
- WHEN CLASS ACTION WINS OUT OVER RETALIATION
The Hustler Files features David Milton and Kayla Ghantous discussing a landmark $7 million case won for incarcerated men against the Souza-Baranowski Correctional Center. The episode emphasizes the critical need for prisoner legal advocac…
- WHEN YOUR SUPERPOWER STANDS AT THE INTERSECTION OF JUVENILES & JUSTICE
Melissa Milchman, Executive Director of the Coalition for Juvenile Justice, shares how collaboration across juvenile justice systems is essential for protecting young people and creating safer communities. She emphasizes a shared mission t…
- SHERIFF CALLS ICE ARREST 'BUSH LEAGUE'
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce recounts the events surrounding the ICE arrest of a correctional officer trainee, which led to national headlines and scrutiny of local and federal law enforcement cooperation.
- ONE SYSTEM, TWO PATHS; RESTORATION VS. PUNISHMENT
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan explores his office's use of restorative justice, which emphasizes repairing harm over punishment, to provide both victims and offenders a voice and create transformative change.
- WHEN HOPE MEETS ACTION: LIVES RECLAIMED
Brooke Kaufman and Grady Mitchell of the Seattle Clemency Project discuss the personal meaning of clemency, highlighting Grady's transformation and resilience during his 37-year incarceration and the importance of second chances.
- FINDING HOPE IN A NO-PAROLE STATE
Part 1 features Musa Abul-Mateen and Jennifer Smith of the Seattle Clemency Project discussing their work with incarcerated individuals in Washington State's no-parole system. They explore shared humanity, challenge assumptions, and highli…
- FOSTERING CHANGE, ONE CHILD AT A TIME
Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases, details his powerful journey from surviving abuse and homelessness to establishing a national nonprofit for foster children. He discusses the challenges within the foster care system, emphasizing resil…
- IT'S OKAY TO SAY THE F WORD
Michelle Cirocco shares her journey from felony conviction to CEO of the Televerde Foundation, which aids formerly incarcerated women. The foundation has served over 5,000 women with a recidivism rate below 2%, focusing on workforce develo…
- INTELLECTUAL ESPRESSO
Tore Price discovered the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program while incarcerated and was selected for the highly competitive class. He describes the program as 'intellectual espresso,' which inspired him to become an advocate for fellow inm…
- FROM LECTURE HALLS TO BEHIND THE WALL | LIFE, INSIDE OUT
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, founded by Lori Pompa, brings college students and incarcerated individuals together in a unique classroom setting. This program, now in its 40th year, operates in 1600 courses across 15 countries, f…
- GUIDED BY EXPERIENCE + GROUNDED BY SCIENCE = CHANGING OUTCOMES
Drs. Dan Sheridan and Ashley Anderson, behavior analysts from Auburn University, work with juvenile offenders in a secure residential facility. Their program combines research, education, and experience to transform outcomes, reduce recidi…
- THE REALITY IS IN THE NUMBERS
Wanda Bertram from the Prison Policy Initiative joins The Hustler Files to discuss current incarceration rates, parole, juvenile justice, and statistics on incarcerated women in the U.S., highlighting systemic issues and the need for refor…
- GRIT, GRACE & NOT A GANGSTER
Kristin Kline discusses her transformative journey from incarceration to entrepreneurial empowerment, highlighting her resilience and dedication to helping women rewrite their stories through fitness and community support with her organiza…
- 30 YEARS AND 30 FEET FROM DEATH'S DOOR
Anthony Ray Hinton shares his story of being falsely accused of murder at age 29 and spending 30 years on death row. The episode covers his experiences with the justice system, the injustices faced, and the resilience developed during his…
- JUSTICE IN THE FACE OF OVERWHELMING ODDS
This episode features Brett Thomas, who received an excessive prison sentence at 18 for a crime he did not commit. With help from the Seattle Clemency Project and Microsoft's Pro Bono Director Beth Henderson, Brett navigated the legal syst…
- THE POWER OF TRUTH SHALL NOT BE SILENCED
Radha Natarajan, Executive Director of the New England Innocence Project, discusses her work on wrongful convictions and the fight for justice. The episode highlights the case of Edward Wright, who was freed after 41 years in prison, and t…
- STORIES OF (THANKS)GIVING
This episode features a montage of stories highlighting resilience, community, and the power of giving, showcasing initiatives from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, East Hampton Community Center, and Maine Department of Corrections.
- FROM SMALL TOWN TO HIGH SHERIFF, AGE IS JUST A NUMBER TO JILLIAN MYERS
Jillian Myers, the first and youngest High Sheriff of Grafton County, New Hampshire, balances her demanding role with family life. Since taking office in January 2025, she has made a significant impact through her commitment to the communi…
- THREE WOMEN, THREE JOURNEY'S, THREE LEGACIES OF LOVE
This episode of The Hustler Files features Warden Elaine Lord, advocate Barbara Blanchard, and filmmaker Jenifer McShane, highlighting their impactful work at Bedford Hills Correctional Center. Their combined efforts fostered groundbreakin…
- UNPACKING JUSTICE THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD
This episode features highlights from three past author interviews exploring themes of justice and resilience. The show presents discussions with legal experts Stephen Bright and James Kwak, documentarian Sarah Burns, and memoirist Laura L…
- HELLO TRUTH, IT'S ME IVY
The Hustler Files features Ivy Scott, a community engagement reporter for The Marshall Project, discussing her work on criminal justice journalism in St. Louis and Missouri. She highlights the importance of uncovering stories that advocate…
- THE IMPRISONED MIND
Dr. Kevin Wright discusses "Imprisoned Minds," a book co-authored with incarcerated Erik Maloney. The book explores Erik's "imprisoned mind" theory, developed through interviews with fellow inmates and brought to life with Dr. Wright's aca…
- SHE WAS A WARDEN ON A MISSION FOR CHANGE
Elaine Lord was a pioneering Warden at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, dedicating 20 years to enhancing prison programs and supporting incarcerated mothers. Her work focused on providing second chances and maintaining connections betw…
- A VILLAGE OF RECOVERY ANGELS
John Sullivan and Charlie Worpek discuss their transformative recovery journeys, emphasizing the essential role of community support and hope in overcoming addiction, as exemplified by their experiences at the Northampton Recovery Center.
- FROM IMMORTAL TO AWAKENED
The episode details Christie Johnson's transformative journey from a self-assured young woman to overcoming addiction, a severe accident, and incarceration, leading to a powerful awakening and a dedication to helping others find second cha…
- FROM PRISON TO PURPOSE WITH THE POWER OF GRACE
Cary Sanders, who experienced significant legal troubles in his youth, now leads JUMPSTART South Carolina. The organization offers a re-entry program that emphasizes faith and provides crucial support like housing and jobs for individuals…
- BREAKING BARRIERS; A CHILDREN’S NURSERY AT BEDFORD HILLS PRISON
Barbara Blanchard details her transition from law to advocacy, focusing on her work at The Children’s Center in Bedford Hills Prison. The episode explores programs that helped incarcerated mothers connect with their children and advocates…
- SHACKLED NO MORE; A FIGHT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN BEHIND BARS
Heather Canuel, who gave birth while shackled in Illinois over 20 years ago, shares her story of navigating the justice system, the trauma of pregnancy in incarceration, and her ongoing advocacy for reform.
- THROUGH THE LENS; IN THE WAKE OF ADDICTION
Filmmaker Lisa Hall created 'The Addict's Wake' to explore addiction and incarceration, aiming to change the narrative and highlight law enforcement's role. The film is available on PBS and for distribution in communities and schools.
- HOME GROWN HOPE BEHIND THE WALL
Mark McBrine transitioned from farming to corrections, eventually managing food services at Mountain View Correctional Facility. He established a successful 'Farm to Table' program, growing produce within the prison, which provides vocatio…
- THE POWER OF COACHING IN CORRECTIONS, PART 2
Part 2 of a conversation with Dr. Brian Lovins explores the transformative coaching model in corrections, detailing its four dimensions (Approach, Connection, Playbook, Success) and emphasizing accountability.
- THE POWER OF COACHING IN CORRECTIONS, PART 1
Dr. Brian Lovins developed the Coach vs. Referee model to provide connection and support for individuals in the justice system, aiming to reduce recidivism. The model has been implemented in the Idaho Department of Corrections.
- WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The Gemma Project, founded by incarcerated women, offers reentry assistance to those returning to the community. Executive Director Cynthia Chase advocates for amplifying justice-involved women's voices and challenging societal views.
- DIRECTOR JENIFER MCSHANE & ‘THE QUILTERS’ - STITCHING LIVES TOGETHER
Filmmaker Jenifer McShane shares her journey, from early work to her Netflix documentary 'The Quilters,' which explores the transformative power of art and empathy within a state prison.
- THE MANY LIVES OF LARA LOVE HARDIN
Lara Love Hardin, a NYT best-selling author and prison reform advocate with personal experience in the justice system and addiction, discusses her memoir, 'The Many Lives of Mama Love'. The book details her life, experiences with the crimi…
- A HUMAN COMPASS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR WAY
This episode of The Hustler Files features Hancock County Jail navigator Crystal Petty and former resident Danielle Brashear discussing programs that help justice-impacted individuals reintegrate into society. Danielle shares her personal…
- ONE MAN'S MISSION FOR CHANGE
Sheriff Craig Apple has implemented programs focusing on reducing recidivism and supporting the homeless population, including a Heroin Addiction Recovery Program, a Soldier On program for Veterans, and an innovative homeless improvement p…
- PLANTING SEEDS OF HOPE AND OPPORTUNITY
Hancock County Sheriff Brad Burkhart applies his farm upbringing to his philosophy of
- FROM A WHITE COLLAR CRIME TO BECOMING A WHITE KNIGHT
Jeff Abramowitz shares his journey from white-collar crime conviction and incarceration to becoming CEO of the Petey Greene Program. He emphasizes the transformative power of education for incarcerated individuals and discusses reentry cha…
- TRUST THE TIMING OF YOUR LIFE
Lori Streeter, one of only two female Sheriffs in Massachusetts, shares her journey from correctional officer to Sheriff in Franklin County. She discusses her appointment, passion for the job, future vision for the office, and the importan…
- WORKING TO KEEP HIS COUNTY, THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE
Cumberland County Sheriff Kevin Joyce has dedicated 38 years to ensuring his Maine county lives up to the state motto. He manages diverse challenges, including jail population, mental health, substance use, and community engagement.
- WHEN GOD CALLS YOUR NAME
Retired prison Chaplain Peg Newman shares her life journey, reflecting on her experiences at the intersection of faith, spirituality, and the criminal justice system. Her stories highlight the importance of community, connection, and the h…
- CRIME & CONSEQUENCES IN A MISSOURI SMALL TOWN, PART 2 of EP 111
Part 2 of "Crime & Consequences in a Missouri Small Town" features former Sheriff Rick Walter discussing the Mischelle Lawless murder case. He shares his experience reopening the case after a wrongful conviction, detailing the challenges a…