How did Kristy Laschober go from having a thriving business as a wardrobe stylist in Southern California to receiving a five year federal prison sentence? Kristy was born with a medical condition that led to her becoming addicted to opioids as a child. After 10 years of sobriety and ending a marriage to a police officer, Kristy relapsed. This led her to trying meth and eventually selling to a Connecticut priest who the media dubbed as "Monsignor Meth." The story made national headlines....

Kevin Harris shares his remarkable story of overcoming his nightmare of growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood and serving 14 years in prison. He credits his faith, his wife, family members and friends that believed him through the difficult transition from prison to reentry. Kevin's story highlights the challenges faced by young people in high-crime areas and the importance of finding hope and purpose in the midst of adversity. Kevin Harris shares his journey of transformation from a life...

Damon West "Be The Coffee Bean", a former starting college quarterback at the University of North Texas, shares his story of overcoming addiction and incarceration. USA Today says Damon West is the modern day Shawshank Redemption. He was sentenced to 65 years in prison for his involvement in organized criminal activity of breaking into homes to feed his meth addiction. However, he had an awakening during his incarceration that arose from his conversation with a lifer about the prison yard...

Can someone completely transform their life being in out of prison five times? Meet the vision board man, Kardell Sims. He is a passionate advocate dedicated to helping incarcerated & formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives. Despite facing tremendous adversity in his youth, he has overcome his past to become a leader in the re-entry space. Growing up in poverty with strong influences of drugs and gangs, Kardell first became involved with the justice system at age 15. He...

In this episode of the Nightmare Success in and Out podcast, Brent Cassity interviews Myra Mabry, a doctor who has overcome numerous challenges in her life. Myra's story includes dealing with her parents' divorce, finding out that her father is not her biological father, battling cancer, and going through medical school. She shares her journey of resilience and determination, highlighting the importance of perspective and the power of overcoming one's worst fears. Myra Mabry, a former OB-GYN,...

In this episode of the Nightmare Success in and Out podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Sam Mangel, a high profile federal prison consultant who shares his jarring personal experience of going through the federal criminal justice system. Sam woke up in he early morning with a swarm of FBI agents at his door. He had no idea why they were there. They handcuffed him and put him in the back of the car giving him barley enough time to yell out to his wife to call an attorney. Sam shares how...

With the hopes of earning some extra money, Gina Pendergraph is recruited to smuggle drugs into the United States from Mexico. She looks like the suburban mom with her dogs and husband in the car, and gets hit at the border on month 3. Gina has an interesting journey that includes addiction, but also has business successes. She is a smart independent woman who is now navigating the criminal justice system. Gina was recently sentenced to 24 months in prison. This is one interview of a 3 part...

Jeff Deskovic shares his story of being wrongfully convicted of murder and rape as a 16-year-old teenager and spending 16 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. The miscarriage of justice is horrifying, along with the challenges and dangers he faced in prison. Jeff entered a men's maximum-security prison for a life sentence at the age of 17. He goes through the disappointment of seven denied appeals until year 16 the Innocent Project takes his case and frees him with DNA. The original...

In this episode of the Nightmare Success In and Out podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Ginjer Wulff, who shares her story of overcoming addiction and being responsible for a hit and run accident. Ginger grew up in a toxic family environment and struggled with chronic medical issues. Ginjer's medical issues got her addicted to opioids. She made the fateful decision to drive under the influence, resulting in a hit and run accident. She was and still is overwhelmed with guilt and shame. This...

How does a feared and respected New York Defense Attorney get a 14 year sentence to Federal Prison? Robert Simels, a former prosecutor turned defense attorney, shares his journey from fighting corruption in the legal system to representing high-profile clients. He discusses his early life, his transition to law, and his experiences as a prosecutor in New York bringing down police, lawyers, judges, and politicians. This earned him the ire of many in New York. Robert changed teams, and for the...

In this episode of the Nightmare Success in and Out podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Jacqueline Polverari, the founder of Evolution Reentry Services. Jacqueline shares her personal journey of making poor choices that led to her incarceration and how she used her experience to advocate for criminal justice reform. The conversation covers Jacqueline's upbringing, education, career choices, and the challenges she faced in the title business as a business owner. The episode also delves into...

How does a decorated 24 year veteran of the FBI, who was the recipient of numerous awards and accolades for having a positive impact on the National Security of the United States, end up in federal prison for 8 years? In this episode, host Brent Cassity interviews Bob Lustyik. Bob's story is a fascinating journey from being a decorated FBI agent specializing in counterintelligence and counterterrorism to becoming a convicted felon. The conversation covers Bob's background growing up in Sleepy...

In this episode of the Nightmare Success in and Out podcast, Brent Cassity interviews Jeff Martinovich, CEO of a Wealth Management Company, who shares his experience of going through a trial and being sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. He rejected 3 different plea deals standing up for what he believed to be the truth. He lost everything: his career, reputation, family, homes, assets, and liberty. Jeff served our country in the first Gulf War. He grew a wealth management company from...

How did this normal Surburban mom survive this horrific nightmarish journey through the criminal justice system? In this episode, Brent Cassity interviews Lynn Espejo. Lynn grew up in a normal middle-class family and had a successful career in accounting. However, she ended up working for a group of doctors who engaged in unethical practices. Lynn was groomed by one of the doctors to participate in fraudulent activities, which eventually led to her indictment. Despite facing challenges and...

Is it possible to be a 20-year accomplished actor, Specialist for the FBI, and a leader of the reentry community? Yes, Charlie Grady does all those things and very well. Charlie Grady shares his experiences of living two lives as a law enforcement officer and an actor. Charlie discusses his childhood and family background, growing up with a parent in law enforcement, and his journey into acting. The conversation also highlights Charlie's role as a pioneer in the justice impacted world,...

How do you escape the odds from a bad neighborhood and a long prison sentence? Aaron Smith runs the organization Escape the Odds and he is teaching people a new hustle to escape. The news media has recognized his good work. In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Aaron Smith, a former drug dealer who spent 12 years in prison. Aaron grew up in a tough neighborhood in Chicago and got involved in the drug business at a young age while going to college...

In this episode, Brent Cassity interviews Bill Baroni, a former politician who survived the nightmare National Media story of the Bridgegate scandal and served time in federal prison. His case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court, and he won. Bill was appointed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie as Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The national story originated with lane closures on the George Washington Bridge. They discuss Bill's...

I lost my mind but found myself. That is what Jay Jordan said about spending 2 years in solitary confinement. He asked the question "Who am I?" The Nightmare Success In and Out podcast explores the journey of Jay Jordan, who went from being in prison to becoming a successful entrepreneur and community advocate. Jay's story highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration. He shares his experiences of starting a...

What would you do in 2 years of solitary confinement? Jay Jordan did a 180 and changed his life. Jay Jordan is the founder of Time done. He is responsible for passing 50 laws in the last 10 years in California that have benefited the justice impacted community. In this part 1 interview, he shares his journey from a troubled childhood to his arrest and sentencing, leading to his time in prison. He discusses the challenges he faced, including a debilitating stutter, peer influence, and a lack...

How does someone go from foster care to Forbes Magazine?Ryan Stream shares his incredible journey from foster care homes to Forbes Magazine. He overcame a difficult childhood, struggled with mental health, PTSD from two tours of duty in Afghanistan, addiction, incarceration, and eventually found success as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur. Ryan's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-belief. He emphasizes the importance of taking accountability for...

How many times can you get knocked down when you know you are good enough to make it. Meet master barber Lowell Newsome. Lowell grew up as an only child. He lived two different worlds. He was a responsible student with perfect attendance. His high school counselor continued to visit him in prison because he saw promise in Lowell. Lowell was drawn to the street life out of curiosity and acceptance by the older kids who were living on the wrong side of the law. Lowell goes to college and is...

Would you lose hope if you were sentenced to life in prison without parole at 16 years old? In this episode of the Nightmare Success In and Out podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Jessica Hicklin, a transgender woman who spent 26 years in prison for taking a life. Jessica shares her childhood experiences of abuse, her struggles with drugs and alcohol, and the tragic incident that led to her imprisonment. Despite the challenges she faced, Jessica never lost hope and embarked on a journey of...

In this episode, host Brent Cassity interviews Drew Chapin, a tech entrepreneur who faced legal troubles and imprisonment. Drew shares his journey from childhood to becoming a tech CEO and the challenges he faced in the startup world. He discusses the pressure to succeed, fundraising struggles, and the ethical dilemmas he encountered. Drew also opens up about his arrest, the plea deal he took, and the waiting period before reporting to prison. The episode highlights the emotional and mental...

How does a teenager having epic house parties, and grows with a investors, owning a nightclub by 17...end up in prison? This episode features Ian Bick, who shares his journey from being an ambitious and entrepreneurial teenager to facing legal troubles and serving time in prison. Ian's story begins with his early childhood and his knack for organizing events and parties. He quickly scales his business and takes on investors, but financial troubles and lies lead to his downfall. Ian faces the...