Eldra Jackson III spent a large part of his life as a convict in the US prison system. Inside prison, he encountered a circle of men who led him to overcome his darkness and find healing. He is now the Co-Executive Director of that organization, called Inside Circle. This work was covered in the documentary called The Work. Join me in learning about Eldra’s life story - how he went from serving 24 years of a life prison sentence in California to becoming a successful businessman whose mission is to help heal and mentor other men for whom all hope is lost. In this episode we discuss:  The prison industrial complex in the United States. Eldra’s life journey and what led him to serving a life sentence. Why Eldra made many decisions from a place of trauma. How childhood trauma can affect your nervous system and behavior later in life.  What is a “good convict”? The common mindset among incarcerated people. The difference between prison and rehab  What retirement looks like for a prisoner. How Eldra turned his life around and transformed his mindset. The importance of looking inward to heal. How Eldra got introduced to Inside Circle while in prison. Therapy circles in prison. Changing the way we view and treat hurt people. Why systems only exist because we allow them to. How to create change in the prison system. Why countries need to learn from each other once they’ve developed solutions to societal problems. What’s next for Inside Circle?  How trauma survivors can redirect their energy to good things in the world. Inside Circle’s mission. Eldra’s Links:  Eldra’s TedTalk - How I Unlearned Dangerous Lessons About Masculinity The Work Documentary: https://www.topic.com/the-work (note: you will have to pay for this documentary, but it is VERY worth it) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsideCircleOrg/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inside__circle Twitter: https://twitter.com/inside_circle How to get involved: Inside Circle’s Website - https://insidecircle.org/ See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.