67 episodes

Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III.

Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes’ greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, ‘men’s work’, and what it means to ‘lead change from within’. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.

Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra’s TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.

Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.

The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III Eldra Jackson III

    • Health & Fitness
    • 5.0 • 31 Ratings

Welcome to the Inside Circle podcast with your host Eldra Jackson III.

Eldra spent over a decade unlearning dangerous lessons about masculinity and finding freedom while serving 24 years in prison. In conversation with leaders from all walks of life who have overcome some of lifes’ greatest challenges, The Inside Circle podcast aims to broaden our concept of personal transformation, ‘men’s work’, and what it means to ‘lead change from within’. Beyond the manufactured constructs of race, class, gender, and even criminal history, this deep dive exposes the heart of our shared humanity, revealing prison as an intensely personal state of mind that can be transcended at any time.

Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle, a non-profit organization that supports justice involved people in transforming their lives. Featured in the documentary The Work while he was still incarcerated at New Folsom prison, Eldra’s TEDTalk about his personal journey received over 1.2 million views. The Inside Circle Podcast - where your truth will set you free.

Learn more at www.insidecircle.org.

    Reversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66

    Reversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66

    Join Eldra Jackson III on this inspiring episode of "The Inside Circle," where he welcomes Al Lewis, a pivotal figure who witnessed the evolution of civil rights organizing firsthand in Memphis. Al shares his unique experiences growing up during the tumultuous civil rights era and discusses his journey to the Underground Railroad Training Odyssey. In a heartfelt conversation, Al expresses his enduring hope and belief in the potential for growth and healing within communities. This episode delves into how we can tap into our collective humanity to mend the deep-seated historical pain and trauma that lingers in places steeped in such rich history. Listen in as Al explains the importance of this pilot project in Memphis, emphasizing the vast opportunities for positive change and the strong desire among the community members to heal and move forward together.
    https://inwardjourney.org
     
     

    • 43 min
    Breaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65

    Breaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65

    Dive into a compelling episode of the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III, featuring guests Jason Bostic and Wesley Jeffries from Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. This episode illuminates the transformative healing journey of two former rivals, brought together by the programmatic efforts of Project Restore. Through the dedicated healing work facilitated by Inside Circle, they embark on a path of discovering commonality, embracing a new way of being, and fostering community healing. Their story highlights the crucial work of Project Restore and Inside Circle in facilitating personal transformation and reconciliation. Listen in for a powerful narrative of hope, change, and unity. This is an essential episode for those interested in the profound impact of healing and programmatic intervention on individuals and communities.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Transformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64

    Transformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64

    Join host Eldra Jackson III for a compelling episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, spotlighting the transformative journeys of two remarkable individuals enrolled in Inside Circle’s Young Adult Empowerment (YAE) program. Listen as they recount their histories and the profound impact of the program's holistic approach, which helped them reshape their futures by pairing emotionally supportive male role models with life skills training, addiction recovery, workforce development, and financial literacy. Through candid accounts of struggle and growth, this episode offers an intimate glimpse into the world of young men born into extremely challenging circumstances who, with deep personal commitment and the right support at the right time, found their way out. 
     

    • 21 min
    Learning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63

    Learning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63

    Join Eldra Jackson III in a powerful conversation with Manuel Ruiz, Chairman of the Board at Inside Circle. In this episode, Manuel details his journey from a 21-year life sentence to his pivotal role in the organization today and shares about how he learned to feel, the complexities of shedding his identity as a former prisoner, and how he helped bridge racial divides in prison. Reminding us all to breathe and emphasizing the value of self-reflection and reframing our internal narratives, Manuel’s story is an inspiring testament to the transformative power of Inside Circle.

    • 37 min
    Credible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62

    Credible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62

    In this inaugural 2024 episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III introduces Taylor Code, an individual whose journey in restorative justice began in his youth at a Los Angeles probation camp. Taylor shares his transformative experience from gang member to empowered poet, discussing the pivotal role of vulnerability and creativity in reclaiming his identity. As a Credible Messenger Coordinator, Taylor now dedicates his life to mentorship and community restoration, reflecting on his profound evolution and commitment to change. Join us as we explore Taylor's powerful narrative of redemption and impact. 
    Find more about Taylor’s work at iamtaylorcode.com

    • 46 min
    The Art of Versatility: From Circus to CEO with Robin P. Zander, Episode 61

    The Art of Versatility: From Circus to CEO with Robin P. Zander, Episode 61

    In this episode, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Robin P. Zander, an entrepreneur, strategist, and best-selling author with a unique background in management consulting and the circus. Robin, founder and CEO of Zander Media and author of the national bestseller in Japan, "How to Do a Handstand,” shares insights from his diverse career experiences, including leading the Responsive Conference on the future of work and running Robin's Cafe in San Francisco. Tune in to get inspired by Robin's resilience as he recounts his journey through abusive childhood bullying and the inner work leading to a transformative realization: sensitivity as a strength, not a weakness.

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
31 Ratings

31 Ratings

jackieshea ,

THIS

I believe so much in Inside Circle and I feel strongly that people need to educate themselves by listening to those who have been incarcerated— people who are most affected by the system. This is where the work is at :)

ArmoredRhino ,

Powerful Truth

Restoring humanity one interview at a time. Inspiring personal stories & transformations that purify your soul just by listening to their simple raw truths.

ChapGM ,

A space for speaking truth

Eldra creates space for people to speak their truth from the heart, mind, and body. These stories need to be heard by those on the inside and the outside.

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