Locked In with Ian Bick

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I Made Millions Selling K2 — Then Landed in Federal Prison | Roger Upchurch Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Roger Upchurch was a successful homebuilder in Indiana—until the 2008 market crash pushed him into the synthetic marijuana trade. He built a multi-million dollar K2 empire, making over $50,000 a week, until an undercover DEA agent brought it all down. At 69 years old, Roger was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. In this jaw-dropping episode, he reveals how he went from building homes to building a drug empire—and what it cost him. #TrueCrimeStory #FederalPrison #DEAInvestigation #SyntheticMarijuana #K2DrugBust #RealCrimeRealPeople #PrisonTransformation #FromMillionsToPrison Connect with Roger Upchurch: Order his book: https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Til-Proven-Innocent-Brilliant/dp/1649691327 Visit his website: https://rogerwupchurch.com/ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps:

00:00:00 From Home Builder to Prisoner: The Roger Upchurch Story

00:04:40 Journey to Home Building Career

00:08:21 Transition from Real Estate to K2 Business

00:12:59 DEA Raid and Financial Seizure

00:18:00 The Business of Selling K2

00:22:21 Managing a Business with Limited Capital

00:26:31 Setting Up a Makeshift Production Line

00:31:16 Concerts and Charity Events for Veterans

00:35:34 Entering a Business Partnership and Profit Sharing

00:39:48 Expectations vs. Reality: First Impressions of Prison

00:44:35 Unseen Side of Incarceration: Professional Underpinnings

00:48:55 Life as a Camp Driver in Prison

00:53:16 Life during Lockdown in a Prison Camp

00:57:09 Navigating Life with the "OG" Title in Prison

01:01:12 Life After Prison: Overcoming Obstacles with a Criminal Record

01:05:16 Charity Event Featuring Car Giveaway

01:09:52 Episode Conclusion

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I Was Set Up by an Undercover ATF Agent — Then Sent to Federal Prison | Kyle Farace Jul 13, 2025

Show notes

Kyle Farace grew up with a normal life—until he found out his dad was secretly growing and selling weed. What started as a curiosity turned into a full-blown operation, with Kyle eventually joining forces with his father. But everything changed when he got set up by a confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent, leading to drug and gun charges and a 3-year federal prison sentence. Kyle believes his own father may have had a hand in the setup. In this raw interview, he shares how prison changed him, the hustles that kept him going inside, and the struggle to rebuild life after getting out. #FederalPrisonStory #ATFStingOperation #PrisonHustles #WeedOperationGoneWrong #FatherSonBetrayal #CISetup #DrugAndGunCharges #LockedInPodcast Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Connect with Kyle Farace: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_farace/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.farace.7 Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps: 00:00:00 Kyle's Unexpected Arrest 00:04:30 Teenage Years and Feeling Like an Outcast 00:09:36 Discovering the Family Secret Business 00:19:27 Legal vs. Illegal Gun Sales 00:24:07 Unexpected Arrest and Federal Involvement 00:28:36 Legal Advice on Facing Federal Trials 00:33:15 Life Before Self-Surrender 00:38:12 Creative Prison Hustles: From Pockets to Mattresses 00:42:44 Prison Life and Commissary Stories 00:47:11 Challenges of Dating Post-Incarceration 00:52:00 Friendship and Support During Prison 00:57:19 Unexpected Tattoo Expenses 01:02:08 Life Changes After Prison 01:07:48 Commissary Practices and Potential Scams 01:10:32 Creative Prison Cooking Ideas 01:14:23 Birthday Wishes and Sally's Pizza

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I Was A Shot Caller For The Bloods Inside America's Deadliest Prisons | Smiley B Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

Smiley B grew up in the Bronx without a father figure and was pulled into gang life at an early age. Recruited into the Bloods, he was in and out of juvie and Rikers Island before catching two federal cases that led to 15 years behind bars. From surviving 11 different federal prisons—6 of them being the most violent U.S. penitentiaries—to becoming a shot caller inside, Smiley B lived through it all. In this raw and unfiltered interview, he shares the brutal war stories, the codes of prison politics, and the moment he finally decided to walk away from the life that nearly destroyed him. #BloodsGang #FederalPrisonStory #RikersIsland #GangLifeSurvivor #PrisonWarStories #ShotCaller #RedemptionStory #lockedinpodcast Connect with Smiley B: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood.poppy29?igsh=MWx1eGZtd2Uwa2gxZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr. Buy his book: https://a.co/d/aaaFR7R Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps: 00:00:00 Smiley B's Rough Upbringing and Joining the Bloods 00:07:04 Early Misadventures and Street Influence 00:13:51 Early Life and Gang Influence 00:21:17 Life in Juvenile Detention Centers 00:27:51 The Art of Car Theft 00:34:52 Understanding Gang Culture in the Federal System 00:41:58 Life in High-Security Prisons: A First-Hand Account 00:48:30 Life in a US Penitentiary 00:55:00 Jealousy and Tensions within Prison Crews 01:02:11 Understanding the Street Mentality in Prison 01:08:18 Contraband and Corruption Inside Prisons 01:14:49 Unexpected Legal Troubles and Intertwined Cases 01:22:01 Reflections on Prison Life and Regret 01:27:49 2017 Raid 01:34:08 Prison Dynamics and Inmate Conflicts 01:43:43 Transitioning to Life Outside Prison 01:46:50 Shout Outs to Supporters and Family Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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I Lost Everything to Meth — Then Fought to Stay Alive | Ed Kressy Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

Ed Kressy had a successful career and a promising future—but behind the scenes, he was fighting a deadly secret. What started as teenage drinking spiraled into a brutal meth addiction that stole his life, his sanity, and nearly his soul. In this interview, Ed opens up about the depths of meth psychosis, the devastating impact on his career and relationships, and the moment he finally hit rock bottom. Now clean and rebuilding his life, Ed shares what it really takes to come back from the edge. #MethAddiction #AddictionRecovery #MethPsychosis #RockBottomStory #FromAddictToRecovery #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #TrueAddictionStory #LockedInPodcast Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/

Connect with Ed Kressy:http://www.instagram.com/edkressy Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps:00:00:00 Ed Cressy's Battle 00:05:19 The Need for Alternative Incarceration Options 00:10:18 Early Memories00:15:47 Meth-Induced Psychosis and Conspiracy Beliefs 00:21:05 Overcoming Personal Struggles 00:26:18 Spiritual Beliefs00:31:49 Struggles with Personal Identity and Self-Destruction 00:37:02 The Meaning of Life and Material Possessions 00:42:20 Personal Descent into Psychosis 00:47:46 Experiencing the FBI on Meth00:53:12 Transformation Through Adversity 00:58:40 Turning Point in Addiction Recovery01:04:02 Advocacy for Recovery and Incarceration01:09:17 Contrasting Life Circumstances at Volunteer Events 01:14:25 Overcoming Unfair Advantages 01:19:45 Lessons Learned from Recovery 01:24:49 Building Effective Partnerships with Correctional Services Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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I Was an Oxy Addict — Now I'm an EMT Saving Lives | Brendan Thomas Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Brendan Thomas grew up in Connecticut with a loving family and a promising future—but one decision changed everything. After trying Oxy for the first time, he spiraled into an 8-year battle with drug addiction that led to heroin, drug dealing, and dropping out of college. In this interview, Brendan opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, his many failed attempts to get clean, and the moment everything finally changed. Now sober and working as an EMT, he's saving the same kinds of lives he once nearly lost. #AddictionRecovery #OxyContinCrisis #HeroinAddictToEMT #FromAddictToHero #DrugAddictionStory #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryJourney #lockedinpodcast Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop

Timestamps: 00:00:00 Brendan Thomas's Journey 00:04:05 Nostalgia for Pre-Digital Childhood 00:08:26 Life-Changing Moment Witnessing Drug Use 00:13:11 High School Memories and Familial Obligations 00:17:47 The Desire to Fit In and Its Consequences 00:22:47 Facing the Consequences of Dr*g Use 00:27:25 Life in the Drug Economy: From Stash House to Street Deals 00:31:38 Struggles with Pills 00:36:29 Choosing Snorting Over Injecting 00:40:58 The Hidden Struggles in Families 00:45:08 Exploring a Day in the Life of Addiction 00:49:50 Consequences of Addiction and the Road to Recovery 00:54:41 Journey to Sobriety: A Personal Transformation 00:58:56 Dallas Years and Relapse 01:04:18 Vivitrol 01:09:14 Coping as a First Responder 01:13:38 Finding Hope and Inspiration in Adversity

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Attempted Murder Put Me on the Prison Murder Block | Daniel Pedicini Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Daniel Pedicini's life spiraled from teenage trouble to attempted murder charges. Growing up in Massachusetts, he got hooked on painkillers in high school, was arrested for kidnapping and assault, and eventually landed a 3.5-year sentence on the murder block in state prison. In this raw interview, Daniel opens up about life in county jail, surviving time alongside killers, and what it took to beat addiction and stay sober after prison. #TrueCrimePodcast #PrisonStories #RedemptionArc #LifeAfterPrison #StatePrisonStory #FromInmateToInspiration #SecondChances #lockedinpodcast Thank you to FACTOR for sponsoring today's episode: Head to FACTORMEALS.com/LOCKEDIN50OFF and use code LOCKEDIN50OFF for 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. Connect with Daniel Pedicini: https://www.instagram.com/hadthattoy/?hl=en Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop Timestamps:00:00:00 Daniel Pedicini's Troubled Youth and Legal Battles00:06:07 Life as the Class Clown00:12:30 The Path to Prison: A Personal Reflection 00:18:29 The Safe Burglary Incident00:25:00 The Pressure to Plead Guilty in Court 00:31:18 The Wizanator: A Creative Solution for Dr*g Tests 00:37:54 Transition from Probation to Addiction00:43:57 Living with Methadone: Daily Struggles and Restrictions00:50:22 Confrontation at the Flea Market Leading to Arrest00:56:54 Arrest and Legal Struggles01:03:22 Survival Tactics and Making Friends in Jail01:09:44 Prison Life: Adapting to Unconventional Challenges 01:15:46 Emotional Impact of the Parole Hearing 01:21:59 The Inspiring Journey and Tragic End of a Colorado Friend01:28:28 Transition from Night Shift to Marijuana Consulting01:34:58 Challenges in Housing and Overcoming Rejection01:41:39 Funny Job Stories with Dan Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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I Was a Gay Inmate in Federal Prison — Here's How I Survived | Kyle Sandler Jul 06, 2025

Show notes

Kyle Sandler scammed 79 people out of $2.3 million, went on the run from the FBI, and ended up serving time in federal prison—twice. But his story doesn't end there. In this interview, Kyle shares how he built a fake startup empire, what life was really like as an openly gay man in prison, and how he's now trying to make things right by helping others navigate the prison system through his consulting agency. #WhiteCollarCrime #FederalPrison #StartupScam #LGBTQInPrison #PrisonConsultant #FBIManhunt #ScamStory #lockedinpodcast Connect with Kyle Sandler: https://thekylesandler.com/ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collections/convict-clothing-x-ian-bick Timestamps: 00:00:00 Kyle Sandler's $2.3 Million Scam and Arrest 00:06:07 Perspective on Prison Experience 00:12:07 Unexpected Journey to a Prison Camp 00:18:58 Getting in Trouble on the Radio 00:25:45 Struggles and Mismanagement in Startup Incubation 00:32:48 Transforming Startups: Innovations and Challenges 00:39:31 Living a Lie: The Dual Life of a Fraudster 00:46:34 The FBI Target Letter and Life on the Run 00:54:00 Being Blackboxed in Transit 01:00:58 Emotional Impact of Leaving Family for Prison 01:07:17 Navigating the Prison Economy During Quarantine 01:14:00 Unspoken Rules in Prison Relationships 01:20:05 Personal Growth and Rehabilitation in Prison 01:27:00 Navigating Federal Prison Transfers 01:33:39 Personal Reflection and Change 01:40:32 Creating the Ultimate Podcast Guest Experience Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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The Truth About Working in Arizona Prisons | Steven Tedaldi Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Steven Tedaldi left New York to become a correctional officer in Arizona—and quickly learned that training doesn't prepare you for the real thing. In this interview, Steven shares what it's really like working inside Arizona's prisons, how he gained respect from inmates, and the unspoken politics that run behind the scenes. From CO training to earning your place on the tier, this is a raw look inside the world of modern corrections from someone who lived it. #CorrectionsOfficer #ArizonaPrisons #PrisonPolitics #LifeBehindBars #CorrectionalOfficerLife #COTraining #InsidePrison #lockedinpodcast Thank you to RIDGE for sponsoring today's episode: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.Ridge.com/LOCKEDIN #Ridgepod #sponsored Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collections/convict-clothing-x-ian-bick Timestamps:

00:00:00 Navigating Prison Politics and Respect 00:07:10 Growing Up with Diverse Influences 00:14:50 Understanding Life in a "Seriously Mentally Ill" Yard 00:21:47 Challenges of Working in the Correctional System 00:28:45 Transition from Nightlife to Law Enforcement 00:35:58 Moving to Phoenix: A Bold Decision 00:42:48 Understanding Inmate Management and Consistency 00:50:09 Transition to Working in Arizona and Prison Environment 00:57:40 Challenges of Prison Reform 01:06:01 Challenges of Parenting from Prison 01:11:41 The Impact of Institutionalization 01:19:03 The Reality of State Prison Life 01:25:14 Ingenious Prison Fishing Methods 01:31:45 The Dynamics Between Guards and Inmates 01:38:34 Prison Terminology and Communication 01:45:26 Navigating the Nightlife and Prison System Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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I Was a Judge — Then I Had To Survive Federal Prison | Ryan Kamada Jul 02, 2025

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Ryan Kamada was a respected judge in Colorado—until one decision destroyed everything. In this exclusive interview, Kamada opens up about growing up with a solid upbringing, becoming a lawyer and judge, and the crime he committed while sitting on the bench that led to a federal prison sentence. Sentenced to a year and a day behind bars, he shares what it was like going from authority figure to inmate, the lessons he learned inside, and how he's working to rebuild his life after losing it all. #RyanKamada #ExJudge #FederalPrison #TrueCrimeStory #FallFromGrace #JudicialCorruption #PrisonRedemption #lockedinpodcast Thank you to RIDGE for sponsoring today's episode: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.Ridge.com/LOCKEDIN #Ridgepod #sponsored Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collections/convict-clothing-x-ian-bick Timestamps: 00:00:00 The Downfall of Judge Ryan Kamada 00:08:06 Reflecting on Interracial Marriage Challenges 00:16:03 From Engineering to Law School: A Career Transition 00:24:01 The Journey to Representing Parents in Court 00:32:40 Becoming a Magistrate in Colorado 00:40:49 The Challenges of Representing Foster Kids and Abused Children 00:49:00 The Role of Judges in the Criminal Justice System 00:58:07 Warning a Friend About Legal Trouble 01:05:45 Facing an FBI Investigation 01:14:20 The FBI Profer Experience 01:22:46 Navigating the Legal System and Facing Conviction 01:31:37 The First Step Act and Ankle Monitors 01:39:45 Life Inside: Unexpected Realities of Prison 01:47:52 Favorite Commissary Foods and Prison Burritos 01:55:39 Life Lessons Learned in Prison 02:04:29 Overcoming Personal Struggles through Community Support 02:12:55 The Value of Sharing Personal Stories Online Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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Gorilla Nems: Selling Drugs, Rikers Island & Going Viral Jul 01, 2025

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Gorilla Nems grew up in the heart of Coney Island's projects, surrounded by violence, addiction, and survival. In this raw interview, he opens up about battling drug addiction, selling E across Coney Island, and getting locked up after going on the run. He shares what life was really like inside Rikers Island, how the streets almost killed his dreams, and the moment everything changed. From getting sober and signing a record deal to becoming a viral sensation with "Bing Bong," this is the unfiltered journey of a true New York legend who turned pain into purpose. #GorillaNems #BingBong #ConeyIsland #RikersIsland #FromTheProjects #AddictionRecovery #ViralSensation #hiphopinterview Thank you to RIDGE for sponsoring today's episode: Upgrade your wallet today! Get 10% Off @Ridge with code LOCKEDIN at https://www.Ridge.com/LOCKEDIN #Ridgepod #sponsored Connect with Gorilla Nems: IG: https://www.instagram.com/nems_fyl/?hl=en YT: https://www.youtube.com/@GorillaNEMS Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Buy Merch: https://convictclothing.net/collections/convict-clothing-x-ian-bick Timestamps: 00:00:00 The Streets of Coney Island: Gorilla Nems' Early Life 00:04:37 Growing Up in Staten Island: A Journey Through High School and Hardships 00:09:39 Wallet Upgrade: The Ridge Experience 00:14:36 Early Rap Career and Dr*gs 00:19:43 Overcoming Struggles in Staten Island 00:24:46 Life After Dropping Out 00:29:45 Rap Battles 00:34:53 The Impact of Addiction on Life Choices 00:40:23 Journey to Sobriety: From Detox to Change 00:45:31 From Rejection to Record Deal with Shady Records 00:50:52 Reflections on Riker's Island Experience 00:55:13 Finding Purpose Through Adversity 01:00:20 Transition from Substance Ab*se to Counselor 01:05:20 Viral Sensation: The Birth of "Bing Bong" 01:11:00 The Origins of Success: From Viral Moments to Cult Following 01:15:35 Making Amends and Taking Responsibility 01:20:54 Celebrating Achievements with Dinner Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co

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