Nightmare Success In and Out

What happens if your worst fear becomes your reality? Brent Cassity was a successful CEO working in a family business that grew to a national company that was recognized by the media of being the pioneers in their industry. Brent had it all and lost it all. He found himself standing at the gates of Leavenworth Prison to serve a 5 year sentence. Brent’s podcast explores the stories of inmates who were in and now out of prison. What was life like before they went in, life inside prison, and life now that they are back home. These conversations are deep, sad. often funny, but always interesting.

Latest Episodes:

Private Equity COO risks it all then prison: The Mark Varacchi Story Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

It has been said that success on Wall Street can become intoxicating. Mark Varacchi, a 20 year former hedge fund executive, shares his story of how he went from success to standing at the gates of prison. He took responsibility for his actions after building systems and processes identifying flaws and risks in those systems, which eventually led to his downfall. Those skills were clearly used when circumventing multiple processes and systems in order to commit his crimes of Securities and Wire Fraud. Mark now speaks about his experiences and expertise to compliance professionals and financial investigative organizations. He discusses the guilt and fear he experienced during the investigation and the long wait for his sentencing. Living in years of limbo before going to prison was a form of punishment in itself. Mark Varacchi shares his experiences of going to prison and his journey of reentry. He discusses the challenges he faced, the support he received, and the lessons he learned. Mark emphasizes the importance of relationships and experiences over material possessions. He also talks about his passion for helping others navigate the criminal justice system and his work as a federal prison consultant. His company is called Federal Prison Consultancy. Mark's story highlights the power of resilience, personal growth, and finding purpose after adversity. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

Surviving Sexual and Physical Abuse - Murder of Abuser - The David Garlock Story Aug 08, 2024

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David Garlock shares his story of surviving sexual and physical abuse, eventually he and his brother killed their abuser. The brothers received a 25 year prison sentence. He grew up in a dysfunctional home and experienced multiple traumatic events. At 11 years old, he lost his innocence and had to hide the abuse. David served 13 years in prison and used his experience to advocate for criminal legal reform. He found solace in religion and sought forgiveness for his actions. David Garlock shares his journey of personal growth and transformation during his time in prison. He emphasizes the importance of using incarceration as an opportunity for self-improvement and education. He highlights the challenges of reentry, including finding employment and overcoming societal biases. Despite the obstacles, David remains committed to advocating for criminal justice reform and providing support to individuals reentering society. He has become a national speaker at several universities and prisons across the United States. David has become a powerful voice for geriatric parole programs. David sits on numerous boards educating the next generation of criminal justice professionals on rehabilitation. David was eventually pardoned. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

Wall Street Hedge Fund Founder/Prison to Passion - The Chip Skowron Story Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

What happens when a Wall Street Hedge Fund Founder goes to prison. He rises in again to become a force for change of reentry. In this episode of the Nightmare Success In an Out podcast, Brent Cassity interviews Chip Skowron, the CEO of Prison Entrepreneurship Program. Chip shares his journey from being the founder of one the largest Hedge Funds on Wall Street, Frontpoint Partners, to being convicted of insider trading and serving a five-year federal sentence. Chip graduated from Yale University Medical School. He discusses his upbringing, struggles with addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to change his life. Chip also talks about the importance of faith, the support he received from the New Canaan Society, and the power of starting over. Chip Skowron shares his experience leading up to his time in prison and the profound impact it had on him. He talks about the fear and uncertainty he felt before his indictment and the preparations he made for his time away from his family. Chip also discusses the vulnerability and deep connections he formed with other inmates while in prison, and how that experience shaped his perspective on manhood and relationships. Chip shares his struggles of reentry back into society. He emphasizes the importance of hope and community in the reentry process and the need for collective efforts to support individuals coming out of prison. Chip's giving back to help others is inspiring for those who have experienced hitting rock bottom. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

All American Running Back Stumbles But Rises Again: The Stephen Barbee Story Jul 25, 2024

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Stephen Barbee's life story is one of dreams, destruction, disgrace, and deliverance. He grew up in a loving Christian home with a pastor father and excelled in sports, particularly football. Stephen earned All-American honors as a college running back. However, he struggled with addiction and eventually found himself homeless and facing a 70 month federal sentence. After getting out of prison, he turned his life around and became a nationally recognized speaker and mentor. But he fell back into addiction and ended up homeless again. Finally, he rededicated his life to God and found hope and redemption. Stephen Barbee shares his journey of hitting rock bottom, losing his freedom, and finding redemption. He emphasizes the importance of facing one's demons and making positive changes. Stephen discusses his experiences in prison and how he adapted to the environment by using his God-given calling to serve others. He highlights the challenges of reentry and the barriers that individuals face upon release. Stephen's passion is helping inmates in prison and when they get out through various organizations and speaking. Stephen's biggest takeaway is the power of sharing his weakness and offering hope to others. He now works as a life coach and mentor, helping individuals navigate the challenges of reentry. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

From Prison to State House Rep - The Tarra Simmons Story Jul 18, 2024

Show notes

How does someone go from prison to becoming an attorney, and State Representative? Tara Simmons shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and turning her life around after experiencing extreme poverty, substance abuse, and incarceration. She dropped out of middle school at 13, got pregnant at 14, but eventually found her way back to school and graduated high school. She went on to earn a nursing degree and became a nurse. However, she fell into substance abuse again and ended up in prison. After her release, she decided to pursue a law degree and was admitted to law school. She became an advocate for criminal justice reform and was appointed to various positions, including co-chair of the Statewide Reentry Council by the governor of Washington State. Tarra Simmons shares her journey of overcoming barriers and achieving success after being incarcerated. She faced numerous challenges, including being denied the opportunity to take the bar exam despite graduating Magna Cum Laude, and having the support of many influential individuals. However, she persevered and fought for her rights, eventually winning a unanimous decision from the Supreme Court to take the bar exam. Tarra's story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up on one's dreams. She has since become an attorney and a state legislator, advocating for criminal justice reform and supporting others who have been justice-impacted. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your personal car concierge."

A 55 year sentence for a 17yr Old - The Elizabeth Shatswell Story Jul 11, 2024

Show notes

Elizabeth Shatswell’s story is one of resilience and a thirst for knowledge after receiving a 55 year prison sentence as a 17 year old. Teenagers have events in their lives they wish they could take back. Elizabeth had a night that involved a robbery and carjacking. The events that followed shows how broken our justice system is for far too many. This inspiring story shows us how you can grow and persevere through a nightmare. Elizabeth used her time in prison to improve and educate herself by holding two Bachelor of Arts degrees, and multiple associate degrees. She calls it active engagement. While she was in prison she co-founded Stop, Drop, and Yoga. She became part of the the HOPE Team, an ongoing collaboration between the Department of Corrections medical and security staff. The goal of the HOPE Team is to promote healthcare practices and policies. Her passion is the care of the aging population and how it impacts them while they are imprisoned with healthcare. Elizabeth was granted juvenile parole in 2023 after serving 23 years in prison. She is a strong voice advocate for the Incarcerated Children's Advocacy Network (ICAN). Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prionist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge.

Perfectly Flawed: The Kristy Laschober Story Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

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. Kristy leads us through her experience in federal prison. When she was released she graduated with honors from college and has become a strong advocate for prison reform, leading the fight to remove the criminal history box from college applications. Kristy is the author of the book, "Perfectly Flawed: Uncovering Your Greatest Purpose." This is an Incredible Comeback Story! Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplazadirect.com "Your Personal Car Concierge."

From Prisoner to Pastor: The Kevin Harris Story Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

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 of crime and incarceration to becoming a pastor and advocate for criminal justice reform. He is Pastor of Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, and a legislative aide for Representative LaTonya Garrett in the Michigan House. Kevin also ran for the House of Representatives in Michigan in 2020. He emphasizes the importance of finding one's purpose and being passionate about it, as it provides the motivation to overcome challenges and make a difference. Harris also highlights the need for support and opportunities for justice-impacted individuals to successfully reintegrate into society. He discusses his work as a paralegal, his involvement in politics and activism for the community. Harris's story is a testament to the power of hope, hard work, and resilience. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE: Autoplaza Direct "Your Personal Car Concierge" autoplazadirect.com

The Coffee Bean Man - Be the Change: Damon West Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

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 being a boiling pot of water. Damon emerged as a changed man. He is now a Criminal Justice college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, and international bestselling author of "The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson To Positive Change." He shares his story of redemption and inspires others to transform their lives. The Coffee Bean story has inspired thousands from Wal-Mart, State Farm, to sports teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Clemson, Georgia, Alabama and others. The U.S. Army has even incorporated the #beacoffeebean mindset into their resilience training. Damon West discusses the flaws in the American criminal justice system, including the power of prosecutors and the lack of jury understanding. He shares his experience of being sentenced to 65 years in prison and the shock and realization that followed. Damon also talks about the importance of hope and the concept of the coffee bean as a symbol of transformation and resilience. He emphasizes the need to fight all your fights and the power of living in the moment. He emphasizes the power of positive energy and servant leadership. Damon believes that your past does not define you, your windshield is a lot bigger than your rearview mirror for a reason. He discusses the challenges of reentry and the ongoing punishment ex-felons face in society. Damon's biggest takeaway is the importance of putting back into the world and helping others. He is proof of perseverance and not giving up on your goals. One of my favorite quotes is, "you don't have to win every fight, but you have to fight every fight." Show Sponsors White Collar Support Group prisonist.org START HERE, Autoplaza Direct "Your Personal Car Concierge"

The Vision Board Man: Inspiring Transformation: Kardell Sims Story May 30, 2024

Show notes

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 cycled in and out of incarceration during his early life. However, during his time in federal prison, 5th prison trip, Kardell developed a vision for breaking free from recidivism. He created a blueprint for changing his life trajectory while still behind bars. After release, Kardell put this plan into action. He beat the odds by transforming himself through education, self-improvement, and service. Today, he is the founder of On The Inside Re-Entry Academy and uses his journey to inspire those facing similar struggles. As a national speaker, 9-time author, master certified empowerment coach, and re-entry consultant/strategists, Kardell is dedicated to guiding others toward self-empowerment. Listen and be inspired. Show sponsors: White Collar Support Group prisonist.org Start Here, Autoplaza Direct "Your Personal Car Concierge."

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