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:

Danny Collins from the Atlanta Braves to Prison Jan 04, 2024

Show notes

How does a guy with a promising pro baseball career with the Atlanta Braves end up in prison. Danny Collins survived his journey, and it is one heck of a story. He had a complicated childhood with not knowing his mom. He was the kid trying to fit in and sports was his escape for recognition, but he couldn't escape his demons even when he had thought he had finally made it by being signed with the Atlanta Braves. Danny's life spiraled out of control to the point where he is lucky to be alive after a crazy car chase that put him literally underwater. No one could help Danny until he decided he was not going to give up on himself. Danny has recovered and is doing great work with needed affordable housing called Containing Luxury. He has a huge following on TikTok 145k followers telling his truths. This heartwrenching story will leave you inspired by Danny's will to turn his life around.

Joe Robinson 24 years in prison finds passion helping his community with financial literacy Dec 28, 2023

Show notes

What type of mindset would you have if you were sentenced to 25 years to life? In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Joe Robinson, the founder of Mindful Money. Joe shares his personal journey from growing up in the rough neighborhood of East New York, Brooklyn, to getting involved in a life of crime and eventually being sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Despite the challenges he faced, Joe's passion for helping others and improving financial literacy remained strong. This episode highlights the importance of education, mindset, and resilience in overcoming personal nightmares and finding success. Joe Robinson shares his experience of facing a long sentence and entering the unknown world of prison. He discusses how he found purpose in the law library and began teaching classes to help others. After his release, Joe started Mindful Money, a platform focused on financial literacy and empowerment. He highlights the challenges of reentry and adapting to technology. Joe emphasizes that individuals should not be defined by their past mistakes and that everyone has the capacity to do good things and be resilient. In this conversation, Joe Robinson shares his journey from incarceration to success and offers valuable insights on mindset, overcoming challenges, finding purpose, building a support system, taking responsibility, and creating opportunities for others. Joe's story serves as an inspiration for anyone facing adversity and seeking to turn their life around.

Scott Carper's nightmare drug bust on the border Dec 21, 2023

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Have you ever got a hot flash just because you are going through customs? Scott Carper had a nightmare scenario coming back in from the Mexico border. He was addicted to pain pills and made a trip across the Mexico border to save some money. When he went through United States Customs his world was forever changed. He knew he has the pills and declared them what he didn't know was what else was in the car. Like a scene from a movie, Scott's life was forever changed. Scott was the prom king and valedictorian in high school. He has a bad car accident that took him on a path to pain meds. Regardless, of the pain and the eventual addiction Scott was a successful business guy in the movie/TV, and eventually ended up in the billboard sign business in the Southwest region of the country. Scott was just released from Leavenworth and has quite the story to share.

Josh Boyer caught up in fake stash house undercover sting...incredible story Dec 14, 2023

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Imagine being addicted to heroin and needing $2,000 for rehab. A guy comes to you and says he works for a Columbian Drug Cartel as a courier. His bosses stole money from him. If you help him get it back by robbing their stash house...you will never need to work again. It was all a setup and the Columbian Courier was an undercover federal agent with a fake stash house. This episode features an interview with Josh Boyer, who shares his experience of being involved in a stash house sting operation and receiving a 24-year prison sentence. Josh discusses his descent into addiction, the day of the sting operation, and his time in prison. He also talks about his work in the law library, helping other inmates with their cases, and his hope for clemency through President Obama's initiative. The conversation highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the importance of legal representation. Joshua Boyer shares his journey from discovering stash house cases to working in criminal justice reform advocacy. He discusses connecting with Katie Tinto, finding legal support, and the Obama Clemency Initiative. Joshua also talks about completing the RDAP program, the challenges of reentry, and the struggles with employment and housing. He shares his work with Stand Together Trust and his involvement in policy discussions in Washington, DC. Joshua's biggest takeaway is the importance of charting your own path and staying committed to personal growth and success. Takeaways

The American Dream to Prison to National Speaker - Walt Pavlo Dec 08, 2023

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What would you do if you were responsible for collecting over a billion dollars of receivables for MCI at the age of 32 years old. Meet Walt Pavlo who was a young MBA rising quickly through the finance ranks at the nations second largest telecom company, MCI. With a beautiful wife, two kids and a promising career, he epitomized the American dream. Pavlo's life took a dark turn when he became a willing participant in the company's efforts to hide from investors and potential acquirers a mountain of debt run up by mobsters and unsavory customers. After Walt's 41 month sentence he was a man on a mission. Walt has made appearances on The Today Show, ABC Nightline, a contributor to Forbes magazine, CNBC and Fox Business. Walt is a nationally known keynote speaker who has spoken at top ranked MBA schools, Law schools, the U.S. Attorneys Office, The FBI, the Big 4 accounting firms and major corporations across the United States. He is the author of the book, "Stolen without a Gun." Walt is the co-founder and president of Prisonology. Pavlo has a compelling personal story that portrays the intimate details of the pressures he was under when he did what he did. He leaves you with question of "could that have happened to me?"

Inspiring Comeback story Kandia Milton Dream.org Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

If you were born and raised in politics and policy, could you make it back if you went to prison? Yes, Kandia Milton did, and he is now the Policy Director for Dream.org Justice. Kandia was born and raised in Detroit. He says he doesn't remember a life that did not involve politics. Kandia rose through the ranks in Detroit politics, being Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff to the Mayor, and Deputy Mayor of Detroit. Kandia's nightmare was getting involved in a land deal that involved kickbacks. It cost Kandia a Federal Conviction and prison time. He struggled when he returned home trying to find someone to give him a second chance. Congressman Gary Peters who is now Senator Peters, gave Kandia the second chance opportunity he needed as a senior congressional staffer. Kandia's passion is criminal justice reform around the country. He is hitting his stride with Dream.org making impactful change and inspiring youth and those who work with him. Kandia's story is about keeping hope alive and making the most of a second chance opportunity following your passion.

14 years in Prison to Justice Reform Rock Star - Louis L Reed Nov 16, 2023

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What would your life look like after 14 years in prison? For Louis L Reed it has been nothing but action becoming a Rock Star in the Justice Reform Movement. His leadership has led to the passage of more than 30 state and federal bills, including creating the biggest grassroots national advocacy group for the First Step Act signed into law in 2018. He has consulted with the White House, Department of Justice, Fortune 100 Corporations, State, and Federal Agencies. You might have just seen Louis on the cover of LA Weekly for the top 5 entrepreneurs to follow. Louis is the producer of the hit HULU Series Unprisoned. He is the author of the book, "9 Steps to Fall Up When You Trip Down." I love this quote on Louis's website, "Human potential is absolutely amazing...it can produce destiny out of disaster, miracles out of mistakes, purpose out of pain, and strength out of struggles." Checkout Louis Reed's website louislreed.org.

Attorney earns back law license after prison- Charlie Naselsky Nov 09, 2023

Show notes

If you got knocked down could you get back up and earn back something that you really wanted? Charlie Naselsky did. Charlie was a successful attorney. He took pride in being an attorney. It was something he loved to do that he had a passion for. Charlie took his case to trial for tax evasion, and he lost. Charlie was sentenced to 70 months, and the judge immediately remanded him into Federal custody. Charlie's story is about vulnerability and grit. Listening to Charlie's story I found myself drifting into what would I have done in that situation. Charlie was eventually granted his law license back by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. What a grueling process he had to swim through to get back that piece of paper that said he had been deemed rehabilitated. Charlie shares great life advice that can be applied to anyone's situation. If you like a great comeback story, you won't want to miss this episode.

From Prison to the Oval Office - Glenn Martin Nov 02, 2023

Show notes

Could robbing a jewelry store set you on the path to being one of the biggest names in criminal justice reform? You may have seen Glenn as a media guest on NPR, MSNBC, Fox News, or CSPAN. Glenn Martin has had two decades creating impactful change in the arena of criminal justice reform. Growing up as the son of a Police Chief, Glenn took a different path with the wrong crowd that eventually had him serving a 6 year prison sentence. He got out and hit the ground running. He began his career with the New York Legal Action Center. Glenn went on to found and direct a handful of national organizations in the non-profit sector...raising over $43 million in just four years. He coined the phrase, "People closest to the problem are the closest to the solution but farthest from the power and resources." Glenn founded JustLeadershipUSA to tackle that problem. He began educating and training leaders of their communities how to have a strong voice and create policy change. His leadership has been recognized with multiple honors, including the 2016 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award. In 2015, Glenn was invited to the White House Oval Office to have a meeting with the President about criminal justice reform. That visit has an interesting story. Glenn now is the founder of GEM trainers that teaches non-profits how to be more effective with their goals and messaging. Additionally, he owns and operates GEM Real Estate that owns over 90 properties nationwide. This is an inspiring story of how to take action even if you only know 60% of what you need to because you will figure out the other 40% once you are running toward your goal. Glenn Martin proves second chances are real.

213 year prison sentence- never gave up hope - Adam Clausen Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

What would be your mindset if your sentencing guideline was 8 years, and you receive a 213 year sentence? Meet Adam Clausen who had the "never give up" mindset to keep believing he was going to get out. He finally did after 20 years and it is one heck of a story! He transformed his life while in prison compiling an extensive list of "extraordinary and compelling" achievements that eventually earned him a "second chance" at life. None of this would have been possible without the help of his wife that he met in a chance meeting midway through his 20 year imprisonment. Ro, his wife, was able to connect Adam with one of the best known attorneys in the criminal justice arena, Shon Hopwood. Together, 20 years later, Adam walked out as a free man on compassionate release through the new language of Frist Step Act law. Adam has not stopped since he was released. He is doing impactful work with Social Purpose Corrections as the Director of Innovation and Social Impact. Adam's focus now is set on turning the corrections system upside down for the good with reentry.

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