What does it take to rebuild a life after prison? For Vincent Siahaan, it began with a brutal awakening, a nine-year sentence for drug trafficking, and the crushing reality of being separated from his young family. But his story didn’t end there, it transformed.
In this deeply honest conversation, Vincent shares how his time behind bars reshaped his understanding of justice, identity, and community. He opens up about the emotional toll of incarceration, the stigma faced upon release, and the uphill battle to reclaim purpose.
Now the founder of InsideOut Pathways, Vincent is on a mission to rewrite the narrative for others leaving the system. Through employment, mentorship, and community support, he’s helping former inmates find stability and dignity - proving that second chances aren’t just possible, they’re powerful. Mel and Vincent unpack the systemic barriers that fuel recidivism, the role of empathy in rehabilitation, and the grassroots movement growing in Brisbane to support those walking out of prison gates into a new kind of freedom.
This episode is a testament to resilience, accountability, and the transformative power of community. Whether you’ve experienced the justice system firsthand or are simply curious about what it means to truly break the cycle, Vincent’s story will challenge, inspire, and move you.
(2) Facebook - InsideOut Pathways
The InsideOut Method | INSIDEOUT BNE
(22) Vincent Siahaan | LinkedIn
On behalf of the Hair Therapist we acknowledge the Turrbal and Jagera people, the traditional custodians of the land on which this podcast is produced.
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CREDITS:
Host: Melissa Alsemgeest
Guest: Vincent Siahaan
Editor: Robert Alsemgeest
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