Shows
Healing Our PoliticsSolitary to Solidarity: Trauma, Brotherhood, and Transformation w/ Eldra Jackson IIIWelcome to the Healing Our Politics Podcast! Join Our Community and Receive Free Tools + How to Guides:Join “The Leader’s Handbook” newsletter https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about· Always free· Once per month email· Curated selection of tools, techniques, and practices discussed on this podcast· Delivered in simple to follow how-to-guides· To try and test in your life, and teach your teams.JOIN HERE https://leadershandbook.substack.com/about Guest:Eldra Jackson III is the C...2025-06-191h 29
Parents Who ThinkOn Harm, Healing and Radical Accountability with Eldra JacksonEldra Jackson doesn’t soften the truth. And he doesn’t offer redemption stories tied up in a bow. In this conversation, he speaks openly about the crimes that led to his 24-year prison sentence and the deeper inner work that began long after the bars closed behind him. Danusia Malina-Derben, host of Parents Who Think, joins Eldra to explore what happens when men are taught that power depends on domination—and what unfolds when trauma goes unnamed. And what it means to take full responsibility not just for your past, but for the impact you still have o...2025-06-1414 min
The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIMy Time Gonna Come: Ian Manuel on Poetry, Prison, and the Power of Forgiveness - Episode 79In this powerful conversation, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with Ian Manuel—activist, poet, and author—whose life was irrevocably changed after being sentenced to life in prison at age 13. Ian shares his remarkable journey from solitary confinement to the national stage, where his poetry and voice are transforming narratives about justice and healing. With raw vulnerability and grace, Ian recounts his friendship with the woman he harmed, the struggle to rebuild life after release, and how art helped him survive two decades in isolation. A moving exploration of restorative justice, resilience, and redemption. To learn more...2025-06-0650 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIPatchwork of Healing: Felix Mickens on Love, Loss, and Leadership - Episode78Felix Mickens joins host Eldra Jackson III to reflect on a life shaped by early loss, decades of service in juvenile justice, and a profound journey of healing. From his childhood in East St. Louis and New Jersey to his leadership in bringing Inside Circle into New Jersey’s juvenile justice system, Felix shares moving stories of grief, disconnection, growth, and the quiet power of second chances. Now cancer-free after a decades-long battle, Felix embodies the resilience and compassion he offers to the young people he serves.2025-05-0246 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIThe Inner Warrior: Rising Beyond Limits with Wayne Forrest - Episode 77After a devastating rugby injury left him paralyzed from the neck down at just 25, Wayne Forrest could have given up. Instead, he tapped into something deeper. In this moving conversation with host Eldra Jackson III, Wayne shares how he transformed trauma into triumph, rediscovered purpose, and now helps others access their inner warrior. Tune in to hear how this farmer, father, and coach turned adversity into fuel for a powerful new life. Learn more about Wayne at https://www.wayneforrest.com/ Connect with Inside Circle at https://insidecircle.org/2025-04-0435 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIHealing, Identity, and the Power of Mentorship with Thomas LaGrave Jr. - Episode 76Therapist Thomas LaGrave Jr. joins Eldra Jackson III to explore the loss and reclamation of identity through addiction, the healing power of nature, and the role of strong male mentors in shaping lives. Drawing from his work in the prison system and the Honor Bound Academy, Thomas shares raw insights on accountability, transformation, and what it truly means to heal. Learn more at thehonorboundacademy.org2025-03-0738 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIDefending the Defenseless with Alexander McLean - Episode 75In this powerful episode, Eldra Jackson III welcomes Alexander McLean, founder of Justice Defenders, an organization transforming lives by training prisoners and prison officers to become paralegals and lawyers. Alexander shares his incredible journey, from washing and advocating for abandoned patients in Uganda as a teenager to building a movement dedicated to ensuring every accused person has the opportunity to tell their story before being punished. With stories of resilience, transformation, and radical trust, Alexander reveals how Justice Defenders is empowering unlikely allies in Uganda, Kenya, and beyond to bring dignity, justice, and hope where it’s ne...2025-02-0739 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIHealing Our Politics with Skippy Mesirow - Episode 74In the first episode of 2025, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Skippy Mesirow, certified master coach and founder of the Elected Leaders Collective (ELC), for a deeply personal and insightful conversation about healing our politics, addressing addiction, and confronting the unspoken realities of mental health and suicide. Skippy shares his journey from battling severe addiction to founding ELC, which leads the nation in mental health and well-being training for public servants. Through his own experiences, he emphasizes that healing politics begins with the human in the mirror, reminding us of the critical role self-awareness plays in creating systemic...2025-01-0344 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III2024 Year in Review: Igniting Community - Episode 73In the final episode of 2024, host Eldra Jackson III reflects on a transformative year for Inside Circle and its mission to empower system-impacted individuals to ignite healing and change within themselves and their communities. From reintroducing circles inside New Folsom Prison after six years to launching the first Inside Circle program at the Zaanstad Justice Center in Amsterdam, this year has been about one theme: igniting community. Eldra revisits three standout episodes that exemplify this theme, sharing powerful stories from guests like Jason Bostic, Wesley Jeffries, Janelle Hudson and Manuel Ruiz. Join us for an inspiring retrospective...2024-12-0625 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIUnlocking the Hidden Workforce with Trent Griffin-Braff - Episode 72In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III welcomes Trent Griffin-Braff, founder of The Success Map Initiative. Trent shares his journey of growing up in the Bronx during the crack epidemic and his rise from cleaning toilets at the Marriott to becoming a general manager. Now, through his nonprofit, The Success Map Initiative, his mission is to uplift the "hidden workforce"—those often overlooked—helping them find hope, employment, and purpose. He furthers this mission with his Prison Bosses podcast, which reaches incarcerated individuals across the country, offering them hope and tools for success after relea...2024-11-0146 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIIntentional Living: From Prison to Purpose with George Nolan - Episode 71In this powerful episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III sits down with George Nolan, a re-entry recovery advocate and motivational disruptor. George shares his transformative journey from a life of crime, addiction, and prison to becoming a force for positive change. At 45, he had a life-changing epiphany that led him to pursue a path of intention, authenticity, and recovery. George opens up about the importance of aligning actions with values, the hard work of personal development, and how he's now helping others realize that their past doesn’t have to dictate their future. From prison tattoos to en...2024-10-0451 min
KUKURUEldra Jackson & Dr. James Mcleary over je eigen gevangenis, licht/schaduw en healing | KUKURU #246Altijd op de hoogte blijven van de nieuwe KUKURU podcasts, speciale kortingen ontvangen, en meer? https://kukuru.nl/blijfopdehoogte/In dit bijzondere engelse gesprek (met ondertiteling op Youtube) ga ik in gesprek met de uitvoerend producent van de veelgeprezen documentaire ‘The Work’; klinisch psycholoog en docent James Mcleary en Eldra Jackson. Eldra is onderdeel van die docu als gevangene in Folsom State Prison en inmiddels uitvoerend directeur van Inside Circle.Dit gesprek gaat veel verder dan wat goed zou zijn voor het gevangeniswezen (ze waren even in Nederland om daar...2024-09-081h 46The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIUnlocking the Power of Sexual Energy with Jackson Hightower - Episode 70In this episode of Inside Circle, host Eldra Jackson III and guest Jackson Hightower explore the transformative power of sexual energy. Jackson shares his holistic approach to helping men overcome issues like shame, performance anxiety, and porn addiction. By focusing on diet, fitness, and mindset, Jackson shows how harnessing sexual energy can boost confidence and positively impact every aspect of life. This episode challenges taboos and offers practical insights for men seeking to elevate themselves and achieve lasting success. Learn more at - www.jacksonhightower.com/2024-09-0645 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIEmpowering Men of Color with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing - Episode 69In this episode of The Inside Circle Podcast, host Eldra Jackson III engages in a profound conversation with Charles Sue-Wah-Sing, founder and facilitator of Men of Color—a supportive community for men of color to grow and prosper in all aspects of their lives. As a personal and professional coach, Charles shares insights from his journey in business and coaching, highlighting how he supports the liberation of men of color from the myths of modern masculinity, race, and patriarchy. His aim is to inspire them to become purpose-driven and compassionate men. Listen as Charles discusses the deep internal work re...2024-08-0242 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIJenelle Hudson on Transformational Housing - Episode 68Join Eldra Jackon III and guest Jenelle Hudson, founder of Pyramid House Foundation, an organization bridging the gap from homelessness to independence, as they delve into the incredible power of safe, supportive, and empowering transitional housing. Jenelle, with a background in sociology and social work, shares her journey from the Caribbean to New York and her impactful work leading resident-centric transformation for the largest public housing authority in the United States. Discover her latest vision for providing five-star transitional housing experiences, her advocacy for stable housing as a pathway to self-actualization, and her innovative approach with Brick City Candy...2024-07-0540 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIHiding Inside a Man with Matthew Sloane - Episode 67Welcome to the Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson III. Today, we’re joined by Matthew Sloane, a committed father, husband, and integral coach. Matthew's soulful book on masculinity, Hiding Inside a Man, is coming out in November 2024. He is also working on Raising Spirited Daughters, an illustrated story for mindful fathers. In this episode, we explore the unique journey of fatherhood, focusing on vulnerability, catharsis, community, sensitivity, and self-compassion. Matthew shares the importance of starting with self-compassion for any healing and growth, and he highlights the need for fathers to support each other. Discover more about Ma...2024-06-0740 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIReversing the Psychic Sting of Slavery with Al Lewis - Episode 66Join 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...2024-05-0343 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIIBreaking Boundaries in Brooklyn: Jason & Wesley's Path to Restoration - Episode 65Dive 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...2024-04-051h 01The Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIITransformations Within: The YAE Journey with Eldra Jackson III, Episode 64Join 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 co...2024-03-0121 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIILearning How to Feel with Manuel Ruiz, Episode 63Join 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.2024-02-0237 minThe Inside Circle Podcast with Eldra Jackson IIICredible Messenger with Taylor Code, Episode 62In 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 iam...2024-01-0546 min
Hur Kan Vi?Eldra Jackson III - Hur blir man man?Det här ett återpublicerat och reklamfritt samtal som spelades in 2019.För många är kanske Eldra Jackson III mest kände från dokumentären ”The Work”. Han har avtjänat 24 år i fängelse varav två av dem i isolering. Idag arbetar han för organisationen ”Inside Circle” som grundades i New Folsom-fängelset i Sacramento 1996. ”Inside Circle” fokuserar på att stötta och rehabilitera män i deras personliga arbete under tiden de sitter i fängelse. Det var tack vare ”Inside Circle” som Eldra blev frisläppt från den dom som egentligen innefattade livstid.2023-12-291h 23
Holistic Life Navigation[Ep. 178] Finding Safety Inside Prison w/ Eldra Jackson IIIOn today's episode Luis is joined by writer and speaker Eldra Jackson III. Luis had seen Eldra in The Work, and was deeply moved by the documentary. At the time of filming, Eldra was serving a life-sentence in prison; he is now the co-executive director of Inside Circle, the non-profit who hosts the men's groups shown in the documentary.As a survivor of childhood trauma, Eldra had developed an internalized story that said that to thrive you must become a predator, in order to not become a victim again. This led to decisions and a lifestyle that...2023-12-2438 min