Shows
Opening DoorsBeyond the Walls: Finding Redemption and Purpose After PrisonIn this episode, Rachel Dalinka moderates a powerful conversation between three formerly incarcerated individuals: Suave Gonzalez, Jeffrey Abramowitz, and Kimpedro Rodriguez. All transformed their lives and are now working to support others. The guests share their experiences with the challenges of re-entry, the importance of education and support systems, and the need for societal change in how returning citizens are perceived and treated. The discussion highlights the systemic barriers faced by those with criminal records, such as difficulty obtaining identification, housing, and employment, and emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities and support for successful reintegration. Key Takeaways: ...2025-04-0149 minOpening DoorsThe Human Cost of Mass IncarcerationJoin the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: Main Line School Night. In this powerful episode of Opening Doors Podcast, Rachel Dalinka speaks with Shakaboona Marshall about his journey of thirty years of incarceration to gaining freedom and leading efforts in prison reform and human rights advocacy. Shakaboona shares his personal story of being sentenced to life as a juvenile. He discusses the fight for freedom through the Miller v. Alabama Supreme Co...2025-03-1831 minOpening DoorsSurviving Kensington: A Journey to RecoveryJoin the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: Main Line School Night. In this deeply moving episode of Opening Doors Podcast, Rachel Dalinka sits down with Megan Cohen, founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Grace Project. Megan shares her powerful journey through addiction, homelessness, and eventual recovery—highlighting the resilience that brought her from the streets of Kensington to a life of purpose and advocacy. She opens up about her early str...2025-03-0439 minOpening DoorsThe Power of Healing: Turning Pain into PurposeJoin the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: Main Line School Night. In this powerful episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Delinka sits down with author, deacon, and motivational speaker DANI, who shares her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood, addiction, and incarceration to healing, redemption, and purpose. DANI opens up about how she overcame decades of struggle, found her faith, and turned her pain into a source of strength for h...2025-02-1827 minOpening DoorsFrom Life Sentence to Pulitzer: A Story of RedemptionIn this deeply moving live episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, my guest Suave Gonzalez shares his journey of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. Arrested at the age of 17 and wrongfully convicted, Suave faced a life sentence in Pennsylvania’s prison system. Over the next three decades, he endured the harsh realities of incarceration but emerged with a powerful story of self-reinvention and hope. Suave reveals how his time in solitary confinement became a catalyst for self-education, leading to his release after juvenile life sentences were deemed unconstitutional. From earning a Pulitzer Prize to launching initiatives like the "I...2025-02-0424 minOpening DoorsReforming Criminal Justice: A Trauma-Informed Perspective with Dr. Christi SmithIn this compelling episode of Opening Doors Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christi Smith, an esteemed expert in criminal justice policy and trauma-informed care. Dr. Smith shares insights from her extensive experience as a parole officer, academic, and advocate for systemic reform. Together, we explore the challenges of over-criminalization, the benefits of trauma-informed practices, and innovative approaches like Clean Slate automated record sealing. From understanding the implications of childhood trauma to recognizing the systemic barriers faced by reentrants, this conversation sheds light on the importance of compassion and resilience in reshaping the criminal justice landscape. Key...2025-01-2129 minOpening DoorsTransforming Lives Behind Bars: The Power of Entrepreneurial TrainingIn this episode of Opening Doors, we explore transformative approaches to rehabilitating individuals within the prison system through entrepreneurial programs. Joe Gagnon shares his journey from a career in tech and entrepreneurship to volunteering with Defy Ventures, an organization that offers incarcerated individuals entrepreneurial training. With a deep passion for uplifting others, he discusses the barriers faced by those re-entering society, the need for systemic reform, and the incredible potential unlocked through education and opportunity. Whether you’re curious about social justice, the power of second chances, or how entrepreneurship can change lives, this conversation is sure to inspire....2025-01-0727 minOpening DoorsInside Recovery and Wellness Courts with Judge Rea BoylanIn this inspiring episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Judge Rea Boylan of Bucks County to discuss the transformative impact of Recovery and Wellness Courts. Judge Boylan shares her experiences since initiating these innovative alternatives to incarceration, which focus on treatment and community reintegration for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative efforts of diverse community stakeholders, the importance of purpose and connection in recovery, and groundbreaking programs like the Youthful Offender Initiative. This conversation emphasizes the power of support, mentorship, and redemption in fostering positive change.2024-12-2422 minOpening DoorsJeffrey Abramowitz: from Lawyer to Advocate, a Journey of RedemptionIn this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Opening Doors, Rachel speaks with Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO of the Petey Greene Program and a champion for education and reentry services for incarcerated individuals. Jeff shares his incredible journey, from a former trial lawyer facing incarceration to a dedicated advocate for justice and learning. He reflects on the transformative power of choices, forgiveness, and second (or even first) chances. They explore the role of education in reducing recidivism, the challenges faced by individuals reentering society, and the vital work of the Petey Greene Program in empowering incarcerated individuals with education and essential...2024-12-1032 minOpening DoorsFrom Streets to Success: Will Every’s Journey of RedemptionJoin me for my Podcast Launch event on 12/7 from 3-6 PM at REC Philly (9th & Market) featuring a live podcast interview, live jazz/blues music by Tonya Lynette, plus food & drinks! Register here! In this powerful episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, we sit down with Will Every, a resilient entrepreneur and inspirational figure who transformed his life after years of hardship. Will shares his journey from a troubled youth marked by poverty, trauma, and incarceration to becoming a successful business owner and community leader. We explore his early experiences with the justice system, the devastating loss o...2024-11-2640 minOpening DoorsLooking Ahead: Insights from the Season and BeyondJoin me for my Podcast Launch event on 12/7 from 3-6 PM at REC Philly (9th & Market) featuring a live podcast interview, live jazz/blues music by Tonya Lynette, plus food & drinks! Register here! Episode Summary In this milestone episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka reflects on the journey so far and the profound impact the podcast has had on its listeners. Rachel shares heartfelt moments from guests who have openly shared their stories and highlights feedback from Jonathan Lewis, the guest from Episode 3, who found inspiration in recent episodes to enrich his work...2024-11-1213 minOpening Doors35 Years to Freedom: Star Granger's Story of Survival and RedemptionIn this powerful episode of Opening Doors, Star Granger shares her deeply personal journey from being incarcerated at 17 for first-degree murder to her release in 2018 after serving 35 years. Star reflects on the realities of life in prison, her fight for survival and personal growth, and the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. She also discusses her involvement with reentry programs, her work as a certified peer specialist, and the founding of Swag Sisters with a Goal, an organization aimed at empowering formerly incarcerated women. With a focus on trauma, resilience, and social justice, this episode sheds...2024-10-2928 minOpening DoorsBreaking Generational Trauma with Dr. Omar RedaIn this episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Dr. Omar Reda, a board-certified psychiatrist, Author, and Harvard-trained trauma expert based at UCHealth in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Omar Reda shares his profound insights on trauma, how it shapes lives, and why it's essential to adopt a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing. They discuss his journey from growing up in Libya, experiencing personal and collective trauma, to becoming a psychiatrist focused on trauma healing and mental health in refugee communities. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding trauma not just as an event, but as...2024-10-1535 minOpening DoorsHonoring a Son’s Legacy: The Story Behind The Jahmil Harris FoundationIn this powerful episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka connects with Tammy Harris, founder of the Jahmil Harris Foundation. Tammy shares her deeply personal story of loss and the journey that led her to create the foundation in memory of her son, Jahmil. Through this organization, she provides support to communities affected by gun violence and helps young people with opportunities for education and employment. Tammy’s story is one of resilience, as she turns unimaginable grief into a mission to uplift others. Her work demonstrates the healing power of community and faith, and her message is...2024-10-0133 minOpening DoorsFaith, Redemption, and Reentry: A Conversation with Jonathan LewisIn this compelling episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Jonathan Lewis, the Executive Director of Life Abundant Prison Ministries, to explore his remarkable journey from incarceration to becoming a leader in prison ministry. Jonathan opens up about his early years, the challenges he faced while navigating the criminal justice system, and the profound transformation he experienced through spirituality and faith. He discusses how his renewed sense of purpose led him to dedicate his life to helping others on similar paths, particularly through his work with Life Abundant Prison Ministries. The episode also delves...2024-09-1728 minOpening DoorsFrom Incarceration to Inspiration: Wayne "Jamaal" Garrett's Journey In this episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Wayne "Jamaal" Garrett, a community engagement and reentry coordinator for Uplift Solutions and president of the Uplift Alumni Association. Wayne shares his compelling journey from incarceration to becoming a leader in workforce development for justice-impacted individuals. He discusses the systemic challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people, the transformative power of support systems, and the importance of empathy and understanding in reentry programs. Wayne’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the potential for positive change even in the most challenging circumstances. Ep...2024-09-0337 minOpening DoorsFrom Chaos to Clarity: My Story of HealingIn this powerful inaugural episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka opens up about her deeply personal journey through trauma, addiction, and healing. Rachel shares her story of growing up with a father who was a brilliant attorney but also struggled with cocaine addiction, leading to a tumultuous childhood marked by chaos, loss, and shame. Through candid reflections, Rachel discusses the impact of trauma on her life and how she has worked to overcome it. She introduces the “Four S’s”—Support, Self-care, Service, and Spirituality—as key components of her healing process. This episode sets the tone for the pod...2024-08-2118 minOpening DoorsWelcome to the Opening Doors Podcast!Welcome to the "Opening Doors" podcast, where healing and redemption take center stage. Hosted by Rachel Dalinka, this podcast draws from her personal experiences with her father's battle against addiction and incarceration, and her extensive 25-year career in education and facilitation. "Opening Doors" is a safe space for open dialogues on overcoming life's traumas, reframing experiences, and finding new purpose. Whether you’ve been affected by incarceration, addiction, or are simply a believer in second chances, this podcast offers empathy, understanding, and hope. Subscribe and join us biweekly as we celebrate the victories of spirit, advocate for recovery, and wo...2024-08-1301 min
The DFY ShowThriving in Wellness and Entrepreneurship | Practical Self-Care Secrets from 3 Renowned ExpertsExcelling through life is everyone's passionate desire. But how can you achieve this beautiful balance in a world loaded with distractions, troubles, and assorted stress? In this episode of the DFY Show, you'll get a full breakdown of the strategies to flourish in health, career, and relationships. SPECIAL GUESTS: For International Women's Day 2024, we are excited to feature three trailblazing female professionals: 1. Rachel Dalinka (Founder, RAD Consulting: Fostering healing from incarceration and addiction) 2. Krystal Lee (Founder, TrainUp: Mentoring paralegals to professional excellence) 3. Wendy Ross Dilsheimer (Integrative Health & Wellness Coach: Empowering wholesome development) HIGHLIGHTS: How to develop and sustain an unshakeable...2024-03-1646 min