The Road Less Traveled

I will never say that bad things have to happen for us to appreciate the good, nor will I say that things happen for a reason, in the sense that there is a bigger picture or grand design. A terrible thing happened because I made the worst decision of my life, and someone lost their's because of it. Now, after working hard and trying to be the best person I can be, not just for myself but for my family, my friends, and my community,...

Thought I'd look up a few prison facts and relate them to my own personal experience in prison. I've always been torn on the idea that incarceration is such a big business and money maker in America. Like all businesses, there's no incentive to reducing/stopping crime, since you're eliminating your product at that point. I should do a follow up and see where these companies are spending there money and if any of it is going towards...

There is a thing to be said of about timing... and that it's everything. It's funny how things are and aren't working out, but I'd that is timing, too. I've unfortunately been having more prison related dreams, and the last one was quite telling about my disappointment in not getting the job I had applied for and had been given an acceptance letter for. I tried not to get my hopes up and start cashing checks I hadn't earned yet, pl...

Wow. I don't know when I went over two thousand listens, but thank you for everyone that has given this podcast a chance. I was away for a few weeks because depression is a bitch and comes in many forms. It doesn't have to be surface level, and there are many times when you won't even recognize it because everything is going well in your life. Life has been especially good for me lately, which is why it is difficult to say that I'v...

Apologies upfront for the poor sound quality. I think a lot of it was my allergies and how my whole head feels like it's underwater right now, but there may have been a loose connection as well. I finally settled in to the new place after the move so I'll hopefully feel better soon and will look into my sound issues. It's perfectly understandable, but it doesn't have the usual gusto that I give. Thank you for bearing with me and li...

On this week's episode I reminisce a bit since I'm currently in the middle of moving (again!). It seems I've moved around quite a lot in my life, yet each time has presented new opportunities and new beginnings in my life. I'm openly looking forward to this next one even if it might have some challenges with it. As I've been packing boxes, I've been going through old photos, notes and story ideas I wrote in prison, and taking stock...

This episode is incredibly personal to me even though it isn't centered around my experiences in prison. Clark County School District (Las Vegas) is currently facing a $50 million deficit and the people in power are sitting on a mountain of money, refusing to help, even though we are nearly dead last in education. I spent time with hundreds of people in prison who never had the opportunities that education may have been able to aff...

On this weeks episode of The Road Less Travel, I rave about the movie "Shot Caller." If you're looking for a movie about prison that is authentic, well written, incredibly accurate, and maybe a little too close to home (for me), this would be the one. I relate it to my own personal experiences and count my blessings that only some of what is depicted in the movie was what I went through because I know for sure it my path could have...

November was one hell of a month and I'm not going to lie, I'm very glad it is over. I hope everyone had a great holiday period. Mine was mostly full of stress and minor hardships to be honest. I am incredibly proud to share with everyone that I did finish my writing goal/contest of typing 50,000 words for www.reedsy.com and will be able to submit my rough draft of a book for agent consideration. It wasn't even close to easy given ...

Unfortunately I was hospitalized again for a panic attack that had my blood pressure through the roof and on the verge of an actual heart attack. Trying to remain positive and productive is hard when your own body is attacking itself. Then the financial aspect kicks in. Stressed that you don't have money? Go visit the hospital and get that bill.... then do it again. I never thought the challenges coming out of prison would be like ...

This section of my impromptu and scattered biography covers ages 15 1/2 to 20. Yes, you read that correctly. I've been focused on preproduction for a short film that I wrote and want to direct, so I apologize that this one is a few days late and also ill prepared... even by audio diary standards. I do recognize within the episode that a lot of my coping skills to traumatic events is to either ignore them, distance myself, or insula...

I had a brilliant time with a new weight loss program brought to me by stomach flu. I guess my body enjoys the erratic release schedule for these episodes. Today's episode is on recent events in my life (congrats to my friend getting married!) and also one of my favorites simply because I'm in a much better place now both literally and figuratively. I'm truly thankful to still be alive and br able to be kind, be joyful, and be comp...