Clemency, Courage, & Redemption | Governor Eric Greitens

Sometimes, a single plea in a crowd can spark a chain reaction that changes everything—even the fate of a woman wrongfully imprisoned for 36 years.

In this fourth episode of the Judy Henderson series, Judd sits down with former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens—the man who granted clemency to Judy Henderson, freeing her after decades behind bars for a crime she did not commit. But this isn’t just about policy or pardons. It’s about what happens when leadership meets heart, when courage is rooted in love, and when true justice demands more than playing by the rules.

Greitens shares the behind-the-scenes story of how a moment of “divine intervention”—when Judy’s daughter Angel approached him at a vandalized Jewish cemetery—set in motion a deep review of thousands of overlooked clemency pleas. Through candid reflections, Greitens opens up about the burdens and responsibilities of power, the unseen weight carried by those waiting for hope, and how keeping your heart open as a public servant can help right grievous wrongs.

5 Lessons from the Episode:

1. Every story matters: Behind every plea for help is a human being who deserves acknowledgment and respect.
2. Leadership means leading with heart: True courage comes from empathy, listening, and daring to act with compassion—even when it's risky.
3. Resilience is built in connection: Overcoming hardship is possible when we reach out, show up, and support each other through vulnerability.
4. Stories heal and empower: Sharing our pain and triumphs invites others to begin their own path to healing and hope.
5. Justice calls for wisdom and courage: Fixing what’s broken isn’t just about following rules—it’s about having the vision and bravery to make things right.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Divine Intervention at the Jewish Cemetery
00:51 Freeing Judy Henderson: The Clemency Story Begins
03:04 Angel’s Plea and 5,000 Unanswered Prisoner Letters
06:15 Transforming Hate: Cemetery Cleanup Unites Thousands
10:03 Leadership Starts With the Heart
11:13 Angel Shares the Moment of Judy’s Freedom
13:07 Greitens Reflects: The Ripple Across Generations
16:28 Where the Justice System Failed Judy Henderson
20:59 Race, Poverty, and Politics in Wrongful Convictions
23:12 The Prosecutor’s Regret: Conviction for Political Gain
26:51 Resilience Through Story: Heartbreak, Pain, and Hope
32:59 Loneliness Epidemic and the Power of Showing Up
35:07 Breathing Through Darkness: Practical Resilience Advice
37:31 Greitens’ Personal Lowest Point and Public Shaming
41:00 Finding Strength: Sons Giving Life Back
44:16 The Lasting Pain of False Accusations
45:25 Faith and Finding Purpose After Loss
49:12 Raising Boys: Strength, Compassion, and Wholeness
53:02 The Ancient Order of the Pirate Knights: Kids’ Initiation
58:21 The Need for Ceremony and Recognizing Boyhood Transition
59:29 Storytelling as a Bridge: Power of Brave Narratives
62:03 Bitter or Better: Judy’s Choice After Prison
63:33 Message to Those Holding On: “You Are Loved”
66:35 What the Light Means in Judy’s Story
67:12 How Judy Saved Greitens During His Hardship
69:43 Bravery Begins With Love, Not Fear

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