From Wrongfully Accused: Juan Catalan’s Story of Faith, Freedom & Perseverance

In this powerful episode of the Refine & Shine Podcast, host Angelina Rivera sits down with Juan Catalan—speaker, author, entrepreneur, and survivor of one of life’s darkest storms.

Juan was falsely accused of a murder he didn’t commit and spent months in jail facing the death penalty. Against unimaginable odds, it was a Los Angeles Dodgers game and rare stadium footage that ultimately proved his innocence.

But Juan’s story doesn’t end there—it’s about what he chose to do after freedom. Instead of letting bitterness or fear define him, Juan rebuilt his life, returned to school, earned his GED, and most recently graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business management—on the same day as his daughter.

💡 In this conversation, Juan opens up about:

• What it was like to face a wrongful accusation and the fear of death row
• How faith, family, and perseverance helped him survive the storm
• Why he refuses to embrace a victim mentality and instead chooses gratitude
• His upcoming book Played—a memoir of resilience, purpose, and redemption
• The importance of not letting your past define you, but instead letting it refine you so you can shine

🎬 You may also know Juan from the Netflix documentary Long Shot, which captured his incredible journey to freedom.

This episode is a testament to hope, faith, and the power of the human spirit. Whether you’re facing setbacks, self-doubt, or simply looking for inspiration, Juan’s story will remind you that the storms of life can refine you—and your shine can impact the world.

👉 Don’t miss Juan’s upcoming book, Played, launching September 16th. Pre-order your copy and experience the full story of perseverance and redemption.

🔗 Resources & Links

• Watch Juan’s story on Netflix: Long Shot
• Follow Juan Catalan on IG: @onlyjuanwaytothetop31
• Pre-order Juan’s book Played: A Murder Case A Hollywood Miracle & Dodgers Baseball (release date: Sept 16) Order Here (Barnes) or (Amazon)

Host Contact Information:

• Website: www.angelinarivera.com
• Facebook: Angelina Rivera
• Instagram: @refineandshinepodcast | @the.angelina.rivera
• YouTube: Refine and Shine Podcast | Angelina Rivera
• LinkedIn: Angelina Rivera | Refine and Shine Podcast
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