Background Check Podcast

Jay Dan Gumm

After five DWI's landed me prison, something had to change. One day I got into a fight and I spent eight days in solitaire confinement thinking about my life and the decisions I had made that led me to that dark place, literally. I came out of the hole a different man with a different heart, mind, soul, direction, and outlook on life. I got mentored by a couple of inmates who eventually made parole but within a year they were both back in. This confused me and ticked me off. I wondered how I was going to make it out there. Then I had a dream of opening up a transitional house for men so they would have a supportive place to parole to. Then I got out. It was awesome and sucky at the same time. After navigating two years on parole with a breathalyzer, not being allowed to drive my own dad to chemo treatments, tons of rejections for jobs, and being told "NO, felons can't live here" when trying to start my marriage at an apartment complex, I could finally breathe. But everywhere I go there's still a background check to deal with. In 2012 we started our business to help men with part time jobs out of prison and we also opened our first transitional house. A year later we opened the second. This podcast is about sharing stories and information concerning anything and everything that has to do with background checks. I have risen above my past and the many background checks along the way. This podcast will help you do the same. Today, I encourage people to check my background. So whether you are someone or know someone who's life has been impacted by the background check, this podcast is for you. We will talk with wrongfully convicted, rightfully convicted, CEO's who hire felons, parole lawyers, and so many other people. We hope you enjoy this journey and at least one episode inspires you. OK, C'mon, let do some background checks.

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Top 10 Background Check Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Background Check Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Background Check Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Background Check Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

EP 146 "It's Not My Fight" Part One with Noemi Martinez

Background Check Podcast

11/12/23 • 71 min

In Part One of "It's Not MY Fight" we meet Noemi Martinez. I met Noemi one morning at church, Social Dallas, when she came up to me and asked about my shirt that "Forgiven Felons" on it. Then she told me her story and I knew we had to get it on Background Check. You will LAUGH, CRY, and FEEL the Holy Spirit in this interview. Noemi doesn't hold back anything and gives God all the glory for everything in her life. She talks about her desire to have a healthy daddy daughter relationship growing up. Now she talks about Jesus being her husband as the bridegroom of the church. You'll be on the edge as she tells her parole story, but you'll have to wait til part two to hear how it ends. Write the show at: Background Check Podcast Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/detai... How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons: Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING:https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future...

EP 154 "Its a Process" with Jonathan AKA "Free JRod" Rodriguez

Background Check Podcast

01/24/24 • 98 min

This is the audio portion of the video podcast. It is made for video and has several parts where there's just music playing, that is video.

This series is mainly for the men and women across the nation in jails and prisons watching and listening on their tablets, but we are making it available to everyone out here as well.

You can also watch on our YouTube channel by clicking here.

We are asked all the time to be mentors to people in prison and while we can't mentor one on one with everybody, we can teach from our mentor's book and help everyone to grow into the best versions of themselves.

Tuan and I (Jay Dan) are John Maxwell Certified Coach/Trainer/Speakers and we love sharing what we learn from our mentors with anyone who can use it. We talk about how these laws work in prison, the home, or the business world.

So if you just want to grow, subscribe to this channel and listen each Wednesday for the next 7 weeks as we discuss our favorite 7 of the 15 Laws of Growth from John Maxwells book.

If you have a loved one in prison or jail, tell them to watch on the Pando app. If there facility has tablets but they can't get our show, tell them to write the tablet company to request our show, Background Check Podcast.

Let's GROW.

EP 68 "His Praying Wife Brought Him Back to Life" Pastor Rod Vargas- Union Houston

Background Check Podcast

09/04/21 • 71 min

Show Summary:

On this episode we interview good friend Pastor Rod Vargas of Union Houston, a life-giving church in Houston, Texas.

Rodrigo serves as the Lead Pastor of UNION Houston. Rodrigo is the visionary of the mission of Union Houston. Being living proof of the redemptive life-changing power of Christ Rodrigo’s passion is to connect the least the lost and the last to Christ.

Sara is the Operations Pastor of UNION Houston. She coordinates operations at UNION’s physical location, Sara provide support to the staff and attenders, and leads volunteer teams to execute initiatives of the vision of the Church music.

We talk about his family migrating to the US and all the challenges that came with that. Then we got into his first addiction, money and success. At one time Rod became an atheist. In 2007 he had DEA, ICE, and Condoleezza Rice wanting to interview him about some properties he sold to people who were in trouble.

We also dive into Rod’s bout with depression and how he overcame it. By the age of six he had already experienced physical, sexual, and verbal abuse and admits it robbed him of his identity, self worth, self esteem and filled him with shame and condemnation. Rod is the most real, transparent, big-hearted pastor I know.

Union Houston does a lot of mission work in Afghanistan. They’ve planted churches in Iran, equipped pastors in Afghanistan, and are now helping to extract them as well. Please check out the link below to see how you can partner with Pastor Rod and Sara, as well as Global Catalytic Ministries, to give support to their efforts in Afghanistan.

Memorable Quote: “I’m passionate about what I do because my intention is to reach that Rod, or the female version of Rod, that is actually intending on killing themselves.”- Pastor Rod Vargas

. Resources Mentioned in the Show:

Afghanistan Relief: https://www.unionhouston.com/afghanistanrelief

Union Houston’s Website: https://www.unionhouston.com/

Rod’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revrodhtx

Rod’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revrodhtx/

Watch Rod talk about the vision of Union Houston: https://vimeo.com/527546692

Buy Raffle Tickets for the Mower: https://spartanmowergiveaway.ourraffle.org/

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127.

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise: https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 133 "Who I Was vs Who I Am" with Matthew Ayers

Background Check Podcast

04/21/23 • 74 min

Show Summary

Who I Was vs Who I Am

Matt and I go way back. We were at the Lockhart unit (now Coleman and all female) together back in 2005-2006. I got out first then he came along and we hung out a little. We kept in touch from time to time but as he says in the story, he started glorifying other things so we began to grow apart.

When he got rearrested and was back in Dallas county jail, we started talking again and I could tell that Jesus was doing a work inside him.

He didn’t get the answer that he wanted but God was in control and had an assignment for Matt inside prison again. Matt has grown so close to the Lord now and has done so many great things for the Kingdom of God in prison. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for him out here.

Matt’s story is not uncommon. People serving God in prison, then getting out and getting caught up in the world, life, and things. He drops some great wisdom. Please share with anyone you know needs to hear this.

And mom’s don’t give up on your child. Keep praying and keep believing.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 66 "Screwed Up Christian" with Herb Addison

Background Check Podcast

08/20/21 • 80 min

Show Summary:

Ok, y’all, this is the first episode I’ve recorded with someone I was locked up with at the Lockhart Work Facility in Lockhart, TX. His name is Herb “FLAV” Addison. He’s an amazing young man of God and serves as the Director/Campus Pastor of the TSU Wesley Foundation.

He received his GED in prison, but went on to obtain his Associate of Art, Bachelor in Social Services, Master of Science in Leadership, and is currently working on his Doctorate of Business Administration.

He also has lots of music out there for you to check out. He’s married to an amazing women named Ashley and has two sons, Myles and Kedeon.

You’re going to love his story so listen to the interview first, then check out the links below for his show and music.

Memorable Quote: “When you connect to God, God will give you everything you need. Sometimes we don’t know what we need.” - Herb Addison

. Resources Mentioned in the Show:

TSU Wesley Youtube Channel: Word with Wesley

Flavor in the City Video: https://youtu.be/8o2s7y9ltfE

Herb’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/addison.herbert.75

Herb’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herbertaddison/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary on Roku: Forgiven Felons: A Documentary Series

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise: https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 55 "Forever Faith: The Abe Cruz Story" Part Two- Abe Cruz, CEO and Founder- Forever Faith

Background Check Podcast

06/04/21 • 61 min

Show Summary: This episode is part two of a two-part series. Please listen to part one before you listen to this episode. Abe Cruz is a successful businessman, renowned athlete, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and president of Forever Faith, a company through which he carries his message of hope and inspiration through fitness products, clothing and events, reaching millions of people around the world. Like a scene from a movie, Abe Cruz was living a life of luxury, cars, clubs, and women one day and the next was busted, broken, and facing a 30 year prison sentence. Raised by a single mother in a drug-and-gang infested neighborhood of Los Angeles, Abe found his ticket out in competitive sports. All American by his teens he believed in his destiny to become a professional athlete. When an injury ended that dream, a downward spiral of events led to the worst decision of his life. But hitting rock-bottom on the hard concrete of a prison cell proved the ultimate blessing. Flat on his back, all Abe could see was up. There he discover the true mindset of champions – faith. Not just faith in your own strength, smarts, and talents, but faith that puts God first and self second. In these two episodes Abe shares his journey to zero and back to let listeners know there's a way through the tough times, tragedies, disasters, even their own mistakes and failures, to an incredible God blessed future. That's living the mindset of champions. That's forever faith!

Memorable Quote: “You can’t develop the mindset of a champion until you put God first and yourself second.” - Abe Cruz

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Watch Forgiven Felons on Roku TV: Click here to watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary

Watch the the Forever Faith Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/1cB3DWCGOw8

Forever Faith’s website: https://www.foreverfaith.com/

Abe Cruz’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abe.cruz.56

Abe Cruz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealabecruz/

Forever Faith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfaiththebrand/

Forever Faith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamForeverFaith

Get Your Copy of the book Forever Faith: https://www.foreverfaith.com/shop/book

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise: https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 132 "God Trusts You to Go Through This!" with Ramy Hozaifeh, Producer of Tank Nation

Background Check Podcast

04/14/23 • 67 min

Show Summary

God Trusts You to Go Through This

The Polunsky unit, like other prisons in TDCJ, is like its own miniature city within a city. It has a school, a church, a medical facility, and now, it even has its own radio station. 106.5 The Tank is the Polunsky Unit’s very own inmate produced radio station.

Pre-recorded and broadcast through a low powered radio antenna, the station only reaches as far as the facility parking lot. However, that’s plenty far enough for the radio station to make a difference behind the prison fence.

We had the privilege of interviewing the man who helped get it all started. Ramy “Megamind” Hozaifeh.

We talk about how Tank Nation got started and then we dive a little into Ramy’s story and it is inspiring. You’ll hear how God protected him all along the way from being “checked” when he first got in.

Ramy was convicted through the law of parties and he talks about being bitter at the system and having some questions for God throughout the years.

We talk about the programming and the lives being impacted through this method of ministry. You’re going to love this episode. And if you’re ever close to the unit, tune in to the show.

See the youtube video below to watch how it all got started.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

TDCJ Video about Tank Nation: https://youtu.be/8Nkr2D81hJY

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 54 "Forever Faith: The Abe Cruz Story" Part One- Abe Cruz, Founder and CEO- Forever Faith

Background Check Podcast

05/28/21 • 58 min

Show Summary: This episode is part one of a two-part series. Abe Cruz is a successful businessman, renowned athlete, and motivational speaker. He is the founder and president of Forever Faith, a company through which he carries his message of hope and inspiration through fitness products, clothing and events, reaching millions of people around the world. Like a scene from a movie, Abe Cruz was living a life of luxury, cars, clubs, and women one day and the next was busted, broken, and facing a 30 year prison sentence. Raised by a single mother in a drug-and-gang infested neighborhood of Los Angeles, Abe found his ticket out in competitive sports. All American by his teens he believed in his destiny to become a professional athlete. When an injury ended that dream, a downward spiral of events led to the worst decision of his life. But hitting rock-bottom on the hard concrete of a prison cell proved the ultimate blessing. Flat on his back, all Abe could see was up. There he discover the true mindset of champions – faith. Not just faith in your own strength, smarts, and talents, but faith that puts God first and self second. In these two episodes Abe shares his journey to zero and back to let listeners know there's a way through the tough times, tragedies, disasters, even their own mistakes and failures, to an incredible God blessed future. That's living the mindset of champions. That's forever faith!

Memorable Quote: “You can’t develop the mindset of a champion until you put God first and yourself second.” - Abe Cruz

To get more information about Forgiven Felons please visit our show page at :

forgivenfelons.org/backgroundcheck

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW:

Watch Forgiven Felons on Roku TV: Click here to watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary

Watch the the Forever Faith Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/1cB3DWCGOw8

Forever Faith’s website: https://www.foreverfaith.com/

Abe Cruz’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abe.cruz.56

Abe Cruz’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealabecruz/

Forever Faith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreverfaiththebrand/

Forever Faith’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamForeverFaith

Get Your Copy of the book Forever Faith: https://www.foreverfaith.com/shop/book

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise: https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 135 "From Bars to Bitcoin" with Justin Rhedrick, AKA Bitcoin Vegan

Background Check Podcast

05/05/23 • 68 min

Show Summary

From Bars to Bitcoin

In this episode we speak with Justin Rhedrick. Justin is a passionate motivational coach and Bitcoin expert. He’s been featured on the Pomp Podcast, NASDAQ, The Boston Globe, Yahoo Finance, Coin Desk, Vice News. After seeing a deadly shootout his senior year of high school and later serving a three-year prison sentence, Justin wanted to change his life. The other fuel to this fire was an unfortunate reality: the lack of opportunities for those re-entering the world after jail or prison. It wasn’t long until one of Justin’s friends introduced him to Bitcoin. He was so intrigued that he even worked odd jobs to save and invest in Bitcoin. Justin’s journey into Bitcoin ignited his career as a performance coach. He aspires to help others pursue and achieve a financial avenue in Bitcoin. He even developed a following on social media as the “BitcoinVegan.” If you want to know more about Justin and Bitcoin, or to buy his book or course, check out the links below. Justin gives some great tips at the end and shares how you can maybe get a discount on his services. *NOTE* This episode is rate E for explicit.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

SPONSOR Clarity Roofing and Solar: https://www.clarityroofingandsolar.com/ or Call Joe Today 469-386-9116

Justin’s Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinveganjustin/

Buy Justin’s Book: https://frombarstobitcoin.com/

Visit the website and Buy Justin’s Course: https://bitcoinvegan.com/

Hire Justin as your Coach: https://oaa.coach/

Justin’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-rhedrick-clc-chc-193509101/

Write Background Check Podcast and Forgiven Felons:

PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106

Forgiven Felons website: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/

Watch the Forgiven Felons Documentary: https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/7abf5e84134e54a394b5b42544c08caa/forgiven-felons/season-1

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

BUY MERCHANDISE FOR A CAUSE: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop

Learn about our Future Plans or to DONATE A BUILDING: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

EP 57 "Safe at Home" David Weyand

Background Check Podcast

06/18/21 • 60 min

Show Summary:

Have you ever had people you’ve never met send you encouraging messages? David has been sending me facebook messages since 2017. He’s encouragement has helped me get through some of the toughest of seasons.

Well, on August 2, 2020, his son Adam was killed by a drunk driver, while the rest of the family was on vacation in Florida. When David sent me this message, my heart sank. “Did he know what I went to prison for?” was what I was asking myself. I wondered if the messages would continue if he knew I had five DWI’s.

They did, in fact they were more frequent. David let me walk his grief journey out with him. I’ll admit, I didn’t know exactly how to do that with my past. I started trying to encourage him. But still wondered if he knew.

One day his message read, “My constant prayer is for strength to share my faith out of my suffering and it seems to kept happening! Credit to God for sure ! Thanks for your continued prayers!”

I felt compelled to ask him to share his story on our show but was so nervous about asking him. I felt like I didn’t deserve to have a man on the show whose son had been killed by a drunk driver, after having five DWI’s myself.

But I asked, and he accepted. We only met face to face for the first time the week before this episode aired. We’ve had some great conversations even outside this interview. He is an awesome man, he has an awesome family, and his son Adam was a great guy.

Adam had the idea, just a couple months before he died, to open up a bake shop with his mom. After he died they weren’t sure if they could go through with it, but David shared with his wife that they had to. They did and it’s the most wonderful little shop. It’s in Ovilla, TX. If you’re near by, you need to visit.

In this episode you’ll hear my ask David for forgiveness. The drunk driver also died, but I wanted to stand in the gap for him and ask forgiveness for him. I also wanted to ask forgiveness for all of my drunk driving which could’ve ended up killing a lot of people. David stood in the gap and forgave me.

Please share the episode with anyone who is struggling with addiction, grief, and forgiveness. Visit the links below for more information and to follow David on facebook.

The day this episode airs, David and I are also attending a Ranger’s game that night. He’s a joy to hang out with.

Rest in worship Adam.

Memorable Quotes: “David, you got a choice, you can either be bitter or better.” - David Weyand.

“I pray for those that need christ in their life, Lord, that’s what’s missing. It’s not found in a bottle, it’s found in the Bible.”- David Weyand

Resources Mentioned in the show:

Tiverton Bakeshop website: https://www.tivertonbakeshop.com/

Abiding Father’s website: https://www.abidingfathers.org/

David’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/david.weyand

Grief Share website: https://www.griefshare.org/

How to get more involved with Forgiven Felons:

Leave a review and subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/background-check-podcast/id1515831127

Learn about our Future Plans: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/future-plans

Give to our organization: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support

Shop our merchandise: https://forgivenfelons.org/shop

Follow Forgiven Felons on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

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FAQ

How many episodes does Background Check Podcast have?

Background Check Podcast currently has 213 episodes available.

What topics does Background Check Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Ministry, Addiction, Christianity, Motivation, Society & Culture, Religion & Spirituality, Prison, Documentary, Podcasts, Inspiration, Information, Recovery and Background.

What is the most popular episode on Background Check Podcast?

The episode title 'EP 167"Taco Time, Black Sheep, and 2nd Chances" with Bryan Burns, Trinity West Roofing and Construction' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Background Check Podcast?

The average episode length on Background Check Podcast is 51 minutes.

How often are episodes of Background Check Podcast released?

Episodes of Background Check Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Background Check Podcast?

The first episode of Background Check Podcast was released on May 28, 2020.

Show more FAQ

Background Check Podcast

Jay Dan Gumm

Top 10 Background Check Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Background Check Podcast have?

What topics does Background Check Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on Background Check Podcast?

What is the average episode length on Background Check Podcast?

How often are episodes of Background Check Podcast released?

When was the first episode of Background Check Podcast?

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