Reentry Reframed
Kristen Shook & Melissa Goodman | Mirror, Inc
Reentry Reframed focuses on the journeys of individuals who are returning to the community after being incarcerated. Our goal is to reframe the way reentry is perceived while giving hope to those going through this process. We strive to inform society of the obstacles justice-involved individuals face while gathering like minds to systematically develop a solution. This podcast is sponsored by Mirror.
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Top 10 Reentry Reframed Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Reentry Reframed episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Reentry Reframed 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 Reentry Reframed episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
A Shot of Truth: Ashley Hennessy
Reentry Reframed
12/15/22 • 75 min
From an early age, Ashley Hennessy recalls her childhood being filled with chaos, addiction, and mistrust. As she struggled to find where she fit in, unfortunately, it was not school. Instead of forming close friendships she desperately needed for support, Ashley faced bullies who broke her self-confidence down even further. From there, Ashley found friends in all the wrong places. The solution for fitting in and the confidence she longed for came in the form of a lie- methamphetamine. As her addiction took over her life, she found herself in and out of the justice system with a dozen felonies. Finally, she found her salvation and motivation for sobriety by helping others. For the little girl who longed for friends, she is now truly a friend of recovery; she is coined the "Queen of Oxford" for her relentless efforts to help others find safe, sober homes. Ashley's connection to the community is deep rooted as the people she has led to recovery carry the torch as well. Here's to you, Ashley!
From the Top: Heath Bechler, Mirror, Inc CEO
Reentry Reframed
05/26/22 • 45 min
With nearly three decades of experience working in the behavioral health field, Heath Bechler shares his “Tech to CEO” journey with us on this episode. After five years working as a counselor for Mirror, Heath then moved into an administrator role for an inpatient youth program prior to launching his own treatment company in 2002. Expanding to more than ten locations statewide, he created new models of treatment with the goal of providing help to underserved areas and populations. Heath shares a message others can get behind with a “if there is a need, figure out a way to help” approach; blending this approach with a sound business model ensures we can grow to better serve our communities. Shortly after returning to Mirror as CEO, Heath focused on employing strength-based leadership methods throughout the organization. Where is Mirror, Inc headed? Hear for yourself “From the Top.”
Echoes of Absence: Tamicka Monson
Reentry Reframed
03/07/25 • 56 min
Born in Chicago, Tamicka spent most of her childhood navigating life with an absent parent. She recalls going to court with her mother at just six years old. As her mother’s addiction spiraled, her presence in the home dwindled due to her substance use disorder. Tamicka shares her perspective at each stage of her life being “a little, a middle, and an adult” as a child of an incarcerated parent. Throughout her childhood, there were many heavy feelings that stemmed from her mother’s absence. Shame, self-blame, and confusion were just some of the feelings surrounding her mother’s absence. As a child, she often wondered, “Was there anything I could have done to prevent my mom from leaving?” After spending most of her childhood with her mother incarcerated, her father began a lengthy sentence in prison when Tamicka was a teenager. With her father being who raised her, this was devastating. As an adult, Tamicka quickly learned she had a passion for helping others who are facing adverse circumstances. After obtaining her Master of Science from the University of Kansas in counseling psychology, she also went on to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. For the past 15 years, Tamicka has been working with people to “heal, grow, and become the best version of themselves.” Now, Tamicka is a therapist who works closely with parents and children with a family member incarcerated. In 2023, Tamicka published her book, “Where Daddy Lives,” to provide a tool for parents to have conversations with their children to better understand what is happening and feelings they might have. She offers guidance for age-appropriate conversations parents can have with children that evolve over time. For more information or to purchase the book, visit https://www.tamickamonsoncounseling.com/where-daddy-lives. Dedicated to her two younger siblings and all children of incarcerated parents, Tamicka signed her book, “There is hope.” We could not agree more, and it was such an honor to meet you, Tamicka!
All Gas, No Breaks: Dustin Moore, Artists Helping the Homeless
Reentry Reframed
02/28/24 • 82 min
Dustin Moore grew up in an idyllic setting in San Diego, California, where he surfed and lived the “country club” lifestyle. He claims his childhood was one of privilege and care, and he gravitated towards any sport he could be involved with. Starting college, that is when his life started to turn course; regarding addiction, Dustin remarks this is something you just “have in you” or you do not. He quickly felt a new, strong gravitational pull towards substances he had always stayed away from. Dustin describes when he identified as an athlete, his life was structured. When he went to college and the structure and his connections went away, he filled those voids and time with drugs, alcohol, and other people focused on “partying.” From there, his life began to spiral out of control with his addiction and a life of crime. Dustin describes his fatal flaw was not understanding the depth of his addiction, and ultimately what it would take to work his way out of. Finally, after breaking through the cycle of addiction, this is where Dustin’s life truly takes off when he learned there is much more to recovery than just abstaining from substances. In finding his purpose, he has been able to build bridges and close gaps in recovery and reentry through Artists Helping the Homeless. Dustin, we admire your passion and dedication to helping others!
Hope, Hair, & Healing: Heather DiDomenico Graves
Reentry Reframed
04/30/24 • 66 min
This episode is incredibly special because Heather is sharing her journey for the first time on a public platform. Heather will tell you, “Hope is everything,” and we could not agree more. Born raised in South Central California, Heather DiDomenico Graves recalls what impacted her childhood most was childhood obesity. Reflecting, she describes how living in an area with such high beauty standards in Southern California, she struggled with lack of self-love and self-worth. With very strict parents who worked a lot, especially with her father in the military, she spent much of her time with her older siblings. In school, Heather was bullied for her weight which led her to a group where she found acceptance. Unfortunately, what she found was a “false sense of solidarity” as she began to experiment with substances at the age of twelve. From there, her story takes many curves ultimately leading her to where she is today. As a licensed cosmetologist for the past twenty years, she bought her first commercial property seven years ago. Heather’s first salon opened almost six years ago, Onyx Salon and Wellness Spa. She now has a boutique and café by Onyx as well as second salon location that has been open for nearly two years. It takes tremendous courage to tell your story; in doing so, this shows others there is a brighter tomorrow that can impact so many people. Heather, thank you for trusting us with your story, and we wish you nothing but the best!
Born Behind Barr(s): Eliza, Reaching Out From Within
Reentry Reframed
07/31/24 • 68 min
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Eliza Barr describes her childhood as quite typical for the most part. Her parents were very protective of their large family of seven children. Reflecting on this, Eliza believes this was likely due to her parents experiencing “intense childhoods” they wanted to shield their children from. At the time of her birth, Eliza’s mother was incarcerated. With one ankle shackled to the hospital bed, Eliza shares what her mother shares with her each year on her birthday from those memories of Eliza’s delivery. At the young age of just fourteen, Eliza’s father spent decades in a cycle of incarceration. Her sophomore year in high school, her father broke this cycle with his final period of incarceration. Being a “daddy’s girl,” she describes it was very emotional for her during his absences; however, he worked very hard to be present for his children even when he could not physically be there. Eliza and her siblings developed a deep sense of empathy and caring for the “whole person” from their parents’ experiences. She shares the incredible journey of her parents and their dedication to helping others. Fueled by the passion she observed as her parents poured themselves into their community, Eliza grew up knowing she wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. She serves as the Executive Director for Reaching Out From Within, which is a national leader for rehabilitation programs for incarcerated men and women. She focuses on empowerment, education, gainful employment, and equipping people with the tools they need to be successful. Eliza, you are incredible, and we are so grateful for you sharing your tremendous story with us!
Rouse, Ruin, & Repeat: Kelby Sanders, Outreach Clinician
Reentry Reframed
04/28/25 • 70 min
Born in Maryland to a military family, Kelby moved across the country as a child until landing in Kansas at the age of 8 years old. He describes some of the challenges that came with moving around a lot as a child because it was hard to develop ties. The bouncing around from place to place continued for the military family even after settling down in Kansas. Fitting in was a challenge for Kelby growing up, and he quickly learned it was easier to do “over the top” things as a child to earn the attention of his peers. With a father who was frequently absent due to his career, the family operated for long periods of time as a single parent home with a strong reliance on Kelby to help babysit his younger siblings. With aspirations of becoming a rockstar, sports and similar hobbies did not have much appeal to Kelby. Starting in 7th grade, the troublemaking that got the attention of his peers when he was younger started to lead into serious trouble. By the age of 16, Kelby was spending time on weekends partying. The catalyst for his addiction he describes started with receiving opioids after having his wisdom teeth removed. From there, he was buying pills throughout his youth. After getting kicked out of his parent’s house at the age of 18, Kelby was struggling with his mental health, homelessness, and substance use disorder. Life for Kelby was tumultuous, and he was stuck in a vicious cycle of “repeat, repeat, repeat.” Finally, he was able to break free from the cycle and now helps others do the same. Kelby, we are thrilled to have you now as a part of the Mirror family!
Forgive Me, Love Mom: Your Daughter, Kasey Kern
Reentry Reframed
09/22/22 • 49 min
Born in a small town in Illinois to teenage parents, Kasey Kern describes her life as tumultuous and filled with chaos. Kasey’s outlook and attitude is nothing short of beautiful grace as the love she has for her family radiates throughout her story. She describes how generational trauma altered not just her life but reflects on her family tree of decades of untreated mental health concerns, substance use disorder, and abuse. While her mother was in and out of treatment and incarceration, mother and daughter remained connected through their letters and poems back and forth to one another. As Kasey reads beloved poems and letters, her mother’s signature on each one is: Forgive me, mom.
Bled in, Blessed Out: Luis Leyva
Reentry Reframed
08/29/22 • 37 min
Born in Los Angeles, Luis Leyva’s life had a rocky start. At the age of 15, Luis was initiated into his neighborhood gang following a traumatic experience that stewed up a hatred for the opposing neighborhoods. Through this lifestyle, he became involved in the juvenile justice system which continued throughout his adult life. Ultimately, becoming a father and finding love led him towards his story of redemption. Luis found his passion for tattooing while incarcerated in prison and has been able to create a career in his “happy place.” As a tattoo artist, he feels he can help others by being there for them and giving words of encouragement. Luis looks forward to impacting others as opportunities arise to make a difference in young lives who may be facing a similar road as he once did. One of Luis’ most prominent and impactful memories is a speaker who attended his juvenile detention stay, so giving back to youth who are justice-involved is something he feels passionate about. We know you will continue to be a source of inspiration, Luis!
Never On The Track: Jason Miles
Reentry Reframed
12/27/24 • 75 min
Starting at just 8 years old, Jason Miles was involved in the justice system. When asked where things began to go “off track,” Jason replied, “You know, I never was on the track to begin with.” Later in life, he was able to identify much of his troubled youth, destruction of property, and rebelling against authority linked back to the anger he harbored for his father not being present. When considering what possible interventions that could’ve helped, Jason thinks he was just “too much.” Entering the prison system at 14 years old, he recalls being one of the youngest youths in the juvenile facility. After releasing from the juvenile prison, Jason’s experimentation with substances started to spiral out of control. Theft and breaking into cars eventually escalated to breaking into a gas station. Hanging around with a group of friends, they would drink, use marinara, and shoot guns. This behavior quickly turned down a dangerous path ending in tragedy. As a 17-year-old, Jason was facing murder charges for 5-20 years. While incarcerated, Jason became involved in groups that were brought into the prison to help with self-development. He started learning more about addiction, recovery, and ultimately what would be his one-way ticket out of prison. He started learning there was a different way to live his life, and his belief that he was “destined to be a knucklehead,” did not need to be his reality or future. Now, he shares all that he has learned with others in hopes he can help lead others to a life of freedom, and when times get tough, you do not need to face it alone. Jason’s story is one of redemption, hope, and the power of second chances. We wish you nothing but the best, Jason!
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FAQ
How many episodes does Reentry Reframed have?
Reentry Reframed currently has 40 episodes available.
What topics does Reentry Reframed cover?
The podcast is about Prison, Jail, Podcasts and Education.
What is the most popular episode on Reentry Reframed?
The episode title 'Bled in, Blessed Out: Luis Leyva' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Reentry Reframed?
The average episode length on Reentry Reframed is 54 minutes.
How often are episodes of Reentry Reframed released?
Episodes of Reentry Reframed are typically released every 24 days, 22 hours.
When was the first episode of Reentry Reframed?
The first episode of Reentry Reframed was released on Jan 10, 2022.
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