From Prison to Purpose: The Courage of Eldra Jackson III

From Prison to Purpose: The Courage of Eldra Jackson III

You don’t meet many people like Eldra Jackson III. A man who once lived behind the walls of New Folsom Prison, Eldra doesn’t just talk about transformation—he embodies it. What began as a sentence meant to contain him became the very soil where his healing took root. Inside a maximum-security yard, Eldra sat in his first men’s circle. He showed up with walls, but walked out with something deeper: truth, vulnerability, and the terrifying freedom of being fully seen. That journey led him out of prison—and into purpose. Today, Eldra is the Co-Executive Director of Inside Circle [https://insidecircle.org/], a writer, mentor, and public speaker whose TED Talk on healing and masculinity has impacted thousands around the world. His work is a lifeline for at-risk youth, incarcerated men, and anyone ready to stop performing and start healing. In this episode of The Brave Wrk Room to Grow Podcast, Eldra and I talk about: * Why emotional honesty is the foundation of true masculinity * How systems break men—and how circles can begin to rebuild them * What it means to lead from love instead of fear This isn’t just a story of rehabilitation. It’s a call to all of us to stop pretending, go deeper, and lead from the heart. To learn more or support the work, visit insidecircle.org [https://insidecircle.org/].

From Ground Zero to Grounded w/ Shawn Maguire (LPC)

Years ago, my friend Shawn’s entire world blew up—literally. A gas leak caused his house to explode, and in a single moment, life as he knew it was gone. But from the ashes came a story of radical healing, faith, and purpose. Years ago, my friend Shawn Maguire’s entire world blew up—literally. A gas leak caused his house to explode, and in a single moment, life as he knew it was gone. But from the ashes came a story of radical healing, faith, and purpose. Shawn Maguire is now one of Oklahoma’s most trusted therapists and the founder of New Vision Counseling & Consulting [https://www.newvisioncounseling.org/]. He leads a team that walks with individuals, couples, and families through anxiety, trauma, marriage struggles, and leadership stress—with deep compassion and real results. In this conversation, Shawn reminded me that true leadership isn’t about dominance or detachment—it’s about living and leading from the heart. We talk about how pain becomes purpose, how healing starts with honesty, and why emotional health is non-negotiable for the life you actually want. If you’re ready to stop pretending and start healing, visit newvisioncounseling.org [https://www.newvisioncounseling.org/]. And if you book a session, tell Shawn you’re a friend of Pedro’s—he’ll take great care of you.

Strength In Vulnerability with Pastor J.D.

Leadership isn’t about detachment, dominance, or emotionalism—it’s about living and leading from the heart. In this powerful conversation, Pastor J.D. from Intersection Church in Oregon, Ohio, joins me on the Brave Wrk Room to Grow Podcast to challenge the idea that leadership is lonely and to redefine what it means to lead with strength. We explore the role of emotions in leadership, why vulnerability isn’t weakness but power, and how Jesus modeled true leadership as “gentle and lowly of heart.” If you’ve ever felt like you have to be guarded or carry it all alone, this episode will give you a fresh perspective and practical wisdom for leading with authenticity.

From Homeless to Center Stage: Living United w/B. Haley

🎙️ Get ready for an inspiring episode of Brave Work as we sit down with Brian Haley, also known as 'B Haley,' an accomplished musician who toured with 7-time Grammy winner Toby Mac for nineteen years. 🎸 Join us as Brian shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to gracing the world's biggest stages, offering insights into his transition from music to speaking and his passion for uniting people through the We Are 1 Movement. 🌟 Prepare to be inspired and equipped as Brian's story empowers listeners to walk with Jesus and embody his transformative love in their own lives. Tune in and be ready for an uplifting experience! #BraveWork #Inspiration #WeAre1Movement

Nurturing the Soul: A Conversation with Mindy Caliguire

🚀 About the Series: The Brave Work Leadership Series explores thought-provoking discussions with leaders, thinkers, and change-makers. This conversation with Mindy Caliguire is a brave exploration into the state of our churches, society, and souls, leaving listeners both rested and equipped for their soul-care journey. 👤 Guest: Mindy Caliguire - Co-founder and President of Soul Care, former executive leader at Gloo and Willow Creek Association (now Global Leadership Network), speaker, and advisor to organizations like Compassion International, ECFA, National Christian Foundation, and numerous churches and ministries worldwide. Author of Discovering Soul Care, Spiritual Friendship, STIR, and the upcoming Ignite Your Soul (September '24). 📌 Discussion Highlights: * Mindy's journey and insights from her roles at Gloo and Willow Creek Association. * Exploring the state of our churches, society, and souls in today's challenging landscape. * How Mindy advises and speaks into organizations like Compassion International, ECFA, and the National Christian Foundation. * Preview of Mindy's upcoming book, Ignite Your Soul (September '24). 🗣️ Key Takeaways: * The importance of soul care in navigating the complexities of life. * Insights into the current state of churches and society and the impact on individual souls. * Mindy's unique perspective on fostering spiritual well-being. 🌟 Brave Work Leadership Series: This episode is part of the Brave Work Leadership Series, where we engage in courageous conversations with leaders who are making a difference in their respective fields. In this installment, Mindy Caliguire shares her wisdom on soul care, offering a unique blend of restful insights and practical tools to navigate the intricate tapestry of our lives. 🔗 Connect with Mindy: * Soul Care Website [https://www.soulcare.com] * New Book Sign Up [https://www.soulcare.com/book-sign-up]