Forgiven AF

Checking In with Jay Dan Gumm

In this episode of Forgiven AF, I sit down once again with my friend and mentor, Jay Dan Gumm, founder of Forgiven Felons, host of The Background Check podcast, and one of the most respected voices in the prison and reentry community. Years ago, Jay Dan gave me an opportunity to share my story on his podcast when I was just getting started. Being one of his early guests gave me the confidence to launch Forgiven AF, and I’m grateful for the impact he’s had on my journey. This episode is a simple but powerful check-in conversation. We talk about what’s been happening in our lives, ministries, businesses, and missions since we last connected. From helping men transition from prison through his halfway house and reentry programs to what’s next for Forgiven Felons, Jay Dan shares encouragement, wisdom, and insight from the front lines of second chances. Whether you’re currently incarcerated, recently released, supporting someone in reentry, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation is a reminder that your past doesn’t have to determine your future. What’s new? What’s next? And what does it look like to keep moving forward with purpose? Tune in and find out.

God Found Me in Solitary with Alex Loredo

In this powerful episode of Forgiven AF, Shawn sits down with Alex Loredo, a fellow roofing company owner, husband, father, and man who understands what it means to get a second chance. Alex shares his journey from spending seven years in prison—from age 18 to 25—to building a successful business, a strong marriage, and a life centered on faith and purpose. Together, Shawn and Alex have an honest conversation about fatherhood, marriage, self-forgiveness, and the lasting impact of the choices we make when we’re young. Alex opens up about finding God while sitting alone in solitary confinement, the lessons he learned behind bars, and how those experiences shaped the husband, father, and leader he is today. This episode is for anyone struggling to forgive themselves, rebuild after failure, or become the person God created them to be. It’s a conversation about redemption, responsibility, faith, and proving that your past doesn’t have to determine your future. Topics Covered: -Finding God in solitary confinement -Life after prison -Building a roofing business from the ground up -Marriage after hardship -Becoming the father your kids deserve -Self-forgiveness and healing from the past -How faith changes everything A raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about second chances and the power of God’s grace.

Waiting on God with Paul Facchina Jr

How do you know if a decision is truly God’s will—or just something you want for yourself? In this powerful episode of Forgiven AF, Shawn sits down with Paul Facchina Jr., a board member for 2nd Chance Mentors, to discuss one of the hardest challenges people face in their faith journey: waiting on God. Together, they explore the tension between pursuing opportunities and trusting God’s timing, how to recognize the difference between God’s direction and personal desire, and what to do when you’re faced with major life decisions. Paul shares practical wisdom, biblical insight, and personal experiences that have helped him navigate uncertainty while remaining faithful to God’s plan. Whether you’re considering a new career, relationship, business venture, ministry opportunity, or simply seeking clarity for your next step, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, seek God first, and trust that His timing is always better than our own. Topics Covered: * Why waiting on God is so difficult * How to discern God’s voice from your own desires * Signs a decision may or may not be God’s will * Finding peace in uncertainty * Trusting God’s timing when answers seem delayed * Faith, patience, and obedience in everyday life If you’ve ever asked, “God, is this really what You want for me?” this episode is for you.

A Path to Success with Warren McKamey Jr

In this episode of Forgiven AF, Warren McKamey Jr. shares his incredible journey from growing up in Waco, Texas with limited opportunities to becoming a self-made millionaire and successful entrepreneur. After joining the military, Warren learned the discipline, work ethic, and mindset that would completely change the direction of his life. Those lessons became the foundation for building multiple businesses and creating success far beyond what most people expected from his circumstances. This conversation is a powerful reminder that your past does not define your future. No matter where you come from, what obstacles you faced, or how you were raised — you have the ability to choose your path and create a different life. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or counted out, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Watch now and hear how discipline, faith, and perseverance can change everything.

From Atheist to Jesus with Geoff Barker

I sat down with Geoff Barker, and this one’s real. He went from fame, money, and atheism to addiction, depression, and rock bottom—then had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. We talk about his seven-year search for truth, the 40-day fast, and how God turned everything around. Now he’s helping others find freedom through Hope Is Alive. If you feel stuck or empty, this one’s for you. God’s not done with you yet. Please look up "Hope Is Alive" at hopeisalive.net