Safe Space Convos

Formerly incarcerated firefighter and hero, Eddie Herrera

If we have learned anything this past week in Los Angeles, it's that anybody can be a hero! In response to the wildfires ravaging our hometown of Los Angeles, we wanted to sit down with Eddie Herrera Jr. Formerly an incarcerated firefighter and now a free man working for Cal Fire, Eddie has had an incredible journey of overcoming pain and shame, through hard work and dedication. He shares with us his process of evolution, and the unique path he took to becoming an institutional firefighter 16 years into his prison sentence. We've seen a ton of discourse on the internet about the heroic work of incarcerated firefighters in California, and questions about how the programs work, compensation, and what the pathways are to pursuing a career in firefighting upon release. Eddie had lots of information to share with us in response to these questions, and we are just excited today for you to get to know him. Investing in growth opportunities for our incarcerated population creates safer communities for all of us. Thank you so much Eddie!

2024 Wrap Up!

We made it! Our final episode of 2024! We wanted to close the year out in the same way we started it: a cozy, silly and honest couch chat. Today we talk about some of the lessons and practices that 2024 brought for both of us. It sounds serious, but we're really just hanging out, laughing and reflecting on self worth, self care, and how fricken important it is to take care of your body and nervous system as the years pass. We love you guys so much, happy holidays, and happy New Year!! See you in 2025!

17 with a Life Sentence - Brian James's story

Today we have the pleasure of talking to Brian James. At 16 years old, Brian had already found himself wrapped up in a life of gangs, drugs and incarceration, following a childhood surrounded by addiction and abuse. By 17, he was sentenced to life in prison. Over the following two plus decades, Brian continued to seek validation and acceptance in violent and self-destructive places, furthering his addiction and ultimately spending 9 years in solitary confinement. He pinpoints the overwhelming loss of his closest loved one, his grandmother, along with changes in the law that provided him hope to one day be released from prison, as his catalysts for change. In his 30's, Brian finally dedicated himself to his sobriety, understanding his emotional landscape, and committing to the hard work of self-exploration and accountability. After spending 29 years in prison, Brian has now been free for 874 days. He has a special talent for articulating what he has felt for so much of his life, and we hope you connect to his journey to find redemption and healing. Thank you for sharing your truth Brian!

33 years in the SHU with Randall Ellis

Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Randall Ellis, who got out of prison in 2021 after 40 years of incarceration, 33.5 of which he served in the SHU and solitary confinement. At the time of his incarceration, prison policy allowed for inmates to be kept in the SHU for decades, even when they had NO disciplinary infractions throughout that time. After decades of isolation and deprivation, Randall participated in the mass hunger strikes that spread across the state in protest of the cruelty of solitary confinement. As a result, he was finally released back to the general population after 33.5 years of suffering and mental fortitude. In spite of his hardship, Randall overflows with joy and laughter. His spirit is contagious, and the level of accountability he takes for his actions over the course of his life is a goal for us all to aspire to. We could not be more grateful for this conversation, thank you so much Randall!

Your formerly incarcerated future Oscar winner, Nick Tirado

This week we got the chance to sit down with Nick Tirado! As one of the creative minds behind the Anti Recidivism Coalition's social media page, Nick has traveled a long, hard road to get where he is today. From living in an abusive household, to experiencing childhood homelessness, parental addiction and being forced to provide for his younger brothers in dangerous neighborhoods as a teen, Nick bravely and graciously opened up about his traumas as well as the harmful behaviors he has displayed throughout his life. After overcoming addiction and 11+ years of incarceration, Nick shared with us about the progress he has made in healing and accountability. He explained how reading, writing, and now videography have been necessary outlets through which he finds healing and purpose. Nick has big life goals as a creative that we can't wait to see him accomplish. Thank you so much Nick!