Behind the Pages is an informational and educational podcast series that showcases the employment journeys of previously incarcerated individuals and goes behind the pages of their criminal records to show their resilience towards improving their lives and contributing to businesses despite facing bias because of their records.

 

Episode 1: Greg Raggs

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we hear from Greg Raggs, Owner of G&L Consulting Landscaping, LLC and President of Gamma Ray Inc., a community service and development organization. Greg shares the challenges he faced during his employment journey, how he persevered, and the programs and people that helped him. He provides helpful insights for hiring managers and encourages others who have been impacted by the prison system. Greg wants hiring managers and society to know the new him and to give him a fair chance so that he is not defined by his past.

Episode 2: Cassandra Cean-Owens

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we have Cassandra Cean-Owens, a program associate at Reform Alliance and the owner of Refreshed and Blessed, joining us. After her release, Cassandra faced the challenge of finding employment that matched her qualifications and experience. The lack of opportunity was disheartening at times, but she remained positive and persistent with the help of her family, friends and faith. Cassandra shares how her perseverance, patience, and a positive attitude helped her overcome the odds and lead to brighter days.

Episode 3: Raymond Spencer

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we delve into the story of Raymond Spencer, Drone Pilot for the City of Newark and CEO of Urban Drone King, an aerial footage company. Raymond faced unjust termination from a job due to a single mistake, while others who made multiple errors were retained. Despite this setback, Raymond’s determination unfolds, revealing how the pursuit of education has not only opened doors to significant career opportunities for him but has also inspired a group of young men to pursue college after seeing his face on a magazine cover.

Episode 4: Cordelia Spivey

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we get to hear from Cordelia Spivey, who is the CEO of two businesses – QueenDeliaStyles and Tasteful Soul. Cordelia talks about how it hurt her when people judged her and quickly wrote her off. Despite the challenges, Cordelia showed strength and perseverance. She graduated from an entrepreneurial program after reentry and started a catering company, as well as a beauty shop. Cordelia’s children were/are her motivation, and the support she received from others in a similar situation provided stability for her to push through the barriers.

Episode 5: Carl Williams

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we have Carl Williams, owner of Royal Men Solutions joining us. Carl shares his story and the challenges he faced during his reentry after spending 27 years of his life in prison. Carl’s determination to start a business amidst his reentry struggles took courage, creativity, hard work, and resolve. People’s perception of Carl because of his lived experience was hurtful, especially when it was layered onto their racial bias. Carl emphasizes how perception is often greater than reality and shares the tactful ways he was able to shift some people’s perception and earn their trust with him and his business.

Episode 6: Jermaine Taylor

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we follow Jermaine Taylor, Assistant General Manager at InnerCity Weightlifting and his experience of being hired for a job, relocating across the country, only to be swiftly fired due to his criminal background illuminating the harsh realities many individuals face upon reentry into society. Through Jermaine’s resilience, we explore the transformative potential of fair chance hiring practices, offering a beacon of hope amidst adversity.

Episode 7: Tanya Pierce

In this episode of Behind the Pages, Tanya Pierce, the founder of Life Unbolted Inc, talks about the challenges faced by people who are coming out of federal prisons, and how some of these challenges are different from those of state prisons. Tanya is a voice for those who often don’t have a voice or a platform to share how difficult it is to reintegrate into society and get hired after being released from prison. She explains how challenging it can be to feel like one is being left out of the conversation, even though reentry is a critical issue that affects every aspect of her life and movement.

Episode 8: Joel Romero

In this episode of Behind the Pages, we have Joel Romero, a chef at CO Restaurant. At the time of recording, Joel had only been out of prison for seven months. He shares a fresh perspective on reentry and its challenges, including what it’s like to breathe fresh air again and the little things that we often take for granted. However, Joel also acknowledges the struggles of finding a job, safe housing, and putting food on the table.