Gramercy Cori Mallott

What happens when belief systems, ideological worldviews, or long-held opinions you've defended as truth your entire life bump up against contradictions that prove those prior concepts as fallible? How do you deal with that tension? How do you explain it to yourself? These are just a few of the questions I tackle as I contemplate what each guest this season has taught me.

Today I am going to introduce you to one of the most driven, strong women I have ever met: Elizabeth Randall Hebert. As you will learn from her story, she is factually innocent. She had no reason to believe the system would not work for her. Yet she ended up behind bars. Elizabeth is now a fierce advocate for the formerly incarcerated, helps with re-entry programs, and speaks out for justice reform and against the injustice of the system to bring awareness.

It's not everyday you meet incredibly happy, optimistic, loving people who actively live what they believe...but today is your lucky day. Sithy Bin came to the US as a refugee at 4 years old. Sadly, Sithy was introduced to gang life in 6th grade. He has some very enlightening things to share about the lies and brainwashing kids experience in this lifestyle. In his early 20s he was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his gang related activities. You will be amazed at the highs and lows this incredible man has endured throughout his life and yet he remains optimistic.

The young David Shirley - before his transformation - is a person you love to hate. You are not cheering for him; you are actually glad he ends up behind bars and hopes he learns his lesson. He found the wrong side of the law at a very young age. For 10 years in prison he continued with his negative mindset and behaviors despite all the punishments the prison threw at him until ultimately relocating him to a different prison where the first glimmer of hope appeared. He now works as the Post-Release Program Manager for Defy Ventures in Washington.

The story of Laura Hernandez is a hard one to hear. She is the survivor of every type of abuse you can imagine. Living in a nightmare is the best way to describe Laura's formative years. Violence, chaos, and loneliness are also littered throughout her horrific memories. In her early 20s, Laura found herself serving a 27to life term in prison. However, while there she spent her time learning from therapists, partaking in every type of class, and even facilitating many classes. It was these programs that eventually transformed Laura's life. She came out a completely different and whole person. A story that begins with impossible sadness ends with unbelievable hope.

This is a compelling story you won't soon forget. Andy Lopez grew up in New York City as a first generation American from a tight-knit Dominican Republic family. He adores his mother, who single-handedly raised him and his 5 brothers. Gang life was the only life. He lived by the street code. Andy paints a vivid picture that gives us deeper insight into what attracts kids on the street to this lifestyle. Andy served two stints in prison, the first for 4 years, the second for 12. Ultimately, Andy chose to "drop the flag" of gang life during his second prison term and refocused all that energy into achieving his Associate's Degree through NYU's Prison Education Program. He currently resides in California with his brother and is working on finishing his Bachelor's Degree in Restorative Justice. I have no doubt that Andy's incredible light will touch many people in this world as he shares his gift of compassion with everyone he encounters.