Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

Shawn A. Barksdale
  • 4.9 (15)
  • Relationships

The show is about truth and how telling it can be cathartic and helpful to many! Look for Shawn to challenge his guest, to tell the truth, be transparent, and offer their life’s personal perspective on the many obstacles they have overcome. Shawn will place a special emphasis on prison life, how it affects the prisoner, his friends, and family. You will be amazed at how successful some have become after facing a portion of their life behind bars.

  1. Jul 29 ·  Bonus

    Unfiltered - From Past to Purpose: The Shawn Barksdale Transformation

    While most people were taking a break this summer, Shawn A. Barksdale has been on the move. From teaching ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and Botvin LifeSkills, to speaking across the country, to returning from an invitation to Harvard Law School after previously presenting at Georgetown Law, Shawn continues to prove that your past does not have to define your future. But none of that happened overnight. Before the classrooms...Before the standing ovations...Before the airports, the law schools, and the national invitations... There was a prison cell. In this powerful, extended conversation, I sit down with Shawn for one of the most honest discussions we've ever had. Nothing is off limits. He takes us back to the decisions that led to incarceration, the mindset that kept him there, and the transformation that ultimately changed the direction of his life. This isn't a story about pretending the past didn't happen. It's about owning it. It's about accepting responsibility without excuses. It's about understanding how trauma, environment, and personal choices intersect—and why accountability is the foundation of lasting change. Today, Shawn is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, ACEs presenter, educator, mentor, and advocate for returning citizens, helping others find a path he once had to discover for himself. In this conversation we discuss:• Life before prison—and life after it.• The difference between surviving and transforming.• Why society often misunderstands returning citizens.• How trauma influences decisions without defining your destiny.• What it really takes to earn trust, rebuild your life, and create lasting impact. This conversation isn't just for returning citizens. It's for parents.It's for educators.It's for law enforcement.It's for policymakers.It's for anyone who believes people are more than the worst decision they've ever made. Sometimes the most powerful stories don't begin with success. They begin with accountability. 🎙️ This conversation is with Shawn A. Barksdale. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform and discover why these are truly Conversations That Change Lives. #ConversationsThatChangeLives #ShawnABarksdale #ReturningCitizens #SecondChances #Transformation #ACES #BotvinLifeSkills #PeerRecovery #TraumaInformed #Leadership #Resilience #Purpose #Redemption #Community #Podcast #ErnestWRichardsonIII

    Unfiltered - From Past to Purpose: The Shawn Barksdale Transformation

  2. Mar 9

    When Clergy Speaks with Overseer J. Troy Blackwell

    The Men of Faith Brotherhood is launching a special three-part series titled “When Clergy Speaks.” In this series, three different pastors will share personal insights about their lives—some of their journeys before salvation, their walk after being saved, and what it took for them to step into the pastorate. They will also speak honestly about personal struggles, lessons learned, and what it truly means to be both a man and a pastor. Our first episode features Overseer J. Troy Blackwell, Pastor of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise. We invite you to listen as he shares his story and the path that shaped his ministry.

  3. Mar 9

    When Clergy Speaks with Bishop Alphonso L. Smith

    “When Clergy Speaks.” In our third episode, we feature Bishop Alfonso L. Smith, who is known for combining strong preaching with encouragement and personal testimony about overcoming serious health challenges. Our second episode features Overseer B. Stephon Brown, Pastor of Noah’s Ark Full Gospel Baptist Church, who delivers a message that is raw, transparent, and deeply honest about the realities of life and ministry. Our first episode featured Overseer J. Troy Blackwell, Pastor of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise, sharing the path that shaped his ministry. In this series, three pastors share personal insights about their lives—some of their journeys before salvation, their walk after being saved, and what it took for them to step into the pastorate. They speak honestly about personal struggles, lessons learned, and what it truly means to be both a man and a pastor.

  4. Mar 9

    When Clergy Speaks with Overseer B. Stephon Brown

    The Men of Faith Brotherhood is launching a special three-part series titled “When Clergy Speaks.” Our second episode features Overseer B. Stephon Brown, Pastor of Noah’s Ark Full Gospel Baptist Church, who delivers a message that is raw, transparent, and deeply honest about the realities of life and ministry. Our first episode featured Overseer J. Troy Blackwell, Pastor of Cedar Grove Tabernacle of Praise, sharing the path that shaped his ministry. In this series, three pastors share personal insights about their lives—some of their journeys before salvation, their walk after being saved, and what it took for them to step into the pastorate.  They speak honestly about personal struggles, lessons learned, and what it truly means to be both a man and a pastor.

  5. Mar 4

    Tedx: The Journey to Fluvanna Women's Correctional Center with Delia Cohen

    Tedx: The Journey to Fluvanna Women's Correctional Center with Delia Cohen 🎙️ New Episode | #TenMinutesOfTruth Podcast In this powerful and insightful conversation, Shawn A. Barksdale sits down with Delia Cohen, Founder of Proximity For Justice, to discuss an extraordinary journey connected to Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Virginia. Their discussion centers on the upcoming TEDxFluvanna event and the meaningful work being done to bring powerful voices, ideas, and human stories from inside the prison to a global stage. This conversation explores the importance of justice, dignity, and the transformative power of sharing stories that too often go unheard. It is a reminder that meaningful dialogue can open doors to understanding, compassion, and change. 🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the #TenMinutesOfTruth Podcast — available on all major podcast platforms. Join us as we highlight conversations that inform, inspire, and challenge us to think deeper about justice, humanity, and opportunity.

  6. 11/07/2025

    Grow It. Raise It. Share It.

    🌱 Grow It. Raise It. Share It. 🐓 Shawn A. Barksdale and Lawrence Howerton spent the day at a local community garden talking about something powerful: self-sustainability. From planting your own vegetables to raising backyard animals, we have the ability to take control of our food — and our future. ✅ Learn how to start growing your own food ✅ Understand the value of local gardens and small farms ✅ Connect with community resources and support networks 📌 Know Your Local Resources. Food is power — and so is community. #GrowTogether #FoodSecurity #CommunityStrong #SupportLocal #TenMinutesOfTruth #BootsOnTheGround

  7. 11/05/2025 ·  Bonus

    SNAP & EBT – Use It Right or Pay the Price

    🎥 New Episode Drop: SNAP & EBT – Use It Right or Pay the Price Shawn and Lawrence sat right in front of the Halifax County Courthouse to break down the real truth about SNAP and EBT benefits. This isn’t just about getting help — it’s about doing it right. Because when these benefits are misused or turned into a hustle, people will get caught… and the consequences are no joke. 🔍 In this 6-minute segment, they break down: What counts as SNAP/EBT fraudHow the system tracks misuseWhat you stand to lose — legally and financiallyWhy it matters for you, your family, and your communityIf you or someone you know depends on these benefits, watch this. Share it. And most importantly — use them the right way. 🛑 Don’t let a moment of bad judgment cost you everything. 📍 Filmed at Halifax County Courthouse, VA 🎙️ Hosted by Shawn A. Barksdale & Lawrence 🔗 If you're looking for food resources and suffer from food insecurity, visit the Feed Halifax Facebook page for help. #TenMinutesOfTruth #SNAPBenefits #EBT #KnowTheRules #HalifaxVA #CommunityFirst #DoItRight #NoFraud #FeedHalifax

  8. 11/01/2025

    THIS ISN’T ABOUT VIEWS. IT’S ABOUT SURVIVAL SNAP & EBT DISCUSSED

    THIS ISN’T ABOUT VIEWS. IT’S ABOUT SURVIVAL. Let’s get one thing straight: the videos we’re producing on SNAP & EBT benefits and the pitfalls of abusing the system — we’re paying for them out of our own pockets. No grants. No sponsors. Just us.  Big props to all the community members that support Feed Halifax, Hitachi Energy South Boston and Ryland Clark for there phenomenal efforts and successes providing community support in so many ways...the food pantries need all the support they can get. Ask them how you can help! Because kids can’t eat politics. And parents can’t swipe “good intentions” at the grocery store. We are launching a 4-part video series on how the government shutdown is putting everyday families at risk — and we didn’t wait for permission. Why? Because: Mothers are praying their balance doesn’t hit $0 at checkout Children shouldn’t go to bed hungry because “Washington can’t figure it out” And the people running the food pantries, stocking the shelves, and donating their time and energy — they’re exhausted. We’re stepping in because this is OUR community. And we refuse to watch it crumble. If you need food, there ARE resources. We’ve got the list. We’ve got the links. We’ve done the work. Share this. Tag somebody who needs it. And remember: one voice can spark change, but WE need a chorus. — Shawn A. Barksdale Ten Minutes of Truth Podcast

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The show is about truth and how telling it can be cathartic and helpful to many! Look for Shawn to challenge his guest, to tell the truth, be transparent, and offer their life’s personal perspective on the many obstacles they have overcome. Shawn will place a special emphasis on prison life, how it affects the prisoner, his friends, and family. You will be amazed at how successful some have become after facing a portion of their life behind bars.

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