Talking Second Chances

TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
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Talking Second Chances is a podcast that explores how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce by helping justice-involved individuals prepare to successfully reenter communities across the state. Listen to engaging and candid talk about reentry, and hear perspectives from both JII individuals and employers who are willing to give them a second chance.

  1. 17h ago

    Building Hope Through Lived Experience: A Conversation with TN Voices

    In this impactful episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White welcome Rikki Harris, CEO of TN Voices, for a conversation about the power of lived experience, mental health, and second chances. Rikki shares how TN Voices supports the mental health and well-being of children, families, and adults through counseling, peer services, family support, and advocacy. She explains that the organization's "secret sauce" is employing counselors and peer support specialists who have lived experiences similar to those of the people they serve, helping build meaningful connections rooted in empathy and understanding. The discussion also explores TN Voices' work with justice-involved individuals returning from prison or jail, where trust, honesty, and authentic relationships are essential to successful reentry and long-term recovery. Rikki also discusses Tennessee's role in advancing innovative mental health treatment through the HOPE Treatment Act, which authorized federally approved clinical trials of ibogaine in Tennessee. She explains the potential of this plant-derived therapy being studied for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction, and why researchers and advocates are watching its development closely. Finally, Rikki shares insights from her upcoming book, Power of Perspective, releasing September 8, 2026, and reflects on how changing the way we see ourselves and others can transform lives. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, recovery, hope, and the power of second chances.

  2. Jul 1

    From LEAP to Leadership: Andrian Bullock’s Second Chance Success Story

    In this inspiring episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White sit down with LEAP (Linking Employment Activities Pre-Release) success story Andrian Bullock to discuss her remarkable journey from incarceration to leadership. After serving seven years in prison, Andrian has been home for just seven months. Within a month of starting her new job, she was promoted to General Manager a testament to her determination, work ethic, and the preparation she received before reentering the workforce. Andrian shares how the LEAP program equipped her with the tools, confidence, and employment skills needed to successfully transition back into the community and build a thriving career. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunity, second chances can lead to extraordinary success.  Tune in to hear Andrian's inspiring journey and learn how programs like LEAP are helping justice-impacted individuals prepare for meaningful employment and brighter futures.

  3. Jun 2

    Healing Through Opportunity: Thistle Farms’ Job Readiness Program

    In this inspiring episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White highlight the life-changing work of Thistle Farms, a nationally recognized social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and exploitation rebuild their lives. Through trauma-informed care, residential support, workforce development, and hands-on job training, Thistle Farms creates pathways to healing and long-term independence for women across Tennessee and beyond. Joining the conversation is Holli Anglin, who shares how the Job Readiness Program was developed and explains the different phases designed to help women build confidence, gain valuable skills, and secure meaningful employment. Also featured is Amalia Gawlikowski, a graduate of the program whose personal story is a powerful testament to recovery and resilience. Amalia opens up about her journey from addiction to finding purpose and success through Thistle Farms. This episode is an honest and hopeful conversation about healing, workforce development, and the power of second chances.

  4. May 7

    Driven by Second Chances: Inside Focus Freight’s Mission to Employ Returning Citizens

    In this powerful and engaging episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White sit down with second chance employer Focus Freight to explore how opportunity and purpose can transform lives. CEO Quania Johnson shares how launching her woman-owned trucking company was inspired by a deeply personal mission to help her nephew secure employment after returning home from prison. She’s since built a business committed to opening doors for others seeking a fresh start. Joining the conversation is Justin Mills, who brings a remarkable story of resilience and success. After spending more than 20 years incarcerated, Justin turned a second chance into a thriving career in trucking earning six figures within a year of release. Now the owner of Mills Logistics, he’s committed to helping others follow a similar path by creating opportunities for justice-involved individuals. This episode is a candid, inspiring, and often fun conversation about redemption, entrepreneurship, and the real impact of second chance employment in Tennessee.

  5. May 5

    From Probation to Purpose: Mandy Philyaw’s Journey in Reentry

    In this episode of Talking Second Chances, Mandy Philyaw shares her personal and professional journey into the world of reentry work. Starting her career as a Probation Officer, Mandy offers insight into how her early experiences shaped her passion for helping justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives. Now serving as a Grants and Programs Manager with the Tennessee Office of Reentry, Mandy reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to this role and the deeper purpose she’s found along the way. Tune in for an honest conversation about career growth, second chances, and the impact of dedicated reentry support in Tennessee.

  6. Apr 23

    A New Chapter for Reentry: Vision, Programs, and Partnerships in Tennessee

    The Talking Second Chances podcast is back with new hosts and a renewed vision. Grants and Programs Managers Jeremy B. White and Mandy Philyaw introduce the future of the Tennessee Office of Reentry and how it’s working to create meaningful opportunities for justice-impacted individuals across the state. In this episode, Jeremy and Mandy break down key initiatives driving this mission forward, including TN Partners for Reentry Opportunities in Workforce Development (PROWD) and the Community Reentry Reinvestment Grant Program (CRRG). They also highlight the importance of collaboration through the TN Works initiative and how partnerships are helping build stronger pathways to employment and successful reentry. Tune in to learn how these programs and partnerships are shaping second chances and strengthening Tennessee’s workforce.

  7. 02/10/2025

    Talking Second Chances-Filipe Goncalves

    In this episode of Talking Second Chances, host Trevor White sits down with one of the Tennessee Office of Reentry's Reintigration Specialists, Filipe Goncalves, who covers the Southeast and Upper Cumberland areas of the state. Join in a conversation about how this work is done including lessons learned, best practices, and stories from the field.

  8. 01/06/2025

    Talking Second Chances - Grace Goins

    Talking Second Chances Podcast: Season 3 PremiereIn this first episode of 2025, Talking Second Chances kicks off its third season with an inspiring conversation with Grace Goins, a Reintegration Specialist serving the East Tennessee region. Grace shares her journey from graduate school to her current role, highlighting how her master’s thesis, Correctional Career Pathway: A Journey to Hope, laid the foundation for her work in supporting justice-involved individuals. Host Trevor White dives into a discussion with Grace about the challenges and opportunities of reintegration, with a special focus on the innovative tablet program. This initiative equips individuals behind bars with digital tools designed to support their education, skill-building, and reentry preparation, offering hope and a pathway to success as they transition back into the community. Tune in for an engaging and hopeful conversation that sets the tone for a transformative season!

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About

Talking Second Chances is a podcast that explores how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce by helping justice-involved individuals prepare to successfully reenter communities across the state. Listen to engaging and candid talk about reentry, and hear perspectives from both JII individuals and employers who are willing to give them a second chance.

Information

  • Creator
    TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
  • Show Website
    Talking Second Chances