The Inside Job - Life After Prison

Cleveland Bell
  • 4.5 (4)
  • RELATIONSHIPS

Re-entry and life after prison conversations hosted by Cleveland Bell, CEO of Riverside House, a re-entry facility in Miami, Florida. We support re-entry and encourage others to bloom where they are planted, to share stories of challenges being overcome, and to remind each listener that life is a continual transformation process. You are your future self in the making! Forget your past, forgive yourself, and begin again right now.

  1. 11/22/2025

    Cleve Bell and John M.

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by my good friend, John M., Director of Celebrate Recovery at Calvary Chapel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  In this episode, our guest, John M., shares a raw and powerful conversation about redemption, recovery, and new life. John shares his journey growing up in a Caribbean family where alcohol, partying, and destructive behaviors were normalized and even encouraged. Surrounded by substance use from an early age, John began drinking and selling drugs around the age of nine. He reflects on generational patterns within his family—how the lifestyle of his grandfather and the environment he was raised in shaped his own struggles with addiction and identity. Through honesty and faith, John opens up about breaking generational cycles, finding recovery, and discovering hope through Christ. His story is one of transformation and resilience, offering encouragement to anyone wrestling with addiction, past choices, or the belief that change isn't possible. This episode is a reminder that no matter where you come from—or what you've done—recovery, redemption, and a new beginning are possible.

    44 min

  2. 09/15/2025

    Cleve Bell and Don T.

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by my good friend, Don T.  In this episode, our guest, Don Thompson, shares his powerful story of transformation. From growing up without a father and falling under the influence of negative role models, to serving time in the Dade County Jail in the 1970s, Don's early life was marked by trouble, crime, and incarceration. But a surprising assignment to the Chaplain's department while in prison planted a seed that would change everything. Today, Don is a retired Metro Dade Solid Waste employee and a dedicated community volunteer with a heart for outreach, family, and the lost. His journey from selling drugs to serving others is a testament to redemption, faith, and the power of second chances. Cleve and Don's connection goes back decades — and this candid conversation will leave you both challenged and inspired.   Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    29 min

  3. 04/30/2025

    Cleve Bell and Don A.

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by my good friend and fellow Celebrate Recovery member, Don. In this powerful episode, Don opens up about his journey through childhood trauma, addiction, and the life-altering challenges he faced along the way. He shares how the support and structure of Celebrate Recovery played a key role in his healing, redemption, and restoration. Now celebrating 9 years of sobriety and addiction-free living, Don reflects on the strength he's found through a solid community of support and accountability. You won't want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    47 min

  4. 09/07/2024

    Inside Job Pilot - Cleve Bell's Testimony

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders.  In this powerful episode of Inside Job, host Cleve Bell steps into the spotlight to share his personal story of transformation—from incarceration to leadership. For over three decades, Cleveland Bell III has served as the Executive Director of Riverside House, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives. Once incarcerated himself, Cleve's journey of redemption has inspired countless individuals and organizations across the country. A respected advocate for second chances and community reentry, Cleve is nationally recognized for his leadership in offender rehabilitation. He has been featured on numerous television and radio programs, as well as in print media, where he speaks passionately about criminal justice reform, prevention, and reintegration services. Under Cleve's leadership since 1977, Riverside House has grown from a modest 12-bed facility with a $20,000 budget to a thriving 120-bed center with an annual budget exceeding $2 million. In March 2024, the organization launched a new Emergency Shelter Program in partnership with The Homeless Trust, providing 30 beds to homeless men and offering a pathway to long-term stability. In just six months, the shelter has already served 70 individuals in need. Beyond Riverside House, Cleve's impact extends nationwide. He's a founding member of Kairos Prison Ministry International, a contributor to the Second Chance Act of 2007, and an active member of both the International Community Correctional Association and the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. Tune in to hear Cleve's deeply personal testimony—and the purpose that drives his lifelong commitment to transformation, justice, and hope. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    38 min

  5. 08/02/2024

    Celebrate Recovery with Alan Oria - Part 1

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by Alan Oria.   Welcome to Part 1 of a powerful two-part series on Inside Job. In this episode, we sit down with Alan and Marlen Oria, a married couple whose journey is marked by redemption, restoration, and the healing power of Christ-centered recovery. Together, they candidly share their experiences with childhood trauma, life challenges, and addiction—and how Celebrate Recovery played a pivotal role in transforming their lives. Alan serves as a Celebrate Recovery Ministry Leader and the Florida State Representative for Celebrate Recovery. He also leads as the point of contact for Broken Chains JC—a dynamic group of bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts who have found freedom through Jesus Christ and are now committed to helping others realize that lasting change is possible. You won't want to miss this heartfelt conversation filled with hope, healing, and the reminder that no one is beyond redemption. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    33 min
  6. Celebrate Recovery with Marlen Oria - Part 2

    07/24/2024

    Celebrate Recovery with Marlen Oria - Part 2

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by Marlen Oria.   Welcome to Part 2 of our inspiring two-part series on Inside Job. We're continuing our conversation with Alan and Marlen Oria, a couple whose journey of healing, redemption, and growth offers hope to anyone walking a path of recovery. In this episode, we dive deeper into Marlen's personal story and the powerful insights she brings from her own experiences. Marlen is the CEO of MarOria Consulting, LLC, where she helps clients streamline construction project timelines in collaboration with South Florida utilities. She's also an active member of Al-Anon, a support program for those affected by someone else's drinking, and serves as a leader in the Miami Chapter of Debtors Anonymous—a community for individuals whose use of unsecured debt has created personal challenges. Join us as we explore how faith, support systems, and personal responsibility have shaped their transformation and ongoing commitment to helping others. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    31 min
  7. A Second Chance Phenomena: Robin Mitchell's Comeback Story

    07/21/2024

    A Second Chance Phenomena: Robin Mitchell's Comeback Story

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by Carmen Bell, Riverside House's Community and Donor Relations Coordinator.  In this episode of Inside Job, Carmen sits down with Robin Mitchell, a resident of Riverside House's Emergency Shelter Program, to share his inspiring journey from homelessness to hope. Robin opens up about the challenges he's faced, the steps he's taken to rebuild his life, and the vision he's pursuing for his future. A current student at Miami Dade College, Robin is working toward his Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration and plans to begin his Bachelor's in the same field this fall. He's also employed at Sushi Saki and has dreams of one day owning and operating his own plantain field. Please note: This episode was recorded onsite at the emergency shelter, so you may hear some background noise during the interview. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    33 min

  8. 12/08/2022

    Celebrate Recovery with Greg Anderson

    Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I'm your host, Cleve Bell, and today I'm joined by Greg Anderson.  In this episode of Inside Job, we welcome Greg, a seasoned ministry leader with a powerful legacy of service and impact. Originally from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Greg has been in full-time church-based ministry since 1996, serving as a Small Groups Pastor—most recently at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale. He has been involved with the Small Group Network since its inception and currently serves as the Southeast Regional Representative. Today, Greg is on staff with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Palm Beach County, Florida. Greg's recovery ministry journey began in South Carolina, where he helped launch a local Celebrate Recovery program. He went on to serve as the National Training Coach for Celebrate Recovery in 2002, became the Southeast Regional Director in 2003, and made history in 2004 as Celebrate Recovery's very first National Director. Tune in as Greg shares his passion for discipleship, recovery, and the role small groups play in life transformation. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to riverside house.org, click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request.

    31 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Re-entry and life after prison conversations hosted by Cleveland Bell, CEO of Riverside House, a re-entry facility in Miami, Florida. We support re-entry and encourage others to bloom where they are planted, to share stories of challenges being overcome, and to remind each listener that life is a continual transformation process. You are your future self in the making! Forget your past, forgive yourself, and begin again right now.

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