EP #214 - Preparing For Freedom: Fear, Hope, And Uncertainty

With Bobby's upcoming parole hearing, it's been a bit challenging getting into the mindset of recording lately, as you'll hear. In this episode Bobby recounts his childhood experiences of feeling like an outsider in the only world he knew, and how those early experiences shaped his life. This one offers a crucial look at the nuances of identity, the hidden scars of childhood, and the search for self-acceptance. It also reminds us how easy it is to fall into the limited, or one-dimensional, narrative about a person.You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support. Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.  

Bobby, just weeks away from his parole hearing, shares the anxieties and hopes swirling within him, and the culmination of 12 years spent preparing for this chance is finally here. But beyond the desire for release he reveals a deeper desire; to make this right again, and rebuild what he destroyed. Also, how can a system expect individuals to realistically reintegrate when their journey upon release is already paved with significant obstacles?

As Bobby prepares to sit in front the parole board, he shares the results of his PER (Parole Eligibility Report) and tries to interrupt the scoring process. The parole hearing isn't just about the legal process, it's about the human stories behind it. It's about yearning for a second chance, the fear of judgment, and the agonizing uncertainty of whether their past will forever define their future. In true Bobby fashion he'd rather look at this experience in a positive light with lessons to be learned. A reminder for all of us.You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support. Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.  

Wy are some people inherently good and selfless? Annoyingly positive Bobby spins laps with the Pebbles in this episode as he shares his thoughts and feelings about altruism. What makes some people more caring and giving than others, and what is the bigger meaning of it all?You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support. Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.  

Another inmate throws a racial slur at Bobby, and in prison that's a big deal so you have to take a stand. Bobby decides to take action, but the universe steps in with a lesson.You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support. Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.  

Which movie had more of a social impact, a look at what's happening with recent political discord, and why the Democrats can't seem to get find their Joe Rogan. To continue listening how the left is all messed up, and how some people were outcast for using certain words that are now okay to say...join us on Patreon. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support. Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission. 

Bobby is so excited about new eye wear that it conjures feelings when he got his first pair of Air Jordans as a kid. Join us on Patreon to hear about finding the comedy line, and Bobby landing his dream job.You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comAnd check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support.Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.

Bobby and JD are back to spin a few laps, starting out with some hip hop, and then a fashion faux pas that involves yellow socks. Follow us on Patreon to hear the full episode, plus an update on the Willie interview. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comAnd check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialShout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support.Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.

How does prison manipulate time, and what does it do to the human spirit? Bobby works to untie the emotional knots of trauma, pay homage to Monica, be a better person, and give comfort to a loved one while every minute is dictated, and every connection strained. He reminds us all to use time to do something good, and to tell others how much they mean to us. To hear the full episode follow us on Patreon. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comAnd check out the GoFundMe to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Shout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support.Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.

Spinning laps with Bobby and Co-host JD as we're brought up to date on the happenings in prison. Bobby finally gets his tablet but not without getting ready to 'boot up and suit up', and JD's family grows.Join us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/user?u=56777802⁠ to continue this episode: Bobby gets to hear standup comedy for the 1st time in 12 years as he listens to part of Doug Stanhope's latest special  ⁠https://www.dougstanhope.com⁠ (used with permission) to prep himself for standup comedy when released from prison.  You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  And check out the GoFundMe  to help with Bobby’s new start  https://www.gofundme.com/f/j3khzk-help-for-a-new-startTwitter: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   Shout-out to JD and Ashely Bell for all their behind the scenes support.Intro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.