Escape The Odds

Marlon Chamberlain didn’t realize that losing his freedom and spending a decade in federal prison would be the catalyst for the “Fully Free”Campaign. This is a campaign Led by Marlon and the goal is to end permanent punishment. This campaign was  started in his home town of Chicago and has become a statewide effort partnering with a multitude of  prison reform organizations. Marlon discusses how prison was a welcomed reality and a way to escape to a better future. He immersed himself into learning and honing his craft of entrepreneurship. Today he is the Campaign Manager of the Fully Free initiative sponsored by Heartland alliance. To end permanent punishment is to begin real citizenship for the justice involved individuals. Marlon stated , If people can’t find opportunities, if people can’t find employment, if people can’t find housing, it’s almost like you’re forcing people to go back to a lifestyle that they may not necessarily want to go back to,” Marlon is  changing the narrative and is truly Escaping the Odds. @Marlonchamberlain IG

Watch full interview at Escapingtheodds.com ) Myron Pierce born and raised in Omaha,Nebraska. From early on he got involved in gangs which led to serving 8 years in state prison. Upon his release, no longer was he a gangbanger but a reformed Pastor, businessman and community leader. Even Without any formal business experience he scaled a roofing company to multi millions in sales. It was this kind of experience that led Myron to spearhead SHIFT. His Omaha based entrepreneur program trains the undeserved community of North Omaha about the nuts & bolts of starting a company. Myron Pierce’s mission is to inspire hope in world changers, families and churches. Follow his journey on all social media outlets @Myronpierce. Myronpierce.com

Full video on Escapingtheodds.com Kevin Miller spent 13 years in federal prison on a drug charge out of Baltimore, Maryland and has Switch'd Hustles to start the book publishing company, Rock Bottom. His latest book is a 4 part series called " A park heights Tale", which he penned while Incarcerated. This brother has been home less than 90 days and Its a MUST READ. Tune in and hear his story on developing a publishing company from prison and building a team as an entrepreneur. Reach Kevin at @Rockbottompub on Instagram

(Watch full video escapingtheodds.com)Several years of working out in a prison yard has produced real life gains for Jermaine " Max Maine " Branner. Who would have thought a former drug dealer  from the streets of Pontiac, Michigan would return from incarceration and totally switch hustles. Max Maine was released from prison after 7 years and turn his passion for healthy living into a brand of post workout smoothies and a fitness gym, co branded with ANYTIME FITNESS.  Listen as he discusses creating the  brand while still on parole . Follow Max Maine on instagram @keepgoing2020. Maxeffecthealth.com

Travis Richey, who has personal experience with incarceration, noticed there was a gap in what inmates were learning and what skills they needed upon release. Travis spent about 2 years incarcerated in the Arizona Department of corrections. But because of his MBA, Travis was released from the yard everyday and taught a Business 101 course at the local community college.“I realized any and all curriculum on the yard was garbage and so I wanted to not just complain about something, but actually make a difference.” Richey realized that he was on to something and started AccomplishED in 2013 — a digital program that provides job skills and training for incarcerated and returning individuals. AccomplishED, which is now on 500,000 tablets in 122 prisons nationwide in the United States, provides in-prison programming and education, along with online education and job training, support and employment opportunities for returning individuals. Travis also is an avid investor with holdings in real estate to fitness gyms. Tap in with Him at [email protected] i_am_Travis_Richey Instagram

Divine'' grew up in New York, thrust into the streets at a young age. Living in a poverty culture & his mother struggling with drug addiction, he started selling drugs himself. This led to Divine serving a total of 10 years in federal prison. While incarcerated he switch'd his mindset & hustles. He is the founder of BLAK Group, a consultant, mentor, recording artist, advisor, and more. Check out the4thletter media to learn more.

Yohance Joseph Lacour better known as YJL designs learned to handcraft leather bags and Shoes while serving 10 years in Federal Prison. He discusses growing up in Chicago and his days as a journalist utilizing his skill set to tell the stories of the inner city. Yohance's craftmanship and unique style of design will change the game. Check it out for yourself at yjlacour.com.

Watch full interview @ Escapingtheodds.com Richard's story begins on Wall Street, where he worked at several large investment banks. He became a partner at the infamous Wolf of Wall Street firm, Stratton Oakmont, depicted in the Movie starring Leonardo Dicaprio, The Wolf Of Wallstreet. He eventually started his own financial services firm, which he grew to 500 employees, generating $100 million in annual revenue. Unfortunately, some of his business practices were outside the law, and despite having paid everyone back, he was convicted of securities fraud, and served two years in a federal prison. Upon release, he was destitute and homeless, but got back on his feet, and became Director of Defy Ventures, a prominent non-profit in the reentry space. In 2016, he left Defy to launch 70MillionJobs, where he serves as CEO. He currently is CEO of Commissary.club which is a social Network ( think Facebook) for people with criminal records.

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/ ) I sat down with Larry Roberts Jr. who has spent many years in Cook County Jail in Chicago, IL. However not as an inmate but an instructor/owner of Larry’s Barber college. He offers an accredited Barber college to inmate locked up inside juvenile and state facilities in Illinois. His program is changing lives of men and providing a viable skill set. Watch the YouTube video and subscribe https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9K_SgEDsCpZsxk2Gao6xbg facebook@larryerobertsjr

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/ )Befitting for a queen is the best way to describe Ms. CoCo Davis. Growing up on the West side of Chicago, Coco made a name for herself as a hustler distributing Kilos of Columbian produced Cocaine. Her status in the streets was that of a Queen pen but the fast life caught up with her in 1999. She was convicted and sentenced to 262 months in federal prison as a 1st time offender. I will let you all do the math. During her incarceration she became an author and upon her release she is now the founder Xsqusite Premiere banquet hall. In addition, Sisters of Support transitional housing and Founder of Talk2mefoundation.org. This is a remarkable story of switching hustles and bouncing back.