EP #239 - Opposite Sides Of The Same Tragedy, And Biological Dads

No scripts…just two adults dismantling the stigma through shared stories. Bobby and Riann discuss truthful and painful moments about not knowing their biological fathers, their ties of suicide, and finding truth and beauty in the darkest moments. B.L.A.C.K. Art label   👉    CHECK IT OUT     https://blacklabelart.shop/You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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

It's important for NFTP to share the struggles of the past few months as Bobby and Riann are figuring out how to navigate the challenges of life post prison. There's doing what's best for Cassius, multiple gerbils, toddlers, hitching wagons, crying in the shower, and most importantly pushing through. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comT-shirts B.L.A.C.K. Label Art   https://blacklabelart.shop/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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 Miss Riann reflect and discuss movies, books, and TV shows as Bobby shares his insight and thoughts about the lineage of the written language and story telling. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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 Ray talk about the struggles of dealing with anxiety after being out of prison for just over 2 Months. Thinking that when he's out and seeking professional help things would be better, but that's not the case because the help that is there doesn't fit the needs. How the obstacles of Bobby finding his footing while navigating life on the outside after 12 years, adds to the anxiety. The beautiful thing is that the two of them are figuring it out together. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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.  

From Florida to a Michigan prison: the hardships of maintaining a relationship with someone in prison. Due to physical separation, high costs, limited emotional intimacy, logistical barriers, societal stigma, and stress, maintaining prison relationships are always challenging. Bobby shares the importance of having a strong relationship beyond prison walls. Relationships with strong ties reduce recidivism, aid rehabilitation, provide crucial support, and promote successful reintegration for the incarcerated person. It's why Bobby and Ray share their story, provide insight on how their relationship started, and some of the obstacles they've had to overcome in order to maintain their relationship during Bobby's incarceration. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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 mama c talk about newfound freedoms and what it's been like for the two of them since Bobby's been out these past few weeks. He shares how he broke down and cried for hours when memories of Monica and Corey came up, something he couldn't do in prison. He shares what his 3 favorite meals were, and experiencing grocery shopping again. Even though Bobby is out of prison the goal is still the same, sharing his life with the hope of helping others and finding beauty when things may seem dark. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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.

Celebrating 30 days of freedom, and having fun with co-host Nigel, as they discuss similarities between inmates and artificial intelligence. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: 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.

Beyond The Bars is a series of stories, as told by a former inmate, highlighting one of failures of mass incarceration - prison gangs.  Stories he wasn't able to share - until now - an eye opening, riveting peek behind the razor wire.  Part 1 is now available.Overcrowding, inadequate management of prisons, and lack of resources (nationwide) creates an environment where the "convict code" (informal rules for survival) is insufficient for safety. Where lack of effective rehabilitation, social isolation, and influence can take hold of people entering the prison system causing them to focus on in-prison survival rather than self-improvement. When people are thrown away to fend for themselves, without institutional support, they're forced to find ways to survive, and unfortunately gangs are there to fill that void. This series is about navigating and avoiding prison gang culture, and survival. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@notesfromthepen9604Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CJYuOh4pKxa/?igshid=y8lo9kbdifvq   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bobbyb.l.a.c.k1X: https://twitter.com/NotesFromThePenBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/notesfromthepen.bsky.socialIntro and Outro music created just for Notes From The Pen by PJ Trofibio and Jeff Quintero and used with permission.  

Sharing the mic with GR Joe on this episode. One of the things Bobby is passionate about is continuing his efforts with prison reform and highlighting some of the misconceptions about people behind bars. In true Bobby fashion he finds some humor in being sent to the hole, along with some heartfelt emotions as they talk about the fear of losing a loved one while incarcerated. You can read more about Bobby and prison reform on our website:   notesfromthepen.comTwitter: 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.

Host Bobby and co-host JD reflect on Bobby's entire first day out of prison. He went from doing time in prison, to doing time with his favorite stand-up comedian Doug. I can't think of another day when an inmate walked out of prison and ended up on a stage performing with headliners like Doug Stanhope and Andy Andrist. A dream come true.Special shout out to Doug and Andy, and please check the website for tour dates near you. https://www.dougstanhope.comYou 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.