Inside the Castle Walls Podcast

About Inside the Castle Walls Podcast

Interviews with pioneers of their industries who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations and themselves, to contribute to the greater good.

Publisher

Dr. Erroll Southers

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 May 2026

Latest episode

1 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

8 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Ehsan Zaffar: Turning Unimaginable Challenges into Extraordinary Possibilities

   I first met Ehsan Zaffar when he was a senior advisor to President Obama. What I didn’t know was the extraordinary story behind the man, the harrowing journey he and his family endured escaping the Middle East during wartime, leaving behind virtually everything they owned. From those humble beginnings in America, Ehsan and his family persevered and went on to achieve remarkable success. Join us for a powerful conversation about resilience, overcoming adversity, and turning unimaginable challenges into extraordinary possibilities. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Once a month on the 1st, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. ABOUT EHSAN: WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN Website: https://www.ehsan.com/about (https://www.ehsan.com/about) Instagram: https://tr.ee/9LcIgw (https://tr.ee/9LcIgw) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehsanzaffar/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ehsanzaffar/) CONNECT WITH US Website: ⁠https://insidethecastlewalls.com⁠ (https://insidethecastlewalls.com/) Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ (https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/) SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 8 dropping on November 1st! YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast) Spotify: https://tr.ee/YoPllj (https://tr.ee/YoPllj) Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/HOEEkm (https://tr.ee/HOEEkm) Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/S8nNa9 (https://tr.ee/S8nNa9)

2. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Renee Washington: Winning On Your Own Terms

   What happens when a “recovering overachiever” learns that success isn’t about proving yourself? It's about believing in yourself. Our next episode of Inside the Castle Walls Podcast features Renee Washington, an ICF-certified executive coach, founder of Resilience Wins, and former Vice President of News at NBC4 Los Angeles. She was the leader who brought me on as a National Security and Law Enforcement analyst. Drawing on over 20 years of media leadership and her personal journey overcoming perfectionism and imposter syndrome, Renee helps leaders build confidence, clarity, and authenticity. Her clients span top organizations including NBCUniversal, CNN, SoundCloud, and the Philadelphia 76ers. Join us for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, reinvention, and winning on your own terms. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT RENEE: WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN Website: https://resiliencewinscoaching.com/ (https://resiliencewinscoaching.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachrenee/ (https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachrenee/) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewashington-resiliencewins/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewashington-resiliencewins/) 👥 CONNECT WITH US Website: ⁠https://insidethecastlewalls.com⁠ (https://insidethecastlewalls.com/) Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ (https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/) 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 7 dropping on October 1st! YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast) Spotify: https://tr.ee/6gO5hN (https://tr.ee/6gO5hN) Apple Podcasts: ⁠⁠https://tr.ee/Q0MOHz (https://tr.ee/Q0MOHz) Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/dkYTz4 (https://tr.ee/dkYTz4)

3. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Beverly White: Breaking Barriers through Tenacity and Grit

   From the 1994 Northridge earthquake and the civil unrest following George Floyd's murder to the COVID-19 pandemic, Beverly White has earned a reputation as one of journalism's most fearless and respected voices. Along the way, she has covered the deaths of icons Michael Jackson and Prince, and interviewed extraordinary leaders including Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Desmond Tutu. A veteran colleague once called her a "kick-ass reporter" a description that only scratches the surface. Her extraordinary career has been recognized with some of journalism's highest honors, including a Peabody Award and the Chuck Stone Lifetime Achievement Award. Yet perhaps her greatest legacy is her unwavering commitment to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of journalists. Join us for a fascinating conversation with Beverly White as she shares the stories behind the headlines, the challenges she overcame, and the lessons she's learned covering history as it unfolded. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT BEVERLY: LINKEDIN Linkedin: https://tr.ee/wzUgl4 ✨CONNECT WITH US Website: ⁠https://insidethecastlewalls.com⁠ Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/insidethecastlewalls 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 6 dropping on September 1st! YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast⁠ Spotify: https://tr.ee/iVp43U Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/P78aCX Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/DSzWmE

4. 

   16 Jul 2026

   Steven Adams: What It Really Takes to Make It in Hollywood

   Everyone dreams of Hollywood. The question is can you make it? Steven Adams is my award-winning manager, producer, and Founding Partner at Alta Global Media, where he represents top talent and international media companies shaping the future of entertainment. He began his career at Paradigm Talent Agency and Landmark Artists Management, working with acclaimed actors including Eric Stolz and Laurence Fishburne. A member of the Producers Guild of America and the Television Academy, Steven also serves on the advisory boards of Catalyst Content Festival, Content London, and the Los Angeles Art Association, and is a Board Ambassador for the Blackhouse Foundation, an official partner of the Sundance Institute. What happened to Steven might surprise you. Listen to his story. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT STEVEN: WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM, & LINKEDIN Website: ⁠https://altaglobalmedia.net/ (https://altaglobalmedia.net/) Instagram: https://tr.ee/XFSEjt (https://www.instagram.com/altaglobal.media?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==) Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenadamsent/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenadamsent/) 🏰 CONNECT WITH US Website: ⁠https://insidethecastlewalls.com⁠ (https://insidethecastlewalls.com/) Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ (https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/) 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 5 dropping on August 1st! YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast) Spotify: https://tr.ee/LhPpY2 (https://tr.ee/LhPpY2) Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/VLBoZe (https://tr.ee/VLBoZe) Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/3zEtuk (https://tr.ee/3zEtuk)

5. 

   2 Jul 2026

   Vance Taylor: Achieving Dreams through Resilience and Leadership

   L. Vance Taylor serves as Chief of the California Governor’s Office of Access and Functional Needs, where he ensures the needs of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs are integrated into the state’s emergency management before, during, and after disasters. Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age 7 and using a power wheelchair since sixth grade, Vance has built an inspiring career spanning congressional emergency management, the governor’s office, and presidential briefings. Hear his remarkable story of resilience, leadership, and making a difference from inside the castle walls. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good.Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT VANCE: WEBSITE WITH RESOURCES & LINKEDIN Vance is the Chief of the Office of Access and Functional Needs and this website will take you to their training resources, web map information, as well as their exhaustive library. Website: ⁠https://www.caloes.ca.gov/office-of-the-director/policy-administration/access-functional-needs/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vance-taylor-2b9b523/?skipRedirect=true 🏰 CONNECT WITH US Website: ⁠https://insidethecastlewalls.com ⁠Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 4 dropping on July 15th! YouTube: https://youtu.be/PGhn1ajQHYA Spotify: https://tr.ee/cWgMci Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://tr.ee/fMeb9C Amazon Music: ⁠https://tr.ee/0b4MEe

6. 

   16 Jun 2026

   Tony McAleer: Finding Identity, Belonging, Transformation, and Hope

   Tony McAleer and I are close friends. That may not sound remarkable—until you learn that Tony spent 15 years immersed in the white supremacist and neo-Nazi movements, rising through their ranks into positions of leadership. In this powerful episode of Inside the Castle Walls, Tony shares his extraordinary journey from hate and radicalization to redemption and purpose. Discover how he left the movement behind and went on to co-found one of America’s most influential organizations helping people escape violent extremism. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT TONY: BOOKS & WEBSITE Website: https://www.thecureforhate.ca/ (https://www.thecureforhate.ca/) Books: The Cure for Hate: A Former White Supremacist's Journey from Violent Extremism to Radical Compassion https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/T/The-Cure-for-Hate (https://arsenalpulp.com/Books/T/The-Cure-for-Hate) Film: The Cure for Hate: Bearing Witness to Auschwitz https://www.pbs.org/show/the-cure-for-hate/ (https://www.pbs.org/show/the-cure-for-hate/) 🏰 CONNECT WITH US Website: https://insidethecastlewalls.com (https://insidethecastlewalls.com) Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ (https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/) 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 3 dropping on July 1st! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast (https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast) Spotify: https://tr.ee/IoamEa (https://tr.ee/IoamEa) Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/IP1p2a (https://tr.ee/IP1p2a) Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/OBFcme (https://tr.ee/OBFcme)

7. 

   2 Jun 2026

   Dr. RaShall Brackney: Scaling Walls with the Perseverance to Change Systems

   I’m honored to feature my dear friend and colleague, Dr. RaShall Brackney, Chief of the Jackson Police Department, in our first episode. A remarkable example of determination, resilience, and grit, Dr. Brackney shares her inspiring journey and the perseverance it took to rise to the highest rank in municipal and university law enforcement. Join me for illuminating conversations with pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves to contribute to the greater good. Twice a month, on the 1st and 15th, you’ll have a seat in the room with our remarkable guests—from film producers and journalists to police chiefs and former violent extremists—sharing insights you won’t hear anywhere else. 💫 ABOUT RASHALL & PODCAST AND BOOKS COMING SOON Black Arm of the Law Podcast: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-arm-of-the-law/id1538886380 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-arm-of-the-law/id1538886380) Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/13dq67DAT5Wm05OFHDLrit?si=fe2fb409b34044f6 (https://open.spotify.com/show/13dq67DAT5Wm05OFHDLrit?si=fe2fb409b34044f6) Books: Policing (In)justiceThe Bruising of America: When Black, White, and Blue Collide 🏰 CONNECT WITH US Website: https://insidethecastlewalls.com (https://insidethecastlewalls.com) Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/ (https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls/) 🎙️ SUBSCRIBE & LISTEN Subscribe and follow now so you don’t miss Episode 2 dropping on June 15th! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast⁠ (https://www.youtube.com/@InsideTheCastleWallsPodcast) Spotify: https://tr.ee/vmHsOI (https://tr.ee/vmHsOI) Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/jz0zXo (https://tr.ee/jz0zXo) Amazon Music: https://tr.ee/Dw5x7K (https://tr.ee/Dw5x7K)

8. 

   16 May 2026

   Trailer: Interview Dr. RaShall Brackney

   Welcome to the Inside the Castle Walls Podcast! Our journey officially begins on June 1st, 2026. 🎙️ What does it take to break through barriers and dismantle the status quo? On this podcast, we interview true pioneers who have scaled walls to change systems, organizations, and themselves—all to contribute to the greater good. In this trailer, get a first look at the raw, inspiring conversations coming your way, including a sneak peek at our premiere episode with the incredible Dr. RaShall Brackney. Connect With Us & Our Guest: Find more from RaShall Podcast: Black Arm of the Law⁠ (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/black-arm-of-the-law/id1538886380) LinkedIn: Dr. RaShall Brackney (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashall-brackney-ph-d-83969b135/) Join the Inside the Castle Walls Community: Instagram: @_insidethecastlewalls (https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.instagram.com/_insidethecastlewalls) YouTube: Subscribe for Full Video Episodes (https://youtube.com/@insidethecastlewallspodcast?si=YZqqTYxPz4_2cp0w) Website: insidethecastlewalls.com (http://insidethecastlewalls.com)

Contact Inside the Castle Walls Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.