More Life: The Reentry Podcast, where we dive into the real-life experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals, hear from experts in the field, and discuss the latest reach and policies affecting reentry. Throughout the course of the show, we will discuss facts and dispel myths related to what reentry is and isn’t. You’ll hear from experts within a wide range of subjects, including formerly incarcerated, reentry specialists, criminal justice/or psychology professionals, mental health professionals, and advocates/or activists. You’ll learn about the challenges that formerly incarcerated encounter upon release, understand the role of familial and community support, and hear about creative and informative ways to better support or advocate for formerly incarcerated. Follow us on Instagram for more information @morelifethereentrypodcast
Lived Experience & The Power of Perspective with Adrian Boone
What does it really take to rebuild a life after 20 years in prison? In this powerful first episode of Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series, Adrian Boone shares his personal journey through incarceration, reentry, and reinvention. From learning technology inside prison to navigating the overwhelming first days of freedom, Adrian reflects on how education, discipline, mentorship, and support helped him begin again. His story shows that reentry is about more than housing or employment — it’s about identity, healing, and becoming whole again.
Note: Adrian’s story underscores that reinvention is a continuous process of growth, supported by community and self-belief. Sharing personal narratives can inspire others to see beyond labels and embrace new possibilities.
Main Topics:
Adrian's background and early life in Baltimore
His transformative prison experience and focus on education
The pivotal role of reentry programming and mentorship
Overcoming emotional barriers and internalized stigma
The significance of social support systems post-release
The continuous journey of self-reinvention and growth
Power of storytelling to inspire and create impact
Practical insights for others on their path to reinvention
Resources:
🎥 Adrian Boone - YouTube Documentary (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlDnco-ISzY&t=592s)
💼 Solutions for Independence (https://sicilnc.org/)
📄 Free Holistic Wellness Check-In Sheet (https://bit.ly/44wUz2l)
🎧 Subscribe on More Life: The Reentry Podcast Site (https://rss.com/podcasts/morelifethereentrypodcast/), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HBXLbXxzzzACfrWkYB4WL), Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-barriers-reentry-for-individuals-with/id1619986393?i=1000717767871), or iHeart Radio (https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-more-life-the-reentry-podc-272023062/episode/breaking-barriers-reentry-for-individuals-with-286509180/)
💰 Support the show: Donate Here (https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/reentry-podcast-thats-change-lives)
Connect:
📸 Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/)
📧 Email: morelifereentry@gmail.com (mailto:morelifereentry@gmail.com)
Be A Part of the Conversation:
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Share Your Story (https://forms.gle/gadtK9vjukvmkB8W6)
Want to join our team? Become A Team Member (https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78)
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by More Life Reentry Team
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings (https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings)
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF
13 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT
Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series
Host VanKevia Garner, M.S. explores holistic reentry through powerful stories and a transformative conference experience, revealing what it truly means to be whole.
15 Aug 2025
The Case for Individualized Reentry Plans for Individuals with Disabilities with Sharif Brown
In part two, Sharif discussed effective ways to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by individuals with disabilities during reentry. Sharif makes a compelling case for why individualized reentry plans are not just beneficial, but necessary, for supporting successful reintegration.
One-size-fits-all approaches often fail to meet the nuanced needs of people with disabilities who are exiting incarceration. Sharif brings both professional insight and personal passion to the topic, advocating for a justice system that recognizes the diverse needs of every individual.
Tune in to learn more about how the Alliance of Disability Advocacy is addressing the gaps for individuals with disabilities.
Interested in learning more about reentry for individuals with disabilities:
The definition of disability under the ADA? (https://adata.org/faq/what-definition-disability-under-ada)
Criminal legal systems and the disability community: An overview (https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/11/6/255)
The prevalence of, and challenges faced by, people with disabilities in the criminal legal system (https://www.prisonpolicy.org/research/disability/)
The links between disability, incarceration, and social exclusion (https://www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2022.00495)
On the Outs: Reentry for Inmates with Disabilities (Short Documentary) (https://youtu.be/7WukbvDKTdk?si=keNsxbslw8l9pbLf)
Background: Learning to recognize disability and developing a cross-disability consciousness (https://www.accessliving.org/access-to-justice-a-cross-disability-perspective-on-reducing-jail-incarceration/background-access-to-justice/)
Want to learn more about how to support individuals returning home from incarceration with disabilities?
Learn more and support Alliance of Disability Advocates (https://adanc.org/reentry/)
Support Disability Rights North Carolina Current Campaigns (https://disabilityrightsnc.org/take-action/current-campaigns/)
Get involved and support the National Disability Rights Network (https://www.ndrn.org/)
Search your local community to find ways to support individuals with disabilities (https://findhelp.org/)
Connect with More Life: The Reentry Podcast:
Follow Us On Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast (https://www.instagram.com/morelifethereentrypodcast/)
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Share Your Ideas (https://forms.gle/BDdqa3VeYJXfWd3E9)
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Share Your Story (https://forms.gle/gadtK9vjukvmkB8W6)
Want to join our team? Become A Team Member (https://forms.gle/HTmttpdHQBRcR6k78)
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Tre
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings (https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings)
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF
Inside a recent episode
Becoming Whole: A Holistic Reentry Series
Published 13 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] And that's what this series is really about. Dr. Megan Mitchell and her colleagues study the eight domains of holistic reentry, physical health, mental health, occupational, finances, spirituality, social connections, intellectual growth, and environment. And as we sat and talked through her research, we realized something important. You cannot isolate one. You cannot fix employment without understanding housing. Cannot heal without community. Cannot build financial stability without addressing the debt people carry when they walk out those doors. We must see all of it. Every facet. Every angle. […]
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