Category Archives: Criminal Justice Reform

ELL 112: Jussie In Time! Are ALL ‘Hate Crimes’ Hoaxes?

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On this week’s Electric Libertyland host Brian McWilliams rolls around in the slime trail left behind by “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett’s alleged “hate crime” that is turning into one of the funniest hoaxes in recent memory. Then Brian dips a toe into former FBI Agent McCabe’s interview on “60 Minutes” and former 60 Min darling Lara Logan splitting from CBS because of its journalistic bias. Finally Brian wraps up by tearing into Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s liars tour following the evisceration

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Dave Dahl’s Journey from Prison to Building a Killer Bread Brand

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On today’s show Dave Dahl joins Felony Friday host John Odermatt. Dave is the co-creator of the “Dave’s Killer Bread” brand. Prior to his breakthrough in the bread game Dave served a total of four prison sentences for crimes ranging from burglary to armed robbery to drug dealing. Dave Dahl was able to turn his life around and find success after prison. Dave’s story is one of second chances. And as listeners of this show know, we’re all about giving

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Jason Spyres Served 15 Years for Pot, Now he’s Studying at Stanford

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On today’s show Jason Spyres joins John to discuss the major injustice he suffered as a result of selling cannabis in his teens. Jason was arrested on drug charges nearly 20 years ago. In the years since, he’s been on a path of personal success and growth. When he was 19 years old, he was arrested for selling cannabis during an undercover sting, and until recently, the state of Illinois had kept him out of society for it. Jason served 15

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Lisa Hanna Served 15 Years on Bogus Charges, NOW She’s a Lawyer

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On today’s episode Lisa Hanna join John to share her remarkable story. Lisa is a US Army veteran, having served 2 tours overseas. She graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, in 1993. However, she suffered a personal tragedy months earlier when her son passed away. Drugs and alcohol became Lisa’s medication to numb the depression after her only son’s death. She did get clean and left her abusive husband Scott. Then Scott was busted with methamphetamine, marked bills, and stolen

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Prison Reform Could Save Lives with Rocky Ferrenburg

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Today on Felony Friday Rocky Ferrenburg joins John to talk about prison reform, namely the First Step Act. This Rocky’s 2nd time on Felony Friday. He shared his story back on Episode 107 of this show. Rocky is a multiple felon who resides in Idaho. Rocky is in recovery after struggled with drug addiction and collectively has spent about 2 years incarcerated. Rocky has been clean for more than 6 years and during that time graduated with multiple degrees, plays in a

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Reflecting on the Tragedy in Pittsburgh: Is there a Solution?

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Today’s episode is a solo show. John wanted to address the audience directly about the horrific shooting that happened in his hometown. Raw and unfiltered. John also touched on a few others new stories, a brutal murder at the hands of police in Oregon and the potential for the expansion of gun rights in Brazil. Discussed on today’s show: 911 workers recount chaotic calls from Squirrel Hill synagogue WATCH: Unarmed Man Shot in the Back, Killed By Cops in a

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Overcoming Adversity and Changing the System from the Inside with Michael Monsivais

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Today on Felony Friday Michael Monsivias joins John to talk about his experience in the criminal justice system and how he’s using his own experience to create better opportunities other prisoners. Michael also details one of his worst days in prison, when prison guards threw flash grenades into his cell unprovoked. Two of them exploded, burning his flesh. Instead of getting medical assistance, he was thrown into solitary, likely to hide his injuries from investigators. Michael grew up in an

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After 20 Years in Prison, Felon Focuses on Ending Recidivism

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Today on Felony Friday Ken Bright joins John to talk about his journey from prisoner to prison reformer. Kenneth spent 20 years incarcerated. Since he’s been out he’s worked on Wall Street trading stock and is the founder and President of the Life Progressive Services Group. Which is a “reentry, transitional and advocacy group” of formerly incarcerated men and women who have been educated and chose to make a difference in the lives of those who are living where they have

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Rap Community on Trial – The Weldon Angelos Story

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Today on Felony Friday Weldon Angelos joins John to share his incredible story! In the 90s Weldon launched a successful music career that brought him nationwide recognition. He founded the rap label Extravagant Records and was considered an “up and coming” entrepreneur in the industry. He wrote and produced songs with many acclaimed artists, including Snoop Dogg. Then in May and June 2002, Salt Lake City police set up a series of controlled marijuana buys from Weldon. All told a

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