In Episode 29 of 17 Winters, Brother Mike X sits down with Brother David X (Bates), a formerly incarcerated man who returned home in 1999 and has since lived a life rooted in purpose, faith, and transformation. A dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, Brother David shares his powerful story of transitioning back into society, building a professional life grounded in discipline and service, and staying committed to his growth.

We reflect on our early connection and interactions before prison, how those moments shaped our perspectives, and how his unwavering commitment to change opened doors for both personal and professional development. This episode is a deep and honest conversation between two brothers who understand the cost of the past and the value of redemption.

Stay tuned—this is just part one. Brother David X will return soon for a deeper dive into his work, wisdom, and walk. Don’t miss it.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brother Malachi Muhammad, a deeply rooted voice of transformation, truth, and liberation. We trace his incredible journey—from navigating the complex relationship between the Nation of Islam and the Melanics, to joining the Nation of Islam and our shared commitment to the fight for justice and freedom for Brother Dyson X.

Brother Malaci opens up about the moment he discovered the identity of his father, the impact of that knowledge, and how it shaped his sense of self during and after his time behind the wall. After serving 29 years as a juvenile lifer in Michigan, he walks us through the realities of reentry, radical faith, and resilient hope.

We dive deep into:

• The abolition of the carceral system
• The culture shift in prison over three decades
• The rise in gang population and what that shift meant on the inside
• The question: "Can you truly get better in prison?"
• And I ask the layered, sometimes polarizing question: "Can a woman raise a man?"

This is not just a conversation—it's a window into survival, belief, and the pursuit of purpose beyond the cage.

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In this raw and reflective episode, I reconnect with Joei Jordan, calling in from behind the walls, for a powerful follow-up to his first appearance on the podcast. The last time we spoke, Joei was serving life without parole (LWOP)—sentenced at just 20 years old. Today, his future looks dramatically different.

On April 1, 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a groundbreaking decision in People v. Poole, extending resentencing protections retroactively to those like Joei. With additional rulings in People v. Taylor and People v. Czarnecki, the Court affirmed that 19- and 20-year-olds deserve the same individualized sentencing considerations as 18-year-olds under the Michigan Constitution.

Joei walks us through:

• The recent Supreme Court decision that changed everything
• What it means for his case—and hundreds of others like him
• The resentencing process and what comes next
• The complex emotions of hope, guilt, and readiness
• His belief that he still owes a debt to society
• And the hard question I pose:
  “Are you ready to come out and be successful, or just tired of being in prison?”

We also reflect on what "rehabilitation" really means, and what it takes to transform a life behind bars into one of purpose beyond them.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in justice, redemption, and the real human stories behind systemic change.

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