In this inspiring episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with Michael Clark, a formerly incarcerated student and full-time worker who is rewriting his story through education and service. Michael shares how Common Good Atlanta — a powerful organization connecting Georgia’s colleges and professors with prison classrooms — helped him rediscover his purpose and build a future rooted in growth.

From the emotional challenges of reentry to the quiet victories of academic success, Michael walks us through the highs, lows, and honest moments of rebuilding life after incarceration.

💬 In this episode, we explore:

• What it really feels like to come home
• How access to higher education empowers returning citizens
• The role of Common Good Atlanta in creating second chances
• The media’s distortion of justice-involved individuals
• Practical wisdom for those just beginning their reentry journey

Michael’s story is a reminder that education isn’t just about degrees — it’s about dignity, direction, and the belief that we are more than our worst decisions.

🎧 Tune in now to hear how the narrative is being rewritten — one class, one voice, one story at a time.

In this thought-provoking episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with educator, justice advocate, and powerful voice for change, C. Jay Tarter. Together, we explore how language shapes not only public perception of incarcerated individuals but also the policies and systems that keep cycles of injustice in motion.

C. Jay breaks down the impact of labels like “offender” and “inmate,” and how reclaiming our narratives can lead to healing, dignity, and transformation. We also dive into the critical role education plays—both behind the walls and beyond them—as a tool of liberation and self-discovery.

Whether you're directly impacted, a justice reform advocate, or just someone who wants to better understand how words and systems intertwine, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and discover what’s possible beyond the bars.

#ConvictionFiction #BeyondTheBars #CJayTarter #TheCommonGood #JusticeReform #LanguageMatters #EducationIsFreedom #PrisonAbolition #ReentryJourney #FromPrisonToPurpose #ChangeTheNarrative

As part of the Starting Over series, host Antoine Rivers explores how technology is reshaping what reentry looks like for returning citizens. From that first moment of holding a smartphone behind bars to navigating online job platforms, we break down how digital literacy is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Antoine shares his own journey of learning how to use tech while incarcerated and how that knowledge transformed his opportunities on the outside. We also dig into how AI is changing the job market, the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce, and how returning citizens can catch up — and thrive — in a digital world.

This episode also highlights key organizations doing the work to bridge that tech gap and empower justice-impacted individuals through training, education, and opportunity.

Featured Resources:

• Defy Ventures – https://www.defyventures.org
• The Last Mile – https://thelastmile.org
• See Us Rise – https://www.seeusrise.org

Whether you're a returning citizen, an advocate, or simply curious about how second chances are built in the digital age — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to share, subscribe, and leave a review!

#ConvictionFiction #ReentryMatters #DigitalLiteracy #TechForChange #SecondChances #FromPrisonToPurpose #TheLastMile #DefyVentures #SeeUsRise #LifeAfterLockup #CriminalJusticeReform #ReentrySuccess #PodcastEpisode #ReentryTech