In this narrated episode, Brandon Burley reads and reflects on an opinion piece originally published in The Daily Memphian examining why second chance hiring is a public safety issue—not just an employment one.

While the article focuses on Memphis, the argument applies far beyond one city. When people return from prison or jail without access to work, housing, transportation, or licensing pathways, the conditions for reoffending are quietly rebuilt. Public safety doesn’t improve by closing more doors. It improves by opening the right ones back.

This episode explores how background checks, licensing barriers, housing scarcity, and transportation gaps intersect—and why responsibility for change doesn’t rest solely with government, but with employers, communities, and citizens willing to step in.

Season 4 of The Redemption Project features narrated journalism and reported essays on criminal justice, reentry, and public safety.

Clark doesn’t begin his story with a testimony. He starts with the record.

Manufacturing methamphetamine. Identity theft. Criminal simulation. Unauthorized use. A list of charges that once defined his life. Addiction drove the collapse—relationships failed, trust disappeared, and prison became the inevitable outcome.

In this long-form conversation, Clark talks about what actually changed him while incarcerated: structure, accountability, faith lived out daily, and people who refused to let him drift. Redemption didn’t arrive as relief. It arrived as responsibility.

Years later, Clark was granted a pardon by Governor Bill Lee. The paperwork made headlines—but it didn’t create the change. It recognized it.

This episode of The Redemption Project is about confronting the past honestly, rebuilding consistently, and the people who walk with you long before the world notices.

🎧 New episodes release weekly.

In this episode of The Redemption Project podcast (Season 4, Episode 3), I read and comment on my article originally published in Knox TN Today: “What People Don’t See About Life After Jail in Knoxville.”

This piece sheds light on the hidden challenges people face after leaving jail—beyond what most of the public sees or understands. From housing and employment barriers to healthcare gaps and societal stigma, the realities of reentry demand deeper attention and practical support.

In this read-aloud and commentary, we explore:

• The unseen obstacles of life after jail in Knoxville

• Why traditional measures of “success” miss the real stories

• The importance of community, structure, and accountability

• How programs and ministries are filling the gaps

For the original written article, visit:

https://www.knoxtntoday.com/what-people-dont-see-about-life-after-jail-in-knoxville/

The Redemption Project tells real stories of change, accountability, and second chances, hosted by Brandon Burley.

Kris shares his story of coming to Men of Valor Knoxville after being released from Bledsoe Prison and choosing to stay—not because he had to, but because he knew he needed structure, accountability, and community.

In this short-form conversation, Kris talks about navigating self-doubt, facing unexpected responsibilities like child support, and how relationships—not just sobriety—became the foundation for lasting change. Today, he serves as the ReEntry Minister and Family Coordinator at Men of Valor Knoxville, helping others walk the same path he once did.

This episode is part of The Redemption Project—real stories about responsibility, faith, and rebuilding life after incarceration.

In this episode of The Redemption Project podcast (Season 4, Episode 2), I read and comment on my article originally published in Knox TN Today: “Mission of Hope, at Christmas and Every Other Day of the Year.”

This piece reflects on how ministries and community partners work year-round—not just during the holidays—to care for people in need, extend compassion, and provide meaningful help that leads to stability and purpose.

In this read-aloud and commentary, we explore:

• What hope looks like in action, not just in intention

• How community ministries sustain support beyond seasonal generosity

• Why long-term relationships matter in recovery and reentry

• The broader impact of consistent care in building resilient lives

For the original written article, visit:

https://www.knoxtntoday.com/mission-of-hope-at-christmas-and-every-other-day-of-the-year/

The Redemption Project tells real stories of change, accountability, and second chances, hosted by Brandon Burley.

What do you think, is this a reason or an excuse?

A long-form conversation with Savannah Ford, whose life once revolved around addiction, incarceration, and the belief that she didn’t really matter.

Savannah talks about growing up in Sevier County, years of IV drug use and repeated overdoses, serving time in jail, and what it was like to walk out with no structure—and fall right back into the cycle. She reflects on the moment a court decision diverted her into treatment, the slow work of accountability and faith, and why staying—long after the program ended—changed everything.

Today, Savannah works on staff at FOCUS Ministries, helping other women navigate the same road she once walked.

This conversation is part of The Redemption Project—a podcast about real people, real consequences, and the long, imperfect work of change.

🎧 New episodes release weekly on Spotify and major podcast platforms.

Hey! Welcome to season 2.

In season 2, I will be focused on more long form storytelling from individuals who have overcome their demons.

Season 1 was more short from storytelling (less than 10 minutes), and we will have that again in season 3 if thats what you like!

Season 4 is narrated Journalism. That is where I will be reading, and/or commenting on my own journalism and those podcasts I am trying to keep around the 2 minute mark.

Season 5 is episodes of me teaching. I will be uploading videos of me teaching criminal justice to middle school and high school students. This may include videos with guest speakers, or field trips- but it is everything that is part of teaching criminal justice.

Season 6 is all about ministries. Ministries throughout the United States that are doing great things in the redemption world.