Unconfined Conversations with Ryan & Steve — Episode 8: The Company You Keep

In this episode, Ryan and Steve dive deep into one of the most powerful forces shaping a person’s life—the company you keep, both inside and outside of prison. They explore how the people around you influence your mindset, your behavior, and ultimately your future.

This conversation unpacks themes of leadership, influence, mentorship, and teaching, and how each of these plays a role in personal transformation. Whether you’re incarcerated, returning home, or simply navigating life’s challenges, the message is universal:

Your environment shapes you. Your associations guide you. Your future depends on the people you choose to walk with.

Ryan and Steve ask the hard but necessary question:

Do you want to come out of prison better or worse?

The answer starts with who you surround yourself with today.

If you’re ready to grow, evolve, and build a future you’re proud of, this episode is for you.

Surround yourself with your future—not your past.

In this powerful episode of Unconfined Conversations, Steve and Ryan open up about the unwavering support they received from their mothers—support that carried them through life on the outside and the darkest moments on the inside.

They share deeply personal stories about how their moms showed up for them during incarceration: the letters, the visits, the emotional grounding, and the belief that refused to fade even when hope felt distant. Outside of prison, their mothers continued to guide, challenge, and encourage them, helping shape the men they are today.

This conversation is a tribute to resilience, unconditional love, and the quiet strength of mothers who never gave up. It’s an honest, moving reminder that sometimes the difference between falling apart and rising again is the person who stands by you no matter where you are.

In this powerful episode, Ryan and Steve dive into the crucial topic of mental preparation before leaving prison. They explore how building the right mindset can dramatically increase the chances of success on the outside.

💡 Key themes discussed:

• The importance of programming, reading, and mentorship in shaping a new path

• How dreaming and planning for the future can fuel motivation and resilience

• Practical steps to make meaningful changes before release

This conversation sheds light on the tools and strategies that can help individuals transition from incarceration to freedom with confidence and purpose.

👉 Whether you’re directly impacted, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in personal growth, this episode offers valuable insights into transformation and hope