I’d heard about the Sword & Scale podcast through word-of-mouth and started listening sometime last spring. It only took a couple of months to blast through each episode, listening to many of them multiple times. I followed Sword & Scale on Twitter and Facebook, commenting every now and then when I felt inspired to do so.
Mike Boudet, the host of the show, noticed one of my comments. I think it had something to do with a gruesome tale in an episode and how I really hadn’t been affected by it, having heard numerous tales of gruesome acts while I was in prison. This sparked a periodic Twitter messenger exchange that lead to a social media friendship and, eventually, this episode of Sword and Scale. I hope you enjoy it.
From the podcast synopsis:
“Matthew Hahn is bright, eloquent, friendly and just generally the kind of person you like immediately. He’s the kind of person that will tell you everything about his life within seconds of meeting him, but only if you ask. He’s an open book which is unusual, because once you hear his story, and your jaw drops to the floor with the disbelief that what you’re listening to is not his tall tale, but a reality that this person you’re speaking to has lived through, there’s one other fact you have to accept: Matt Hahn is a criminal. And you still like him, because his moral compass is stronger than most…”
If you like the podcast and want to hear more of what Mike has to offer, check out Sword and Scale here. The podcast can also be streamed from iTunes.
Hi matthew–I really enjoyed hearing your story, but one thing left me wondering. After you anonymously turned in the camera card with the offending photos, how did the cops track you down to arrest you? I either missed it completely, or it was never explained. Thanks!
I’d been selling stolen property and they tracked me down that way.
I have just listened to the Sword and Scale episode. Have been listening to the podcast for a while now and this episode was an eye opener. You are a brave, inspirational fellow and I’m so happy you are happy. You deserve it.
Matthew,
Thank you for sharing your story! Your actions speak a lot about your character, that fact that you took action, knowing that the end result may be that you would be stuck in prison for life, is commendable. The fact that you turned your life around after doing all that time is even a greater testament to your character. You have really turned your life around despite the obstacles put in your path, which is an amazing feat in a world where people can find an excuse for anything.
By the way, I loved the cute little shout out to your wife! I wish you both the best! I look forward to reading about your perspective through your blog and eventual book. Also, congratulations on 12 years sober!!
I appreciate that. Thanks a lot.
I was trying to find something to drown out the mix of blaring radios and loud neighbors that was driving me nuts so I just clicked a couple of apps and prompts and hoped I would get lucky! Wow, was I in for a surprise! Your story is riveting and amazing. I have come away from it inspired and intrigued. Your consciousness and acting upon it despite your addiction is an incredible testimony for all of mankind. You very well may have saved this child’s life.
I’ve listened to the podcast twice, and I was just telling my husband about it so we listened to it together! I’m still left with my jaw open. A true case of divine intervention. You’re one and a million for sure. I think the best part is hearing how wonderful life is going for you now! Thanks for sharing your story!
One question: did you ever find out what the pictures of the grave were from/for?
Thank you and, no, I never found out what the grave was for other than the fact that it wasn’t for a child.
Well that’s good I guess? Lol
I’d say so.
I am listening to your podcast for the second time right now, and I followed the notes from Sword and Scale to your blog. I think it is wonderful that you were willing to tell your story in such a raw and honest light, but even more wonderful that you were willing to risk everything – quite possibly your life of freedom – to help that child. Congratulations on turning your life around and best of luck in the future!
Thank you!
I just listened to your story on Sword and Scale. Wow. On a shallow level, I want you to know that you have an amazing, calming voice. I could listen to you talk about your life and experiences for hours. Have you ever thought about doing your own podcast? Sign me up.
On a deeper level, as someone who has been in love with an addict, I understand all to well the depths a person will go to for their addiction. I think stories like yours are a great step toward opening the public’s eye to the severity of addiction, and how not even an intelligent, charismatic, and innately kind person like you is immune. I wish you a successful, healthy, love-filled life. You did the selfless thing by putting a child’s life (and who knows how many future children’s lives) before your own. Your family must be incredibly proud of you. I only know you through a podcast, and I know I am.
I HAVE thought about doing a podcast, especially since I have access to a recording studio and engineers. However, time is lacking these days and I’m working on finishing the book (that’s my priority). Perhaps it’s something I can take on one day in the future.
Thank you for your kind words. It is my greatest hope that telling my story will help others to better understand what it is like on this “side of things”. It is so easy to think of us as ‘addicts’ or ‘felons’, while completely ignoring the entire lives that provide context for those terms.
I just finished listening to this S&S episode. Amazing. I just wanted to thank you for being awesome.
Thank you calling me awesome!
Thank you for sharing your story. This episode really put in perspective that there is always a deeper story and history tied to every situation. We often find ourselves judging others too quickly. I’m glad to see that the system worked in multiple ways for you. I appreciate you making the tough decision and I hope you get to enjoy the years to come!
Wow this was a crazy story to hear. I commend you for your bravery. Why did the molester only get 30 years? That boggles my mind!
I think the prosecutor was seeking a life sentence but settled for 30. Thirty is still a pretty long time. To put it in perspective, 1st degree homicide in CA gets a 25 to life sentence.