It’s been awhile since last posting here. Some of that is life, you know, just the general busy-ness of things. And some of that is because I’ve been trying to direct the energy of writing towards my book. This won’t, however, stop me from saying “yes” to an interview.
Join me for a conversation with Rachael O’Brien, stand-up comedian and all-around awesome human, as we discuss drug addiction, teenage years, crime, and loss in this episode of “Be Here For Awhile”. Some of the story will be familiar to those of you who’ve listened to the Sword & Scale episodes, but I had the opportunity to fill in a lot of blanks during this conversation with Rachael. Plus, there’s a little bit of levity here. I mean, as much levity as drug addiction, crime, prison, and lament can accommodate. This will be a two-part episode, the second of which will be released on December 26th, 2019.
Rachael O’Obrien can be found at Rachael O’Brien Comedy and her podcast “Be Here For A While” can be streamed wherever you listen to your podcasts.
iTunes link, Episode 191: click here
iTunes link, Episode 192: click here
Part 1
Part 2
You are in a very privileged position, my friend.
To be where you are, now. brother I hope to God you aware of how many people, who do not share your skin tone- are not afforded the privileges of employment, acceptance, interviews, redemption and, wealth, really upon release.
I would like you to familiarize yourself with whats going on inside Parchman Prison. I believe your platform is a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness. And I urge you to use your platform to highlight the stories of black and brown incarcerated and formely incarcerated folks as often as you can.
You are correct in that I have been afforded opportunities that most who leave prison do not get. There have certainly been serious challenges for me, as there are for any person with a criminal conviction, but I’m fully aware that the impact this has on me is very different than that experienced by people of color. So far as my platform goes, I’m not completely sure what it is yet. Its really just coming to me now, at least in the sense of reaching many people. I feel like my role is to tell stories, to humanize the incarcerated (and formerly), and to try to reach audiences that may not typically hear from people who’ve been where I have. And, yes, that includes bringing awareness to racial and socioeconomic disparities in the criminal justice system.
Thank you for continuing to tell your story. Always inspirational hearing about your transformation!