Locked In with Ian Bick

Eric King was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after trying to firebomb a government building with Molotov cocktails, but the real story is what happened once the cell door slammed shut. In this episode, he breaks down how a politically motivated arson case turned into nearly 8 years in solitary confinement, brutal clashes with staff, and a fast-track transfer into America’s most notorious federal supermax, ADX. From the mindset it takes to target the government, to the moment he realized he might never see general population again, Eric gives an unfiltered look at control units, isolation, and life in a place built to break you. If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens to “the worst of the worst” once they disappear into the federal system, this conversation is your inside look at the cost of that choice. _____________________________________________ #ianbick #prisonlife #truecrime#prisonstories #inmatelife #jailstories #justicesystem #worstprisons _____________________________________________ Buy Eric King's Book: https://pmpress.org/index.php?l=product_detail&p=1872 _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA for sponsoring this episode: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 I Was Tortured for Taking On the System 01:08 Growing Up in Poverty, Trauma & Survival Mode 02:43 No Father, No Guidance: My Teenage Meltdowns 03:35 Boxing, Catholic Guilt & My First Taste of Activism 04:44 Why I Risked Everything to Become an Activist 05:51 How Poverty Warped My Mind and My Choices 07:06 Parents, Control & My Teenage Rebellion 07:59 I Almost Became a Monk… Then Walked Away from Religion 08:52 Travel, Drugs & Radical Activism Overseas 10:44 My First Arrest: Direct Action, Violence & Consequences 13:10 Looking Back: Was the Violence Worth It? 15:26 Study Abroad: The First Time I Really Felt Free 16:47 Squatting, Dumpster Diving & Living Completely Off-Grid 18:00 Depression, Death & How I Handled Losing People 21:19 Sponsor: Fix Your Credit with Ava 22:51 Ferguson Protests, Solidarity & the Firebombing 26:11 Inside the Attack: Why I Did It and What Happened 29:56 The Arrest: Investigation, Raids & Serious Charges 32:01 County Jail: My First Real Clash with the System 36:16 Court, Facing Time & Walking Into Prison 39:07 Early Prison Life & Meeting Jared Fogle 43:32 Prison Gangs, Race Lines & Everyday Politics 46:09 Fights with Staff, Retaliation & Payback 47:41 Torture, Extreme Pain & Years of Solitary 52:38 Diesel Therapy: Shackled, Bused & Shipped Across America 55:21 Solitary Confinement: Surviving Years in the Hole 01:03:11 My Federal Trial: Beating the Odds in Court 01:06:12 ADX Florence: How I Ended Up in America’s Dungeon 01:11:20 Inside ADX Supermax: Notorious Inmates & Total Isolation 01:16:16 ADX Survival Guide: Food, Conditions & Staying Sane 01:22:01 Walking Out: Release After Years in Solitary 01:30:09 Cutting Ties with the Past & Staying Out of Prison 01:31:29 Family, Changing Views & What I Really Think of Cops 01:39:33 What I’d Tell My Younger Self About Prison & Violence 01:40:47 The Book, the Mission & What Comes Next Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason Abreu grew up in a good family, on track to become a lawyer, until the recession blew up his plans and pushed him into the New York City nightlife scene. What started as legit nightclub promoting slowly turned into moving drugs through NYC clubs, big money, fast nights, and a double life he thought he had under control. Then undercover cops took him down, and Jason was sent to New York state prison. He got out, went right back to the game, and got caught again, earning a second trip upstate. In this episode, Jason sits down with me and breaks down exactly how it happened: the first bad decision, how the nightclub world really works, the rush of easy money, the takedown, and what New York state prison is actually like on the inside, from daily politics to survival _____________________________________________ #NYC #NewYorkStatePrison #PrisonLife #UndercoverCops #DrugDealing #NightclubCrime #TrueCrime #prisonstories _____________________________________________ Thank you to 300 LETTERS for sponsoring this episode: Visit http://300letters.org/ to learn more or get support. Your donation to 300 Letters is an investment in safer neighborhoods & healthier families. _____________________________________________ Connect with Jason Abreu: Instagram: @madeupnorthnyc Podcast IG: @offthecountpodcast _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 From Prison Transfer To State Property 00:44 Jason Abreu: Good Kid, Good Family 02:23 Wanted To Be A Lawyer, Stayed Out Of Trouble 04:34 How NYC Nightlife Pulled Him Off Track 06:14 Crash, Drugs & Ego: The Downward Spiral 11:12 Getting Shot In The Club & Feeling Invincible 16:47 Ignoring Trauma & Diving Deeper Into Nightlife 19:43 Drugs, Greed & His First Indictment 23:56 Undercover Cop Setup & The Arrest 27:38 Arrests, Bail Money & Mounting Consequences 33:39 First Time On Rikers Island 37:11 Plea Deal, Charges & Sentencing Explained 39:50 Upstate Prison Life: Politics & Violence 51:47 Survival Rules, OGs & Getting Ready For Release 54:07 Re-Entry, No Money & Old Temptations 59:13 Second Arrest & The Ultimate Betrayal 01:04:18 Resentment, Forgiveness & Coming Back To Prison 01:09:19 Second Bid: Pandemic Lockdowns Inside 01:12:21 Finding Purpose & Breaking His Own Cycle 01:15:56 “Made Up North” – Turning His Story Into A Movement 01:19:00 Avoiding Triggers & Staying Out Of The Game 01:22:31 Rebuilding Life, Writing The Book & Giving Back 01:24:41 Why His Story Matters & Final Message To Viewers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anna Delvey sits down with Ian Bick and finally tells the part of her story the world hasn’t heard, not the fake heiress headlines, but the arrest, LA County jail, surviving Rikers Island, doing time in New York state prison, and ending up in an ICE detention center, breaking down the everyday survival, politics, fear, and pressure of prison life that no Netflix series ever showed. _____________________________________________ #IanBick #AnnaDelvey #LockedIn #RikersIsland #PrisonLife #ICEDetention #TrueCrime #prisonstories _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA & FACTOR for sponsoring this episode: AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ FACTOR: Head to https://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. Make healthier eating easy with Factor. _____________________________________________ Connect with Anna Delvey: https://www.instagram.com/theannadelvey/?hl=en _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Why I’m Skipping The Fake Heiress Story 01:00 The Day My Life Changed: Arrested In LA 03:00 Inside LA County Jail: Processing Shock 05:30 First Night Locked Up & Meeting My Cellmates 07:00 The Phone Call That Made It Real 09:00 Shackled & Flown To New York: Arraignment 12:00 Jail Food Hacks & How I Survived Inside 14:00 Breaking Down Physically & Mentally In Jail 18:00 Welcome To Rikers: Intake, Strip Search, Reality 22:00 Rikers Dorm Life & Dangerous Cell Politics 25:00 Commissary, Currency & The Jail Hustle 29:00 Facing Trial: The Biggest Decision Of My Life 32:00 Court, Cameras & Becoming A Headline 37:00 Trial, Verdict & Hearing My Sentence 42:00 From Rikers To Prison: Landing In Bedford/Albion 46:00 Prison Jobs, Food & The Social Hierarchy 50:00 Adapting To Prison Fashion & Daily Routine 54:00 Prison Art, Hustles & Becoming Self-Sufficient 59:00 Parole, Release Day & A New Nightmare: Immigration 01:04:00 ICE Detention: No End In Sight 01:09:00 From Inmate To Public Figure: TV, Docs & Fame 01:13:00 House Arrest, Curfews & Life After Prison 01:18:00 Finding Redemption & A New Purpose 01:23:00 What Prison Taught Me & Why Reform Matters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Joseph Williams was raised in Brooklyn by his mother and grandmother, but the allure of the streets quickly led him into fighting, selling crack, and a 4-year bid in New Jersey. After returning home and falling back into the lifestyle, Joe committed a brazen movie theater robbery that resulted in a stiff 11-year sentence in New York State prison. In this episode, we dive into how Joe survived the New York prison system, earned his college degree behind bars, and turned his life around to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to breaking the cycle of recidivism. _____________________________________________ #IanBick #rikersisland #jailstory #NewYorkPrison #PrisonStories #Robbery #Brooklyn #redemptionstory _____________________________________________ Thank you to LUCY for sponsoring this episode: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Dr. Joseph Williams: Website Link: lyfechessynk.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @Dr.4joegi LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dr-joseph-joe-williams-dsw-lcsw-88b41584 https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1100758 https://secure.helloalma.com/providers/joseph-williams/#More-info _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Movie Theater Heist Gone Wrong 01:01 Dr. Joseph Williams: Streets to Social Work 01:18 Growing Up in Brooklyn 02:33 Raised by Mom & Grandma 05:07 First Fights & School Trouble 09:31 Identity, Anger & Violence 13:13 Arrests & No Father at Home 18:53 Meeting the Crew & Street Life 23:20 First Real Hustles for Money 27:29 Guns, Power & Respect 31:01 Losing Friends to the Streets 39:20 Getting Shot in 90s Brooklyn 45:57 Rikers Island on Gun Charges 52:20 Prison Survival & Hustle Mindset 57:59 Out of Prison, Back to the Hustle 01:05:07 The Heist That Changed Everything 01:10:00 Living With the Consequences 01:16:03 Clinton Prison Changes My Mindset 01:26:01 Education That Saved My Life 01:33:02 From Prison to Social Work 01:40:00 Healing Trauma & Therapy 01:45:02 Buried vs. Planted: My Life 01:46:01 New Mission & Community Work 01:48:38 Advice to My Younger Self 01:48:54 Final Reflections & Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jesse Smithers was just a teenager when a street fight turned fatal, forcing him to accept a 10-year plea deal in the Minnesota prison system. In this interview, Jesse breaks down how he survived a decade behind bars only to face a new battle upon release: a system that wouldn't hire him. Pushed back into selling drugs to survive, Jesse reveals how a miraculous case dismissal became the final wake-up call he needed to leave the life of crime behind forever. _____________________________________________ #ianbick #prisonstories #minnesota #prisonsurvival #lockedin #truecrime #inmate #survival #prisonlife #minneapolis _____________________________________________ Thank you to FACTOR & AVA for sponsoring this episode: FACTOR: Head to https://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. Make healthier eating easy with Factor. _____________________________________________ AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 The Fight That Got Me Locked Up 02:00 Jesse’s Story Starts Here 04:40 Meeting My Dad & Family Truths 07:00 Growing Up Without a Father 10:00 Teen Sports, Trouble & Getting Put on Probation 13:20 When the Justice System Got Its Hooks in Me 16:20 First Time Locked Up: Juvenile Detention 20:20 Inside Elmore Academy: What Really Happens 27:40 Life Right Before Everything Went Wrong 32:00 The Night Everything Changed 36:00 After the Incident: Shock, Panic & Arrest 41:00 Tried as an Adult & Facing Serious Time 49:40 Courtroom Strategy: Lawyers, Bail & Playing the Game 01:00:00 The Case, Community Rumors & Hidden Plea Deal Pressure 01:10:00 Sentencing Day: Victim Statements & Walking Into Prison 01:18:00 First Time in State Prison 01:25:00 Prison Politics 101: How to Survive Inside 01:36:00 Fights, Gangs & the Real Rules of Prison 01:43:00 Stillwater Prison: Violence, Wars & Survival Stories 01:56:00 Getting Out of Prison & Starting Over from Nothing 02:05:00 Life After Release: Temptation of Fast Money 02:19:00 Back in the Game: Drug Dealing, Addiction & Another Arrest 02:30:00 New Case, New Charges & Choosing Sobriety 02:41:00 Turning Point: Recovery, Family & Real Success 02:50:00 What I’d Tell Any Kid Before They Ruin Their Life Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Bell sits down with Ian Bick to break down his unconventional path through the criminal justice system — from going to law school for tax law and working at a major firm to walking away and joining the Missouri Public Defender. In this episode, David explains why he chose public defense, what it’s really like defending society’s “worst of the worst,” and how that experience reshaped his view of justice. He dives deep into sentencing guidelines, the use of “ghost dope” to inflate sentences, systemic changes in criminal law, and the real differences between public defenders and paid attorneys. Now in private criminal defense practice in Kansas City, David offers an honest, inside look at how cases are charged, sentenced, and defended — and what most people don’t understand about how the system actually works. _____________________________________________ #ianbick #criminaldefense #federalprison #publicdefender #justicesystem #pleadeal #prisonreform #truecrime _____________________________________________ Thank you to 300 LETTERS for sponsoring this episode: Visit https://300letters.org/ to learn more or get support. Your donation to 300 Letters is an investment in safer neighborhoods & healthier families. _____________________________________________ Connect with David Bell: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davidbellattorney Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LensofaLawyer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lensofalawyer/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lens-of-a-lawyer-podcast/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 The Truth About Sentencing (Intro) 01:03 Why I Quit Tax Law for Criminal Defense 03:03 The Moment I Realized the System Was Broken 06:44 How Law School Lies About the Justice System 10:48 Leaving the "Safe" Path Behind 13:42 Inside the Mind of a Public Defender 19:13 The Most Shocking Thing About Criminal Court 24:35 Public Defender Myths vs. Reality 31:44 Paid Lawyer vs. Public Defender: Who Wins? 36:34 How Prosecutors Force Plea Deals 42:03 Defending "Guilty" People: How I Sleep at Night 50:25 The Dark Side of Private Practice 01:00:57 White Collar Crimes & The "Rich Man's Justice" 01:08:35 "Ghost Dope": How You Get Sentenced for Drugs You Didn't Have 01:13:33 Is the System Rigged? (Mediation & New Approaches) 01:22:48 How Police Use Search Warrants to Trap You 01:27:37 Why Prison Doesn't Fix Anything 01:32:46 The Fatal Flaw in American Justice Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Milbourne traveled all the way from Australia to sit down with Ian Bick and share his journey into becoming a correctional officer inside an Australian youth prison. In this episode, Anthony breaks down how his life experiences led him to the job, what daily life was really like inside the facility, and the key differences between the Australian and American prison systems — from food, routine, and commissary to discipline and inmate culture. He also opens up about the violent attack he suffered at the hands of inmates, an incident that ultimately pushed him to walk away from the career. _____________________________________________ #YouthPrison #PrisonOfficer #AustralianPrison #PrisonLife #BehindBars #TrueCrimePodcast #InmateStories #lockedinwithianbick _____________________________________________ Connect with Anthony Milbourne: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-milbourne-806b66333 Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/Psych-Warden-Officers-psychological-account/dp/B0B2TTDCKL _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Violent Prison Attack That Changed Everything 00:25 Meet Anthony Milbourne & What This Episode Covers 00:53 Childhood, Family Life & Early Trauma 03:54 Growing Up in Australia: School & Early Struggles 11:10 Dreams, Ambitions & Early Career Goals 17:40 Art School, Adulthood & Finding Direction 24:42 Career Shift: Entering Law Enforcement 29:04 The Incident That Changed My Life Forever 33:31 Trauma, Recovery & Moving Into Juvenile Corrections 39:42 First Days Working Inside a Youth Prison 45:01 Inside an Australian Youth Detention Center 54:43 Daily Life in Youth Prison: Routine & Structure 01:01:36 Commissary, Prison Food & Inmate Ingenuity 01:07:12 Rehabilitation Programs & Mental Health Inside 01:10:01 Violence, Staff Safety & Gang Attacks 01:21:37 After the Assault: Media, Court & Fallout 01:32:46 Recovery, Career Changes & Personal Loss 01:36:13 Life as a Youth Prison Officer: Daily Realities 01:41:00 Officer Culture, Burnout & Brotherhood 01:44:01 System Failures, Reflections & Writing a Book 01:45:20 Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Troy Ave sits down with Ian Bick for an honest conversation about his upbringing, the path that led him into the criminal justice system, and what it took to survive time at Rikers Island. In this episode, Troy Ave breaks down his early life, the court case that changed everything, the realities of being locked up inside Rikers, and how incarceration reshaped his mindset both personally and professionally. He speaks honestly about accountability, survival, and navigating life after the system while continuing his journey in music. _____________________________________________ #TroyAve #HipHopInterview #PrisonStory #StreetLife #TrueCrimePodcast #MusicIndustry #LifeAfterPrison #rikersislandstories _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA & LUCY for sponsoring this episode: AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ LUCY: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Troy Ave: https://www.instagram.com/troyave/?hl=en _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Troy Ave on Rikers Island & Interview Introduction 00:32 Growing Up in Brooklyn: Background & Perspective 01:44 Privilege, Exposure & Early Worldview 03:40 Family Life, Brooklyn Upbringing & Environment 06:11 Lessons From Parents & Early Business Mindset 07:27 Teen Years: Discipline, Mistakes & Street Fights 10:39 Gang Life: Attraction, Reality & Short-Lived Appeal 13:05 Life Choices After Gangs: Credit, Jobs & Direction 14:24 First Hustles: Work, Streets & School Balance 17:46 From the Streets to Music: Motivation & Drive 21:40 The Mixtape Era & Early Music Grind 24:45 Drug Money vs Music Money 27:30 Leaving the Streets & Refocusing on Music 33:00 Jail Time, Loyalty & Leveling Up Mentally 36:52 Touring Independently & Music Industry Lessons 41:01 The Real Consequences of Street Life 44:42 The Shooting, Arrest & Legal Battle 52:00 Inside Rikers Island: Firsthand Experience 01:00:32 Life in Jail: Mindset, Privileges & Survival 01:13:12 Locked Up Again: Routines & Mental Toughness 01:19:12 Money, Status & Jail Politics 01:32:00 Rikers Island: Violence, Dominance & Reality 01:46:40 Lessons Learned, Hustle & Life After Jail 02:01:47 Achievements, Missed Goals & New Perspective 02:06:06 Final Reflections & Closing Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sarah Wayne Callies sits down to talk about her childhood, her path into acting, and what led to her being cast as Dr. Sara Tancredi on Prison Break. She opens up about the sudden fame that came with the show, how she prepared for the role by visiting real prisons, and how filming Prison Break permanently changed her perspective on incarceration and the criminal justice system. Sarah also shares behind-the-scenes stories from set, the emotional weight of playing a character inside prison walls, and how that experience later influenced her work, including being cast on The Walking Dead. _____________________________________________ #SarahWayneCallies #PrisonBreak #SaraTancredi #TVInterviews #BehindTheScenes #HollywoodStories #ActingCareer #youtubepodcast _____________________________________________ Connect with Sarah Wayne Callies: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahwaynecallies/?hl=en Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi6Syro1Uk5qZ-mf_q4v6lQ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Filming Prison Break Inside a Real Prison 01:00 Career Growth, Podcasting & Season 3 Absence 03:50 Fan Reactions and Returning to Prison Break 05:30 On-Screen Chemistry and Cast Behind-the-Scenes Stories 07:20 Growing Up in Hawaii and Cultural Identity 10:30 Storytelling, Inspiration, and Gender Perspectives 14:00 College Dreams and Discovering the Power of Story 17:00 Theater, Family Influence, and Why Stories Matter 21:30 Dartmouth College, Culture Shock, and Life Lessons 25:00 Marriage, Early Career, and Connecting With Fans 28:00 Watching TV in Prison and Prison Break Reactions 33:00 Expectations vs Reality of Prison Life 36:00 Rehabilitation, Humanity, and the Impact of Incarceration 40:00 Private Prisons, For-Profit Systems, and Policy Shifts 44:00 Prison Camps, Fire Programs, and Second Chances 47:00 Reentry, Halfway Houses, and Breaking the Cycle 52:00 Finding Work After Prison and Systemic Barriers 55:00 Public Perception, Compassion, and Moral Complexity 01:01:00 Visiting a Real Prison and Humanizing Incarceration 01:10:00 Casting Stories and Sara Tancredi’s Evolution 01:18:00 Fandom, Privacy, and Life in the Spotlight 01:23:00 Fame, Pressure, and Public Scrutiny 01:30:00 Acting Challenges and Favorite Prison Break Moments 01:36:00 Transitioning to The Walking Dead and Set Culture 01:44:00 COVID, Resetting Priorities, and Family Focus 01:48:00 Reflection, Accountability, and Making Amends 01:55:00 Giving Back, Extreme Empathy, and Advocacy 01:58:00 Hospice Work, Prison Reform, and Ongoing Mission 02:00:00 Final Reflections and Gratitude Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amanda Tarver opens up about one of the most shocking chapters of her life, discovering she was pregnant just weeks after self-surrendering to federal prison, navigating pregnancy and childbirth behind bars, and the emotional reality of giving birth while incarcerated. In this conversation with Ian Bick, Amanda breaks down how her decisions led to federal prison time, the trauma and resilience of motherhood inside the prison system, and how that experience inspired her and her husband to start 300 Letters, a nonprofit supporting families impacted by incarceration and helping break the cycle of trauma. _____________________________________________ #PregnantInPrison #GaveBirthInPrison #PrisonStory #TrueCrimePodcast #PrisonLife #InmateStories #LifeAfterPrison #lockedinwithianbick _____________________________________________ Connect with Amanda Tarver: Website: https://300letters.org/ Instagram & Tiktok: @IAMLEGENDFITNESS @300LETTERS @TRUTHBYAMANDA _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Amanda’s Story: Pregnancy, Prison & Survival 00:54 Childhood, Family Instability & Constant Moving 02:58 Parents’ Relationship & Early Trauma 06:42 Strict vs. Lenient Parenting & Control 08:34 Money, Independence & Teen Responsibilities 09:25 School Behavior & Early Warning Signs 09:55 Never Imagining Prison as a Teen 10:34 Family History of Incarceration 11:02 Growing Up Cuban in Miami 11:58 Early Adulthood & First Pregnancy 13:32 Motherhood, Independence & College Life 14:04 Family Reaction to Becoming Pregnant 15:44 Navigating Complicated Family Dynamics 17:51 Meeting Legend Tarver & Falling in Love 20:54 Discovering the Drug Operation 22:59 Getting Involved & Sending Money 25:02 Normalizing Crime & Ignoring Red Flags 28:10 Consequences, Arrest & Federal Indictment 32:44 Detention Center, Court Dates & Legal Process 41:11 First Days in Prison & Culture Shock 47:46 Pregnant in Prison: Fear, Stress & Reality 52:26 Taking a Plea Deal & Self-Surrender 58:09 Adjusting to Prison & Finding Support 01:03:20 Pregnancy Programs & Giving Birth While Incarcerated 01:08:32 Motherhood in Prison: Nutrition & Daily Life 01:15:13 Family Impact & Reentry Challenges 01:19:08 Halfway House & Reuniting With My Kids 01:27:16 Talking to Children About Prison 01:34:32 Finding Purpose After Prison 01:38:28 Starting 300 Letters & Giving Back 01:44:22 Breaking the Cycle & Empowering Others 01:46:03 Final Advice to My Younger Self Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Legend Tarver went from graduating with a degree to serving time in federal prison, learning the hard way how choices, survival, and consequence intersect in the criminal justice system. Two weeks into his sentence, he found out his then-girlfriend, Amanda, was pregnant, and the couple endured separation, hardship, and the challenges of incarceration while growing their family. Drawing strength from the more than 300 handwritten letters they exchanged behind bars, Legend and Amanda turned their experience into purpose by co-founding 300 Letters, a nonprofit dedicated to treating incarceration as a family affair and helping justice-impacted families heal, stay connected, and rebuild after prison. In this episode, Legend opens up about how he ended up in prison, how that time shaped his life and fatherhood, and how he’s working now to change the narrative for others who’ve faced similar struggles. _____________________________________________ #FederalPrison #PrisonStory #FormerInmate #PrisonLife #TrueCrimePodcast #LifeAfterPrison #InmateStories #lockedinwithianbick _____________________________________________ Thank you to GOLD DROP SELTZERS for sponsoring this episode: Head to https://www.thedryoak.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout for 10% off your order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Legend Tarver: Website: https://300letters.org/ Instagram & Tiktok: @IAMLEGENDFITNESS @300LETTERS @TRUTHBYAMANDA _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 From College to Federal Prison 01:04 Growing Up in Miami & Family Struggles 05:11 Childhood Trauma & Single-Parent Upbringing 13:13 Early Hustles: School, Work & Selling Drugs 17:42 Generational Influence & Entering Drug Trafficking 21:39 High School Drug Sales & Avoiding Police 24:38 First Arrest & College Dreams Falling Apart 28:36 Meeting Amanda & Escalating Drug Operations 32:43 Deep in the Game: Paranoia, Expansion & Molly Trafficking 39:39 The Setup: Law Changes, Surveillance & Arrest 43:39 Amanda’s Role & Facing Federal Charges 48:34 Federal Indictment, Legal Battles & Family Impact 52:59 Pregnancy, Prison & Holding Relationships Together 01:00:57 Life in Federal Prison: Survival, Fitness & Brotherhood 01:09:11 Prison Realizations: Regret, Accountability & Change 01:13:37 Release, Reinvention & Founding 300 Letters 01:17:32 Reentry, Advocacy & Helping Incarcerated Families 01:23:32 Fatherhood, Breaking Cycles & Life After Prison 01:27:01 Final Reflections & Moving Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dillan Judkins grew up in Utah after being put up for adoption at birth by his mother, who was struggling with addiction, and raised by a loving Mormon family — but rebellion, alcohol, and trouble started early. In this episode, Dillan shares how a sexual assault charge stemming from a one-night stand at a party when he was 18 changed his life forever, leading to months in county jail awaiting trial, a probation deal, repeated violations, and ultimately spending nearly 15 years inside the Utah prison system. He explains how he survived prison with a stigmatizing charge, his side of the story, the realities of navigating the system, and the long-term impact incarceration has had on his life, identity, and future. _____________________________________________ #UtahPrison #PrisonStories #TrueCrime #PrisonLife #HowISurvived #InmateStories #LockedIn #podcast _____________________________________________ Connect with Dillan Judkins: Facebook & Instagram: InkkEnvyy Tiktok: inkk.envy _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Arrested at Home: Waking Up to Police 00:34 Growing Up Adopted in Rural Utah 02:26 Finding My Biological Parents 03:34 Family Struggles & Feeling Like the Outsider 05:52 Rebellion, Church, and Early Violence 09:35 Losing Control 14:14 School Trouble & First Criminal Behavior 18:14 Dropping Out & Alternative School Life 21:12 The Night Everything Changed 29:14 Police Investigation & Interrogation 32:40 Charged With Serious Crimes & First Time in Jail 38:00 Jail Politics & Surviving Serious Charges 46:06 Trial Prep, Legal Mistakes & Taking a Plea Deal 52:35 Regret, Probation Violation & Sentenced to Prison 01:00:28 Living With a Life-Changing Sentence 01:06:07 County Jails, Prison Life & Treatment Programs 01:13:00 Inside the Sex Offender Program 01:24:09 Prison Reputation, Tattoos & Survival 01:32:00 Life After Prison: Stigma, Labels & Reality 01:40:13 Loss, Reflection & Lessons Learned Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Watson spent over 20 years as a special agent in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. In this episode, he explains how he got into the IRS, what the job is really like, and how criminal tax evasion cases are built from start to finish. Brian breaks down common myths about the IRS, how payroll tax cases work, what restitution actually means for defendants, and how investigations move from audits to criminal charges. This conversation offers a rare inside look at IRS criminal enforcement from someone who spent decades inside the system. _____________________________________________ #IRS #TrueCrime #GovernmentSecrets #Whistleblower #InsideTheSystem #RealStories #LockedIn #podcast _____________________________________________ Thank you to PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ Connect with Brian Watson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-watson-625532179 _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 How Major Tax Evasion Gets Flagged 00:57 Inside the IRS Criminal Investigation Division 02:57 What IRS Special Agents Actually Do 06:36 An Unlikely Path to Becoming an IRS Agent 12:13 IRS Special Agent Training & Academy Life 16:13 The Reality of Criminal Tax Cases 20:21 How Tax Evasion Cases Really Begin 23:43 Following the Money: Real Case Examples 29:09 Technology, Digital Payments & Modern Crime 31:58 Cash Businesses, Informants & Undercover Work 34:50 Money Laundering Explained Simply 36:33 Crypto, Digital Payments & Financial Trails 39:52 Building & Organizing Financial Crime Cases 43:00 Managing Multiple Investigations at Once 45:44 Payroll Fraud, Cash Wages & Tax Violations 49:47 The $10,000 Rule, Banks & Structuring Crimes 53:38 Casinos, Reporting Requirements & Paper Trails 56:17 Working Joint Cases With Other Federal Agencies 01:00:34 Celebrity Cases, Media Pressure & Reality 01:04:17 Financial Damage & Empathy for Defendants 01:07:39 Asset Seizures, Restitution & What Rarely Gets Recovered 01:10:12 Preventing Internal IRS Fraud & Embezzlement 01:15:04 When Managers or Accountants Commit Tax Crimes 01:18:48 IRS Myths vs. the Human Side of Investigations 01:21:51 Do the Wealthy Actually Pay Their Taxes? 01:24:13 State Tax Agencies & Federal Coordination 01:25:04 Reflections on the Criminal Justice System 01:29:00 Biggest Lessons & Advice for Students 01:31:13 Final Thoughts & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven Johnson grew up in Connecticut surrounded by instability and a rough childhood that pushed him toward the streets at a young age. As a teenager, he joined the Latin Kings and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a chapter president before landing in Connecticut state prison. While serving time in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Steven made a decision that could have cost him his life — walking away from the gang while still incarcerated. In this episode, he shares what prison was really like during that era, how he survived the consequences of leaving the Kings behind bars, and how that choice completely changed the course of his life. After his release, Steven never looked back, building a new path rooted in discipline, accountability, and staying out of the system for good. _____________________________________________ #LatinKings #PrisonStories #GangLife #LifeAfterPrison #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeSystem #RedemptionStory #lockedin _____________________________________________ Than you to AVA & LUCY for sponsoring this episode: AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ LUCY: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Steven Johnson: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steve.john.247800 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@newslifeandbeyond?si=9xofBYhgZMzYNf4b _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Worst Jail Memory That Still Haunts Him 00:36 Meet Steven: Life, Background & Podcast Journey 03:20 Growing Up in New London, Connecticut 07:00 Family Life, Poverty & Early Struggles 13:41 Drugs, Trauma & Losing Stability at a Young Age 19:49 Teenage Hustles, Survival & Dropping Out of School 25:05 Entering Street Life & First Crimes 28:59 When Gang Culture Took Over Connecticut 32:32 Deeper Gang Involvement & Losing Control 36:04 Becoming a Latin King 40:03 Gang Leadership, Power & Expanding Influence 44:00 Trying to Change — Then Getting Arrested 54:05 County Jail Reality Check 01:03:33 Leaving the Gang While Locked Up 01:09:19 Transfer to Cheshire Prison & Daily Routine 01:14:02 Getting Sent to Virginia Prison 01:18:04 Prison Politics & Surviving Without Trouble 01:25:01 Life Lessons From Prison & Walking Away From the Gang 01:27:01 Life After Prison & Staying Clean 01:33:01 Rebuilding Family Relationships & Finding Purpose 01:40:11 Final Reflections & Advice to the Next Generation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Bishop grew up surrounded by emotional trauma, bullying, homelessness, and instability, moving in and out of the foster care system while dealing with serious issues at home. Fighting became a way to survive, and that anger eventually led to him being locked inside Massachusetts juvenile detention centers for nearly two years. In this episode, Michael shares a firsthand account of life inside youth detention, including physical abuse by guards and the long-term impact of being punished instead of protected. This conversation exposes the harsh realities of the juvenile justice system and how a broken upbringing and systemic failures shaped the course of his life. _____________________________________________ #JuvenileDetention #PrisonStories #JusticeSystem #SurvivorStory #TrueCrimePodcast #Massachusetts #LifeBehindBars #lockedin _____________________________________________ Thank you to PRIZEPICKS & GOLD DROP SELTZERS for sponsoring this episode: PRIZEPICKS: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ GOLD DROP: Head to https://www.thedryoak.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout for 10% off your order. _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Brutal Beginnings Inside Juvenile Detention 00:40 Childhood Trauma, Homelessness & Foster Care 01:05 Meet Mike: His Story Begins 02:24 Growing Up With Instability & Family Struggles 05:04 Homelessness, Loss & a Broken Family System 08:26 Bullying, New Schools & Feeling Like an Outsider 13:13 Gifted Programs, Mental Health & Acting Out 16:32 Rebellion, Police Encounters & the CHINS Program 23:00 School Fights, Suspensions & Falling Behind 27:27 DSS Group Homes & Foster Care 33:02 Foster Homes, School Incidents & Authority Clashes 40:54 Probation, Drug Tests & Escalating Legal Trouble 46:26 Alternative School, Metal Detectors & Physical Restraints 53:46 Probation Chaos, Failed Drug Tests & Court Dates 56:14 Sentenced to Juvenile Detention 01:01:14 Intake & Assessment Unit: Fear, Isolation & First Restraints 01:11:51 Westborough Secure Unit: Abuse, Trauma & Turning 18 01:20:05 Staff Abuse, Manipulation & Surviving the System 01:31:01 Developing Narcolepsy While Locked Up 01:39:27 Violence, Corruption & Hard Lessons Learned 01:46:03 Other Kids’ Stories: System Failure on Repeat 01:53:37 The Final Straw: Restraint, Investigation & Consequences 02:02:02 Transferred to a New Facility: A Glimmer of Hope 02:08:11 Release From Juvie, Recovery & Life After Lockup 02:13:29 Mental Health, Healing & Breaking the Cycle 02:16:49 Final Thoughts: Advice for At-Risk Youth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Matt Frey spent seven years working as a therapist inside Rikers Island from 2011 to 2018, a job he never imagined taking growing up in the suburbs of New York. In this episode, Matt gives a rare inside look at day-to-day life at Rikers from the inmate perspective, breaking down what really happens in both General Population and Mental Observation housing. He shares firsthand experiences with extreme violence, inmate suicides, unprovoked attacks on staff, and the psychological toll of working inside one of America’s most notorious jail systems. Matt also explains how inmates sometimes manipulate mental health services for protection or legal advantage, what it’s like hearing confessions protected by confidentiality, and the surreal reality of assessing people just hours after seeing their alleged crimes on the news. Now running his own psychotherapy practice after leaving Rikers, Matt reflects on boundaries, trauma, and how working inside the jail changed him forever. _____________________________________________ #RikersIsland #PrisonStories #TrueCrimePodcast #JusticeSystem #PrisonLife #MentalHealthInPrison #LifeBehindBars #lockedin _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA for sponsoring this episode: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ Connect with Matt Frey: Instagram: @freymentalfitness @outliftathletics @mcfrey27 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585253558683 _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Life Inside Rikers Island (What No One Sees) 01:14 Meet Matt: A Therapist Inside Rikers Island 03:00 From Rikers Island to Private Practice 07:12 Matt’s Early Life & Why He Chose Mental Health 13:55 First Jobs in Mental Health & Prison Work 18:43 First Day Working at Rikers Island (Shock & Reality) 20:44 How Therapy Works Inside a Jail 23:10 Violence, Suicides & Mental Health at Rikers 27:29 Solitary Confinement & Its Psychological Damage 32:58 Daily Life at Rikers: Safety, Filth & Neglect 37:06 Confidentiality, Courts & Ethical Dilemmas in Jail 45:01 The Human Side of Rikers: Trauma & Inmate Stories 53:34 Why He Left Rikers Island 01:00:26 Lessons Learned About Justice, Mental Health & Reform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dylan Syer speaks publicly for the first time about the high-profile accusations that upended his life, including allegations of fraud, identity theft, and grand larceny stemming from his work as a celebrity personal shopper. Prosecutors claimed Dylan used access to clients’ finances to make unauthorized luxury purchases, accusations he firmly denies. In this episode, Dylan explains what he says really happened, how the charges caused his business to collapse overnight, and what it was like being sent to Rikers Island while fighting to clear his name. He also opens up about the emotional toll of the case, navigating the criminal justice system, and ultimately being sentenced to one year of weekends at Rikers — a punishment that kept him trapped between freedom and incarceration. _____________________________________________ #RikersIsland #PrisonStories #TrueCrimePodcast #CelebrityLifestyle #LifeAfterPrison #JusticeSystem #RedemptionStory #lockedin _____________________________________________ Thank you to AVA & GOLD DROP SELTZERS for sponsoring this episode: AVA: Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app and when you join using my promo code LOCKEDIN, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. _____________________________________________ GOLD DROP SELTZERS: Head to https://www.thedryoak.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout for 10% off your order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Dylan Syer: Instagram: @SireConsultant TikTok: @SireConsultant _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Police Raid, Fraud Charges, and Everything Falling Apart 01:55 Dylan Sire’s Case: The Allegations and Why This Story Matters 02:59 Childhood, Family Values, and Early Influences 05:53 Discovering Luxury Fashion and the High-End World 09:47 Breaking Into High-End Sales and Designer Retail 14:12 Launching His Own Boutique and Becoming an Entrepreneur 22:14 Building a Celebrity Personal Shopper Business 27:47 Industry Shifts, Competition, and Cracks in the Model 33:53 Big Clients, Luxury Spending, and How the Business Worked 38:18 Financial Pressure, Business Trouble, and Legal Red Flags 42:38 Account Freezes, Chargebacks, and Sudden Collapse 47:17 Arrest, Booking, and Arrival at Rikers Island 54:00 Inside Rikers Island: Survival, Fear, and Reality 01:01:56 Bail, Media Attention, and Public Fallout 01:09:01 Court Proceedings, Charges, and Legal Strategy 01:16:20 Sentenced to Weekends at Rikers: How It Worked 01:23:30 Relationships, Trust, and Personal Consequences 01:32:00 Rebuilding After the Case: Frugality, Growth, and Lessons Learned 01:36:00 Final Reflections, Accountability, and Moving Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Gautreau grew up in a good family in Louisiana, but addiction took hold in his teenage years and quickly sent his life off the rails. After finishing trade school, he began getting arrested for drug offenses — yet somehow still landed a job as a prison guard, training for a month at Angola, one of the most notorious prisons in America. His time on the job lasted just six months before he quit right before being fired, all while being arrested twice for drug charges outside the prison. As his addiction spiraled further, Andrew ended up cycling through local jails and a correctional work facility, where he spent nearly two years behind bars. In this episode, he opens up about addiction, hypocrisy inside the justice system, life on both sides of the bars, and how he ultimately turned everything around and got sober. _____________________________________________ #PrisonStories #AddictionRecovery #CorruptPrisonGuard #LifeAfterPrison #TrueCrimePodcast #AngolaPrison #FormerInmate #redemptionstory _____________________________________________ Thank you to PRIZEPICKS & LUCY for sponsoring this episode: LUCY: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ PRIZEPICKS: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ Connect with Andrew Gautreau: https://tattedbadclothing.myshopify.com/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 From Addiction to Prison Guard: A Life on the Edge 01:00 Growing Up in Louisiana and Early Influences 08:00 Family Values, Childhood Trauma, and Identity 13:00 First Drugs, Addiction, and Losing Control 18:00 First Arrests, Criminal Charges, and Consequences 24:00 Escalation: Jail Time, Probation, and Repeat Mistakes 31:00 Becoming a Correctional Officer Against the Odds 36:00 Inside Angola Prison: Training, Reality, and Moral Conflict 42:00 Daily Life as a Prison Guard Behind the Walls 47:00 Drugs, Arrests, and Walking Away from the Job 52:00 Addiction Spirals: Crime, Chaos, and Self-Destruction 58:00 Rock Bottom: Overdoses, Homelessness, and Survival 01:03:00 Getting Sober and Rebuilding From Nothing 01:09:00 Life After Addiction: Giving Back and Helping Others 01:13:00 Lessons Learned, Redemption, and Final Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cory Simek grew up in Texas surrounded by crime and addiction, with both of his parents involved in drug dealing and his father eventually sentenced to prison. Following in his family’s footsteps, Cory found himself in and out of Texas jails before ultimately receiving a state prison sentence. In this episode, Cory shares what it was really like surviving Texas state jails and prisons, including running with an independent prison group, navigating constant violence, and learning the unspoken rules of life behind bars. He opens up about how his upbringing shaped his choices, the realities of incarceration in Texas, and the moments that forced him to confront where his life was headed. _____________________________________________ #TexasPrison #PrisonSurvival #PrisonLife #StatePrison #TrueCrime #LifeInPrison #PrisonStories #incarceration _____________________________________________ Thank you to WARBY PARKER and LUCY for sponsoring this episode: WARBY PARKER: Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at https://warbyparker.com/LOCKEDIN — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #addictionrecovery _____________________________________________ LUCY: Go to HTTP://LUCY.CO/IANBICK and use promo code IANBICK to get 20% off your first order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Corey Simek: https://linktr.ee/corywiththekeys _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Jail Respect, Survival Rules, and the Inmate Code 00:58 Meet Cory: A Life Shaped by the Streets 01:16 Growing Up in Texas: Family, Environment, and Early Influence 03:33 A Double Life, Childhood Trauma, and Loss 05:39 Early Exposure and a Parent’s Relapse 06:09 Childhood Anxiety, Pressure, and Coping Mechanisms 06:12 Teenage Years: Hustling, and Fast Money 08:22 Escalation to Street Dealing 10:31 Proving Himself, Reputation, and Street Mentality 11:08 When Street Life Turns Dangerous 12:19 Living Alone at 16 and Losing Stability 13:44 School Struggles, Chaos, and Loss of Control 14:52 First Arrest and Learning Jail Survival 15:55 Racial Politics and Jail Dynamics 17:15 State Jail Life: Gangs, Woods, and Staying Alive 22:07 Lockdowns, Group Tensions, and Constant Pressure 24:41 Standing Alone and the Cost of Independence 27:02 Culture Shock Inside State Jail 28:22 The Revolving Door: Getting Out, Getting Locked Up Again 32:31 Pregnancy, DNA Results, and Emotional Breakdown 37:00 Probation, Trap Life, and Getting Caught Again 41:35 Facing a Five-Year Prison Sentence 44:31 Inside State Prison: Daily Life and Harsh Realities 53:15 Hitting Rock Bottom: Isolation and Mental Reinvention 57:21 Unit Transfers, Prison Politics, and Power Shifts 01:05:18 Gang Politics, Violent Fights, and Survival Challenges 01:15:11 Release Day and Reentering Society 01:20:32 Rebuilding Life After Prison Against the Odds 01:23:01 Success After Prison: Real Estate, Music, and Purpose 01:25:04 Final Reflections: Change, Redemption, and Prison Reform Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim Cole, a retired Supervisory Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and global expert on child exploitation and victim identification, sits down to reveal the untold truth about fighting child predators and digital crime. With nearly 35 years in law enforcement, Jim led major initiatives including founding the HSI Victim Identification Program, co-founding Project VIC to help identify and rescue thousands of children worldwide, and serving as Chair of the INTERPOL Specialists Group on Crimes Against Children. He now serves as Chief of Law Enforcement Enterprise & Technology at Operation Light Shine and partners with law enforcement, technology providers, and nonprofits to innovate how child exploitation investigations are handled. In this heart-breaking conversation with Ian Bick, Jim shares inside stories from real cases, the mental and emotional toll of this work, and why putting victims first changes everything in the fight against online predators. _____________________________________________ #TrueCrime #CrimeStories #UndercoverWork #LawEnforcement #CriminalInvestigation #DarkSideOfTheJob #RealLifeStories #FormerAgent _____________________________________________ Thank you to GOLD DROP SELTZERS for sponsoring this episode: Head to https://www.thedryoak.com/ and use promo code LOCKEDIN at checkout for 10% off your order. _____________________________________________ Connect with Jim Cole: http://www.operationlightshine.org _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 The Emotional Toll of Law Enforcement Work 01:10 Meet Jim Cole: Career in Law Enforcement 03:39 Childhood, Family, Military Service, and Values 10:57 Becoming a Police Officer and Early Training 16:13 Patrol Work, Street Policing, and Daily Challenges 20:07 Joining the Detective Division 23:48 Crime on Tribal Lands, Limited Resources, and Jurisdiction 28:34 Narcotics Investigations, Task Forces, and Drug Crimes 34:37 Shocking Violent Crimes and Career-Defining Cases 41:08 Federal Partnerships and Complex Investigations 46:27 Technology, the Private Sector, and a Shift in Perspective 50:33 Transitioning to Federal Law Enforcement 54:00 First Child Exploitation Investigations 59:29 Victim-Centered Cases and a Turning Point in His Career 01:04:43 Understanding Offenders and the Scope of Child Exploitation 01:10:53 Child Exploitation Statistics, Tips, and Resource Gaps 01:15:47 Law Enforcement Funding, Staffing, and Hard Realities 01:23:17 Types of Offenders, Grooming Tactics, and Warning Signs 01:29:02 Human Trafficking: Myths vs. Reality 01:35:06 Casework, Prevention, and the Role of Parents 01:40:13 Female Offenders and Rare but Shocking Cases 01:46:09 Mental Health, Burnout, and the Toughest Investigations 01:53:10 Retirement, Advocacy, and Final Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sonny Von Cleveland opens up about serving nearly two decades in prison and the harsh realities of being young, white, and unprepared for prison life. Pulled into violence and survival politics at an early age, Sonny breaks down what it really takes to make it through long prison sentences, the fear, the mistakes, and the lessons learned the hard way behind bars. He speaks candidly about navigating race, identity, and power inside prison, how incarceration forced him to confront his past, and the mindset shift that ultimately saved his life. Today, Sonny has transformed his story into purpose as a speaker, mentor, and community leader, proving that even the darkest chapters don’t have to define how the story ends. _____________________________________________ #PrisonSurvival #MichiganPrison #PrisonLife #TrueCrime #LifeInPrison #PrisonStories #SurvivingPrison #incarceration _____________________________________________ Connect with Sonny Von Cleveland: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonnyvonclevelandofficial/ Website: https://www.sonnyvoncleveland.com/ _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 First Days in Prison: Shock, Fear, and Survival 02:00 Growing Up in the Midwest Before Prison 06:40 Family Trauma, Abuse, and a Broken Childhood 12:00 Surviving Abuse and Learning to Cope 17:00 Running Away, Street Life, and Early Crime 21:00 The Road to Prison: Charges, Conviction, and Sentencing 24:40 Entering Adult Prison for the First Time 26:00 Prison Violence, Gangs, and Losing Innocence 31:30 Regret, Lost Youth, and Missed Chances 35:40 Solitary Confinement, System Failures, and Mental Survival 41:00 Release, Reoffending, and a Second Prison Sentence 46:00 Life After Release: Family Conflict, Crime, and Betrayal 52:00 Solitary Confinement, Transformation, and Forgiveness 59:00 Self-Reflection, Growth, and Mental Survival in Prison 01:03:00 Teaching Others, Service, and Finding Purpose Behind Bars 01:09:00 Leaving Gang Life and Choosing a Different Path 01:14:00 Reentry After Prison: Starting Over From Nothing 01:19:00 Using His Story to Help Others Avoid Prison 01:22:00 Final Advice, Redemption, and Life’s True Purpose Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Savannah Chrisley opens up to Ian Bick about her upbringing and what it was like navigating her parents’ legal battles while living in the public eye. She walks through the trial process, the emotional toll of visiting her parents in prison, and the pressure of fighting for justice under constant scrutiny. Savannah also breaks down the long, exhausting road to securing a pardon — from advocacy and setbacks to finally getting her parents released — and how the entire experience reshaped her perspective on family, accountability, and resilience. _____________________________________________ #SavannahChrisley #TrueStories #PrisonReform #FamilyJustice #LifeAfterPrison #CelebrityInterview #RealLifeStories #youtubepodcast _____________________________________________ Thank you to WARBY PARKER for sponsoring this episode: Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at https://warbyparker.com/LOCKEDIN — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad _____________________________________________ Connect with Savannah Chrisley: https://www.instagram.com/savannahchrisley/?hl=en _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Parents Facing Prison: Savannah’s Family Crisis Begins 05:05 Childhood, Family Values, and Life Before the Charges 13:00 Reality TV Fame, Public Scrutiny, and Career Shifts 19:46 Thrown Into the Justice System With No Preparation 27:00 Trial, Sentencing, and Claims of Injustice 33:10 Saying Goodbye Before Prison: Visits, Letters, and Pain 37:51 Carrying the Weight: Pressure, Responsibility, and Survival 41:43 Fighting for Freedom: Legal Appeals, Advocacy, and Hope 47:03 Coming Home: Family Reunited and Healing Begins 52:04 Lessons From Prison, Faith, and Moving Forward Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luis Gutierrez got pulled into California and Kansas gangs at a young age after a rough childhood that set him on a violent path. In this episode, Luis tells the full story of how a crime that resulted in the murder of his close friend led him to turn down an 11-year plea deal and receive life in prison, sending him into some of Kansas’ most brutal and dangerous maximum-security prisons. He shares raw, uncensored stories from inside those prisons, the violence he witnessed, and the mindset required to survive decades behind bars. Luis also opens up about the redemption that changed his life in prison, the steps he took to earn a real chance at freedom, and an unexpected love story after meeting a prison staff member who ultimately lost her job over their relationship. Today, Luis runs a successful nonprofit and tattoo shop, using his past to help others avoid the same mistakes and prove that even a life sentence doesn’t have to be the end of the story. _____________________________________________ #PrisonSurvival #KansasPrison #PrisonLife #TrueCrime #LifeInPrison #PrisonStories #SurvivingPrison #incarceration _____________________________________________ Thank you to WARBY PARKER for sponsoring this episode: Our listeners get 15% off plus free shipping when they buy two or more pairs of prescription glasses at https://warbyparker.com/LOCKEDIN — using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad _____________________________________________ Connect with Luis Gutierrez: http://www.redemptionanimalrescueks.com _____________________________________________ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ _____________________________________________ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 First Days in Prison & Early Survival 01:11 Life After Prison: Redemption Inc, Second Chances & Animal Rescue 04:46 Childhood, Family, and the Roots of Trauma 09:30 Moving States, Gangs, and Juvenile Arrests 13:30 The Turning Point: Tragedy, Charges, and Sentencing 20:11 First Time in Prison: Violence, Fear, and Reality Setting In 28:42 Prison Politics, Gang Life, and How to Stay Alive 39:39 Solitary Confinement, Prison Mentors, and Learning to Adapt 48:47 Life in Segregation: Art, Mental Survival, and Trauma 59:39 Drugs in Prison, Relationships, and a Shift in Mindset 01:12:10 Prison Dog Programs, Redemption, and Meeting Melissa 01:23:53 Preparing for Freedom, Relapse Risks, and Setbacks 01:29:06 Facing the Parole Board and Fighting for a Second Chance 01:39:01 Life After Prison: Community Work, Business, and Giving Back 01:47:02 Family, Marriage, and Rebuilding Trust After Prison 01:51:01 Advice for At-Risk Youth and the Power of Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Donaldson, a retired New Jersey police officer, opens up about his traumatic upbringing, what drew him to law enforcement, and the career-defining call that ultimately broke him after responding to a domestic shooting incident — a moment that changed his life and led to his retirement in 2014. Kevin shares raw stories from the job that taught him about danger, mental strain, and resilience while battling post-traumatic stress, and he reveals how he turned his pain into purpose by becoming a mental health advocate, author, and motivational speaker dedicated to destigmatizing trauma and helping others find strength through struggle. _____________________________________________ #TrueCrime #LawEnforcement #PoliceStories #RealStories #JusticeSystem #BehindTheBadge #YouTubePodcast #crimedocumentary _____________________________________________ Thank you to FACTOR & PRIZEPICKS for sponsoring this episode: FACTOR: Head to https://factormeals.com/lockedin50off and use code lockedin50off to get 50% off your first Factor box PLUS free breakfast for 1 year. Offer only valid for new Factor customers with code and qualifying auto-renewing subscription purchase. Make healthier eating easy with Factor. PRIZEPICKS: Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/IANBICK and use code IANBICK and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! _____________________________________________ Connect with Kevin Doladson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realkevindonaldson/?hl=en Website: https://www.realkevindonaldson.com/ Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Shop Locked In Merch: http://www.ianbick.com/shop _____________________________________________ Timestamps: 00:00 Policing Reality Check & Life on the Job 03:00 Kevin Donaldson’s Background & Why He Became a Cop 10:00 Growing Up in South Jersey & Early Struggles 16:00 Childhood Trauma, Turbulent Home Life & Lasting Impact 23:00 Breaking Family Ties & Destructive Coping Mechanisms 29:00 At a Crossroads: Trouble, College & Reinventing Himself 40:00 Early Adulthood: Teaching, Uncertainty & Searching for Purpose 47:00 Finding Structure and Identity Through Policing 53:00 Experiencing 9/11 as a Police Officer 56:00 Police Work Explained: The Good, the Bad & the Surreal 01:02:00 The Emotional Toll of Policing & Suppressed Trauma 01:09:00 The Officer-Involved Shooting That Changed Everything 01:17:00 Panic Attacks, Mental Health Collapse & Burnout 01:24:00 Losing His Identity & Hitting Rock Bottom 01:31:00 Therapy, Group Support & the Long Road to Healing 01:38:00 Life After Policing: Finding Purpose in Helping Others 01:45:00 Losing a Friend, Regret & Hard-Learned Lessons 01:55:00 Rebuilding Life & Transforming Trauma Into Growth 02:02:00 Healing, Justice Reform & Advocacy Work 02:12:00 Hope, Reflection & Final Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices