From Conviction to Redemption: Chris' Journey through Prison and Pardon. Sharing his experiences growing up in the San Fernando Valley, getting involved with Southsiders gang, facing multiple convictions, and enduring the harsh realities of prison life. Most inspiringly, Chris recounts his path to recovery, the support he received from friends in AA, and the arduous but ultimately successful process of obtaining a pardon from the governor. This episode sheds light on the transformative power of redemption and serves as a source of hope for those looking to turn their lives around. 

Join us for this raw and inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of change, no matter how dire the circumstances. How do you get pardoned? Listen to Chris's story to find out in his unique journey, and more importantly how he dealt with life after prison.

Timestamps:

00:00 Highlights

00:27 Introduction

00:57 Chris's Early Life and Influences 

03:49 High School Chaos and Gang Involvement 

06:15 First Major Offense and Arrest 

08:05 Life in County Jail 

15:20 Second Major Offense and Arrest 

19:24 Life After Second Release 

21:58 Struggles with Addiction 

24:57 Seeking a Pardon 

30:06 Life After the Pardon 

37:36 Reflections and Relationships 

41:43 Closing Thoughts

Thanks for listening to Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars podcast.

#PrisonToPardon #AddictionRecovery #LifeAfterPrison #HowToGetPardoned

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, host Tony along with Sam and Sonny, welcomes Bruce McNall, the man who transformed the LA Kings and famously brought Wayne Gretzky to Los Angeles. Bruce recounts his fascinating journey from his early love of ancient history and numismatics, leading to a booming business in ancient coins, to his ventures in the movie and horse business. A pivotal figure in sports history, Bruce shares intriguing anecdotes about high-stakes deals, including the acquisition of Gretzky and his astounding experience in the world of Hollywood and the racehorse industry.

The episode also delves into his dramatic fall, detailing his legal battles and eventual imprisonment. Bruce offers a raw look into his time in prison and how he managed life post-release, maintaining friendships and diving back into business. This episode is a conversation of a life filled with high-risk ventures, monumental successes, and steep declines, providing a rare look behind the scenes of Hollywood, sports, and high-value collectibles.

00:00 Intro
01:56 The Rise of a Coin Dealer
11:28 Venturing into the Horse Business
18:33 Hollywood Connections and Movie Ventures
21:16 The Gretzky Trade and Transforming the LA Kings
38:42 Expanding into Canadian Football
45:41 A Lunch with Spielberg
46:04 Hiring David to Run MGM
46:26 Financial Troubles and Rising Debt
48:43 FBI Investigation and Legal Troubles
50:34 Pleading Guilty and Prison Sentence
55:55 Life in Prison
01:12:35 Release and Rebuilding Life
01:24:27 Reflecting on Life and Future Goals
01:28:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tony recounts his experiences in prison, focusing on the challenges and incidents within the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). The story revolves around Tony's quest to obtain and consume peanut butter as part of his dietary routine, despite prison restrictions. This leads to a series of risky exchanges for peanut butter and eventually being caught by a determined prison correctional officer. Tony discusses the consequences of this incident, including extended time in the program and the necessity of maintaining respect among fellow inmates by not revealing his supplier.

Tony has to make a choice between ratting out his peanut butter supplier or being kicked out of his RDAP program and extending his time in prison.

00:00 Intro
01:00 Welcome
03:02 Life in Morgantown Federal Corrections
08:14 The RDAP Program
12:50 Smuggling Peanut Butter
21:46 The Peanut Butter Incident
22:40 Facing the Consequences
26:17 Interrogation
29:30 Aftermath
34:22 Lessons Learned
40:06 Closing Thoughts

Tony and Sonny dive into the world of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). Tony shares his personal experience with the program, which can significantly reduce prison time for participants, provided they adhere to its strict behavioral requirements. They discuss the challenges of enrolling in RDAP, including dealing with jealousy and stereotypes from other inmates, and the stringent rules and expectations within the program. Tony narrates his journey from discovering RDAP to dealing with the stringent disciplinary actions and behavioral modifications it enforces. He also addresses the psychological and social dynamics involved in being part of the program and touches upon an intriguing cliffhanger about an incident that nearly got him expelled from RDAP. Tune in to learn the pros and cons of RDAP and whether it's worth the effort for those looking to shorten their prison sentences.

00:00 Intro
01:10 Discovering RDAP
03:28 Navigating the Legal System for RDAP
10:37 Life in RDAP: Challenges and Adjustments
12:52 RDAP's Impact on Prison Life
20:51 Spotting Suspicious Activity
22:07 The Dilemma of Reporting
23:19 Confrontation in Group
26:32 The Consequences of Snitching
33:36 Reflecting on RDAP's Impact
36:09 Teaser for the Next Episode

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, hosts Tony and Sam, along with special guest Zo dive into the harsh realities of prison life, focusing on violent encounters and the strategies for survival. Zo shares personal anecdotes, including narrowly avoiding fights and a particularly intense incident involving a lock and a sock. The episode sheds light on the difference in violence across various security levels, from low to maximum, and emphasizes the importance of respect, manners, and minding one's own business to ensure safety. With raw and unfiltered accounts, this episode offers a gripping and informative look at the often unseen world behind bars.

00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
00:31 Prison Fights: Reality vs. Media
02:07 Personal Stories of Fights
06:43 Lock in the Sock
11:02 First Time in Prison
17:55 Commissary Line Fights
19:29 Exercise Room Conflicts
21:18 Shower and Bathroom Experiences
30:55 Halfway House Challenges
37:14 Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Criminal Code Podcast, hosts Tony and Sonny discuss the often overlooked transition period of moving from prison to a halfway house. They explore the various challenges and realities faced by former inmates during this crucial phase. The conversation provides first-hand accounts and vivid descriptions of the halfway houses in Compton and Hollywood, illustrating the harsh environmental contrasts compared to the prison camps. Tony and Sonny discuss the emotional rollercoaster of preparing for release, the living conditions, safety concerns, and the bureaucratic hassles that come with halfway house regulations.

 They share personal anecdotes, including encounters with memorable characters and the struggles of re-adjusting to the real world while under supervised release. This episode offers invaluable insights and advice for those approaching this transition or those curious about the criminal justice system's reentry process.

00:00 Intro
01:43 Transitioning from Prison to Halfway House
03:06 Life at the Halfway House
17:42 Meeting Fellow Inmates
19:00 Weekend Permissions and Routine
21:09 Parole Officer Meetings
23:42 Challenges and Characters
29:45 Supervised Release
30:17 Advice for Future Inmates
32:33 Final Thoughts

In this episode, hosts Tony and Sonny talk about their personal experiences and insights from serving time in federal prison. They discuss the fears and misconceptions they had before entering the system, the importance of doing thorough research, and how to navigate life in prison camps.

Both Tony and Sonny share stories from their time at different security levels and offer practical advice for anyone who might be headed to prison. They highlight the mental preparation needed, the importance of connecting with fellow inmates, and the unwritten rules that govern prison life. 

Whether it's about dealing with territorial disputes, understanding prison hierarchies, or just surviving the emotional toll, this episode provides a comprehensive view of what it's like behind bars and aims to demystify the prison experience for future inmates.

00:00 Intro
01:24  Initial Fears and Misconceptions
02:42 Research and Preparation Before Prison
09:33 First Day in Prison Experiences
15:54 Adjusting to Prison Life
21:52 Navigating Social Dynamics in Prison
31:58 Final Thoughts and Advice

In today's episode, Tony and Sonny dive into the unique challenges and surprising solutions for maintaining health and fitness while incarcerated. From the humorous yet revealing story of Tony’s pre-prison weight gain to the rigorous workout routines that helped them stay fit, this episode offers a raw and insightful look at prison life through the lens of health and wellness.

Tony and Sonny kick off the episode by discussing the topic of health and fitness in prison. Tony shares his personal story of weight gain before entering prison, humorously describing himself as "Hamburger Healthy" at 222 pounds. This sets the stage for a deeper conversation about how they both managed to stay fit during their time behind bars.

The "31 Down" Pushup Challenge. Sonny details this grueling pushup routine that starts with 31 pushups and decreases by one each set, totaling 500 pushups. The hosts emphasize the importance of consistent fitness routines, sharing insights on various exercises like pushups, pull-ups, and burpees that helped them stay in shape.

Sonny recounts how he found a group to work out with and the benefits of having workout partners. He shares stories about Big Mike, an imposing yet friendly inmate, who introduced him to intense burpee workouts. These anecdotes provide a glimpse into the camaraderie and support systems that form within prison walls.

The discussion then shifts to the creative cooking methods inmates use to prepare their meals. Tony and Sonny talk about how they managed to cook their meals using limited resources and contraptions. From making stir-fry and chicken soup to grilling cheese with irons, their stories highlight the ingenuity and resourcefulness required to maintain a healthy diet in prison.

Maintaining fitness post-prison is another crucial topic covered in this episode. Tony and Sonny offer advice on staying fit after release and discuss how the discipline learned in prison helps in the outside world. Tony shares his journey from gaining weight before prison to achieving a fit physique and how he maintains it post-release. They stress the importance of having a fitness routine to fall back on once outside, given the numerous distractions and pressures.

 Today marks a special episode as we introduce our new co-host, Sonny. Sonny’s story is one of unexpected turns, legal battles, and the harsh realities of prison life. This episode delves deep into his experiences, providing an eye-opening look at the journey from freedom to incarceration.

We kick off the episode with Sonny reflecting on the day he received an envelope that would change his life. The indictment came two and a half years after his business had already been shut down by the government. Despite having no prior criminal history, Sonny found himself facing serious charges related to his business operations.

Sonny discusses the emotional turmoil and confusion that followed the indictment. With no previous run-ins with the law, he was unprepared for the legal nightmare that ensued. Over the next two years, Sonny navigated court dates, legal fees, and the constant stress of an uncertain future. He explains how the government’s case was riddled with inaccuracies and fabrications, yet the burden of proof was on him.

The anticipation of his sentencing was filled with hope and fear. Sonny’s lawyer assured him that the worst-case scenario would be home confinement or community service. However, the reality was far more devastating. In court, the judge’s unexpected harshness led to Sonny receiving a sentence of a year and a day in federal prison. The judge’s cryptic and prejudiced remarks added to the shock and disappointment.

Sonny details the surreal experience of self-surrendering to Atwater Federal Prison. From his last meal at Carl’s Jr. to the moment the prison doors closed behind him, Sonny shares the visceral emotions and thoughts that raced through his mind. He describes the intake process, the dehumanizing strip search, and the adjustment to prison life.

Inside Atwater, Sonny was placed in a low-security camp adjacent to a maximum-security facility. He recalls the challenges of adapting to the prison environment, including the strict routines, the fluorescent floodlights that never turned off, and the community of inmates divided by race and car assignments.

One of the most memorable aspects of Sonny’s first night was his bunkmate, Eugene, a deeply religious man who would call out goodnight to every inmate each evening. This peculiar ritual, though unsettling at first, became a part of Sonny’s nightly routine.

Throughout the episode, Sonny’s resilience and determination shine through. Despite the overwhelming odds and the harsh conditions, he found ways to maintain his sanity and dignity. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of perseverance.

Join us for this compelling episode as Sonny’s journey unfolds, shedding light on the personal impact of the criminal justice system. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to explore the intricate realities of life behind bars. 

We go into the turbulent life of Henry, who descended from a promising student to a life entangled in crime. Raised by a single mother and influenced by a lack of a male role model, Henry's journey from an academically gifted child to a participant in drug sales and petty crimes shows what happens when you hang out with the wrong crowd.

Highlights:

• Henry shares his early years marked by high academic achievements and the pressures of living up to the expectations of a Christian Asian family.
• The sudden responsibility of fending for himself and his mother, grappling with economic hardships and cultural adjustments after moving from Taiwan
• The pivotal moment during high school when Henry began associating with the wrong crowd, leading to his involvement with drugs and eventually dropping out of school.
• His first brush with the law at 18, which emboldened him rather than deterring his activities due to a lack of severe repercussions.
• Henry describes various encounters with law enforcement, including being set up by an undercover officer in a scenario reminiscent of "21 Jump Street."
• The escalation from marijuana to harder substances, marked by increasingly risky behaviors including armed robbery and dealing with larger amounts of drugs.
• Henry reflects on the numerous times he narrowly escaped more severe legal consequences, attributing some to sheer luck and others to minor technicalities.
• The impact of his actions on his personal relationships and how his criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to significant life changes.
• Insight into Henry’s moments of realization about the need for change, spurred by the harsh realities of jail time and the loss of freedom.
• His current efforts to rebuild his life and the lessons he hopes to pass on to others about the consequences of choices made in youth.

Henry’s candid recount of his descent into criminal activities provides a poignant look at the consequences of societal pressures, the search for identity, and the long road to redemption. His story is a stark reminder of how quickly life can spiral out of control and the importance of guidance and positive role models in the lives of young people.

Welcome to "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars," the podcast where former inmates discuss their experiences and insights from prison life. In this episode, Tony, Sam, Tay, and Zo share powerful stories from their time behind bars, exploring themes of friendship, justice, and personal growth.

Life Inside Prison:
The hosts recount their first meeting in Morgantown prison and describe the unique bond they formed through shared experiences. They delve into daily life, the challenges faced, and the unusual incidents that occur behind bars, including encounters with wildlife and prison food woes.

The Psychological Impact:
Sam discusses the profound mental and emotional toll of imprisonment, reflecting on his struggles with depression and societal reintegration. The conversation highlights the stigma of being labeled a felon and how it affects relationships and professional opportunities.

Legal and Justice System Challenges:
 A detailed discussion on the complexities of the justice system, focusing on plea deals and the high costs of legal defense. The hosts share personal anecdotes about the difficult choices they had to make, weighing the risk of long sentences against taking plea deals.

Rehabilitation and Personal Growth:
Insights into personal transformation experienced by the hosts during their time in prison. They discuss the concept of "kaizen" – improvement and growth, which Tony emphasizes by encouraging listeners to strive for continual personal development.

Reentry into Society:
The hosts share their experiences and challenges of reintegrating into society, including transitioning through halfway houses. They discuss the mix of characters in halfway houses, contrasting it with their time in minimum security and the additional challenges they faced.

Building New Lives:
Reflections on how their past experiences influence their current lives and aspirations. The hosts discuss their efforts to rebuild their lives, maintain old friendships, and form new ones, all while navigating the challenges that come with their pasts.

Welcome to a special reunion episode of "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars," hosted by Tony, with the company of Sam, Tay, and Zo. This unique gathering brings together the voices behind the characters of the "Criminal Code" cartoon for an insightful and often humorous look into their experiences within the prison system. This episode delves into the lighter side of prison life, exploring how humor, creativity, and unexpected friendships can emerge even in the most unlikely places. From makeshift culinary experiments to the bizarre currency of mackerel and beyond, join us as we navigate the complexities and camaraderies found behind bars.

What You'll Learn:

• The Dynamics of Prison Life: Insights into the day-to-day experiences, from the creativity in cooking with limited resources to the unique economies that emerge within prison walls.
• Humanizing the Incarcerated: Anecdotes that showcase the humor, resilience, and ingenuity of those serving time, highlighting how life continues in nuanced ways even behind bars.
• Reintegration and Reflection: Discussions on the challenges of re-entering society after incarceration, including the stigmas faced and the struggles with identity and finding one's place in the world again.
• Future Aspirations: Where the hosts and guests find themselves now, their aspirations, and how they are channeling their experiences into positive ventures, including teaching, entrepreneurship, and advocacy.

Episode Highlights:

• Prison Culinary Creations: From frying fish in trash cans to concocting gourmet-like dishes with limited resources, explore the inventive culinary scene that thrives behind bars.
• Life After Release: The hosts and guests share their personal journeys post-incarceration, shedding light on the transformative paths they've taken towards rebuilding their lives and helping others.
• The Currency of Mackerel: A humorous look at the bizarre economy within prison, where mackerel can sometimes hold more value than cash.
• Sport and Recreation: Recollections of participating in prison basketball leagues, showcasing the importance of sport and recreation in maintaining a sense of normalcy and community.

Have your own stories of transformation or resilience? Or perhaps a question about navigating life post-incarceration? We'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us in the comments, or reach out via our social media channels. Your story could inspire others and be featured in a future episode.

Prison might confine the body, but not the spirit. Today's episode of "Criminal Code" has taken us on a journey through the highs and lows of prison life, reminding us that humanity, humor, and hope can flourish even in the most restrictive environments. Thank you for joining us, and stay tuned for more stories that challenge perceptions, celebrate resilience, and forge connections in the unlikeliest of places.

Welcome to this episode of "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars." In today's episode, our host, Tony, welcomes a special guest, Tay who shares his gripping journey through the prison system, detailing the harsh realities of life behind bars, from his first federal number to the politics of prison life and the unexpected turns of fate that led him to a path of self-discovery and redemption.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to Tay: Our guest shares his first encounter with the federal prison system and his connection to only a couple of people in a massive case involving 41 individuals, showcasing the complex nature of criminal justice.
• The Reality of Arrest: Tay recounts the shocking experience of being arrested without the opportunity to self-surrender, a stark contrast to some of our previous guests' experiences.
• Life in Detention: We dive into the anxiety and uncertainty of spending nine months in a detention center before sentencing, a period filled with waiting and not knowing.
• Transition to Prison: Tay discusses his initial sentence of 84 months and his journey from a medium-low security prison to the eventual transfer to a federal prison camp, revealing the differences in atmosphere, security, and inmate dynamics.
• Prison Politics and Survival: The conversation takes a deep dive into the politics of prison life, from the necessity of finding your "car" for protection to the harsh realities of fights, stabbings, and the unwritten rules that govern inmate behavior.
• Experiences of Violence and Extortion: Tay shares harrowing stories of violence, extortion, and the dark aspects of prison life that challenge the human spirit.
• Reflections on Rehabilitation and Redemption: Despite the hardships, Tay speaks on the transformative aspects of his prison experience, highlighting how it led to personal growth and the importance of support and community within the walls.
• The Birth of "Criminal Code": A unique behind-the-scenes look at how the idea for the "Criminal Code" cartoon was conceived and developed during their time in prison, despite the challenges and potential consequences faced by the creators.
• A Message of Hope: The episode concludes with Tay expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the second chances earned, providing a powerful message of hope and redemption for listeners who may be facing similar battles.

Thank You: A special thanks to our guest, Tay, for sharing his profound story with us. Stay tuned for more episodes where we explore the intricate layers of prison life, the human spirit's resilience, and the ongoing journey towards making a meaningful change in the world.

In this episode of "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars," we dive into the raw and unfiltered journey of Zo, whose life took an unexpected turn leading to time spent behind bars. Zo, alongside our hosts Tony and Sam, unpacks the series of events that led to his imprisonment, the reality of life inside, and the lessons learned along the way.

Zo's experience offers a firsthand look at the complexities of the criminal justice system, from the nuances of his case involving a wiretap conspiracy to the broader implications of his sentencing and time served. More than just a recount of prison life, Zo shares insights on the personal transformation and challenges faced both during and after his sentence, highlighting the distinct differences between state and federal prison systems.

This discussion isn't just about the past; it's about the future and the potential for change, both personally and systemically.

"Zo's Journey Behind Bars" is an honest conversation about the struggles of navigating the criminal justice system, the importance of support and community, and the ongoing journey towards rehabilitation and understanding. Join us for a deep dive into Zo's story and the meaningful discussions it sparks on "Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars."

Welcome to the latest episode of Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. I'm Tony, joined by my co-host Sam. Both of us have faced the daunting reality of incarceration and have lived to tell the tale. Today's episode delves deep into the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies a prison sentence—from the moment of sentencing to the anticipation of release.

Highlights from this episode include:

• The Moment of Sentencing: We share our personal experiences with sentencing, the immediate impact it had on us, and the ripple effect on our families. For Tony, a securities fraud conviction led to a 24-month sentence, while Sam faced false accusations and the uncertainty of his fate until the final moment in court.
• The Reality of Prison Life: Discover what life is really like inside a minimum security prison. Contrary to the grim portrayals in media, our stint at Morgantown presented a different reality—one without fences or armed guards, more akin to a tennis camp than a prison. Yet, the lack of physical confinement doesn't ease the mental burdens.
• Coping with Anxiety and Preparing for Prison: We discuss the intense anxiety that builds up from the moment of conviction to self-surrendering at prison. From dealing with family dynamics to the practicalities of arranging one's affairs, the journey to self-surrender is fraught with emotional and logistical challenges.
• Adjusting to Prison Culture: Learn about our strategies for adjusting to the unique culture and unwritten rules of prison life. We talk about the fear of violence, the importance of finding your routine, and the role of the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) in potentially reducing our sentences.
• Life After Prison: Reentry into society comes with its own set of anxieties and challenges. We share our paths to rebuilding our lives, from navigating relationships and employment to the ongoing process of mental and emotional healing.
• Support and Healing: Both of us emphasize the importance of support systems, whether it's finding friendship in unlikely places, engaging in therapy, or turning to faith. We discuss how these elements have been crucial in our ongoing journey of coping with the aftermath of incarceration.

This episode is not just our story—it's a conversation about hope, resilience, and the possibility of redemption. Whether you've experienced the criminal justice system firsthand or you're simply interested in the stories behind the statistics, we hope our discussion sheds light on the complexities of life behind bars and the long road to recovery.

Questions or topics you'd like us to cover in future episodes? Reach out to us. Your story, question, or suggestion could be the focus of our next discussion.

Thank you for tuning into Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. Stay strong, keep hoping, and remember, no matter how tough it gets, there's always a path forward.

Welcome to the very first episode of Criminal Code: Our Story Behind Bars. In this opening episode, hosts Sam and Tony introduce themselves and their unique background of meeting in prison. Both Asian-Americans, they offer a perspective not commonly represented in discussions about the U.S. prison system. Here's what you'll find in this episode:

• Introduction to the Hosts: Learn about Sam and Tony, how they met, and why they're breaking the silence on Asian-American experiences in prison.
• Life in the Federal System: An insider's look at navigating the challenges and absurdities of prison life, from the RDAP program to the dynamics of a diverse inmate population.
• RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program): A deep dive into their experiences in the RDAP program, highlighting the irony of the system's approach to rehabilitation.
• Behind Bars, Beyond Stereotypes: Discussions that challenge common misconceptions about prison life, focusing on the stories of Asian inmates in a system that often overlooks them.
• Friendship and Resilience: The story of how adversity forged a strong bond between two unlikely friends and how it sustained them through their sentence and beyond.
• Humor in Hardship: From basketball leagues to unexpected bathroom etiquette, Sam and Tony share the lighter side of their prison experience.
• Looking Ahead: A brief overview of what listeners can expect from future episodes, including more stories, insights, and advice for those facing the prison system themselves.