In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, founder Jake Bodine and worship leader Matt New dive deep into the heart behind God Behind Bars Music — a movement born inside prison walls.They share how leading worship behind bars inspired a brand-new sound of freedom — songs written with and for incarcerated men and women whose voices deserve to be heard. From unforgettable moments inside prison yards to the creation of the upcoming “God Behind Bars Music: Live from Angola” EP, Jake and Matt reveal how God is using music to transform hearts and rewrite stories of redemption.🎧 Listen now to hear how worship behind bars is changing lives — and how you can be part of the movement.👉 Pre-save the “Live from Angola” EP today at godbehindbars.com and help make the voices of those in prison echo far beyond the walls.

Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff’s life is the definition of redemption. At 15, he was addicted to meth. At 18, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Inside, he became a “shot caller,” running with power and pride—until it all came crashing down.

After over a decade behind bars and nearly a year in solitary confinement, Peter walked out of prison with nothing but a decision: to never go back. With no high school diploma, no connections, and no plan, he rebuilt from the ground up—turning his pain into purpose.

Today, Peter is a motivational speaker, author, and host of the Roll Call with Chappy podcast. He uses his platform to speak truth about addiction, incarceration, mindset, and faith—helping others find freedom long before the gates ever open.

This is the story of a man who lost everything, found himself, and built a new life from the ashes.

Caesar Isaac was born the day after his dad kidnapped someone over drugs. His father wasn’t in the delivery room, and soon after, prison became part of the family story. What began in chaos and brokenness turned into a journey of forgiveness, faith, and redemption.

From chasing the streets to finding salvation, this is the powerful story of E.I. the King.

Growing up with big dreams but caught up in the wrong influences, E.I. found himself in and out of prison from the age of 18. For over a decade, the cycle of incarceration defined his life—until God stepped in. In the darkest places, behind bars, he encountered grace that would transform everything.

Now free, E.I. the King is on a mission: using music, testimony, and street outreach to bring hope to the hopeless and light to the places he once lived in. His story is raw, unfiltered, and proof that no life is too far gone for redemption.

In this solo testimony, he shares it all—from his broken beginnings to his encounter with God, his transformation, and his vision for the future.

At just 14 years old, Ander Pellerano was jumped into the Latin Kings, thrown into a world of crime, violence, and survival. What began as a search for belonging quickly spiraled into a destructive lifestyle that nearly cost him everything.In this powerful testimony, Ander opens up about the night his life changed forever, the weight of gang culture, and how violence became his identity. But his story doesn’t end there. Through heartbreak, prison time, and the pain of broken family ties, God began to pull him toward redemption in the most unexpected way.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison at just 16 years old. But Jesus had other plans.

In this raw and powerful testimony, Michael Berrian shares his full story — from gang life, drugs, and armed robbery to a supernatural encounter with Jesus inside one of Georgia’s most dangerous prisons. What began as a prison sentence became a resurrection.

After his release, Michael miraculously returned to the same facility — not as an inmate, but as a Juvenile Correctional Officer. He eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant and now serves incarcerated youth through music, mentorship, and ministry.

This is a story of redemption, purpose, and the kind of transformation only God can produce.

🎤 Author of From a Convict to a Convert
🎵 16 music projects released
📍 Now ministering across prisons, churches, and cities nationwide

Johnny Chang was raised in violence, joined a gang at 12, and ended up spending over 8 years behind bars. But it was inside a prison cell that everything changed. A simple act of kindness from a pastor led Johnny to Jesus—and it transformed his life forever. Today, he shares his story of redemption, reconciliation, and radical faith with the world, especially the incarcerated. This is a powerful testimony of how no one is too far for God’s grace. PLEASE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE!

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What happens when meth addiction takes everything—your freedom, your family, even your will to live?

In this raw and emotional episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, we sit down with an inmate known as "The Eye Patch Guy," who opens up about his past addiction to crystal meth, his self-hatred, and the spiral that landed him in prison. But what starts as a story of destruction quickly becomes one of redemption, healing, and the quiet voice of God behind bars.

🚨 He shares how prison saved his life.
🙏 He talks about how he was running from Jesus—until Jesus started running after him.
💔 He opens up about the moment he almost gave up... and the faith that pulled him back.

This isn’t just another prison story.
It’s proof that no one is too far gone for a second chance.

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Watch as Todd shares how Jesus transformed his life inside of prison. His life is a testament to God's Power and Love.

Disclaimer:
The views and testimonies shared in this video are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Mississippi Department of Corrections or Management & Training Corporation. We respect the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of all individuals.

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In this powerful conversation with Luther Collie, we dive deep into his incredible journey from rock bottom to redemption. He shares raw, unfiltered stories about faith, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. If you’re feeling lost or questioning your path, this is the message you need to hear.

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Casey Diaz opens up about his past in gangs, his time in prison, and the totally unexpected way his life turned around. It’s raw, real, and honestly one of the most powerful stories you’ll hear.

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In this episode, Gina and Davide open up about their past — the struggles, the bad choices, and the shame they carried for years. But more importantly, they talk about what happened when they finally let God in. It’s an honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about finding freedom, healing, and purpose on the other side of rock bottom.

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Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry shares his powerful story of brokenness, addiction, and redemption. Growing up in a violent home, Darryl reveals how childhood trauma fueled both his athletic success and personal struggles. Despite reaching the heights of fame with multiple World Series championships, he battled deep pain, drug addiction, and an identity crisis. Through the unwavering love of his wife Tracy and the transformative power of faith, Darryl found true healing beyond the spotlight. This episode is a raw, inspiring reminder that no matter how far you've fallen, restoration is possible through God's grace.

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He was 18, making $100K a year selling drugs. Guns in the trunk. Coke in the car. No hope for tomorrow. But God had other plans.

In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman — a former drug dealer turned church planter — who shares his jaw-dropping story of redemption.

From trafficking drugs across state lines… to surviving a shooting… to facing 40+ years in prison… Nick's life was spiraling fast — until a divine interruption changed everything.

This isn't just another testimony. This is proof that nobody is too far gone.

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Buckle up for an EXPLOSIVE true story of redemption! Trell "Donk" Webb went from facing a LIFE SENTENCE in Angola's most notorious prison to becoming a powerful minister who now leads hundreds to Christ. Shot, sentenced, and seemingly hopeless, Donk's jaw-dropping journey proves that NO ONE is beyond God's transformative power. Get ready for a heart-pounding testimony that will shatter everything you thought you knew about second chances and divine intervention!

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In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, listeners are taken on an extraordinary journey with Damon West, a man who transformed his life after facing a 65-year prison sentence. Damon shares his gripping story, from his successful high school football career to his descent into drug addiction and criminal activities, culminating in his arrest and incarceration.

Through his experiences in prison, Damon encountered a mentor named Muhammad, who taught him the powerful metaphor of the "coffee bean" - the idea that one can change the environment around them, rather than being changed by it. Damon embraced this philosophy and used it to not only survive, but thrive, in the harsh prison environment.

Damon's story is a testament to the power of faith, service, and personal transformation. He discusses the importance of building a positive brand, controlling what you can, and leaving a legacy of servant leadership.

Listeners will be inspired by Damon's resilience, his willingness to accept forgiveness, and his commitment to helping others, even those he once harmed.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking hope, redemption, and the courage to become a "coffee bean" in the face of adversity.

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Juan Martinez went from one of the most influential drug dealing rings in Texas to reaching thousands of lives for Jesus.

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In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Norman Dozier, a former inmate at Angola State Penitentiary who is now a free man and leading his own ministry. Norman shares his incredible journey from a life of darkness and drug dealing to finding redemption and purpose through Jesus Christ while incarcerated. 

Hear how Norman went from facing a life sentence to becoming a pastor, mentor, and inspiration to thousands of men behind bars. Discover the incredible transformation happening at Angola, including the seminary program and reentry initiatives that are changing lives.

Don't miss this moving testimony of God's power to redeem and restore. If you or someone you know is struggling, there is hope. Reach out to the God Behind Bars team to connect with resources and support.

Subscribe to the God Behind Bars Podcast for more stories of faith, redemption, and the life-changing work happening in prisons across America. Together, we can bring the light of Jesus to the darkest places.

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Once addicted to drugs & now preaching the gospel in prisons. On June 16, 2017, Markus went from being a pro football player to sitting in jail. After growing up in inner city CA, he was all too familiar with fatherlessness, poverty, and gangs. He tried to fill the voids he felt in his life with the game of football and eventually went pro. But when he experienced a career ending shoulder injury, all he knew crashed around me. Without football, he felt no purpose and no identity and became addicted to taking the pain medication prescribed to him. In 2 years, he had become a completely deceived drug addict, broken inside. He lied, manipulated, and even used false identities to get what he thought he needed. After seeing 38 doctors for 59 prescriptions in just a few months, his wife left and took his daughter with her, and he found himself inside a jail cell.

BUT GOD…

“I didn’t want my life anymore so I gave it to someone who did. It took me losing everything to realize that everything I ever needed was Jesus. I pleaded guilty to all my charges and the judge had mercy on me and sent me to rehab. From that day on, Jesus transformed my life, called me Son, restored my family, and now I get to travel the country and tell people about the man I fell in love with and saved me from deception!”

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We traveled to Washington, D.C., for an exclusive interview with Chaplain Houston of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Throughout his career, Chaplain Houston has guided hundreds of men to faith in Jesus. Now, thanks to the fulfillment of a prophetic word spoken over his life, he serves as the Head Chaplain of the FBOP. Don’t miss his incredible story!

Today we’re introducing you to the Community Reentry Network (CRN) and the Federal Bureau of Prison's volunteering program. 

What’s the CRN?

The Community Reentry Network (CRN) is made up of over 3,500 faith-based organizations that offer everything from prayer to legal services to returning citizens. Listen to this interview with Chaplain Houston, national coordinator for the CRN, where he talks about the power you can bring this community. It's a great opportunity to open your doors. https://crn.reentry.gov/crn/s/

Volunteer with the FBOP

You can also share your strength with men and women while they're still in custody. Federal prison has over 200 volunteer programs listed on their official Inside Influence site – all you have to do is find one that speaks to you and sign up.

https://volunteer.reentry.gov/Volunteer/s/opportunity-search?utm_medium=partner&utm_term=opportunities&utm_source=gbb_emailblast

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