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Nightmare Success In and Out
brent cassity
202 episodes
23 hours ago
What happens if your worst fear becomes your reality? Brent Cassity was a successful CEO working in a family business that grew to a national company that was recognized by the media of being the pioneers in their industry. Brent had it all and lost it all. He found himself standing at the gates of Leavenworth Prison to serve a 5 year sentence. Brent's podcast explores the stories of inmates who were in and now out of prison. What was life like before they went in, life inside prison, and life now that they are back home. These conversations are deep, sad. often funny, but always interesting.
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Self-Improvement
Education
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What happens if your worst fear becomes your reality? Brent Cassity was a successful CEO working in a family business that grew to a national company that was recognized by the media of being the pioneers in their industry. Brent had it all and lost it all. He found himself standing at the gates of Leavenworth Prison to serve a 5 year sentence. Brent's podcast explores the stories of inmates who were in and now out of prison. What was life like before they went in, life inside prison, and life now that they are back home. These conversations are deep, sad. often funny, but always interesting.
Show more...
Self-Improvement
Education
Episodes (20/202)
Nightmare Success In and Out
The Feds Couldn't Break Her Spirit: The Freya Pearson Story

What happens when you refuse to take a plea deal and the full weight of the federal system lands on you?In this explosive episode, Brent Cassity talks with Freya Pearson, whose story takes you from the world of real estate and a lottery client… to a shocking trial, 60-month sentence, and a prison system full of corruption and retaliation.

Freya opens up about:

  • Being indicted and going to trial against federal prosecutors

  • Corruption in the justice system and failures of defense

  • Surviving Alderson and Aliceville federal prisons

  • Writing up staff, exposing abuse, and surviving whatever came her way

  • Coming home to rebuild her life as a paralegal and future attorney

This is a raw, unfiltered story of resilience, accountability, and the power of standing up for yourself when everyone tells you to give up.

👉 Subscribe for more real comeback stories of hope and second chances.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"


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23 hours ago
1 hour 33 minutes 5 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Wrongfully Convicted at 17 to Innocence Pardon: Dieter Tejada’s Comeback | Nightmare Success In and Out

At 17, a high-school party turned into a baseball-bat attack—and a life-altering case. Dieter Tejada took a plea to avoid a decade in prison, served time, then rebuilt everything: UConn, Vanderbilt Law, passing the bar—only to discover withheld exculpatory evidence years later. In September 2023, he received a full, unconditional pardon recognizing his innocence.
Host Brent Cassity and Dieter dig into why innocent people plead guilty, reentry with an ankle monitor, confronting stigma, and the long road to an innocence-based pardon.

Highlights

  • The night everything changed (self-defense vs. narrative)

  • Pressure to plead and how the system incentivizes it

  • Reentry: college classes, ankle monitor, and resilience

  • Finding 20+ missing pages in the police report

  • From wrongful conviction to innocence pardon—and what changes now

If this story moves you, follow, rate, and share to amplify real second chances.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"



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1 week ago
1 hour 29 minutes 16 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
"Unshackled: Topeka Sam on Transforming Incarceration into Advocacy"

Brent Cassity interviews Topeka Sam on the Nightmare Success Podcast, a true impact leader with an inspiring comeback story. Topeka K. Sam is a nationally recognized leader in criminal justice reform, dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls impacted by incarceration. After serving time in federal prison herself, Topeka emerged as a powerful voice for change. She is the founder and Executive Director of The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM), an organization that provides housing, reentry support, and advocacy for formerly incarcerated women.

Her story and mission have been featured by major outlets including The Today Show, CNN, The Tamron Hall Show, and The New York Times. Topeka has advised policymakers, including speaking at the White House and testifying before Congress, to advance legislation on prison reform and second chances. Topeka received a Presidential Pardon by President Trump on December 23, 2020.

Passionate, fearless, and inspiring, Topeka Sam represents resilience and purpose-driven leadership. Through her advocacy, she challenges the stigma of incarceration and builds pathways of hope, dignity, and opportunity for women returning home. Topeka also does film work highlighting people who need to be released from prison. One of these films featured Alice Johnson that caught the attention of Kim Kardashian. Kim and Topeka teamed up and got President Trump to Pardon Ms. Johnson. Alice Johnson now serves as the Pardon Czar in the Trump Administration.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"



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2 weeks ago
1 hour 8 minutes 48 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
“Behind the FTX Collapse: A Father’s Story of Survival”: Joe Bankman

What happens when your son builds one of the largest crypto empires in history—and then it all comes crashing down?

On this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with Joe Bankman, Stanford law professor and father of Sam Bankman-Fried, the convicted founder of FTX. In a candid and emotional conversation, Joe shares what it was like to watch the meteoric rise of FTX, the devastating collapse, and the personal toll it has taken on his family.

This is not just a story about crypto or courtroom drama—it’s about fatherhood, resilience, and what it means to survive when your worst nightmare becomes your reality. Joe opens up about the weight of public scrutiny, the heartbreak of watching his son fall, and how he and his family are finding a path forward in the shadow of a global scandal.

If you’ve ever wondered how families endure when the spotlight turns harsh, this episode is one you won’t forget.

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3 weeks ago
51 minutes 48 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
“Criminal Law, Politics, and Redemption” Meet Lawrence Blackmon

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Lawrence Blackmon, a defense attorney and state representative from Mississippi. He is the founder and CEO of Legal Ease. They discuss overcoming the impact of past mistakes, and the importance of expungement in helping individuals reintegrate into society. Blackmon shares his personal journey, including an unexpected arrest during college and how it led him to create Expungement AI, a platform designed to assist individuals in clearing their criminal records. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by those with criminal records, the need for reform in the criminal justice system, and the role of mental health in these discussions. Blackmon emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals through technology and offers advice for those looking to advocate for change in the system. Go to legalease.com to get started with setting yourself free with an expungement.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"





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4 weeks ago
39 minutes 45 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
"The Man with 9 Lives: The Joseph De Gregorio Story”

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Joseph De Gregorio, a former Wall Street trader who faced a life-altering journey through a liver transplant, Federal prison time, and ultimately, redemption. Joseph is lucky to be alive after receiving a liver transplant that had Covid. He was finally released from the hospital ICU after months, and 2 days later he is contacted by the SEC about an investigation that ends up becoming criminal. Joseph shares his experiences of navigating the complexities of the federal justice system, the importance of mitigation strategies, and the lessons learned from his time in prison. He emphasizes the power of personal responsibility, the significance of storytelling in every circumstance, and his commitment to helping others facing similar challenges with his company JN Advisor. jnadvisor.com

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"



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1 month ago
1 hour 5 minutes 57 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
"Second Acts: Transforming Setbacks into Purpose" with Jeff Grant, Drew Chapin, Brent Cassity

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, Brent Cassity, Jeff Grant, and Drew Chapin discuss the challenges faced by individuals with federal convictions, the importance of community support, and the need for federal expungement laws. Jeff Grant, co-founder of the White Collar Support group, returned home from prison, became an ordained minister, and recently received his law license back to be a practicing attorney. Drew Chapin has been out of prison for 2 1/2 years and has not stopped as the founder of the Discoverability Company that helps people with their online footprint. He has also been a speaker at Yale and other universities. Together, they share personal stories of redemption and the impact of reentry on their lives, emphasizing the significance of advocacy for justice reform and the role of community in overcoming barriers. The conversation highlights the ongoing efforts with the federal expungement initiative to become a federal statute, and always the hope for a more compassionate criminal justice system. The Group discusses the impact the White Collar Support Group, that meets every Monday night at 7pmEST on zoom, provides to justice impacted white collar individuals who are seeking their community to seek support and shared experiences. Jeff shared the information of the upcoming White Collar Conference Saturday October 11th at 9am EST. Keynote Speaker CNN Commentator and Author Jeffrey Toobin: Author of the Book "The Pardon", Brent Cassity Interview of Joe Bankman (Sam Bankman Fried's father) Pardon & Expungement Panel with Prof. Mark Osler, Prof. Doug Berman, Prof.Todd Haugh

Prof. Erin Frey Presents Yale Research Study on Second Chances for PeopleConvicted of White Collar Crimes

Restoring Our Dignity Panel with Pamela Winn, Gina Pendergraph, Michael Gaines

Emcee: Craig Stanland

Host: Jeff Grant, Co-host: Drew Chapinto register go to whitecollarconference.comto support the federal expungement initiative go to the federalexpungementinitiative.org

go to prisonist.org for information about the white collar support group

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"



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1 month ago
53 minutes 10 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
From Time Served to Voice Heard: Eddie Ellis

In this powerful episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, host Brent Cassity sits down with Eddie B. Ellis Jr., returning citizen, author, and advocate to unpack his personal journey from teenage conviction to lifelong activism. Arrested at age 16 and sentenced to decades in the criminal legal system, Eddie reflects on the transformative path of reentry, the perseverance it took to reclaim his voice, and the ways language and labeling shape not only identity, but opportunity. He shares firsthand what it means to rebuild, the gaps in the system he’s worked to repair—especially around solitary confinement, sentencing of youth, and supports for people coming home—and the hope he holds for social change. Listeners will walk away not just inspired by Eddie’s survival, but challenged to rethink how we see “success,” justice, and redemption.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"


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1 month ago
1 hour 47 minutes 34 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
When Everything in on the Line: Scott Rosenblum The Art of Criminal Defense

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Scott Rosenblum, a renowned criminal defense attorney with over 42 years of experience with over 450 jury trials. Scott is the President and principal founding member of the Rosenblum, Schwartz, Fry, and Johnson. He is has been compared to the Michael Jordon of the courtroom by Marshall Faulk, on the best running backs in NFL history. They discuss Scott's journey into law, the intricacies of the criminal justice system, and the emotional toll of representing clients. Scott shares insights on the importance of understanding the client-lawyer relationship, the challenges of the federal system, and the need for reform in prosecutorial discretion, and other fixes that are needed in our criminal justice system. The conversation highlights the profound impact that legal outcomes have on individuals' lives and the responsibility lawyers have in navigating these complex situations.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

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1 month ago
59 minutes 26 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
The Light Burns Bright for Kristen Johnson

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity speaks with Kristen Johnson, who shares her powerful journey from addiction and incarceration to recovery and community service. Kristen discusses her supportive family, the challenges she faced, and how she turned her life around by helping others. Kristen discusses her initiative, The Light Newsletter, aimed at providing hope to those incarcerated, and she emphasizes the significance of reentry programs and community connections. Kristen shines a light on overcoming shame and finding purpose through being of service to others.



Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

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2 months ago
1 hour 2 minutes 16 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Wrongful Conviction, Freed 13 years later: The Walter Dunn Story

One night everything in Walter Dunn's life changed. In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Walter Dunn, a man who was wrongfully convicted and spent 13 years in prison. He went to work on his case in the prison law library, and one doctors testimony to the evidence finally set him free. Walter shares his harrowing journey from being a devoted father and community member to facing the nightmare of incarceration. He discusses the challenges of navigating the criminal justice system, the importance of resilience, and how he transformed his experience into a mission to help others. Walter is now an author of the book, Through Innocent Eyes, and a criminal justice speaker to inspire positive change. Walter's story is one of hope, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of justice, emphasizing the need for reform in the legal system and the power of personal growth.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"






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2 months ago
1 hour 24 minutes 32 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Voice Silenced, Stifled, Taken Away: Shocking Story of Saffron Gustafson

In this raw and powerful episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, host Brent Cassity interviews Saffron Gustafson, who shares her harrowing journey from a successful business owner of medical clinics to facing federal charges after an FBI raid on her medical business. Eventually she is sentenced to 22 months in prison at the Dublin prison that was eventually shutdown for sexual abuse of women. Saffron Gustafson’s story is one of resilience, survival, and reclaiming her voice after years of silence. As the author of My Name Is Saffron: Voices Silenced, Stifled, and Taken Away, she opens up about the struggles that shaped her journey, the systems and circumstances that tried to erase her identity, and the strength it took to fight back. We explore how trauma, injustice, and isolation can strip someone of their voice—and how reclaiming it becomes the ultimate act of freedom. Together, they dive into themes of survival, courage, and the universal search for dignity when the world seems determined to keep you down. This conversation will challenge, inspire, and remind us that it is shocking what someone can adapt to at rock bottom. Saffron reminds us that you have a choice with how you handle your nightmare.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"





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2 months ago
2 hours 16 minutes 5 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Surviving War, Cancer, and the DOJ: The Resilient Dr. Rifai

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Dr. Muhamad Ali Rifai, who shares his incredible journey from surviving a war-torn childhood in Syria to facing a federal investigation in the United States. Dr. Rafi survived machine gun fire as a child. He escaped thyroid cancer and a car crash that should have killed him, but nothing prepared him for going to trial with the United States Government. The Doctor discusses his experiences with raw authenticity, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the importance of telemedicine. Dr. Rifai, who is both an internist and psychiatrist, was a pioneer of telemedicine. He emphasizes the need for professionals to understand the complexities of the law and shares insights from his own trial, where he was ultimately acquitted of all charges. His big "tip" is do not talk to the investigators, they are professionals. Let your attorney handle all communications. The conversation highlights the power of staying true to your beliefs and the importance of supporting others in similar situations. Dr. Rifai is the author of the book Doctor Not Guilty, and he is the founder of SHIELD that helps professionals through the complicated process of being indicted.



Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"



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2 months ago
59 minutes 10 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Pamela Winn: Prison to Presidential Lifetime Award Winner

What makes someone go from "I can't" to "I can" mindset. Pamela Winn's mindset change came from having a conversation with a friend after returning home from a 78 month Federal Prison Sentence. Pamela Winn earned a scholarship to college and later became a registered nurse before her world came crashing down with a charge of mortgage fraud. She had a miscarriage in custody being shackled with a hard fall. Her journey is one of courage, advocacy, and unshakable resolve. After experiencing firsthand the devastating gaps in our criminal justice system, Pamela turned her pain into purpose, founding RestoreHER, a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ending the mass incarceration of women and addressing the unique challenges justice-impacted women face. Honored with numerous awards for her leadership, including The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact List, and PBS Short Film Festival Winner "Winn Movie" to name a few. Pamela has become a powerful national voice for dignity, health, and human rights. She added language for women incarcerated in the the First Step Act.

In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with Pamela to explore her personal story, the systemic barriers she’s fighting to dismantle, and the hope she’s building for women across the country.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"


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3 months ago
1 hour 26 minutes 7 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
"From Rock Bottom to Roofing Powerhouse: Brandon James Rewrites His Future"

Brandon James walked out of prison over 6 years ago, and has created one of the biggest roofing companies in the state of Missouri. Brandon was stuck at rock bottom who attempted to take his life a few weeks out of prison. This is an incredible redemption comeback story. He says you cannot be a victim and victor at the same time. Brandon became intentional about what he wanted in life. He wrote it down and asked for help. He is now the founder of Brandon J Roofing of one of the fastest growing roofing companies doing over $60 million a year annually. In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity interviews Brandon James, who shares his incredible journey from a troubled childhood and a 10 year incarceration to becoming a successful entrepreneur, podcast host of WIT "Whatever It Takes", and a motivational speaker. The discussion delves into themes of overcoming fears, the impact of early life experiences, the challenges of re-entering society after prison, and the importance of sharing one's story. Brandon is constantly seeking advice from mentors, coaches, and studying the people who have been a success. This episode is full of life lessons of how to get unstuck and act on your purpose.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"




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3 months ago
1 hour 8 minutes 26 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
From Judge to Prison: Jessica O'Brien's Fall and Rise

In this powerful and revealing episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with former Illinois Judge Jessica O’Brien—the first Filipino-American elected to the bench in Cook County—who went from a respected courtroom authority to a federal inmate. Jessica opens up about her stunning journey through the justice system:the decision to go to trial that led to a conviction for mortgage fraud, the surreal experience of trading her judge robe for a prison uniform, and how she rebuilt her identity from the inside out. With raw honesty, she reflects on the shame, isolation, and loss of purpose she faced, and how she found resilience and redemption in the most unlikely place. Now an advocate for second chances and systemic reform, Jessica shares how her experience has reshaped her understanding of justice—and her mission moving forward. She is still diligently fighting to overturn her conviction. This is a conversation about resilience , surviving, and the courage to rewrite your story. A must-listen for anyone who believes that rock bottom can be the beginning of something new.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"




 


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3 months ago
1 hour 50 minutes 21 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
Cooking Up a Comeback: Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson Unfiltered

From homelessness to cooking for Team USA at the Olympics, to Food Network fame—Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson has lived a life of extremes. But behind the fame and fire in the kitchen, his journey has been anything but smooth. In this powerful episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, Darnell opens up about his early battles with the law, rebuilding his life through food, and the recent legal storm that nearly unraveled everything he worked for. We go deep into his rise from rock bottom, the pressures of success, the realities of public scrutiny, and what redemption means when your past keeps knocking on your door. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about second chances, staying accountable, and finding purpose through the pain.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"






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3 months ago
56 minutes 5 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
"The Fall of a Financial King: The James Catledge Story"

James Catledge was once a high-flying investment promoter with a charismatic edge and a growing empire that promised wealth and security. He decided to diversify for his clients in real estate in the Dominican Republic that turned into a nightmare. James shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. James discusses the impact of his early experiences, including his time as a missionary. In this gripping episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, James opens up about the rise of his financial kingdom, the criminal investigation that turned his world upside down, and what it was like facing the reality of federal indictment and incarceration. Now out of prison, he reflects on the hard lessons learned, the people affected, and the long road to redemption. James has transitioned into a new career in financial services, developing a scoring algorithm to help financial advisors better serve their clients. This is a raw, revealing conversation about character, reputation, justice, and second chances.


Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"





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4 months ago
2 hours 14 minutes 30 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
From Prison to Properties: The Inspiring Journey of Donald Hinton

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Donald Hinton, who shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to overcoming significant challenges in prison and ultimately finding success in real estate. Donald discusses the impact of his father's incarceration on his life, and the turning point that led him to change his life while in prison. His son came to visit him in the exact same prison visiting room Donald had visited his own dad. He committed he was going to break the cycle. He emphasizes the importance of planning for life after incarceration, the challenges he faced, and how he now helps others by providing housing and mentorship. Donald's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of second chances. Check out his book on Amazon: From Prison to Properties.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"


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4 months ago
46 minutes 1 second

Nightmare Success In and Out
From Bad Things On The Streets: To Healthy Treats: The Owen Hanson Story

A surfer kid from California, Owen Hanson was still in his twenties when he found himself the leader of a multimillion-dollar criminal empire. What began as an attempt to fit in with the rich kids at the University of Southern California soon grew into gambling and loan sharking, which then opened the door to drug trafficking and money laundering. Hanson wasn’t just involved in this stuff—he excelled at it. Living the fast-paced lifestyle of the rich and famous, Hanson was finally gaining the respect he craved. But with the cartel, a serious drug-abuse problem, and the pursuit of the FBI all threatening to overtake him, it wouldn't be long before his glamorous lifestyle caught up with him. It all came to a head with a 21 year Federal Sentence. Instead of wallowing in self pity, Hanson got reinspired with his entrepreneur instincts. He created a protein ice cream in a mop bucket in prison, and California Ice Protein was born. Hanson is ramping up to take California Ice Protein all across the country. If you like comeback stories, sprinkled with words of lived experience for building a business...this is your episode. Find Owen Hanson on social media platforms ⁠ ⁨@theofficialcakid⁩ ⁠ ...get your personal signed copy of his book The California Kid at his website : thecaliforniakid.com

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4 months ago
51 minutes 34 seconds

Nightmare Success In and Out
What happens if your worst fear becomes your reality? Brent Cassity was a successful CEO working in a family business that grew to a national company that was recognized by the media of being the pioneers in their industry. Brent had it all and lost it all. He found himself standing at the gates of Leavenworth Prison to serve a 5 year sentence. Brent's podcast explores the stories of inmates who were in and now out of prison. What was life like before they went in, life inside prison, and life now that they are back home. These conversations are deep, sad. often funny, but always interesting.