From Trauma to Prison to Purpose: David Garlock’s Story | Episode 68

David L. Garlock is a writer, reentry professional, and criminal justice reform advocate whose story shatters stereotypes. In this episode, he joins Professor Ace to talk trauma, incarceration, and what it means to reclaim your narrative. They discuss the trauma-to-prison pipeline, survivor homicide, the Menendez case, stigma in reentry, and the power of self-disclosure and accountability in healing.

This is a story about trauma, survival, purpose — and the work it takes to live differently.
🎤 Guest BioDavid L. Garlock is a successful returning citizen, author, and speaker. A survivor of extreme abuse and incarceration, he now advocates for equity and real rehabilitation. David appears in the film Just Mercy and presented at TEDx Arcadia in 2022. He currently serves on multiple nonprofit boards and speaks across the country at universities, conferences, and community events.

📬 Contact DavidEmail: dgarlockspeaker@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.davidlgarlock.com🌀 Topics We CoverTrauma as a pathway to incarcerationRewriting your story after prisonSurvivor homicide and complex victimhoodSelf-disclosure, vulnerability, and healingACEs and early interventionThe Menendez brothers through a trauma lensThe power of listening in social workWhat real rehabilitation should look like🕰️ Chapters00:00 Intro bumper00:35 Introduction and Setting the Stage03:45 Challenging Stereotypes and Stigmas06:35 The Power of Self-Disclosure09:32 Understanding Trauma and Redemption12:24 The Trauma to Prison Pipeline15:45 The Menendez Brothers Case18:31 Breaking the Cycle of Trauma21:49 The Role of Social Workers in Healing24:48 Conversations on Healing and Hope43:07 Embracing the Past: Finding Strength in Struggles45:04 Reclaiming the Narrative: Authoring One’s Story48:43 Breaking Stereotypes: Understanding Trauma Across Class50:47 The Power of Listening: Transforming Conversations54:37 Reintegration Challenges: Overcoming Community Stigma57:50 Family Dynamics: Navigating Relationships Post-Trauma01:00:55 Safety in Vulnerability: Addressing Trauma in Prison01:03:47 Building Community: The Role of Support Systems01:08:20 Survivor Homicide: Understanding Complex Victimhood01:13:30 Reimagining Rehabilitation: A Vision for Healing Spaces01:16:26 Social Workers as Change Agents: Making a Difference🌱 Support the Work🔔 Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@RevolutionarySocialWork?sub_confirmation=1🌐 Learn more: https://revolutionarysocialwork.com#DavidGarlock #PrisonReform #TraumaToPrison #Reentry #SocialWorkPodcast #RevolutionarySocialWork© UAF Social Work