Shows / The Redemption Project Podcast
The Redemption Project Podcast
The Redemption Project tells real stories of change, accountability, and second chances. Hosted by Brandon Burley—a retired law enforcement detective, criminal justice educator, and journalist—this podcast features conversations with men and women who have lived on both sides of the justice system, along with the ministries, programs, and people helping them rebuild their lives. Each episode explores what redemption actually looks like after prison: recovery, faith, responsibility, failure…
Episodes
The Redemption Project PodcastDr. Robin LaBarbera, PhD, DSW
What actually changes lives inside prison—and what only sounds good on paper? In this extended conversation, Brandon Burley sits down with Dr. Robin LaBarbera…
The Redemption Project PodcastAddiction Is Distributed Evenly. Help Is Not. | Commentary on Recovery Gaps in East Tennessee
In this narrated commentary, Brandon Burley reflects on his recent opinion piece examining why addiction impacts every community—but recovery resources often…
The Redemption Project PodcastMichael King
From Maximum Security to Redemption. Michael Charles King was convicted of murder in 1992 and sentenced to life with the possibility of parole. He spent years…
The Redemption Project PodcastWhat a Tennessee Pardon Really Means — and What It Doesn’t
In this episode, Brandon Burley breaks down one of the most misunderstood parts of criminal justice: pardons. Following Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s recent…
The Redemption Project PodcastMatt Holder
Matt Holder’s story isn’t about a single bad decision — it’s about how addiction slowly dismantles a life, one rationalization at a time. Growing up in East…
The Redemption Project PodcastWhy Chattanooga’s New Reentry Program Matters for Public Safety
n this Season 4 episode of The Redemption Project, Brandon Burley narrates and comments on a letter to the editor he wrote for the Chattanooga Times Free Press…
The Redemption Project PodcastDo you think Kris has changed? Is he still a criminal or is he reformed?
Do you think Kris has changed? Is he still a criminal or is he reformed? Get full access to The Redemption Project Newsroom at…
The Redemption Project PodcastKevin
Kevin’s story isn’t built on a single dramatic turning point. It’s built on decisions. In this short-form episode, Kevin talks about how small choices stacked…
The Redemption Project PodcastPublic Safety Isn’t Just Policing — It’s Second Chance Hiring
In this narrated episode, Brandon Burley reads and reflects on an opinion piece originally published in The Daily Memphian examining why second chance hiring…
The Redemption Project PodcastClark Sheperd
Clark doesn’t begin his story with a testimony. He starts with the record. Manufacturing methamphetamine. Identity theft. Criminal simulation. Unauthorized…
The Redemption Project Podcast“What People Don’t See About Life After Jail in Knoxville” | Article Read + Commentary
In this episode of The Redemption Project podcast (Season 4, Episode 3), I read and comment on my article originally published in Knox TN Today: “What People…
The Redemption Project PodcastKris
Kris shares his story of coming to Men of Valor Knoxville after being released from Bledsoe Prison and choosing to stay—not because he had to, but because he…
The Redemption Project PodcastSavannah
A long-form conversation with Savannah Ford, whose life once revolved around addiction, incarceration, and the belief that she didn’t really matter. Savannah…
The Redemption Project PodcastWelcome to Season 2. Long form redemption stories
Hey! Welcome to season 2. In season 2, I will be focused on more long form storytelling from individuals who have overcome their demons. Season 1 was more…
The Redemption Project PodcastDwan has a hot take on what people should think as he comes back to society
What do you think about Dwan's position? His story will be out January 26, 2026. Get full access to The Redemption Project Newsroom at…
The Redemption Project PodcastWhen Ink Becomes Evidence: How Tattoo Studios Can Help Fight Human Trafficking
Hey! Welcome to season 4. Season 4 is all about narrated journalism. These short form episodes should all be around the 2 minute mark. I would love to hear…
The Redemption Project PodcastDwan
A short conversation with Duan, who chose to continue his journey with Men of Valor Knoxville after his release from the Knox County Jail. After completing the…
The Redemption Project PodcastSeasons on this podcast represent topics, not release order.
A brief explanation of how seasons and episodes are organized on The Redemption Project, and how listeners can jump in wherever they’re most interested. Get…
The Redemption Project PodcastBobby
Bobby, now works for Men of Valor but it wasn't always that way. Bobby gives us the details on how this transformation was possible! Get full access to The…
The Redemption Project PodcastJohn Duck
This week’s Redemption Story comes from Knoxville, Tennessee. John Duck graduates from the Men of Valor residential program on December 26, 2025—the day after…
The Redemption Project PodcastRadio Interview
This is the full, unedited 60-minute radio interview from The Weekly Law Round-up, where The Redemption Project is introduced; discussing redemption, recovery…