Escape The Odds

David Gathers is an amazing guy who continues to Escape the Odds. After spending 15 years in a gang infested Maximum security Prison in Illinois, he found his voice, In this episode, he speaks on his experience in the criminal justice system and his successful life as a Motivational Speaker. This is an inspiring story packed with how to tips on becoming a highly successful Speaker.

Myron Pierce has always been an entrepreneur. Growing up in North Omaha was plagued with violence and dysfunction. Unfortunately he became a product of his environment and spent 8 years incarcerated. But during that time away he had a mindset shift. Upon his release he began his legitimate hustle. Fast forward 10 years, Myron was able to help transform the entrepreneurial land scape in Inner city Omaha with his SHIFT business incubator. His incubator has spawned over 30 businesses and over $1 million in revenue collectively. @myronpierce Instagram

Marlon Chamberlain didn’t realize that losing his freedom and spending a decade in federal prison would be the catalyst for the “Fully Free”Campaign. This is a campaign Led by Marlon and the goal is to end permanent punishment. This campaign was started in his home town of Chicago and has become a statewide effort partnering with a multitude of prison reform organizations. Marlon discusses how prison was a welcomed reality and a way to escape to a better future. He immersed himself into learning and honing his craft of entrepreneurship. Today he is the Campaign Manager of the Fully Free initiative sponsored by Heartland alliance. To end permanent punishment is to begin real citizenship for the justice involved individuals.
Marlon stated , If people can’t find opportunities, if people can’t find employment, if people can’t find housing, it’s almost like you’re forcing people to go back to a lifestyle that they may not necessarily want to go back to,”
Marlon is changing the narrative and is truly Escaping the Odds.
@Marlonchamberlain IG

Luis Centeno known as Lou the trainer spent 8 years in federal prison for drug distribution. Growing up in a gang infested South Side of Chicago options were limited. His involvement with gangs and street level hustling led to multiple arrest but nothing to the magnitude of his federal indictment. Luis explained how he would go in between Worlds of a street hustler and construction worker when things got “hot” in the neighborhood. Eventually, his hustling landed him in a federal prison in Ohio were he began to focus on his life after prison. Exercise was a part of every day life for Luis but he Never imagined it would lead to 2 popular gyms in Chicago.
His Fit Result brand has garnered local and national attention for its community involvement and client satisfaction. Luis goal is to expand the brand through franchise opportunities and providing second chances to ex offenders.
Luis can be reached at @louthetrainer, fit_results_chicago.

Dre Rodriguez was raised in the Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, a predominantly hispanic community. After spending a decade in federal prison for drug trafficking , he vowed to never return. Upon his release, Dre wanted to give back to the same community he was once apart of destroying.
After spending time as a director of an Outreach non profit ,focusing on youth development he started offering the young men the opportunity to shoot music videos to keep them out of trouble. This is where LUV City media was started. Currently Dre is living out his passion of running a digital media company and giving access to inner city youth. His 1st short film is currently available entitled “Cap and Gown”.
Dre also renovates properties and is a licensed Realtor in the Chicagoland area.
@luvcitymedia Instagram. LUVCITY.ORG

..Jacques Loftin did not imagine becoming an Airbnb expert while doing time for drug distribution. However,after seeing an oppurtunity in this new space she put her all in and now has properties in Atlanta,Miami,and Houston. In this episode she demystifies the Air BNB Game with great tips on setting yourself apart. Follow her on IG at iamjacquesr.

Ryan Willis was most likely to succeed, receiving a scholarship to De Paul University in Chicago. However, the Chicago streets possessed an allure that Ryan chose not to escape. While attending college, Ryan seen an opportunity to sell cocaine and marijuana to the affluent students on campus. This behavior led to an arrest for possession with the intent to distribute , heroin,crack and marijuana. With his freedom uncertain , a sense Of hopelessness fell over Ryan as he thought about the dissapointment on his moms face. He knew that he was better than jail and illicit hustles.
Eventually, Ryan was convicted but later was able to receive an expungement of his record. He began to look at life and his career differently. With a knack for numbers and business, he embarked on learning the financial markets including crypto currency and running a successful TURO car rental business. This discussion was not only insightful but inspiring. You will hear how he lives life on his own terms, travels to a new country once Per month and leads a cult like following with his Trade bangers investment group. @deanofforex to reach out to Ryan Willis .

Antwoin "Chef fresh" Gutierrez, At the age of 16, He demonstrated the 1st signs of of an emerging, but misguided entrepreneurial spirit when he began to sell illegal narcotics on the streets of New York. He eventually was incarcerated a few times and realized he had to Switch Hustles or spend his life cycling in and out of prison. Chef Fresh created FRESH TASTE BAKERY, a delicious brand of alcohol infused pastries served at some of the most prestigous events in the Country. Chef fresh has appeared on Good Morning America's and has worked closely with national liquor brands. Listen as he discusses his life and the Culinary Hustle.

( full video podcast seen on Escapingtheodds.com). In the last episode of our inaugural season, I sat down with these 3 men againwho are doing extraordinarily well in business after prison. Ben Gordon of Allied Innovation Group, David Figueroa of 2nd chance renovations and Vocci Greer of Luxuraint Commercial Cleaning of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They discussed overcoming The pandemic in business and prison. This is a must listen and share. Thank you all riding on this journey. Look for our 2nd season 2/2/20.

This story of Charles D Clark is made for this big screen. After 8 years in federal prison on drug charges he became a sought out actor with reoccurring role the hit TV show Empire. His new role in Charm city Kings releases on Oct. 8 produced by Will and Jada Smith, Starting rapper Meek Mill. Tune in and be inspired.

Kaysia Earley thought her dreams of becoming an attorney was shattered when she was arrested on felony embezzlement. But for God, she returned to the same courtroom and thanked her judge who had sentenced her more than a decade prior. Listen to this remarkable story of perseverance.

(watch full podcast video https://www.escapingtheodds.com/)
From a Decade in federal prison on Heroin charges to running a state of the art multimedia creation studio, Lucas”Blaze”Alvarez is bouncing back with avenges. His career in the Entertainment industry dates back prior to his incarceration with collaborations with hip hop heavy hitters. He is behind the scenes but ahead of the game. Enjoy the show. Blaze_getlikeme on Instagram

Kat Baker battled a serious heroin addiction which led to being in and out of jail with felony convictions. She found music as a form of melodic therapy. This allowed her to escape the odds of beating heroin and now runs a successful recording studio in Chicago called Hot Mess records. She's also the lead vocalist and co producer for Broken Robot Music. BROKENROBOTSMUSIC.COM