17 Winters Podcast
Welcome to "17 Winters with Brother Mike X," a thought-provoking podcast where we dive deep into the realities of prison life and the journey of reintegration into society. Join me as I explore the challenges faced by individuals after serving time and the transformative changes that have allowed myself and my guests to become productive members of the communities we once impacted negatively. Through candid conversations and powerful stories, we aim to shed light on the complexities of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening exploration of second chances and the path to a better life.
Episodes
27 episodes
Episode #28: “Sentenced, Resentenced, Redeemed?” with Joei Jordan
In this raw and reflective episode, I reconnect with Joei Jordan, calling in from behind the walls, for a powerful follow-up to his first appearance on the podcast. The last time we spoke, Joei was serving life without parole (LWOP)
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Episode 28
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41:15
Episode #27: "Faith, Freedom & Finding Manhood” with Brother Malachi Muhammad
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brother Malachi Muhammad, a deeply rooted voice of transformation, truth, and liberation. We trace his incredible journey—from navigating the complex relationship between the Nation of Islam a...
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Episode 27
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1:39:54
Episode #25: Ethan Calloway’s Journey After 9 Years"
“Time is the most valuable asset in life…” In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Calloway, who served 9 years in MDOC. Ethan shares his firsthand experience with the challenges of prison programming...
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Episode 25
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1:15:55
Episode #24: Steven X (Jones), Entrepreneur
“Everything that happened had to happen that way to make me who I am…”In this episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we delve deep into the life of Steven X Jones, a man whose journey through the tumultuous landscape of crime and ...
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Episode 23
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1:14:47
Episode #23: Hakim Nathaniel Crampton, Organizer/Author
"Breaking the cycle of incarceration.”In this eye-opening episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we meet Hakim Crampton, a resilient individual who spent 15 years in the Milwaukee prison system for a crime he did not commit. Now, near...
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Episode 23
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1:09:36
Episode #22: PTSD (pt. 1) with Sidney Black
In this thought-provoking episode, Sidney and I engage in a compelling discussion as we explore the complexities of the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution. This episode delves into the nuances of justice, freedom, and the implications of inc...
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Episode 22
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35:17
Episode #21: Chamar Avery, Actor/Comedian (Exonoree)
In this powerful episode of The 17 Winters Podcast, I kick it with Chamar Avery, who shares his harrowing journey from being sentenced to 20-50 years for a murder he didn’t commit to his exoneration after serving 8 years behind bars. Ch...
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Episode 21
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1:26:10
Episode #20: LaVonte X, Legalize the Hustle
“Prison saved me from me…”In this episode of I sat down with entrepreneur and visionary, Vonte X, the founder and driving force behind Legalize the Hustle. Vonte opens up about his early struggles, including the challenges he face...
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Episode 20
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50:16
Episode #19 (Pt. 2): Nick Buckingham, Michigan Liberation
“Best moments I had in prison…”In part 2 Nick walked us through his transition into leadership, his relationship with a Corrections Officer, almost catching a new case right before parole and what’s missing in reentry…
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Episode 19
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1:04:47
Episode #18 (Pt. 1): Nick Buckingham, Michigan Liberation
From mentee to mentor…In this 2 part episode I sat down with the formerly incarcerated Co-Executive Director of Michigan Liberation a statewide network of people and organizations organizing to end the criminalization of Black fam...
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Episode 18
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56:09
Episode #17 (Pt. 2): Joei Jordan, #954719, Muskegon Correctional Facility, LIFE
“Find YOU in every struggle”In the follow-up episode, the dialogue deepens as Joei and I explore what productivity means for someone serving a life sentence. We discuss critical legislation impacting him and thousands of others in...
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Episode 17
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21:19
Episode #16 (Pt. 1): Joei Jordan, #954719, Muskegon Correctional Facility, LIFE
“I’m not dying in here…”In this compelling episode, Joei and I delve into the complexities of serving a LIFE sentence without the possibility of parole as an “aider and abettor.” The conversation explores Joei’s journey of finding...
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Episode 16
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21:06
Episode #15: El' Zappo Foreign, CEO of Slush Music Group
"A woman should ride regardless..."Episode 15 was dope, we recorded it on my birthday weekend, my 10th birthday out of prison. This episode was a full circle moment for me in that Benton Harbor is where I caught my case at and it...
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Episode 15
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1:25:43
Episode #14: Adam Grant, A Brighter Way
“Difficult conversations are the way change is made” Adam GrantWARNING!!! THIS EPISODE HAS SOME TECHNICAL ISSUES, THERE'S AN ECHO THAT I COULD NOT GET CLEARED UP IN POST-PRODUCTION. I FELT THAT THE CONTENT OF THE CONVERSATION WAS SO ...
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Episode 14
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1:18:31
Episode #13: Sidney Black and Marlon Beard
This episode was fun!!! Me and the guys got together and had a funny conversation about relationships in prison, trust issues, pen pals, and some of everything else. The importance of visits and family connection, and I pose a question; Is ther...
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Episode 13
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1:04:38
Episode #12: Mario Bueno, American Dream Financial
Perserverance is the word for this interview. Convicted of murder at the age of 16, serving nearly 20 years in prison, this brother's dedication to higher education has been his roadmap to successful reentry. In my first over the phone...
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Episode 12
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42:32
Episode #11: Amonte and Dawgy Bone
On this episode I sat down with my nephew Amonte (18 years old) and Dawgy Bone (25 years old). We discussed the lack of leadership in the community, women taking charge, and what the men coming home from prison can/should be doing to build the ...
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Episode 11
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34:57
Episode #10: Doug D. Little, Comeback Kid Brand, LLC
In one of my earlier recordings, I had a chance to sit down with the Comeback Kid himself, Doug Little! Fresh off of going viral for doing the work and welcoming returning citizens home in the Detroit area with brand new kicks, Doug breaks down...
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Episode 10
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1:28:39
Episode #9: Tommy X (Washington), Members Only Boxing
Check out this episode, a favorite of mine, with me and the Champ Tommy Washington, known lovingly to me and others as Brother Tommy X. We had a dope conversation, discussing his multiple times incarcerated, finally figuring out how to stay out...
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Episode 9
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58:46
Episode #8: Dottie Taylor, My Sister
FAMILY REUNIFICATION!Get caught up on this throwback episode from June 9, 2022, an emotional conversation with my little sister Dottie. I started out the episode reading a letter I'd written to myself, in her voice, from a class on Empa...
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Episode 8
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41:13
Episode #7: Marlon Beard, Advance Peace (Lansing)
Had a chance to sit and build with my brother Marlon Beard about his time served in Federal Prison, being a father, making the transition, and the community. This is one of a few conversations between us, but definitely one you don't want to mi...
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Episode 7
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1:04:23
Episode #6: NoSleep Milli, CEO, All Or Nothin Entertainment
I caught up with artist and CEO NoSleep MIlli during the last lap of his "Fake Famous 2" run and discussed a few topics including; serving 2 years in MDOC for a gun charge, his transition and getting into the music business, owning a clothing s...
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Episode 6
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1:26:20
Episode #5: Chuck Warpehoski, MI-CEMI
Program Director of the Michigan Collaborative to End Mass Incarceration (MI-CEMI), a broad-based, statewide, non-partisan collaboration representing non-profit, faith-based, advocacy, grassroots, and service organizations united to end mass in...
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Episode 5
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49:33
Episode #3: Rick Speck, Just Leadership USA
Program Coordinator for Just Leadership USA, a National Organization dedicated to amplifying the power of people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system to self-organize and empower their communities to dismantle racist and...
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Episode 3
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58:57