Best Prison Survival Guide Podcasts (2025)

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254 — Stuck? It’s Not Your Plan—It’s Your Mindset. Here’s How to Fix It Fast 23:49

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30m ago23:49

23:49

Do you ever feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck? What if the real problem isn’t your plan—it’s your mindset? On today’s episode, we’re diving into how your mindset shapes your reality, why mindset is at the root of most problems, and how to strengthen it—fast. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to shift the lens you use t…

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Music of a Forbidden Planet 35:53

28m ago35:53

35:53

In the 1950s, the avant-garde music scene in New York and the movie studios of Los Angeles might have seemed like opposite ends of a cultural spectrum. But they came together (and blew apart) when MGM hired Louis and Bebe Barron to write the score for the sci-fi classic Forbidden Planet. It was the first all-electronic score for a Hollywood film, b…

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Drago Dzieran: How a Political Prisoner Escaped Communism and Became a U.S. Navy SEAL & True American Hero (Rebroadcast) 2:38:54

8h ago2:38:54

2:38:54

A Real American – Born in Poland. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie meet with Drago Dzieran, a former political prisoner for his activism against Communism. After arriving in the United States unable to speak English, Drago eventually became a US citizen, enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained to serve as a Navy SEAL. In Iraq,…

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Tattoo Artist vs. Tattoo Remover - The Truth About Laser Removal | TATTOO BUDCAST (Ep. 49) 1:26:03

13h ago1:26:03

1:26:03

This week on The Tattoo Budcast, we’re joined by Mike Panic from Removery — The World’s Tattoo Removal Experts! Ever wondered how tattoo removal actually works? Mike breaks it all down and answers the questions every artist and collector has been too scared to ask. We also dive into the age-old debate of tattoo price haggling — is it ever okay? Plu…

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253 — How Hypnosis Could Help You Break Bad Habits, Reduce Anxiety, and Relieve Your Pain with Dr. David Spiegel 42:18

4d ago42:18

42:18

What if hypnosis could change your life? Hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of psychotherapy, yet it’s often misunderstood and underutilized. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, reduce your pain, or break bad habits, hypnosis is a science-backed strategy that could help you change. Today's guest is Dr. David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist and …

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252 — Why Quitting Is a Sign of Mental Strength (And Could Be the Best Decision for Your Mental Health) 24:04

7d ago24:04

24:04

You've heard people say things like, "Never give up," or "The only way to fail is to quit." But, as a therapist, I see the dangers of adopting these mantras. Blind persistence is an unhealthy mindset. It's often fed by ego and leads to a variety of mental health issues and practical problems. Sometimes, quitting is actually a sign of strength and t…

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Gone But Not Forgotten 39:57

6d ago39:57

39:57

In this special episode of Camp Confidential, Katrina McLarin sits down with Dean Piearson, husband of Cheryl Womack, to share his experience as the spouse of someone facing a federal indictment. Together, they explore the emotional and financial turmoil that came with navigating the legal process, the indictment, and plea deal, as well as the prof…

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Jake Schmitt: Crushed in the Backcountry - The Survival Story of a Guide, His Dog, And an Impossible Crawl to Safety 1:15:56

9d ago1:15:56

1:15:56

The Crawl: How Jake Schmitt Survived a Mountain Crash — Thanks to His Dog In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus & Melanie sit down with Utah hunting guide Jake Schmitt to hear his incredible story of survival in the Uintah Mountains. What began as a summer scouting trip for mule deer turned into an 11-hour crawl for his life — with only hi…

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Ink Master Legend Big Ceeze: Launching The Inked Network & Mexican Prison Scare | TATTOO BUDCAST Ep. 48 1:59:32

8d ago1:59:32

1:59:32

This week the Buds sit down with Big Ceeze — tattooer of 27 years, Ink Master alum, and former boss of Sanae (who reminds us she’s still got a big mouth and zero filter). We dive into what it was like working together back in the day, why bodybuilding competitions might be the strangest hobby for a tattooer, and Big Ceeze’s new passion project: The…

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251 — How to Stop Being a People-Pleaser With Psychotherapist Meg Josephson 44:42

11d ago44:42

44:42

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about whether someone is mad at you? Do you avoid sharing your opinion because you don’t want to be disliked? If so, you might be engaging in fawning—a survival response that drives people-pleasing behavior. I'm joined by Meg Josephson, psychotherapist and bestselling author of Are You Mad at Me?. Together, we ex…

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Stigmatized for being single and childless: A story on adenomyosis 52:43

12d ago52:43

52:43

Belinda spent her whole life struggling in relationships and rejection. Living with the painful condition of adenomyosis caused painful sex and infertility, leaving her single and questioning her self worth. As she watched friends marry, have children, and move forward in life, Belinda faced grief, loneliness, and the challenges of chronic illness.…

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250 — The Surprising Power of Letting Yourself Feel Bad 18:22

14d ago18:22

18:22

What if letting yourself feel bad could actually make you stronger? There's a lot of pressure to be happy or to improve your mood all the time. But sometimes, feeling terrible isn't just OK, it's actually helpful. Our natural response to feeling bad is to fix the situation or avoid the feeling, which can actually make things worse. Learning to embr…

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Walking The Probation Tightrope 34:37

15d ago34:37

34:37

In this conversation, Katrina McLarin and Cheryl Womack discuss the complexities of life after incarceration, focusing on the transition from prison to probation and the challenges faced in the halfway house and at home. Cheryl shares her personal experiences, highlighting the emotional and mental struggles, the impact on family relationships, and …

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The Battle to Make Star Wars 38:30

16d ago38:30

38:30

Movies that change cinema often come from outsiders – whether it’s Orson Welles making Citizen Kane or George Lucas making Star Wars a.k.a. Episode IV: A New Hope. The excellent graphic novel Lucas Wars by artist Renaud Roche and writer Laurent Hopman just came out in English (the original French title is Les Guerres de Lucas.) I talk with Renaud a…

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Kaj Larsen: Inside the Life of a Navy SEAL Turned Journalist, Exploring Media, Entrepreneurship, & Veteran Success 1:31:25

16d ago1:31:25

1:31:25

Kaj Larsen: From Navy SEAL to Groundbreaking Journalist This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie welcome an extraordinary guest whose life reads like an action thriller—Kaj Larsen. Born in Santa Cruz, California, Kaj earned his Political Science degree from UC Santa Cruz and went on to Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government for …

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Communicate Like a Pro ft Professor Kiki Flambé : Sales, Relationships, Apologies, Small Talk | TATTOO BUDCAST 47 1:37:02

15d ago1:37:02

1:37:02

The Buds are hitting the books this week with Professor Kiki Flambé, a Communication Studies proffesor who specializes in interpersonal communication and the art of persuasion. She’s breaking down the difference between persuasion vs. manipulation, teaching us how to make small talk that doesn’t suck, and showing us what a real, effective apologyac…

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249 — The Hidden Link Between Childhood Trauma and Chronic Health Issues with Dr. Aimie Apigian 50:02

18d ago50:02

50:02

What if your physical health issues actually stem from childhood trauma? Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions, healing from your past might actually heal your body. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, physician, trauma expert, and author of The Biology of Trauma. Dr. Aimie explains…

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248 — The 3 Words That Will Make You Mentally Stronger 20:36

21d ago20:36

20:36

What if three little words could make you mentally stronger? Your language is powerful. Thinking or saying these words can shape your mindset. Your mindset affects how you approach challenges, how you see yourself and how you cope with setbacks. When you start using language that empowers you to be your best, you'll feel better and you'll do better…

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Halfway But Not Home 25:35

22d ago25:35

25:35

In this episode, Katrina McLarin sits down with Cheryl Womack to unpack the complex transition from prison to a halfway house. Cheryl shares her first impressions of life inside the halfway house — a place where she never truly felt safe. From having no locks inside and facing the uncertainty of not knowing the system, she reflects on the emotional…

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Calley Means: Exposing How Profits Drive Chronic Disease - NYT #1 Bestseller & White House Adviser on MAHA 1:07:13

23d ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Exposing Big Food, Big Pharma, and the Path to True Health In this week’s episode, Marcus, Melanie meet with Calley Means — entrepreneur, healthcare reform advocate, and co-founder of TrueMed. Calley has been making waves in the national conversation about health, nutrition, and the systems driving chronic disease. As a former consultant to some of…

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Tattoo Buds’ Survival Guide : Tsunamis, Slow Season, Feelings and Flatulence (EP. 46) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:30:21

22d ago1:30:21

1:30:21

We got a Bud Solo on our hands today! James is back from his Hawaiian tattoo trip and—believe it or not—he narrowly survived a tsunami scare. He’s spilling all the wild details about how he escaped his brush with death. 🌊 But it wouldn’t be the Budcast without some laughs—your Buds dive into food talk, fart jokes, and a taste-test of the latest Fla…

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247 — The Hidden Prisons We All Live In and How to Escape Them with Resilience Expert Shaka Senghor 50:34

25d ago50:34

50:34

Do you ever feel trapped by shame, guilt, or the stories you tell yourself about your past? Those are some of the hidden prisons that can keep us stuck in life. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Shaka Senghor. He spent 19 years in prison, including 7 in solitary confinement. But his story isn’t just about survival—it’s about how he transformed his…

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The night an intruder broke into my house 43:50

26d ago43:50

43:50

*TRIGGER WARNING* Jamie shares her journey from a traumatic childhood with narcissistic parents through addiction and sexual assault to eventual healing and recovery. • Mother's narcissistic behavior created a household where emotions weren't allowed • Father's suicidal thoughts and emotional blackmail • Molested by her aunt's boyfriend • Addiction…

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246 — 5 Red Flags of Emotional Manipulation and How to Stay Mentally Strong When You Spot It 23:26

28d ago23:26

23:26

Whether you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone or someone tries to guilt you into things you don't want to do, emotional manipulation can drain you of mental strength. The good news is, once you know how to spot the red flags, you can take back your power and stay mentally strong. Some of the things I talk about today are: The 5 r…

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Ready Or Not 26:03

29d ago26:03

26:03

In this episode, Cheryl Womack shares her emotional journey leading up to her release from a women's federal prison, detailing the complexities of navigating the halfway house system, the emotional toll of waiting for her release date, and the importance of legal preparedness for reintegration into society. Cheryl and Katrina discuss the challenges…

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Lifting the Curtain on Theatrical Effects 35:50

30d ago35:50

35:50

I’ve covered digital and practical effects in film and TV, but creating special effects for live theater is a whole other challenge. J&M Special Effects has been up to the task for 40 years. Their crew has worked on shows from Hadestown to Harry Potter and The Cursed Child to Disney musicals like Frozen and Aladdin. I get a behind-the-scenes tour o…

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Cesalina Gracie: Grandchild of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Founder, Mindset Is Stronger Than Muscle, Climbing Mt. Everest (Rebroadcast) 2:11:41

29d ago2:11:41

2:11:41

Mindset Matters. In this week’s Team Never Quit Podcast, we are honored to host a remarkable individual who has not only mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu but has also conquered the world's highest peak – Mount Everest. Join us as Marcus and Melanie delve into the incredible journey of Cesalina Gracie. Hailing from a family that pioneered and…

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Standard Issue Pizza Rolls: Piercing Myths & Truths w/ Alexx (Ep. 45) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:47:14

29d ago1:47:14

1:47:14

It’s hard to run a tattoo-centered podcast without eventually touching on piercing—and today, the Buds welcome their very first piercer guest! 🎉 Long-time friend and professional piercer Alexx joins the show. With over a decade of experience, she’s here to bust common piercing myths, drop some piercing truths, and share a few horror stories from th…

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245 — Christine Brown Woolley on Redefining Strength, Leaving a 25-Year Marriage, and Finding the Courage to Start Over 49:12

1M ago49:12

49:12

What if the life you’ve been living no longer aligns with your values? Would you have the courage to reinvent yourself and start over? Mental strength isn’t just about enduring a painful situation—it’s about knowing when to let go and create a life that truly fulfills you. In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I sit down with Christine Brown Woolle…

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244 — The Science of Motivation: How to Get Things Done When You Feel Stuck 19:53

1M ago19:53

19:53

Whether you struggle to stick to your work out routine or you have a hard time staying motivated to write a book, one small shift in your mindset could make all the difference. Motivation isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something you can create. One of the best ways to maintain motivation involves the way you describe yourself. I…

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Whatever Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong 32:17

1M ago32:17

32:17

In this episode, hosts Katrina McLarin and Cheryl Womack reflect on Cheryl’s journey — from serving her prison sentence to now facing time in a halfway house. Cheryl shares the unexpected ramifications of her plea deal, including travel restrictions, business hurdles, and the stigma she continues to face from society. Together, they explore her ong…

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Anthony Robles: Unstoppable – The Wrestler Born With One Leg Who Became An NCAA Champion and Inspired The Nation 45:17

1M ago45:17

45:17

Unstoppable: Anthony Robles on Defying the Odds and Dominating the Mat In this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter welcome NCAA wrestling champion and three-time All-American Anthony Robles. Born with one leg, Anthony refused to let his circumstances define him, instead rewriting the rules of perseverance and …

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1 Star On Yelp, 5 Stars in Friendship: With Emily Taylor & Pops (EP. 44) TATTOO BUDCAST 1:52:34

1M ago1:52:34

1:52:34

What’s better than one guest? TWO guests! 🎉 This week the Buds sit down with not one but two tattoo buds from Handmade Tattoo: Pops (the shop owner) and his right-hand woman, Emily Taylor. We get into shop life, coworker dynamics, and even read some of their most ridiculous Yelp reviews. Emily shares how she almost didn’t apply to her first tattoo …

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243 — What Are You Avoiding? How to Stop Running and Start Living with Dr. Robyn Walser 40:48

1M ago40:48

40:48

If you’ve ever sidestepped a tough conversation, ignored a problem, or avoided something that scares you, this episode is for you. Avoidance and anxiety often go hand-on-hand. Avoiding a problem helps you feel better right now, but it leads to long-term problems. It also makes anxiety worse in the long run. Today I’m joined by Dr. Robin Walser, cli…

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I Escaped the FLDS Cult: Ange’s Story 1:10:57

1M ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Angie shares her extraordinary journey from being born and raised in a polygamist fundamentalist Latter-day Saints cult to finding freedom and building a new life in the outside world. • Born in a small FLDS community in Canada with minimal interaction with the outside world • Pulled out of school at age 16 for cutting her hair, which was against r…