Beyond the Walls: Finding Redemption and Purpose After Prison
Opening Doors
In this episode, Rachel Dalinka moderates a powerful conversation between three formerly incarcerated individuals: Suave Gonzalez, Jeffrey Abramowitz, and Kimpedro Rodriguez. All transformed their lives and are now working to support others. The guests share their experiences with the challenges of re-entry, the importance of education and support systems, and the need for societal change in how returning citizens are perceived and treated. The discussion highlights the systemic barriers faced by those with criminal records, such as difficulty obtaining identification, housing, and employment,...
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The Human Cost of Mass Incarceration
Opening Doors
Join the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: . In this powerful episode of Opening Doors Podcast, Rachel Dalinka speaks with Shakaboona Marshall about his journey of thirty years of incarceration to gaining freedom and leading efforts in prison reform and human rights advocacy. Shakaboona shares his personal story of being sentenced to life as a juvenile. He discusses the fight for freedom...
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Surviving Kensington: A Journey to Recovery
Opening Doors
Join the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: . In this deeply moving episode of Opening Doors Podcast, Rachel Dalinka sits down with Megan Cohen, founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Grace Project. Megan shares her powerful journey through addiction, homelessness, and eventual recovery—highlighting the resilience that brought her from the streets of Kensington to a life of purpose...
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The Power of Healing: Turning Pain into Purpose
Opening Doors
Join the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: . In this powerful episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Delinka sits down with author, deacon, and motivational speaker DANI, who shares her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood, addiction, and incarceration to healing, redemption, and purpose. DANI opens up about how she overcame decades of struggle, found her faith, and turned her pain...
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From Life Sentence to Pulitzer: A Story of Redemption
Opening Doors
In this deeply moving live episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, my guest Suave Gonzalez shares his journey of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. Arrested at the age of 17 and wrongfully convicted, Suave faced a life sentence in Pennsylvania’s prison system. Over the next three decades, he endured the harsh realities of incarceration but emerged with a powerful story of self-reinvention and hope. Suave reveals how his time in solitary confinement became a catalyst for self-education, leading to his release after juvenile life sentences were deemed unconstitutional. From earning a...
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Reforming Criminal Justice: A Trauma-Informed Perspective with Dr. Christi Smith
Opening Doors
In this compelling episode of Opening Doors Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christi Smith, an esteemed expert in criminal justice policy and trauma-informed care. Dr. Smith shares insights from her extensive experience as a parole officer, academic, and advocate for systemic reform. Together, we explore the challenges of over-criminalization, the benefits of trauma-informed practices, and innovative approaches like Clean Slate automated record sealing. From understanding the implications of childhood trauma to recognizing the systemic barriers faced by reentrants, this conversation sheds light on...
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Transforming Lives Behind Bars: The Power of Entrepreneurial Training
Opening Doors
In this episode of Opening Doors, we explore transformative approaches to rehabilitating individuals within the prison system through entrepreneurial programs. Joe Gagnon shares his journey from a career in tech and entrepreneurship to volunteering with Defy Ventures, an organization that offers incarcerated individuals entrepreneurial training. With a deep passion for uplifting others, he discusses the barriers faced by those re-entering society, the need for systemic reform, and the incredible potential unlocked through education and opportunity. Whether you’re curious about social...
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Inside Recovery and Wellness Courts with Judge Rea Boylan
Opening Doors
In this inspiring episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Judge Rea Boylan of Bucks County to discuss the transformative impact of Recovery and Wellness Courts. Judge Boylan shares her experiences since initiating these innovative alternatives to incarceration, which focus on treatment and community reintegration for individuals struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. Listeners will gain insights into the collaborative efforts of diverse community stakeholders, the importance of purpose and connection in recovery, and groundbreaking programs like the...
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Jeffrey Abramowitz: from Lawyer to Advocate, a Journey of Redemption
Opening Doors
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Opening Doors, Rachel speaks with Jeffrey Abramowitz, CEO of the Petey Greene Program and a champion for education and reentry services for incarcerated individuals. Jeff shares his incredible journey, from a former trial lawyer facing incarceration to a dedicated advocate for justice and learning. He reflects on the transformative power of choices, forgiveness, and second (or even first) chances. They explore the role of education in reducing recidivism, the challenges faced by individuals reentering society, and the vital work of the Petey Greene...
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From Streets to Success: Will Every’s Journey of Redemption
Opening Doors
Join me for my Podcast Launch event on 12/7 from 3-6 PM at REC Philly (9th & Market) featuring a live podcast interview, live jazz/blues music by Tonya Lynette, plus food & drinks! In this powerful episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, we sit down with Will Every, a resilient entrepreneur and inspirational figure who transformed his life after years of hardship. Will shares his journey from a troubled youth marked by poverty, trauma, and incarceration to becoming a successful business owner and community leader. We explore his early experiences with the justice system, the devastating...
info_outlineWelcome to the "Opening Doors" podcast, where healing and redemption take center stage. Hosted by Rachel Dalinka, this podcast draws from her personal experiences with her father's battle against addiction and incarceration, and her extensive 25-year career in education and facilitation. "Opening Doors" is a safe space for open dialogues on overcoming life's traumas, reframing experiences, and finding new purpose. Whether you’ve been affected by incarceration, addiction, or are simply a believer in second chances, this podcast offers empathy, understanding, and hope. Subscribe and join us biweekly as we celebrate the victories of spirit, advocate for recovery, and work toward a more compassionate society.