loader from loading.io

35 Years to Freedom: Star Granger's Story of Survival and Redemption

Opening Doors

Release Date: 10/29/2024

The Power to Reinvent Yourself: Cat Greenleaf on Recovery and Redemption show art The Power to Reinvent Yourself: Cat Greenleaf on Recovery and Redemption

Opening Doors

In this episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Cat Greenleaf, creator and host of NBC’s Talk Stoop and now host of the Soberness Podcast, to talk about sobriety, second chances, and the work she is building through Restorative Housing Organization. Cat shares what it was like to realize alcohol would become a problem for her even before she ever drank, how she found her way to sobriety, and why making amends became one of the most freeing parts of recovery. She also explains how moving to the ocean in Coney Island became a turning point in her healing and inspired a...

info_outline Second Chances, Real Jobs: How Uplift Solutions Reduces Recidivism | Atif Bostic show art Second Chances, Real Jobs: How Uplift Solutions Reduces Recidivism | Atif Bostic

Opening Doors

In this episode of Opening Doors, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Atif Bostic, President & CEO of Uplift Solutions, an organization training and placing formerly incarcerated men and women into jobs across the Philadelphia area. Atif shares how Uplift evolved from tackling food deserts to becoming a workforce development engine with pathways like CDL, HVAC, and transitional “same-day work and pay”, while keeping the mission focused on dignity, stability, and long-term support. In this conversation, you’ll hear:How Uplift has connected 1,500+ people to...

info_outline Matthew Garcia’s Story: Redemption, Reform, and the Fight For Justice show art Matthew Garcia’s Story: Redemption, Reform, and the Fight For Justice

Opening Doors

In the Season 2 premiere of the Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka speaks with Matthew Garcia, who has spent 27 years incarcerated for felony murder-despite having fled the scene before the actual crime occurred. Through intimate conversations with both Matthew and his wife, Carisia Magobet, we explore the unjust realities of Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws and the human toll of life without parole for felony murder. Matthew shares his powerful journey of transformation and resilience from inside SCI Chester, where he has become a mentor, educator, author, and changemaker. Carisia...

info_outline Beyond the Walls: Finding Redemption and Purpose After Prison show art 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,...

info_outline The Human Cost of Mass Incarceration show art 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...

info_outline Surviving Kensington: A Journey to Recovery show art 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...

info_outline The Power of Healing: Turning Pain into Purpose show art 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...

info_outline From Life Sentence to Pulitzer: A Story of Redemption show art 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...

info_outline Reforming Criminal Justice: A Trauma-Informed Perspective with Dr. Christi Smith show art 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...

info_outline Transforming Lives Behind Bars: The Power of Entrepreneurial Training show art 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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this powerful episode of Opening Doors, Star Granger shares her deeply personal journey from being incarcerated at 17 for first-degree murder to her release in 2018 after serving 35 years. Star reflects on the realities of life in prison, her fight for survival and personal growth, and the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. She also discusses her involvement with reentry programs, her work as a certified peer specialist, and the founding of Swag Sisters with a Goal, an organization aimed at empowering formerly incarcerated women. With a focus on trauma, resilience, and social justice, this episode sheds light on the critical gaps in the system and the need for policy change, especially for women.

Key Episode Takeaways:

  • Star Granger’s story of surviving 35 years in prison, sentenced at 17.

  • The psychological and emotional impact of being incarcerated for decades.

  • How Star's work as a certified peer specialist and her advocacy through Swag Sisters with a Goal is empowering women reentering society.

  • Challenges women face in reentry programs, many of which are geared more towards men.

  • The importance of trauma-informed care and peer support in rehabilitation and reintegration.

Key Resources and Links: