The Inside Job - Life After Prison

Re-entry and life after prison conversations hosted by Cleveland Bell, CEO of Riverside House, a re-entry facility in Miami, Florida. We support re-entry and encourage others to bloom where they are planted, to share stories of challenges being overcome, and to remind each listener that life is a continual transformation process. You are your future self in the making! Forget your past, forgive yourself, and begin again right now.

Cleve Bell and Don 04/30/2025

Inside Job Pilot - Cleve Bell's Testimony 09/07/2024

Inside Job Pilot - Cleve Bell's Testimony Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. In this powerful episode of Inside Job, host Cleve Bell steps into the spotlight to share his personal story of transformation—from incarceration to leadership. For over three decades, Cleveland Bell III has served as the Executive Director of Riverside House, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives. Once incarcerated himself, Cleve’s journey of redemption has inspired countless individuals and organizations across the country. A respected advocate for second chances and community reentry, Cleve is nationally recognized for his leadership in offender rehabilitation. He has been featured on numerous television and radio programs, as well as in print media, where he speaks passionately about criminal justice reform, prevention, and reintegration services. Under Cleve’s leadership since 1977, Riverside House has grown from a modest 12-bed facility with a $20,000 budget to a thriving 120-bed center with an annual budget exceeding $2 million. In March 2024, the organization launched a new Emergency Shelter Program in partnership with The Homeless Trust, providing 30 beds to homeless men and offering a pathway to long-term stability. In just six months, the shelter has already served 70 individuals in need. Beyond Riverside House, Cleve’s impact extends nationwide. He’s a founding member of Kairos Prison Ministry International, a contributor to the Second Chance Act of 2007, and an active member of both the International Community Correctional Association and the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust. Tune in to hear Cleve’s deeply personal testimony—and the purpose that drives his lifelong commitment to transformation, justice, and hope. Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. /episode/index/show/riverside/id/32954767

Celebrate Recovery with Alan Oria - Part 1 08/02/2024

Celebrate Recovery with Marlen Oria - Part 2 07/24/2024

A Second Chance Phenomena: Robin Mitchell's Comeback Story 07/21/2024

Celebrate Recovery with Greg Anderson 12/08/2022

Family Anonymous with Chief Freddy 11/28/2022

Life After Prison is Real: Keeping Faith and Hope Behind Bars with Marcus Bullock 02/10/2022

Changing a Life’s Path with Music Artist, Reconcile 01/05/2022

Changing a Life’s Path with Music Artist, Reconcile In this episode of Inside Job, we welcome Reconcile—artist, husband, and dedicated advocate for renewal, social justice, and youth empowerment. Based in Miami, Reconcile is deeply committed to mentoring young people and building stronger communities. He maintains a strong connection with Miami Youth for Christ, an organization that provides impactful outreach programs for youth and their families. Today, Reconcile shares the heart behind his mission and how his music serves as a voice for change, healing, and hope. Don’t miss this powerful conversation about purpose, passion, and using your platform to make a difference. Key Takeaways: [2:56] Reconcile talks about his youth and upbringing. [6:53] Reconcile shares about his first incarceration. [9:16] Reconcile remembers the moment where he was led to Christ. [10:40] Reconcile talks about the point at which he started dedicating his life to God. [12:49] What did Reconcile do when he began to make a change in his life? [16:39] How did Reconcile go from where he was to Rice University? [17:31] Cleve shares how he got to go to college. [18:51] Reconcile shares how his father encouraged him to live differently than he had. [23:47] Reconcile chose to play football at Rice University. [27:55] Reconcile talks about the amazing relationship he had with his grandparents and all he learned from them. [32:08] Reconcile also built a beautiful relationship with his father. [34:01] Reconcile shares how he got involved in music. [38:22] Reconcile talks about his role now working directly with the Department of Justice. [39:27] Reconcile advocates through music to promote social justice. Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens. At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery. We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share. “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) To learn more visit Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. /episode/index/show/riverside/id/18764705

Celebrating Recovery with Jackie Rose Rodriguez 11/01/2021

Transform Your Life: Setting Goals, Follow Small Steps, and Stay Accountable with Chris Wilson 10/04/2021

Service as a Central Piece of Recovery with Special Guest, Desmond Meade 09/06/2021

Don’t Allow the System to Define You with Cleve Bell and James L. Walker 05/31/2021

Don’t Allow the System to Define You with Cleve Bell and James L. Walker Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I’m your host, Cleve Bell, and today I’m joined by who is the President and CEO of , located in Atlanta Georgia. In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Walker, a seasoned nonprofit leader with over 25 years of experience advocating for underserved communities. A native of Richmond, Connecticut, and a proud graduate of Howard University with a Master’s degree from Yale, Mr. Walker has dedicated his career to supporting individuals on their path to restoration—particularly ex-offenders striving to rebuild their lives. Together, we discuss his impactful work, the role of faith in transformation, and our shared commitment to living a purpose-driven life guided by God’s teachings. Tune in for a powerful conversation about redemption, service, and spiritual growth. Key Takeaways: [1:40] Mr. Walker talks about his upbringing and professional background. [3:48] Mr. Walker shares about his faith growing up, how going to church kept him out of the streets, and his experiences as a teenager “entering the system.” [7:54] Cleve shares his experience of getting “in the system” and how hard it was for him to get out of it. [9:30] Cleve and Mr. Walker talk about the matter of the current prohibition from voting to the ex-felons. [12:02] Mr. Walker encourages people not to allow the system to define them. [14:03] Getting a college education is often not enough. [17:00] You have to do more than vote. [21:10] Mr. Walker talks about this clientele. [24:07] Mr. Walker shares how he balances his career and his personal life. [27:25] Mr. Walker talks about how grateful he is for the team he has now at Walker and Associates. [31:06] Walker and Associates provided training for over 300 men and watched them getting their life back together. [37:30] Cleve remembers his grandfather and the great influence his words had on him. [38:20] Mr. Walker also talks about his grandfather. [39:22] Mr. Walker shares his favorite Bible verses. [41:38] Mr. Walker gives his spiritual advice to ex-offenders. [45:58] Mr. Walker shares his words of encouragement for all the folks who like rap music. Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens. At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery. We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share. "… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (NIV) To learn more visit Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. /episode/index/show/riverside/id/18764693

Approaching Incarceration From a Different Perspective with Jeff Walsh 05/30/2021

Approaching Incarceration From a Different Perspective with Jeff Walsh Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I’m your host, Cleve Bell, and today I’m joined by Jeff Walsh. In today’s episode, Jeff shares his unique journey through incarceration—an experience that began at age 34 and opened his eyes to the deeper flaws within the justice system. Driven by addiction, Jeff’s path to prison was not unlike many others, but his perspective once inside set him apart. He quickly recognized how the system often fails to support true rehabilitation and lasting change. Through it all, Jeff discovered the power of faith, trust, and unconditional love—principles that helped him uncover his purpose and stay committed to it. This is a powerful conversation about personal transformation, spiritual growth, and the pursuit of a life that matters. Key Takeaways: [:44] Jeff shares how he started to get in trouble at 34 years old. [2:25] The penitentiary system was not designed to really help people get out of the vicious cycle. [3:04] Jeff talks about his childhood. [6:52] Jeff shares about his high school years. [8:56] Jeff talks about the lessons learned from working. [10:33] Jeff shares about the beginning of his addiction. [12:14] He was always trying to behave to get his parents’ approval. [15:22] Jeff also got in trouble inside prison and had a life-changing experience. [17:56] Jeff’s experience when he was first released. [20:10] You have to do the best you can with you because that is all you have. [21:45] Keep moving forward. [22:07] Jeff talks about his first job and first place to live after incarceration. [23:30] Jeff shares his dreams and visions. [25:04] Faith and trust. [28:00] We have to trust the process because it does work. [29:26] You have to live to have experiences; they don’t happen by themselves. [32:54] What does loving myself actually look like? Fill your cup first. [34:50] Jeff extends his advice to all listeners. [36:20] How returning citizens better equip themselves in times of pandemic? [41:01] Jeff talks about his plans for the near future. Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens. At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery. We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share. “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) To learn more visit Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. Learn more about Jeff Walsh: /episode/index/show/riverside/id/18764732

Establishing Discipline and Structure as Part of Recovering with Cleve Bell and Misty Buck 12/02/2020

Establishing Discipline and Structure as Part of Recovering with Cleve Bell and Misty Buck Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I’m your host, Cleve Bell, and today I’m joined again by Misty Buck. In our last episode, we explored the power of acceptance, the role of self-help programs, and the importance of celebrating recovery. In this episode, we take the next step—getting started. We discuss what it looks like to begin attending meetings regularly and how doing so builds one of the most valuable tools in recovery: discipline. Establishing a routine through group participation not only supports healing but also lays the foundation for lasting change. Tune in as we unpack how small steps toward structure can lead to big breakthroughs on the road to recovery. Key Takeaways: [4:03] Establishing discipline in the process of recovering. [6:53] Discipline keeps you accountable. [8:11] The element of structure as part of recovering. [9:15] How does one know when discipline and structure can become detrimental? [14:04] In life, you make decisions with the tools you have available at the moment, even though you might regret those decisions later, it is important to know that at least you did make some choices. [15:33] Accept the things you cannot change. [17:30] Drifting from fear to accomplishment. [18:46] The benefits of attending retreats and workshops. [21:53] Force yourself to meet other people during workshops; that interaction can be the most valuable asset you got from that meeting. [24:13] Practice what you are learning. [26:25] Ninety percent of your job while recovering is on the inside. [27:11] Why is it so difficult to ask for help? [30:34] Without trust, it is nearly impossible to live. [33:07] Cleve and Misty talk about the power of active listening. Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens. At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery. We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit — attuned to the moral and material needs we all share. “… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 (NIV) To learn more visit Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. /episode/index/show/riverside/id/17033015

How Did I Achieve 49 Years of Recovery with Cleve Bell and Misty Buck 12/01/2020

How Did I Achieve 49 Years of Recovery with Cleve Bell and Misty Buck Welcome to Inside Job—a podcast by offenders, for offenders. I’m your host, Cleve Bell, and today I’m joined by Misty Buck, the marketing lead at Riverside House, as I begin to reflect on a remarkable 49-year recovery journey. Recovery is a lifelong process, and today marks the beginning of a series where Cleve shares the hard-earned lessons, experiences, and spiritual truths that have shaped his path. This first installment focuses on what he calls “the introduction”—the moment you finally acknowledge how uncomfortable you are with where you are in life, and realize that change is not only necessary but possible. Tune in as Cleve walks you through the early steps of transformation, offering hope, honesty, and inspiration for anyone ready to start their own recovery journey. Key Takeaways: [1:40] The introduction: the first step towards recovery. [3:47] How and where am I? [4:04] What do I do now? [4:35] Misty talks about the idea and challenges of acceptance. [7:10] How do you keep yourself out of the “judgment bag”? Humility is the key. [9:03] Grow where you are planted. [10:16] Words have a tremendous impact on our lives, depending on how we use them. [10:50] Start with yourself. [11:46] The only one I can influence is myself. [12:41] How to find a new source of inspiration. [14:51] Finding the good in yourself. [17:15] Cleve shares his perspective about self-help programs. [20:23] Cleve shares his first experience at a AA meeting. [21:40] , a place where you can be both spiritual and honest. [22:42] Misty shares her thought on the self-help format. [23:07] Misty talks about her book: [25:43] One of the most difficult aspects of Cleve’s recovery was asking for help. [27:30] Drugs and addiction now and five decades ago. [28:27] “Drugs were a symptom of my problem.” [29:21] “God Always had his hand on me, I just did not realize it.” [31:32] An attitude of gratitude. Learn More About Riverside House: Riverside House is a nonprofit, government, and faith community partner. We have been active agents of change and sustained progress in the Miami area for more than three decades, helping tens of thousands walk a straight path into refashioned, sober, and spiritually upright lives as free citizens. At Riverside House, we provide a critical relief valve during the transition of offenders from confinement to community. Our teams of well-credentialed and committed professionals support each man and woman who enters our doors in their unique, personal path to rehabilitation and recovery. We are in the business of second chances, and we know that the consideration we extend to those most in need must be holistic in nature. We address the total person — mind, body, and spirit, attuned to the moral and material needs we all share. "… Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40 (NIV) To learn more visit Reach out to Riverside House: Would you like to be featured on a future episode of Inside Job? We would love to hear from you! Please go to , click the media tab then podcast. There you will find an application to submit your request. /episode/index/show/riverside/id/17017685

The Inside Job - Life After Prison

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