Best Tara Mathews Podcasts (2025)

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From Prison to Properties: The Inspiring Journey of Donald Hinton 46:01

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1d ago46:01

46:01

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Donald Hinton, who shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to overcoming significant challenges in prison and ultimately finding success in real estate. Donald discusses the impact of his father's incarceration on his life, and the turning point that led him to change his…

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From Bad Things On The Streets: To Healthy Treats: The Owen Hanson Story 51:34

8d ago51:34

51:34

A surfer kid from California, Owen Hanson was still in his twenties when he found himself the leader of a multimillion-dollar criminal empire. What began as an attempt to fit in with the rich kids at the University of Southern California soon grew into gambling and loan sharking, which then opened the door to drug trafficking and money laundering. …

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Honored Combat Veteran to Conviction: Jeremy Harrell's Battle with PTSD and the DOJ 1:08:43

15d ago1:08:43

1:08:43

How does an honored combat veteran who became an expert on PTSD helping so many with the Veterans Club, end up in prison? Jeremy Harrell survived the Iraq War only to return home to a different kind of battlefield—PTSD. Jeremy has been hailed as a leader in veteran advocacy and mental health. He founded the Veterans Club that has been nationally he…

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Finding Hope in Chaos: The Noah Asher Journey 1:00:19

22d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Noah Asher is an award-winning author, podcast host, speaker, and CEO, known for his impactful work surrounding reentry and rehabilitation. His first book, CHAOS, has reached over 1.4 million people, sparking change and inspiring those on the path to purpose and redemption. Through his writing, speaking, and leadership, Noah’s mission is clear: to …

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Episode 249: Pause to Ponder - The Hardest Episode Yet 6:34

1M ago6:34

6:34

After nearly 250 episodes of amplifying unheard voices, disrupting the status quo, and challenging dominant narratives, Charles Williams shares a deeply personal reflection in what may be the final episode of The Counter Narrative Podcast. In this emotional and vulnerable farewell—for now—Charles opens up about the exhaustion that comes with relent…

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"Alive Again: The Andreea Parc Redemption Story" 1:03:41

1M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Andreea Parc was living what many would call the American Dream—a successful New York attorney with a thriving practice. But that dream unraveled when her law firm was raided for immigration fraud. Convicted and sent to prison, Andreea lost everything—except her will to transform. In this raw and inspiring episode, she shares her journey from court…

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Episode248: Interview w/ Eli Casaus 31:53

1M ago31:53

31:53

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages in a deep conversation with Coach Eli Casaus about the nuances of leadership, the importance of coaching over consulting, and the challenges of isolation in leadership roles. Eli shares his journey from being a reluctant teacher to a principal and now a leadership coach…

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The Bookie behind the Shohei Ohtani story: Mindset is Mathew Bowyer’s Superpower 1:30:48

1M ago1:30:48

1:30:48

Do you remember the sport story that captivated the nation about LA Dodgers Shohei Ohtani who's business manager and interpreter was illegally gambling millions of Ohtani's money? In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Mathew Bowyer, who was the bookie who ran the largest exclusive illegal sports book in the…

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Episode 247: Interview w/ Dr. Amy Mathews-Perez 39:26

2M ago39:26

39:26

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with Dr. Amy Matthews-Perez, a seasoned educator with over 34 years of experience in special education. They discuss the importance of embracing progress over perfection, the subjectivity of perfection, and the significance of authenticity in education and career choice…

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"My Life is Over" but it wasn't: The Tanya Pierce Story 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity speaks with Tanya Pierce, who shares her harrowing journey from a successful real estate career to facing federal indictment and imprisonment. Tanya discusses her early life, the shock of her indictment, the challenges of her trial, and the emotional turmoil of receiving a guilty verdict. She…

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Episode 246: Interview w/ Melisa Hayes 22:12

2M ago22:12

22:12

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Melisa Hayes, a dedicated second-grade teacher with over 25 years of experience. They discuss the importance of balancing fun and technology in education, the need for student empowerment, and creative teaching strategies that engage young learners. Melisa shares her ins…

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Does Personal Growth come from Adversity? The Tyler Foster Story 1:05:59

2M ago1:05:59

1:05:59

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity speaks with Tyler Foster, a young 22 year old man who faced his worst fears as a teenager and transformed his life after a traumatic encounter with the criminal justice system and prison time. HIs experience ignited his passion for criminal legal reform. Tyler chose to lead with his story and…

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Episode 245: Pause to Ponder - When Fairness Feels Like a Threat 9:04

2M ago9:04

9:04

In this reflection, Charles Williams addresses the alarming trends in education regarding equity, particularly focusing on the backlash against initiatives aimed at supporting Black students. He emphasizes the importance of the Black Student Success Plan in Chicago, arguing that it is a necessary corrective measure to address systemic neglect and d…

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New York Prosecutor Serves Prison Time: The Tara Lenich Story 51:05

2M ago51:05

51:05

Imagine if you were a well known New York Prosecutor and you found yourself as an inmate in a Federal Prison. How does one make that situation work? In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Tara Lenich, a former New York prosecutor who faced her worst fears when she was arrested for forging a signature of a judge for a wi…

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Episode 244: Interview w/ Tara Bonner 53:03

2M ago53:03

53:03

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Tara Bonner, an educator with extensive experience in understanding learning struggles. They explore the intersection of education and cognitive science, discussing the importance of recognizing and addressing the cognitive functions …

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A 15 Year Old Survives His Nightmare And Becomes A Success: The Keenan Hudson Story 59:37

2M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity speaks with Keenan Hudson, who shares his harrowing journey from a troubled youth in Philadelphia to serving nearly 15 years in prison for a robbery that included a group of kids that turned fatal. Keenan discusses the challenges he faced growing up without a father, the impact of…

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Episode 243: Pause to Ponder - When Autonomy Meets Apathy 12:27

3M ago12:27

12:27

In this conversation, Charles Williams reflects on the challenges faced in educational leadership, particularly the struggle between fostering teacher autonomy and the ingrained culture of compliance. He discusses the importance of creating a supportive environment for educators, recognizing the need for both structure and freedom in professional d…

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Partner of Famous Stratton Oakmont: The Richard Bronson Story 1:20:04

3M ago1:20:04

1:20:04

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Richard Bronson, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont from the movie "The Wolf Of Wall Street", who shares his incredible journey from Wall Street success to prison and back. Richard discusses the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how he turned his life around after incarcer…

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Episode 242: Interview w/ Mark Gibson 34:47

3M ago34:47

34:47

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Mark Gibson Jr. about his journey in education, the importance of building resiliency in students, and the proactive strategies educators can implement to foster a supportive learning environment. Mark shares his personal experiences and insights on mentor…

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From Prominence to Prison: Mikel Jones Journey 1:26:00

3M ago1:26:00

1:26:00

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Mikel Jones, a former prominent attorney who faced a dramatic fall from grace, leading to a 42-month prison sentence. Mikel Jones was a nationally recognized attorney who was a frequent guest on numerous TV and radio shows. He was General Counsel for the impactful Congressman Alcee Hast…

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Episode 241: Pause to Ponder - Autism in Real Life 9:02

3M ago9:02

9:02

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams shares his personal journey of understanding autism through the lens of his grandson, Leo. He emphasizes that autism awareness should extend beyond a single month and highlights the importance of acceptance, support, and celebrating small victories. Charles discusses the significanc…

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Injustice for a 17 year old girl: The Sheena Eastburn Story 57:12

3M ago57:12

57:12

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Sheena Eastburn, who shares her harrowing journey from being convicted of murder at 17 to serving 25 years in prison. Sheena discusses her traumatic childhood, including getting married at the age of 15. She shares with us the nightmare of the night that forever changed her life. S…

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Episode 240: Interview w/ Lydia McNeiley 39:10

3M ago39:10

39:10

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Lydia McNeely, a lead professional learning specialist for Hatching Results, about her non-traditional journey in education and the vital role of school counselors. They discuss the current challenges facing school counselors, particularly regarding misconceptions about …

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A True Survivor Story: Creator of Prison Land Jerry Durand 1:30:04

3M ago1:30:04

1:30:04

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Jerry Durand, who survived being sentenced to 20 years in prison, the heartache of his wife's death while he was incarcerated, then dealing with his own prostate cancer diagnosis, shingles, and covid. He shares his harrowing journey from being a successful investor in t…

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Episode 239: Pause to Ponder - Hey Batter Batter! 9:48

4M ago9:48

9:48

In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on a transformative morning experience where he chose to listen to a baseball game instead of the usual news briefing. This decision led him to realize the importance of finding simple moments of joy and comfort in daily life, emphasizing the need to 'fill your bucket' with small, grounding experiences tha…

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Prison to Police Sergeant: Ameer Williams Inspiring Comeback Story 54:44

4M ago54:44

54:44

How does a guy go from a five year prison sentence to Police Sergeant? In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Ameer Williams, who shares his incredible journey from a troubled childhood and drug dealing to serving time in prison and ultimately becoming a police sergeant. Ameer discusses the challenges he faced during his ear…

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Episode 238: Interview w/ Julie Hasson 34:08

4M ago34:08

34:08

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams speaks with Dr. Julie Hasson about her journey in education, focusing on the importance of teacher resilience and engagement. They discuss the shift from external factors affecting teacher retention to the internal resources teachers need to thrive. Julie shares practical strategies…

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Meet The Real Divine G portrayed in Oscar Nominated Sing Sing Movie 53:44

4M ago53:44

53:44

Meet the real Divine G Whitfield who inspired the Academy Award nominated Movie Sing Sing. Colman Domingo was nominated for Best Actor playing Divine G in the movie Sing Sing. Divine G is just attended the Academy Awards for his movie. In this episode of the Nightmare Success Podcast, host Brent Cassity engages in a profound conversation with Divin…

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Episode 237: Pause to Ponder - When The Noise Fades... 7:46

4M ago7:46

7:46

In this episode, Charles Williams reflects on the current state of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly in the context of a recent conference he attended. He discusses the noticeable decline in engagement and attendance at DEI-related events, questioning the authenticity of allyship in a changing political climate. Williams …

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Broadway to Behind Bars to Paying it Forward: The Brad Rouse Story 1:05:47

4M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity interviews Brad Rouse, an award winning Broadway theater director and writer who shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing in St. Louis to the heights of Broadway and the depths of addiction. Brad discusses his early love for theater, his time at Harvard, and the pivotal m…

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Episode 236: Interview w/ David James 29:18

4M ago29:18

29:18

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with David James, a dedicated seventh-grade social studies teacher and conference director for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education (NCMLE). They discuss the journey of educators, the significance of teacher leadership, and the impact of personalize…

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Life without Parole for a Non violent drug charge: The Erik Burgess 56:17

4M ago56:17

56:17

Erik Burgess never gave up the hope he was getting out of prison. In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews with Erik Burgess, who shares his incredible journey from being sentenced to life in prison without parole to ultimately finding freedom. Ultimately, Erik was in prison for 18 years and was set free. The conversation…

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Episode 235: Interview w/ Ismael Jimenez 32:01

4M ago32:01

32:01

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Ishmael Jimenez, who shares his journey into education and the importance of understanding historical context in teaching. They discuss the significance of Black history, the role of educators in challenging dominant narratives, and the need for truth in e…

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From Prison to Co-Founder of a College: The Karlos Harris Story 1:25:34

4M ago1:25:34

1:25:34

How does a guy go from 11 years in prison to being the co-founder of DSDT College? In this episode of the Nightmare Success podcast, host Brent Cassity engages in a deep conversation with Karlos Harris, a man who has transformed his life after serving 11 years in prison. They discuss overcoming fears, the importance of self-education, and the impac…

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Episode 234: The 2025 Black History Month Special 51:15

5M ago51:15

51:15

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages in a rich conversation with guests Leonard Webb and Vernon Wright. They explore the significance of Black History Month, the importance of storytelling, and the need to challenge the traditional narratives surrounding Black history. Leonard shares a personal story about…

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From Rock Bottom to Redemption: The Maggie Young Story 1:04:47

5M ago1:04:47

1:04:47

How does one go from a recovery patient to the Chief Recovery Officer of the same place, Liberation Programs?In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Maggie Young, the Chief Recovery Officer for Liberation Programs. Maggie shares her transformative journey from a troubled childhood in Alabama, through years of addiction and in…

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Episode 233: Pause to Ponder - The Intersection of Progress and Patriotism 10:14

5M ago10:14

10:14

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams emphasizes the critical need to teach authentic history, particularly during Black History Month. He discusses the intersection of policies and problems, particularly in relation to immigration and the historical context of laws like the Fugitive Slave Act. Williams argues that unde…

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Who do you call when you are in trouble? Craig Rothfeld Founder of Inside Outside 1:18:28

5M ago1:18:28

1:18:28

The New York Post Headline: Luigi Mangione hires Harvey Weinstein's Prison Consultant, Craig Rothfeld.In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Craig Rothfeld, a former finance professional turned prison consultant. Craig shares his journey from a successful career in finance to facing 18 months in prison for investment and tax…

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Episode 232: Interview w/ Maggie Broderick 28:28

5M ago28:28

28:28

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with educator Maggie Broderick to discuss the importance of belonging in education and the concept of 'oases'—hidden spaces within schools where students can find connection and support. They explore how these oases contribute to social emotional learning and the overal…

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Turning the Impossible into the Possible: The Dr. Antoinette Glenn Story 56:35

5M ago56:35

56:35

Antoinette Glenn was told she could not have a career in education because she was a federal ex-felon. That motivated her to become Dr. Antoinette Glenn who received her Doctorate in Education and has spent over 20 plus years serving high-risk economically disadvantaged children as a teacher and principal. In this episode of Nightmare Success, Bren…

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Episode 231: Pause to Ponder - A Dream & A Contradiction 12:42

5M ago12:42

12:42

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams reflects on the significance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump. He explores the contrasting legacies of King and Trump, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the role of educators in promoting equity and inclusion. Williams challenge…

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United Kingdom Venture Capitalist indicted by USA: The Ron Bauer Story 1:17:21

5M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Ron Bauer, an international venture capitalist and entrepreneur who shares his journey of overcoming fears and navigating through personal and professional challenges as a United Kingdom citizen indicted by the United States. Ron discusses his early life in Canada, his passion for …

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Episode 230: Interview w/Jose Moreno 32:03

6M ago32:03

32:03

In this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams engages with Jose Moreno, a former tech professional turned EdTech entrepreneur. They discuss the importance of challenging harmful narratives surrounding immigration, the impact of implicit bias in education, and the need for practical tools to support English Language Learner…

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The Family Struggle Battling the DOJ: The Amy Nelson Story 1:19:48

6M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

In this conversation, Amy Nelson shares her harrowing experience with civil forfeiture, the FBI raid on her home, and the subsequent legal battles against Amazon and the DOJ. Amy Nelson is the founder of Riveter, a married mom of 4 daughters, an attorney, writer, and spoken across the world on many stages including Fortune's Most Powerful Women. Am…

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Episode 229: Pause to Ponder - From Progress to Regression 11:31

6M ago11:31

11:31

In this episode, Charles Williams discusses the recent rollback of DEI policies by major corporations like McDonald's, in light of the Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action. He expresses concern over the implications for diversity and inclusion efforts, emphasizing that diversity is multifaceted and extends beyond race. Williams reflects on …

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Lawyer then prison, homeless, and now CEO: The Jeffrey Abramowitz Story 47:37

6M ago47:37

47:37

How do you go from being a successful attorney to prison to being homeless to being the CEO of national reentry nonprofit? In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Jeffrey Abramowitz, who shares his transformative journey from a successful Philadelphia lawyer to a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform and education a…

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Episode 228: Interview w/ Jennifer Abrams 32:35

6M ago32:35

32:35

Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, Charles Williams engages in a deep conversation with Jennifer Abrams about the significance of having hard conversations in educational settings. They explore the challenges of professional development, the necessity of adult development in schools, and the importance of emotional hyg…

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A Life Sentence, A Path to Redemption: The Lester Young Story 59:20

6M ago59:20

59:20

In this episode of Nightmare Success, host Brent Cassity interviews Lester Young, a former inmate who turned his life around after serving 22 years of a life sentence. Lester is the founder of Path2Redemption a non-profit that helps the formerly incarcerated transition back into society. The organization also has a powerful at-risk youth program. Y…

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Episode 227: Pause to Ponder - From Striving to Being 10:20

6M ago10:20

10:20

In this final episode of the year, Charles Williams reflects on his personal journey, emphasizing the importance of letting go as a means of growth. He shares insights from his experiences, including a transformative trip to Denver, and discusses how embracing simplicity can lead to more meaningful connections in the upcoming year. The episode enco…

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Episode 226: The 2024 Holiday Episode 49:17

7M ago49:17

49:17

Episode SummaryIn this holiday episode of the Counter Narrative Podcast, host Charles Williams is joined by co-authors of the book 'Grow Your Why' to discuss the significance of the holiday season, personal stories of growth, and the importance of connection. Each guest shares their unique contributions to the book, reflecting on their journeys and…