Hold onto your hats! We're stepping into the intriguing world of email, internet and parole, seeing it all through the lens of a speaker who first encountered these concepts behind prison bars. The course of our conversation takes on a retrospective tone as we trace the evolution of the internet, journeying from the dial-up era to the Wi-Fi dominated present, while exploring life in a halfway house and the dynamics of the parole system. We'll also tackle the speaker's tryst with different churches, his power struggles, relationship drama, and his audacious encounter with the law at his own restaurant.

Remembering the past isn't always melancholic. Let's take a trip down memory lane as we recollect the speaker's lessons learned from Tony, his mentor from Leonardo's Italian Restaurant in Birmingham, Alabama. Relive the vibrancy of Tony's storytelling, his lesson on customer experience, and the speaker's first Alabama football game. But it won't just be a wistful trip; we'll also share the speaker's experiences of getting arrested at his own restaurant, and the life-changing lessons learned. So join me in this riveting conversation that spans a wide variety of topics, each one filled with insights that promise to educate, entertain and inspire.

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More from James & Haley:

• Chef James K Jones Website
• Cooking with Chef James K Jones (YouTube Channel)

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Crossfit Mephobia - Hayden Setser
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Dana Belcher - RE/MAX Advantage North
Website: theiconagents.com
email: danabelcheragent@gmail.com
Call or text 205-910-3358

Imagine encountering your cousin and co-defendant after 30 years, a man who has been wrestling with the justice system and desperately needs a change. This is exactly what happened to me, James, and in this poignant episode, I share my advice to him, wisdom sculpted by my own experiences and the guidance of my mentor, Steve Longenecker.

Haley and I reveal the transformative impact the Straight Outta Prison podcast has had, not just on us, but on our listeners too. The power of shared vulnerability has worked its magic, encouraging a deeper, more profound connection with our audience. We also touch upon my past relationship with Shana, and discuss the importance of respecting the privacy of those we mention in our podcast. Our friend and podcast patron, Rhonda Ruckel, joins us and shares how the stories about Haley's parents have moved her, a testament to the unique bond that storytelling can create.

We revisit my memories of Leonardo's, the restaurant that was a critical part of my life, and its owner, Tony Falletta, who was very much a father figure. I share the nostalgic emotions that engulfed me during my recent visit to the place, now a barbecue joint. Shifting gears, we dive into my journey of reconnecting with my biological father through a unique marketing strategy, leading up to an unexpected reunion with my half-brothers. We conclude by unveiling our ideas for the next season, discussing the potential of narrating other people's stories. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears, as we recount these captivating tales. Tune in now!

Support the Show.

More from James & Haley:

• Chef James K Jones Website
• Cooking with Chef James K Jones (YouTube Channel)

Support our Sponsors

Hurst Towing and Recovery -Lynn & Debbie Hurst
205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/


Home & Commercial Services
Call or text 205-798-0635
email office@hollandhcs.com
Instagram Home & Commercial Services

Crossfit Mephobia - Hayden Setser
CrossFitmephobiainfo@gmail.com
256-303-1873
https://www.instagram.com/crossfitmephobia/

Dana Belcher - RE/MAX Advantage North
Website: theiconagents.com
email: danabelcheragent@gmail.com
Call or text 205-910-3358

Have you ever felt like you were born into a mystery, one that has defined your entire life? Walk with us into the labyrinth of James's life, a fascinating story that unravels his search for identity and uncovers deep family secrets. In a world where we're often defined by our lineage, imagine waking up one day and realizing you're not who you always thought you were.

Join us as we follow James and his girlfriend Shana on an intense quest to Denver, Colorado. With a few clues and a bit of online sleuthing, they trail through Greek markets and cafes, hoping to find someone, anyone, who knows James's biological father. This episode is a roller-coaster ride of emotions, as James navigates the delicate balance between his adoptive family and his newfound Greek heritage. From a gripping court case to an unforgettable trip to the Denver Aquarium, the journey is as heartwrenching as it is thrilling.

The climax of our story takes us into a hidden bar in Greek Town, where James finally meets his biological father's family. Despite a language barrier, the joy of reunion is palpable. Yet, the episode is not just about finding a lost father but also about the realization of James's true identity in the grander scheme of the Jones family legacy. As we wrap up, we explore profound lessons of hope, resilience, and the power of truth. So come, join us on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery.

Support the Show.

More from James & Haley:

• Chef James K Jones Website
• Cooking with Chef James K Jones (YouTube Channel)

Support our Sponsors

Hurst Towing and Recovery -Lynn & Debbie Hurst
205-631-8697 (205-631-TOWS)
https://hursttowing.com/


Home & Commercial Services
Call or text 205-798-0635
email office@hollandhcs.com
Instagram Home & Commercial Services

Crossfit Mephobia - Hayden Setser
CrossFitmephobiainfo@gmail.com
256-303-1873
https://www.instagram.com/crossfitmephobia/

Dana Belcher - RE/MAX Advantage North
Website: theiconagents.com
email: danabelcheragent@gmail.com
Call or text 205-910-3358