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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Hurst Towing and Recovery -Lynn & Debbie Hurst
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Call or text 205-798-0635
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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

Have you ever questioned how faith and business can coincide? What happens when an ex-convict, a religious business partner, and the dream of a new restaurant venture come together? Today, we take you on a riveting journey, the story of James, who faced the daunting task of opening Kairos Kafe amidst personal turmoil, family dynamics, and mounting debt.

This is more than just a business saga; it's a tale of resilience, faith, and the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship. The complexities of James's story are hard to fathom. From juggling multiple jobs to the trials of finding a new home due to a criminal record, it's a testament to his indomitable spirit. But that's not all. Confronted with the challenge of his business partner, Steve, imposing religion onto the staff of Kairos, James's journey raises questions about the thin line separating faith from professionalism.

Through the rollercoaster of his life, James's story is a beacon of hope and inspiration. Despite the adversities, he managed to turn things around, ingeniously using an email newsletter to promote Kairos Kafe. But perhaps, the most transformative aspect of his journey is his newfound purpose - to positively impact his staff's lives. So, gear up to explore James's world, full of struggles and triumphs, lessons learnt, and the drive to make a difference.

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

Ever dreamt of starting your own restaurant? Been captivated by the idea of turning an old building into a buzzing food hub, but haven’t the faintest clue where to begin? Well, pull up a chair, we've quite a story to share! On this episode, we rewind to the beginning of our Kairos Kafe journey, the transformation of an old barbecue building in Birmingham to a community gathering spot.

We delve into the trials and tribulations of the process, the nail-biting talks with conservative church elders, and the grueling renovation to meet food service standards. Learn how we turned potential investors into believers of our vision, and yes, there will be stories about maxing out credit cards and tapping into home equity. We assure you, it’s not all tears and sweat. We also share our joy in decorating the restaurant and paying homage to our supporters.

The climax, of course, is the grand opening. Drama, tension, unexpected guests, it had it all! But amidst the chaos, Kairos Kafe was born - a testament to our dream. Lastly, we'd love for you to join us on our Patreon page and social platforms for exclusive "For Real Reel" content. We can’t wait for you to join us on this exhilarating journey of starting a restaurant, because let’s face it, the journey is as important as the destination.

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

Welcome to an intimate exploration of love, secrets, and the complexities of relationships. Ever wondered what it's like to navigate the stormy seas of a secret love affair? Ever felt caught between the expectations of two worlds? Together, let's embark on this journey as I, James K Jones, unravel the tapestry of my personal life and business journey.

We dive headfirst into the tumultuous relationship between myself and Shana, a woman I met through her father Steve, who was not only my Pastor but a Father figure to me. Discover the roller coaster of emotions, from the exhilarating highs of secret love and extravagant gestures to the crushing lows of conflict and court cases. Learn about the difficult dynamics between me, Shana, and her parents... and how external pressures and interferences threatened to unravel everything.

Uncover the raw realities of co-dependency, fear, and shame, and witness a transformation as I recount my journey to healing. Each chapter peels back another layer, exposing my battle with insecurities and the courage it took to face them head-on. Come along as we reflect on life's seasons, the challenges they present, and the wisdom gleaned through them all. This episode is a testament to human resilience, the power of self-discovery, and the strength to navigate even the most tumultuous relationships.

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 wondered how the lessons learned behind bars could transform your life? Join us for a soul-stirring conversation with James, an individual who turned his prison experiences into tools for personal growth and business expansion. We venture into the world of Leonardo's Catering, and discover how the James, along with Tony's daughter Dana, used their unique skills to create a thriving enterprise.

His journey extends beyond the confines of their business. We touch upon his personal struggles, illustrating how these hurdles shaped him into the individual he is today. James, in particular, shares his experience juggling personal goals with professional development and how it led him down an emotional path of buying his first home and managing relationships.

But this story doesn't end with James and Haley. The episode explores their impact on others, especially James's mentoring of Branden, a young man who, through hard work and dedication, found his way into their family and their business. This heartwarming tale of resilience, redemption, and love is a testament to the power of second chances and the indomitable human spirit. Join us for this inspiring journey of healing and renewal, and learn how you too can turn life's challenges into stepping stones to success.

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

Would you turn down a big fat cash bonus after just a month on the job? Probably not! We bring you a heartfelt conversation about James's remarkable journey, beginning with his first job after prison at an Italian restaurant called Leonardo's. We explore how James's relationship with the owner, Big Tony, helped him navigate life and the pressures of making money. Hear about the unique bond they formed and the infectious energy that Tony brought to the restaurant.

Every journey comes with its own set of challenges. Can you imagine juggling between the Church and the demanding restaurant business? We'll share about James's life in Birmingham, the cultural differences he encountered, and the contrasting influences of Tony and Steve on his life. We also have a funny anecdote about how James was mistaken for Tony's Son, leading to some humorous moments at the restaurant.

Every story has a heart, and ours is no different. It's about Big Tony's generosity and his role as a father figure in James's life. From cash bonuses to Alabama games, Tony's profound impact on James is undeniable. Stick around as we reveal the poignant story of how James's mother came to live with him and how this experience brought them closer together. We wrap up our conversation reflecting on the valuable lessons learned from James's seven-year journey at Leonardo's, and the importance of recognizing the gift of the present. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride of emotions, laughter, and life lessons.

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