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Former lifer Brian James shares his remarkable journey of transitioning from 29 years in prison to three years of freedom, discussing the psychological challenges, family tragedies, and unexpected paths to healing he's encountered since release.

• Incarcerated at 16 in 1993 and released in 2022 at age 45, Brian describes the overwhelming pressure yet the gratitude of newfound responsibility
• Daily triggers include heightened anxiety in certain neighborhoods despite no actual threat, comparing this response to combat veterans' PTSD
• After losing his family home and possessions in a painful dispute, Brian found salvation through Muay Thai training when divine intervention provided exactly the $500 needed to join
• Brian recounts how counting objects—including the 748 holes in his solitary confinement cell door—became a coping mechanism that persists today
• Two critical decisions while incarcerated nearly jeopardized his release: refusing to pass contraband and getting caught with a needle
• The pivotal moment came after his grandmother's death when he contemplated suicide but decided to "put it off for a couple days"
• Currently working on "Lifer," a feature film about his story that highlights prison dog training programs that helped lead him to redemption
• Brian's message to current inmates: "The doors are open, we're free and we're waiting for you"

Support Brian's film "Lifer" by https://seedandspark.com/fund/lifer?token=4a882561872475a193541a98e79a4308a9e377d585b57716578587b27448efdf%23story#story "Lifer" or visiting his Instagram @freebliss1 for donation links.

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Manny, a former Fresno PD officer and undercover narcotics detective, shares his remarkable journey from Mexican immigrant working in agricultural fields to infiltrating drug cartels and conducting high-stakes operations in the dangerous world of narcotics trafficking.

• Born in Zacatecas, Mexico, Manny immigrated to the US at age four and began working in agricultural fields at age 10
• Parents instilled values of hard work and education, telling him to "get educated so you don't have to be here"
• Started police career in King City before moving to Fresno PD
• Despite being new to Fresno, was quickly recruited to specialized gang unit (MAGIC) due to previous experience
• Worked undercover for over 6 years, first with gangs then with high-level drug traffickers
• Conducted undercover operations posing as a buyer for drugs and firearms
• Emphasized command presence, communication skills, and report writing as essential police skills
• Described tactics for maintaining cover, including positioning himself as a "businessman" rather than a user
• Provided insights into drug trafficking organization structure, pricing changes, and cartel operations
• Encountered Santa Muerte altars in dealers' homes, noting those followers were often the most violent
• Was involved in shootouts, including an operation that resulted in one suspect deceased and one injured
• Now works as a background investigator for police candidates
• Advises new officers to maintain integrity, follow policy, stay within the law, and continuously improve their skills

If you're interested in a career in law enforcement, make sure you understand what you're getting into. This isn't an 8-to-5 job - there will be mandatory overtime, missed family events, and high-stress situations. Always have a Plan B, just in case it doesn't work out.

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Former Army veteran Ernie Mariscal shares his powerful journey from troubled youth to military service and his struggle with PTSD after combat deployment.

• Growing up in Brawley, California and dropping out of school at 16 to live on the streets
• Finding direction after a life-threatening encounter with a gunman at a drug house
• Joining the Army in 1991 and experiencing the culture shock of basic training
• Deploying to Iraq in 2004 as a Staff Sergeant in charge of recovery operations
• Witnessing the aftermath of combat violence, including retrieving a Humvee after a fatal RPG attack
• Struggling with alcoholism, PTSD, and failed relationships after returning home
• Reaching the breaking point after retirement, cycling through five jobs and contemplating suicide
• Finding purpose through speaking to at-risk youth, which became his saving grace
• Building a new life focused on speaking, running his businesses, and maintaining his mental health
• Creating Keep Up the Fight cigars and apparel as part of his mission to help others struggling with similar challenges

For bookings and more information, find Ernie Mariscal on Instagram, Facebook, or visit keepuptofightapparel.com.

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