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Talking Second Chances

Talking Second Chances

Von: TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
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Talking Second Chances is a podcast that explores how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce by helping justice-involved individuals prepare to successfully reenter communities across the state. Listen to engaging and candid talk about reentry, and hear perspectives from both JII individuals and employers who are willing to give them a second chance.Copyright TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Politik & Regierungen
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  • Connecting to Opportunity: The Workforce Reentry Tablet Program

    Connecting to Opportunity: The Workforce Reentry Tablet Program
    Sep 8 2026
    In this episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White sit down with Adult Education Assistant Administrator Debbie Fillers to explore the Workforce Reentry Tablet Program and how technology is helping prepare individuals for success after incarceration.

    Debbie explains how the program got started and how tablets provide access to personal development resources, workforce skills training, high school equivalency classes, and other educational content while individuals are still incarcerated.

    She also discusses the changes made to the program this year and how those improvements are designed to better prepare individuals for employment and successful reentry once they return home.

    Looking ahead, Debbie shares her vision for the future of the tablet program—including the possibility of developing pre-apprenticeship opportunities that could give participants a direct pathway to careers and in-demand skills.

    It's a conversation about education, technology, workforce development, and creating stronger pathways to a second chance.
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    27 Min.
  • Building Hope Through Lived Experience: A Conversation with TN Voices

    Building Hope Through Lived Experience: A Conversation with TN Voices
    Aug 3 2026
    In this impactful episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White welcome Rikki Harris, CEO of TN Voices, for a conversation about the power of lived experience, mental health, and second chances.

    Rikki shares how TN Voices supports the mental health and well-being of children, families, and adults through counseling, peer services, family support, and advocacy. She explains that the organization's "secret sauce" is employing counselors and peer support specialists who have lived experiences similar to those of the people they serve, helping build meaningful connections rooted in empathy and understanding.

    The discussion also explores TN Voices' work with justice-involved individuals returning from prison or jail, where trust, honesty, and authentic relationships are essential to successful reentry and long-term recovery.

    Rikki also discusses Tennessee's role in advancing innovative mental health treatment through the HOPE Treatment Act, which authorized federally approved clinical trials of ibogaine in Tennessee. She explains the potential of this plant-derived therapy being studied for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and addiction, and why researchers and advocates are watching its development closely.

    Finally, Rikki shares insights from her upcoming book, Power of Perspective, releasing September 8, 2026, and reflects on how changing the way we see ourselves and others can transform lives. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about mental health, recovery, hope, and the power of second chances.
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    30 Min.
  • From LEAP to Leadership: Andrian Bullock’s Second Chance Success Story

    From LEAP to Leadership: Andrian Bullock’s Second Chance Success Story
    Jul 1 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White sit down with LEAP (Linking Employment Activities Pre-Release) success story Andrian Bullock to discuss her remarkable journey from incarceration to leadership.

    After serving seven years in prison, Andrian has been home for just seven months. Within a month of starting her new job, she was promoted to General Manager a testament to her determination, work ethic, and the preparation she received before reentering the workforce. Andrian shares how the LEAP program equipped her with the tools, confidence, and employment skills needed to successfully transition back into the community and build a thriving career. Her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support and opportunity, second chances can lead to extraordinary success.

    Tune in to hear Andrian's inspiring journey and learn how programs like LEAP are helping justice-impacted individuals prepare for meaningful employment and brighter futures.
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    21 Min.
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