Ryan and Steve dive into how real friendships and positive communities can change your experience inside and shape your future outside. They share their own stories of finding trustworthy people in prison, building healthy circles, supporting others through hard times, and creating communities that encourage growth. This episode is all about choosing friends who lift you up—and staying connected to the ones who help you succeed when you come home.

Episode 9: The Importance of Learning

Ryan and Steve break down how education transforms lives during and after prison—academic learning like the GED, spiritual growth, vocational training, and everyday life skills. This episode shows how knowledge becomes freedom long before release.

Unconfined Conversations with Ryan & Steve — Episode 8: The Company You Keep

In this episode, Ryan and Steve dive deep into one of the most powerful forces shaping a person’s life—the company you keep, both inside and outside of prison. They explore how the people around you influence your mindset, your behavior, and ultimately your future.

This conversation unpacks themes of leadership, influence, mentorship, and teaching, and how each of these plays a role in personal transformation. Whether you’re incarcerated, returning home, or simply navigating life’s challenges, the message is universal:

Your environment shapes you. Your associations guide you. Your future depends on the people you choose to walk with.

Ryan and Steve ask the hard but necessary question:

Do you want to come out of prison better or worse?

The answer starts with who you surround yourself with today.

If you’re ready to grow, evolve, and build a future you’re proud of, this episode is for you.

Surround yourself with your future—not your past.