Kris shares his story of coming to Men of Valor Knoxville after being released from Bledsoe Prison and choosing to stay—not because he had to, but because he knew he needed structure, accountability, and community.

In this short-form conversation, Kris talks about navigating self-doubt, facing unexpected responsibilities like child support, and how relationships—not just sobriety—became the foundation for lasting change. Today, he serves as the ReEntry Minister and Family Coordinator at Men of Valor Knoxville, helping others walk the same path he once did.

This episode is part of The Redemption Project—real stories about responsibility, faith, and rebuilding life after incarceration.

In this episode of The Redemption Project podcast (Season 4, Episode 2), I read and comment on my article originally published in Knox TN Today: “Mission of Hope, at Christmas and Every Other Day of the Year.”

This piece reflects on how ministries and community partners work year-round—not just during the holidays—to care for people in need, extend compassion, and provide meaningful help that leads to stability and purpose.

In this read-aloud and commentary, we explore:

• What hope looks like in action, not just in intention

• How community ministries sustain support beyond seasonal generosity

• Why long-term relationships matter in recovery and reentry

• The broader impact of consistent care in building resilient lives

For the original written article, visit:

https://www.knoxtntoday.com/mission-of-hope-at-christmas-and-every-other-day-of-the-year/

The Redemption Project tells real stories of change, accountability, and second chances, hosted by Brandon Burley.

What do you think, is this a reason or an excuse?

A long-form conversation with Savannah Ford, whose life once revolved around addiction, incarceration, and the belief that she didn’t really matter.

Savannah talks about growing up in Sevier County, years of IV drug use and repeated overdoses, serving time in jail, and what it was like to walk out with no structure—and fall right back into the cycle. She reflects on the moment a court decision diverted her into treatment, the slow work of accountability and faith, and why staying—long after the program ended—changed everything.

Today, Savannah works on staff at FOCUS Ministries, helping other women navigate the same road she once walked.

This conversation is part of The Redemption Project—a podcast about real people, real consequences, and the long, imperfect work of change.

🎧 New episodes release weekly on Spotify and major podcast platforms.

Hey! Welcome to season 2.

In season 2, I will be focused on more long form storytelling from individuals who have overcome their demons.

Season 1 was more short from storytelling (less than 10 minutes), and we will have that again in season 3 if thats what you like!

Season 4 is narrated Journalism. That is where I will be reading, and/or commenting on my own journalism and those podcasts I am trying to keep around the 2 minute mark.

Season 5 is episodes of me teaching. I will be uploading videos of me teaching criminal justice to middle school and high school students. This may include videos with guest speakers, or field trips- but it is everything that is part of teaching criminal justice.

Season 6 is all about ministries. Ministries throughout the United States that are doing great things in the redemption world.

This segment explores why incentives matter in criminal justice and reentry systems.Compliance does not happen in a vacuum. When individuals are given no incentives for positive behavior, accountability systems often fail.We discuss how structured incentives encourage responsibility, reduce violations, and support long-term success while still maintaining supervision and consequences.The Redemption Project focuses on realistic approaches to accountability and behavior change.

In this episode of The Redemption Project, I read and comment on my article “What Redemption Looks Like in Knoxville: A Day Inside Men of Valor,” originally published in Knox TN Today.

The piece offers a firsthand look inside Men of Valor Knoxville—a long-term reentry program built on accountability, structure, and community. It explores what life actually looks like for men transitioning out of incarceration, beyond slogans and statistics.

This episode reflects on what redemption requires in practice: time, responsibility, mentorship, and systems willing to invest in people after prison. Redemption doesn’t erase the past—it shapes what comes next.

Read the original article here:
https://www.knoxtntoday.com/what-redemption-looks-like-in-knoxville-a-day-inside-men-of-valor/

What do you think about Dwan's position? His story will be out January 26, 2026.