Advertise on podcast: Forgiven AF

Richard Helen is one of those people where every time he opens his mouth, you want to grab a notepad and write everything down. We met through a men's group, and I've been trying to get him on the podcast ever since. Richard's story isn't what you'd expect. He grew up in a small town in Texas, joined the military at 19, and discovered leadership in a way that completely changed his life. But it wasn't just about leading others—it was about learning to lead himself first. Through counseling, reflection, and a lot of hard work, Richard discovered how the way he was raised shaped the way he showed up in relationships. And once he understood that, everything changed. This conversation is one of the most practical episodes we've ever done. If you've ever struggled in a relationship—whether it's with your spouse, your kids, or even yourself—this episode will give you real tools to work with. Richard breaks down what a healthy relationship actually looks like, how to communicate when emotions are running high, how to rebuild trust after you've broken it, and why so many of us keep attracting the same type of person over and over again. What We Talked About: • How the military taught Richard about leadership and serving something bigger than himself • The five agreements every healthy relationship needs (spiritual, emotional, financial, sexual, and parenting) • Why emotional intelligence is the foundation of every relationship • How to communicate during conflict without tearing each other down • The rules Richard and his wife created to fight fair in their marriage • How to apologize the right way (and why most apologies don't work) • Rebuilding trust after you've broken it—and why you can't rush the process • Why counseling isn't just for broken people—it's for anyone who wants to grow • How to heal from your past so you don't keep bringing it into new relationships • Why you can't expect someone else to validate what only God can Richard has been married three times, and he's the first to tell you that his past failures made him the man he is today. He doesn't regret any of it—because without those experiences, he wouldn't be able to help the people he's helping now. If you're locked up right now and thinking about the relationships you've damaged or the ones you want to build when you get out—this episode is for you. Start working on yourself now so you're ready when the time comes. Connect with Richard Helen: Website: RichardHelen.com Books available on Amazon (search Richard Helen) If this episode helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember — you're loved, you're forgiven, and there's nothing you can do about it.

Justin Visitacion and I have been talking about this conversation for over a year. We actually recorded a two-hour episode a while back, but only one clip ever saw the light of day. So we sat down again—this time with clarity, intention, and no holding back. Justin’s story isn’t the typical redemption narrative you usually hear on this podcast. He’s never been incarcerated. But what he does bring is a powerful perspective on entrepreneurship, faith, and fatherhood—one that many men coming out of prison need to hear, especially when they’re trying to figure out what comes next. Justin went from being a college baseball player to becoming a father at just 19 years old. That moment changed everything. He was forced to grow up fast and make real decisions about the kind of man he wanted to be. With only one semester left, he walked away from nursing school to pursue roofing sales—a move that seemed reckless at the time, but ultimately reshaped his entire future. Today, he runs Ember Roofing, a roofing company built on integrity, experience, and treating people the right way. That decision didn’t just change his career—it gave him the freedom to provide for his family in ways he never thought possible.

We've been trying to get Sylvester Stemley on this podcast for three years. When he finally explained why he waited, it all clicked — he was watching to see if I was answering an agenda or answering an assignment. This conversation hits deep. Sylvester went from managing trainers and working with pro athletes to full-time youth ministry, realizing God had been preparing him all along. We talk about the Teen Summit, the challenge of reaching kids in a noisy world, and a powerful truth: don’t waste the wait. While you’re waiting, are you picking up the weight to grow stronger? If you feel stuck, overlooked, or are waiting on a breakthrough, this episode is for you. Sylvester unpacks Joseph’s time in prison and how purpose can still be lived out in the hardest seasons. We cover: • His transition from fitness to youth ministry • Why he waited three years to come on the podcast • Lessons from the Teen Summit • The real obstacle in youth ministry • Why discipleship starts at home • Agenda vs. assignment • Not wasting your season • Using influence the right way Sylvester is humble, intentional, and serious about reaching the next generation. I’m fired up about what we’re building. If this episode spoke to you, share it. And if you’re in a season of waiting — don’t waste it. Pick up the weight.

In this episode, we sit down with Will Clewis, a man who went from believing he’d play pro football… to facing the heartbreak of going undrafted and spiraling into depression. But instead of letting that moment define him, Will rebuilt everything from the ground up. He became a teacher, poured into students, and eventually took a massive leap of faith by opening his own gym. That gym didn’t just survive—it blew up, becoming one of the most successful fitness spots in his city. After scaling it to the top, Will sold the business and stepped into his true calling: coaching entrepreneurs on how to build, scale, and sell companies the right way. This conversation is packed with real talk about identity, purpose, failure, entrepreneurship, and the mindset it takes to reinvent your life when the dream you were chasing falls apart. Whether you’re behind bars, building a business, or trying to find your next chapter, Will’s story will show you what’s possible when you refuse to stay down. #ForgivenAFPodcast #BiblicalManhood #HealingAndFaith

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a man who went to prison at a young age — but that wasn’t the end of his story. After getting out, he turned his life around, got his record erased, found faith, and became a Christian rapper using his story to inspire others. Now he’s working inside the juvenile justice system, helping young people avoid the same mistakes he once made. This is what redemption looks like. This is what 2nd chances are all about. 🔥 Topics we cover: • How prison changed his mindset • The process of getting his record cleared • Finding purpose through faith and music • His mission in the juvenile justice department • Why second chances matter If you’ve ever felt like your past defined you — this episode will change that.

This convo with Will Winfield—aka Will is Blessed—was one of the most powerful episodes we’ve done. We talked about everything from father wounds and forgiveness to calling, purpose, and what it really means to walk out your faith with boldness. Will’s journey proves that you don’t need a degree or platform to impact lives—you just need obedience. What We Talked About:  • How he overcame rejection and identity struggles  • What forgiveness did for his life and calling  • Public speaking tips (especially if you’re scared to try) • Knowing when God is telling you to move • Checking your heart and staying humble as a leader Why It Matters: This episode is for anyone who’s been playing it safe. You’ve got a calling, and it’s time to shift gears and walk in it. As Will said, “If the enemy’s attacking you, it’s because you’re a threat.” Let’s go.

This episode hit different. I got to sit down with my friend Tuan Nguyen—someone who’s been through it and came out stronger. From multiple stints in prison to leading people as a certified John Maxwell speaker and coach, his story is raw, real, and full of redemption. What We Talked About • His journey from addiction and incarceration to faith and freedom • The trauma that shaped him—and how he’s healing through it • What prison taught him about leadership, communication, and identity • How he’s now empowering ex-offenders and entrepreneurs through coaching • Why personal development is spiritual development Why It Matters Tuan’s story proves that you can lose everything and still build a life that honors God. If you’re stuck in the streets or struggling to believe you’re more than your past, this episode is for you. There’s purpose in your pain—and freedom on the other side of surrender.

Today I sit down with my friend Robert Walsh—18 years with Arlington PD, former undercover/homicide sergeant, and founder of NEX Metropolitan. Robert was the first person to invite me to share my testimony with students after I came home, and it changed my life. This one is honest, nuanced, and full of hope and accountability.

In this episode I sit down with my guy Bryan Burns—board member, brother, and friend—for a raw Q&A pulled straight from your emails. We get into turning points, imposter syndrome, building “Fresh Out,” and the real heart behind Second Chance Mentors. No fluff—just hope, truth, and what God can do with a messy past.

This one’s special. I sat down with Zachariah Rippey—comedian, podcaster, speaker, and most of all, a man whose life radically shifted when he encountered Jesus in a real way. From chasing laughs to chasing purpose, this is a raw conversation about transformation, calling, and stepping out in faith. What We Talked About: • His journey from stand-up comedy to full-time ministry • How COVID shattered his career but sparked his faith • The origin and impact of the “I Like Birds” podcast • Grief, RV life, and discovering God’s plan • His mission in Uganda and launching a powerful new book • Humor, vulnerability, and truth as tools for evangelism Why It Matters: Zach’s story is a reminder that God’s purpose is often found in the unexpected. When doors close, others open—and they often lead us exactly where we’re supposed to be. If you’ve ever felt like your identity was tied to a title or talent, this episode is a must-listen. If you’re feeling stuck or wondering what’s next, let this be your nudge: God can use everything for His glory.

This one is wild, y’all. I got to sit down with Robert Borelli, a former member of the Gambino crime family, and let me tell you—his story is straight out of a movie. But it’s real. From running the streets of Brooklyn, living the mafia life, to crack addiction and multiple stints in prison… all the way to a radical encounter with Jesus that changed everything. What We Talked About: •    Growing up in a mafia-run neighborhood  •    His slow slide into organized crime •    The toll addiction took on his life and reputation •    Getting clean in Rikers and giving his life to Christ •    Starting over with a new identity—literally and spiritually  •    How he now uses his story to lead others to Jesus Why It Matters: So many people think they’re too far gone. Robert is proof that no one is. No matter how dark your past, God can still give you a new name, a new heart, and a new mission. If you’re stuck in a cycle or feel like there’s no way out, this episode is for you. You’re never too far for a comeback—and God’s not done with you yet.

Check out this conversation with Shawn and Jeffery and see how Jeffery has overcome years of struggles and failures and turned it for good.  He now brings coaching and motivation to many others and has created what he considers the 5 keys to failure. Jeffrey believes all are called but few will answer. Listen in! 

In this episode, Shawn chats with Trevor Burger about his difficult journey to sobriety and the profound purpose he found along the way. Trevor shares how he now helps struggling addicts nationwide by guiding them toward recovery and a relationship with Jesus. Listen in as they discuss the transformative impact of the Hope Is Alive program, which provides men and women with new opportunities for a brighter future. 

Check out this episode where Shawn and Kendrick discuss what led to prison, the lifestyle and work done behind the walls and the incredible bounce back after getting released.  It’s never too late to start over and take advantage of a 2nd chance. 

Check out this episode where Shawn and Bryan discuss recent life updates and make a major announcement about the future of 2nd Chance Mentors. This announcement could change the lives of so many people, check it out!