17 Winters Podcast

Episode #40 of the 17 Winters Podcast dives into the painful and often overlooked reality of generational incarceration. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with author Alexis Devon Smith to discuss his impactful book, Momma Does My Daddy Still Love Me, and the emotional toll incarceration takes on our women, children and families across generations.Together, we explore the trauma, abandonment, confusion, and resilience experienced by children with incarcerated parents, while shedding light on the importance of healing, accountability, and breaking destructive cycles. Alexis shares his inspiration behind the book, his personal passion for advocacy, and why these conversations are necessary for both families and communities impacted by the justice system.This episode is a must-listen for returning citizens, parents, advocates, educators, and anyone committed to changing the narrative surrounding incarceration and family restoration.🎙️ 17 Winters — Reducing recidivism through community support, accountability, and real conversations that inspire change. #FreeTheReal


Episode #40: Generational Incarceration and support featuring Alexis Devon Smith

This episode is a milestone for 17 Winters.For the first time, I sit down with a TV star from BET+’s American Gangster: Trap Queens (Season 4, Episode 7), and for the first time ever, we feature a formerly incarcerated woman with the camera rolling—telling her story on her own terms.Episode 37 is a real, unfiltered conversation about entrepreneurship, reentry, and survival. We talk honestly about what support actually looks like for women while incarcerated, and how those experiences shape the path home. We dive into the FELONY Girls movement, what it represents for women returning from prison, and why it matters for reentry efforts across Michigan.This wasn’t just an interview—it was a moment of connection, truth-telling, and relationship-building in the ongoing work to end mass incarceration. Another bond formed. Another story amplified. Another step forward. Tap in for a conversation about resilience, accountability, and rebuilding—told by someone who lived it.#FreeTheReal #EndMassIncarceration #FELONYGirls #TrapQueen


Episode #37: Starr Austin "FELONY Girls impacting the movement from Huron Valley"

The conversation continues. In Part 2 of our deep dive into the role of formerly incarcerated people in Community Violence Intervention (CVI), I sit down with my co-defendant, my best friend, and one of the sharpest minds in this work—Sidney Black, Lead Neighborhood Change Agent for Advance Peace, a national leader in CVI.We get into the CVI discussion immediately. Sidney breaks down what the Advance Peace model actually looks like on the ground and what their team is doing right now in Lansing, Michigan to intervene in cycles of harm and build real pathways for transformation.We also revisit my stance from Part 1—where I said that “credible messenger” specifically means an ex-contributor—and Sidney brings his own perspective to the table. Together, we unpack why lived experience is not just valuable but fundamental to authentic CVI work.Lastly, we get into the nuances of language, especially when navigating relationships with police inside a CVI framework—what helps, what harms, and what communities need to be aware of as this field continues to grow.Another raw, honest, necessary chapter in this ongoing conversation.#freethereal #endmassincarceration #cvi


Episode 35: Sidney Black II "Formerly Incarcerated Impact on CVI Work (Part 2)”

In this special bonus episode of 17 Winters, I step off the mic and into a chair — as a Live Book in the Ingham County Human Library.Just like traditional libraries offer mystery, memoir, or poetry, this space offers living, breathing stories — told by real people who’ve walked through real chapters. At Voices of Ingham, no story is too heavy, too complex, or too raw to be heard. Each “book” is a human being. And today, I’m honored to share a chapter from my own book: the path that led me to incarceration… and what came after. Sit.  Listen.  Understand.Whether you’re new to 17 Winters or have been with me through it all, I invite you to pull up, tune in, and step into a moment of empathy. Because in this library, judgment is left at the door — and connection is the takeaway.


Bonus Episode: “Live from the Human Library”

In Episode 29 of 17 Winters, Brother Mike X sits down with Brother David X (Bates), a formerly incarcerated man who returned home in 1999 and has since lived a life rooted in purpose, faith, and transformation. A dedicated member of the Nation of Islam, Brother David shares his powerful story of transitioning back into society, building a professional life grounded in discipline and service, and staying committed to his growth.We reflect on our early connection and interactions before prison, how those moments shaped our perspectives, and how his unwavering commitment to change opened doors for both personal and professional development. This episode is a deep and honest conversation between two brothers who understand the cost of the past and the value of redemption.Stay tuned—this is just part one. Brother David X will return soon for a deeper dive into his work, wisdom, and walk. Don’t miss it.


Episode #29: “Committed to the Change” featuring Brother David X (Bates)

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Brother Malachi Muhammad, a deeply rooted voice of transformation, truth, and liberation. We trace his incredible journey—from navigating the complex relationship between the Nation of Islam and the Melanics, to joining the Nation of Islam and our shared commitment to the fight for justice and freedom for Brother Dyson X.Brother Malaci opens up about the moment he discovered the identity of his father, the impact of that knowledge, and how it shaped his sense of self during and after his time behind the wall. After serving 29 years as a juvenile lifer in Michigan, he walks us through the realities of reentry, radical faith, and resilient hope.We dive deep into:The abolition of the carceral systemThe culture shift in prison over three decadesThe rise in gang population and what that shift meant on the insideThe question: &quot;Can you truly get better in prison?&quot;And I ask the layered, sometimes polarizing question: &quot;Can a woman raise a man?&quot;This is not just a conversation—it&apos;s a window into survival, belief, and the pursuit of purpose beyond the cage.Tap in. Reflect. Share.https://www.instagram.com/17wintersmikex/https://www.facebook.com/17winterspodcast


Episode #27: "Faith, Freedom & Finding Manhood” with Brother Malachi Muhammad

“Time is the most valuable asset in life…” In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Calloway, who served 9 years in MDOC. Ethan shares his firsthand experience with the challenges of prison programming, the gaps in rehabilitation, and how these issues impact reentry.But this conversation is also personal—Ethan had a front-row seat to my transformation while we were both inside. He shares his perspective on witnessing my change and how it shaped his own outlook on life after incarceration.Now back home, Ethan opens up about his first steps post-release, the struggles of reintegration, and the unexpected obstacles he&apos;s facing. From navigating a changed world to redefining his purpose, this episode is a raw and honest look at the realities of coming home.Tune in for a deep, personal, and powerful conversation about friendship, growth, and the road to redemption.https://www.instagram.com/17wintersmikex/https://www.facebook.com/17winterspodcast


Episode #25: Ethan Calloway’s Journey After 9 Years"

&quot;Breaking the cycle of incarceration.”In this eye-opening episode of the 17 Winters podcast, we meet Hakim Crampton, a resilient individual who spent 15 years in the Milwaukee prison system for a crime he did not commit. Now, nearly two decades after his release, Hakim shares his incredible journey of survival, struggle, and triumph, all while navigating the complexities of life on parole.Hakim’s story sheds light on the harsh realities of inter-generational incarceration, highlighting how systemic issues impact families and communities. After being wrongfully convicted, he was eventually granted early release under the stipulation of remaining on parole for the remainder of his sentence. Despite these challenges, Hakim has emerged not just as a survivor but as a prolific author, having published nine books that articulate his experiences and insights gained from years behind bars.Listeners will hear about his time spent in a private prison, where he focused on building programs aimed at rehabilitation and education, not only for himself but for fellow inmates as well. His dedication to changing the narrative around incarceration and advocating for justice reform is inspiring.Hakim&apos;s story is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of fighting for truth and redemption. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges perceptions and inspires change.https://www.instagram.com/17wintersmikex/https://www.facebook.com/17winterspodcast


Episode #23: Hakim Nathaniel Crampton, Organizer/Author

In this thought-provoking episode, Sidney and I engage in a compelling discussion as we explore the complexities of the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution. This episode delves into the nuances of justice, freedom, and the implications of incarceration.One of the key questions we tackle is whether PTSD is considered real or respected if it is self-inflicted—specifically, when individuals commit crimes, place themselves in prison, and are ultimately responsible for navigating their own trauma. Sidney shares insights and personal perspectives on this sensitive topic, prompting a deeper examination of accountability and mental health within the criminal justice system.Join us for a candid conversation that challenges conventional views and encourages listeners to reflect on the intersection of personal responsibility and the mental health challenges faced by those impacted by incarceration. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of trauma, justice, and the human experience.There will be multiple entries on this topic so this is part 1. To be continued…https://www.instagram.com/17wintersmikex/https://www.facebook.com/17winterspodcast
