Lock and Key Podcast-Both Sides of Prison

Glenn E. Martin doesn&#39;t just talk about change—he forces it. From getting stabbed at 16 on Rikers Island to forcing NYC to commit to closing Rikers, Glen&#39;s journey is a masterclass in transforming pain into power.In this raw conversation, Glenn breaks down:The moment a correction officer he used to stick up jewelry stores with ended up guarding him on RikersHow he survived gladiator school at 16 and what lesson the system accidentally taught himThe day Senator Jeff Sessions called him a &quot;blind squirrel&quot; who found a nut—and why that insult birthed JustLeadership USAThe tactical ambush that humiliated the NYC mayor and pushed the Rikers closure campaign forwardWhy he walked away from a $180K salary to build his own organizationHow he built 92 properties in 7 years providing housing for formerly incarcerated peopleThe professionalization of advocacy—and why taking white philanthropic money often means giving up Black and Brown powerHis new non-profit that cuts checks to formerly incarcerated entrepreneurs (no tap dancing, no Shark Tank)The crowdfunding model that&#39;s about to democratize his real estate investment strategyGlenn on navigating elite spaces while never forgetting where he came from, the thin line between predator and prey, and why autumn isn&#39;t winter yet.Hosted by: Marv &amp; Tone (Anthony Payton)Topics: Criminal Justice Reform, Re-entry Advocacy, Real Estate Investment, Rikers Island, Policy Change, Entrepreneurship, BRRR Method, Formerly Incarcerated Leadership


From Rikers Island to Power: Glenn’s Story of Survival and Redemption

Lock and Key has come a long way. In this special recap episode, Tone and Marv look back on the first season, the stories that shaped it, and the people who made it possible.They highlight powerful guests like BX Wild Bill, JB, Sharon White, Justina Weems, and Donald Hinton, just to name a few. Voices that prove second chances can lead to real impact. Plus, hear what’s ahead for Season 2: new guests, deeper conversations, and more stories from both sides of the prison wall.


Season 1 Recap

Marv Kinnel reconnects with author and activist Jestina Weems, who shares her journey from early trauma and incarceration to healing through creativity, motherhood, and leadership. A raw, powerful story of resilience, re-entry, and reclaiming purpose—featuring books, musicals, and a forthcoming docuseries. 


"From Pills to Prison, to Plays: Justina Weems Journey from Prison to Purpose."

(Special Episode) Writer, activist, and filmmaker Kevin Powell joins us alongside co-writer and producer Evangeline Lawson to discuss their six-year journey creating the documentary When We Free the World. This conversation dives deep into the complexities of Black manhood across generations. 


When We Free the World – Kevin Powell and Evangeline Lawson on Black Manhood, Healing & Film.

A former federal prisoner and a former correctional officer forged a connection at the same prison. Their perspective is raw and unique.