Welcome to God Behind Bars, a podcast where we explore the intersection of faith and incarceration. Join our CEO and Founder, Jake Bodine, as we take you inside prisons across the U.S. and have candid conversations with current and former inmates, Department of Corrections officials, and other various other guests and discuss why we believe God belongs in prison. Tune in every other week and be encouraged by stories of faith, resilience, and the transformative power of God behind prison walls.
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From Mount Vernon, New York, Curtis Lambert’s life was marked by violence, pain, and survival. Kicked out of schools, trapped in gang life, and hardened by the streets, Curtis’ story spirals from a childhood of abuse to a life of crime, leading to the unthinkable—shooting his own brother. But that wasn’t the end. Locked in a jail cell, broken and desperate, Curtis encountered the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. What began as a life of chaos turned into a testimony of transformation. From guns an...
In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, founder Jake Bodine and worship leader Matt New dive deep into the heart behind God Behind Bars Music — a movement born inside prison walls.They share how leading worship behind bars inspired a brand-new sound of freedom — songs written with and for incarcerated men and women whose voices deserve to be heard. From unforgettable moments inside prison yards to the creation of the upcoming “God Behind Bars Music: Live from Angola” EP, Jake an...
Peter “Chappy” Meyerhoff’s life is the definition of redemption. At 15, he was addicted to meth. At 18, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Inside, he became a “shot caller,” running with power and pride—until it all came crashing down. After over a decade behind bars and nearly a year in solitary confinement, Peter walked out of prison with nothing but a decision: to never go back. With no high school diploma, no connections, and no plan, he rebuilt from the ground up—turning his pain into ...
Caesar Isaac was born the day after his dad kidnapped someone over drugs. His father wasn’t in the delivery room, and soon after, prison became part of the family story. What began in chaos and brokenness turned into a journey of forgiveness, faith, and redemption.
From chasing the streets to finding salvation, this is the powerful story of E.I. the King . Growing up with big dreams but caught up in the wrong influences, E.I. found himself in and out of prison from the age of 18. For over a decade, the cycle of incarceration defined his life—until God stepped in. In the darkest places, behind bars, he encountered grace that would transform everything. Now free, E.I. the King is on a mission: using music, testimony, and street outreach to bring hope to the ...
At just 14 years old, Ander Pellerano was jumped into the Latin Kings, thrown into a world of crime, violence, and survival. What began as a search for belonging quickly spiraled into a destructive lifestyle that nearly cost him everything.In this powerful testimony, Ander opens up about the night his life changed forever, the weight of gang culture, and how violence became his identity. But his story doesn’t end there. Through heartbreak, prison time, and the pain of broken family ties, God beg...
He was sentenced to 10 years in prison at just 16 years old. But Jesus had other plans. In this raw and powerful testimony, Michael Berrian shares his full story — from gang life, drugs, and armed robbery to a supernatural encounter with Jesus inside one of Georgia’s most dangerous prisons. What began as a prison sentence became a resurrection. After his release, Michael miraculously returned to the same facility — not as an inmate, but as a Juvenile Correctional Officer. He eventually rose to t...
Johnny Chang was raised in violence, joined a gang at 12, and ended up spending over 8 years behind bars. But it was inside a prison cell that everything changed. A simple act of kindness from a pastor led Johnny to Jesus—and it transformed his life forever. Today, he shares his story of redemption, reconciliation, and radical faith with the world, especially the incarcerated. This is a powerful testimony of how no one is too far for God’s grace. PLEASE SHARE AND SUBSCRIBE! Connect with us on so...
What happens when meth addiction takes everything—your freedom, your family, even your will to live? In this raw and emotional episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, we sit down with an inmate known as "The Eye Patch Guy," who opens up about his past addiction to crystal meth, his self-hatred, and the spiral that landed him in prison. But what starts as a story of destruction quickly becomes one of redemption, healing, and the quiet voice of God behind bars. 🚨 He shares how prison saved his li...
Watch as Todd shares how Jesus transformed his life inside of prison. His life is a testament to God's Power and Love. Disclaimer: The views and testimonies shared in this video are those of the individuals speaking and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Mississippi Department of Corrections or Management & Training Corporation. We respect the diverse beliefs and backgrounds of all individuals. Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine...
In this powerful conversation with Luther Collie, we dive deep into his incredible journey from rock bottom to redemption. He shares raw, unfiltered stories about faith, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of purpose. If you’re feeling lost or questioning your path, this is the message you need to hear. Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Casey Diaz opens up about his past in gangs, his time in prison, and the totally unexpected way his life turned around. It’s raw, real, and honestly one of the most powerful stories you’ll hear. Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this episode, Gina and Davide open up about their past — the struggles, the bad choices, and the shame they carried for years. But more importantly, they talk about what happened when they finally let God in. It’s an honest, emotional, and ultimately hopeful conversation about finding freedom, healing, and purpose on the other side of rock bottom. Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Baseball legend Darryl Strawberry shares his powerful story of brokenness, addiction, and redemption. Growing up in a violent home, Darryl reveals how childhood trauma fueled both his athletic success and personal struggles. Despite reaching the heights of fame with multiple World Series championships, he battled deep pain, drug addiction, and an identity crisis. Through the unwavering love of his wife Tracy and the transformative power of faith, Darryl found true healing beyond the spotlight. T...
He was 18, making $100K a year selling drugs. Guns in the trunk. Coke in the car. No hope for tomorrow. But God had other plans. In this episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast , we sit down with Pastor Nick Newman — a former drug dealer turned church planter — who shares his jaw-dropping story of redemption. From trafficking drugs across state lines… to surviving a shooting… to facing 40+ years in prison… Nick's life was spiraling fast — until a divine interruption changed everything. This isn't...
Buckle up for an EXPLOSIVE true story of redemption! Trell "Donk" Webb went from facing a LIFE SENTENCE in Angola's most notorious prison to becoming a powerful minister who now leads hundreds to Christ. Shot, sentenced, and seemingly hopeless, Donk's jaw-dropping journey proves that NO ONE is beyond God's transformative power. Get ready for a heart-pounding testimony that will shatter everything you thought you knew about second chances and divine intervention! Connect with us on social! @godbe...
In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars podcast, listeners are taken on an extraordinary journey with Damon West, a man who transformed his life after facing a 65-year prison sentence. Damon shares his gripping story, from his successful high school football career to his descent into drug addiction and criminal activities, culminating in his arrest and incarceration. Through his experiences in prison, Damon encountered a mentor named Muhammad, who taught him the powerful metaphor of the...
Juan Martinez went from one of the most influential drug dealing rings in Texas to reaching thousands of lives for Jesus. https://www.godbehindbars.com/ Instagram: @Godbehindbars Facebook: @Godbehindbars Twitter: @Godbehindbars Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
In this powerful episode of the God Behind Bars Podcast, we sit down with Norman Dozier, a former inmate at Angola State Penitentiary who is now a free man and leading his own ministry. Norman shares his incredible journey from a life of darkness and drug dealing to finding redemption and purpose through Jesus Christ while incarcerated. Hear how Norman went from facing a life sentence to becoming a pastor, mentor, and inspiration to thousands of men behind bars. Discover the incredible transform...
Once addicted to drugs & now preaching the gospel in prisons. On June 16, 2017, Markus went from being a pro football player to sitting in jail. After growing up in inner city CA, he was all too familiar with fatherlessness, poverty, and gangs. He tried to fill the voids he felt in his life with the game of football and eventually went pro. But when he experienced a career ending shoulder injury, all he knew crashed around me. Without football, he felt no purpose and no identity and became a...
We traveled to Washington, D.C., for an exclusive interview with Chaplain Houston of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Throughout his career, Chaplain Houston has guided hundreds of men to faith in Jesus. Now, thanks to the fulfillment of a prophetic word spoken over his life, he serves as the Head Chaplain of the FBOP. Don’t miss his incredible story! Today we’re introducing you to the Community Reentry Network (CRN) and the Federal Bureau of Prison's volunteering program. What’s the CRN? The Comm...
In this episode we connect with Shawn Serfass who went from drug dealing to leading a ministry called Second Chance Mentors. Grew up with a normal family but after getting introduced to cocaine in college his world went down a slippery slope. Kicked out of college and later kicked out of the marines, Shawn made the decision to dive into a drug operation. Where he found success he found his world without success and decided to step away, but charges still found their way to lock him up. Losing hi...
Francie Dog Chapman found out she was adopted in her late teens and her life completely unraveled. She walked through abuse in her adopted family, neglect in her real family, and decided to end her life... But Jesus found her and called her to a life of freedom in Himself! Now Francie has one mission, to spread the love of Jesus wherever she goes... Including prisons! Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Dog The Bounty Hunter grew up in an ab*sive home. He started running with a motorcycle gang in his teens. One night changed his life... He was CONVICTED of 5 years in prison for HOMIC*DE. Unknowingly, he was the getaway driver in a m*rder. During his time in prison, he rose in the ranks with the incarcerated and the prison staff. He also began cultivating a walk with Jesus... Dog was once a convict but now he is an ICON telling people about Jesus... He now goes into prisons and preaches the gosp...
Keidrain Brewster, shares his story of growing up in a dysfunctional household and getting involved in criminal activity as a youth, leading to a 10-year prison sentence. During his incarceration, he found faith in God and experienced a pivotal moment that sparked his desire for change. After his release, Brewster faced challenges but ultimately found success as an entrepreneur in the trucking industry. He now uses his story and experiences to mentor and support others, particularly those transi...
In an instant Shelby’s life was shattered, when her father was shot and killed on December 3, 2021. Her father was her rock; the person that lead her to Jesus, encouraged her, and was always there for her. Days leading up to her father’s funeral, she had a moment where she knew that she had to pick bitterness or forgiveness towards the man who killed her father. On the porch of her house, as tears streamed down her face, she had a moment with Jesus that changed her life. She had a vision where s...
God Behind Bars Podcast Episode #13: At 18 years old, stand out athlete Greg Kelley, spent 1,153 days in prison after being sentenced to 25 years in prison. His recounts that time, and how the Lord delivered him and the truth prevailed. The worst thing that could’ve happened to him did, and He trusted God through it! Listen to him share about this time and be inspired by his faith! Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
Reggie lived in a loving home, was a promising baseball player, but because of life disappointments left it all. One night at a party, everything changed for Reggie... He found himself on trial for murder and sentenced to 80 years. You may say that was the end of the road for Reggie... BUT GOD had other plans! Listen, share, and please leave a review! Connect with us on social! @godbehindbars @jake_bodine
A Bible in a prison cell SAVED ASAP PREACH'S life! “Throughout my childhood I experienced my parents having a lot of parties. There was a lot of drugs and drinking around, and I was exposed to a lot of things that I shouldn’t have been exposed to. I had my first drink of alcohol at 5. At the age of 11 years old, I was se*ually ab*sed. Leaving me with a perverted view on life. All I could think about was lust and fulfilling fleshly desires. I felt like I couldn’t tell nobody what I was going thro...
In this episode, Calvin opens up about his difficult childhood, the deep trauma of sexual abuse, and how he turned to drugs to cope with the pain. He recounts a pivotal moment in jail where he contemplated suicide but instead found God's voice, leading to a spiritual awakening. Calvin details his transformation through faith, navigating the challenges of prison life by rejecting its culture, embracing family support, and now sharing his powerful testimony to inspire others.
