Join Ann and Omar Calvillo as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. In this special episode, they share their journey, provide advice for married couples facing challenges, and dive into thoughtful questions about marriage, love, and faith. Listen to them as they reflect on their past, discuss their growth, and highlight the importance of faith, communication, and prayer in building a strong marriage. Tune in to hear their inspiring story and gain valuable insights for maintaining a god...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Join Tiana Juarez in this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong 2 Minute Devotional' as she reflects on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This powerful scripture emphasizes the true essence of love—patience, kindness, and humility—urging believers to embody these qualities in their daily lives. Tiana challenges viewers to introspect and ask themselves, 'Am I walking in love?' By seeing people through Jesus' eyes and extending grace and understanding, we can truly walk out our faith. Tune in for an uplifting and c...
Feb 19, 2025•4 min
Welcome to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotional! This week, brother Arturo Gamino shares insights from the book of Psalms, focusing on the importance of self-reflection and seeking God's guidance. Arturo emphasizes praying for God to reveal any wrongdoings within us and to lead us on the right, everlasting path. He highlights Psalm 16:2, reminding us that there is no goodness apart from God. Arturo encourages us believers to ask God for help in recognizing and correcting our faults, undersc...
Feb 13, 2025•3 min
Join host Omar Calvillo in this powerful episode of Wrong to Strong Chicago, where special guests Reginald Watts and Arthur Rhodes recount their incredible journeys from incarceration to redemption. Growing up amidst hardship in New Orleans, both men navigated the perilous streets and found themselves behind bars in the infamous Angola Prison. Their lives took a transformative turn through faith, education, and personal determination. They both had life sentence's and they were told that they wo...
Feb 10, 2025•55 min
"Feeling lost? Remember, God has a plan for each of us. When I was at my lowest, a dream reminded me of His presence. He holds us, guides us, and brings hope. Trust in His purpose for you." Welcome to Week #5 of the Wrong 2 Strong "2-Minute Devotionals." Cisco Terrazas recounts a vivid dream from a time before he found Christ, inspired by Isaiah 41:13. In his dream, he was lost in a run-down urban area but saw a bright, paradisiacal place across a wrought iron fence. An unidentified person in a ...
Feb 05, 2025•5 min
God bless and welcome back to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals! This week, T-Chaka Alexander joins us to talk about the powerful difference between joy and happiness. He explains why joy should be our ultimate pursuit, noting that joy is mentioned significantly more often than happiness. T-Chaka explains that happiness is external and temporary, while joy is internal, permanent, and rooted in God's presence and promises. He highlights that joy can be present even in times of trials and...
Jan 29, 2025•3 min
Join host Omar Calvillo as he sits down with Ismael Centenero in another compelling episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago.' This podcast delves deep into Ismael’s life, from growing up in the crime-ridden streets of Chicago to getting involved in gang life, and battling addiction. Ismael shares his story of hardship, including being left for dead with a traumatic brain injury, the loss of loved ones, and his struggle to overcome addiction. He also talks about his journey to faith, the significance...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 40 min
Join Jorge Irizarry in this week's Wrong to Strong 2-Minute Devotional, where he shares impactful scriptures from Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:31-32. Jorge discusses the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual journey, relating it to his personal experiences and the transformative power of letting go of grudges with the help of Christ. Be inspired to release any bitterness, embrace kindness, and strengthen your faith. Send us a text Support the show Become a supporter: https://www.buzzspr...
Jan 22, 2025•4 min
With us today is Wrong To Strong Pastor Shawn Rae. On here he shares Isaiah 1:18 and explores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's grace. Shawn provides a personal testimony of his journey from a life of crime and addiction to finding salvation in Jesus Christ. He extends an invitation to listeners to accept Jesus, repent, and experience a new life in Christ, expressing love and blessings to his audience. Send us a text Support the show Become a supporter:...
Jan 15, 2025•3 min
In this episode, we discuss themes of redemption, faith, and overcoming fear with guest, Taijun Waters. Taijun shares his personal journey of being raised in Chicago, his struggles with fatherlessness, and the pivotal role of faith in his life. They delve into Taijun's experiences with fear, particularly the fear sparked during his college years, and how he ultimately conquered it. The discussion also covers his involvement in prison ministry, mentoring at-risk youth, and his current efforts in ...
Jan 13, 2025•1 hr 23 min
I am excited to announce that we are launching a new segment on our podcast titled "Wrong To Strong" 2 Minute weekly devotional. Last year we released this devotional on video format only and all 53 weeks of 2024 are available on YouTube. We decided that in this new year we will add this segment for our audio listeners to experience as well. Each Wednesday we will be blessed to have a new guest share a powerful scripture and a word of encouragement to ignite your spirit and fuel your journey of ...
Jan 09, 2025•5 min
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes Pastor Jaime Cazares, who shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled past to a life filled with faith and redemption. Growing up in the tough streets of Hammond, Indiana, and Tucson, Arizona, Jaime faced numerous challenges, including homelessness, life of crime, drug addiction and time in prison. Despite these hardships, he found hope and transformation through his faith in God. Pastor Jaime along with his wife, now...
Dec 30, 2024•2 hr 18 min
Join host Omar Calvillo in an inspiring podcast episode as he interviews Adam Vigil, an MMA fighter with a powerful story of redemption. Raised amidst the crime and drug culture of Denver, Colorado, Adam shares his journey from a troubled youth, marked by gang involvement and addiction, to becoming a world champion fighter. His transformation, driven by faith in Jesus Christ and the support of ministry initiatives, highlights the struggles of overcoming addiction and finding purpose. This episod...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 9 min
This podcast episode, hosted by Omar Calvillo, features Carlos Alvarez sharing his transformative journey from the violent streets of Chicago to finding redemption through faith. Growing up in a gang-influenced environment, Carlos talks about his struggles with crime, drugs, and violence. He describes his experiences with family trauma, including his father's near-death beating and his own critical injury from a shooting. Despite facing numerous challenges, Carlos found hope and strength, eventu...
Dec 02, 2024•2 hr 5 min
First and foremost, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our loyal listeners who consistently tune in to our podcast interviews and share them with others. We are truly appreciative of your support. On this episode, we aim to emphasize the global reach of our podcast, express our thanks to our listeners and financial supporters, and encourage continued support. This episode also delves into our podcast website, https://wrongtostrongchicago.buzzsprout.com financial contributions, merchandise opti...
Nov 28, 2024•14 min
In this heartfelt podcast episode, host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Gil Lopez, who shares his powerful story of transformation from a life of gang violence and incarceration to finding hope and purpose. Raised in the tough streets of Chicago, Gil recounts his struggles, including family neglect, gang involvement, and multiple imprisonments, culminating in a significant federal prison sentence. Through the support of a transformative jail program and a deepening faith in God, Gil's life takes a ...
Nov 25, 2024•54 min
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago', host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Rick Valdez from Cross Com Ministries. Pastor Rick shares his powerful story of transformation, from growing up in the tough streets of Chicago to dealing with childhood abuse, gang involvement, and a life of drugs and rock and roll. He details his journey of repentance and surrender to God, leading to his significant roles in various ministries. Rick describes a miraculous turning point in his battle with stage 4...
Nov 19, 2024•1 hr 52 min
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Anthony Spaulding, a former gang member who turned his life around after being sentenced to natural life for double murder. Raised in the crime-afflicted streets of Chicago, the "Wild Hundreds", Anthony shares his transformation from a life of violence and incarceration to one filled with hope, faith, and perseverance. He talks about the impact of his upbringing, the allure and eventual disillusionment with gang life...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 17 min
This episodes feature James L. Capra, former D.E.A. Chief of Global Operations. A veteran of law enforcement and military service, discussing his life journey from overcoming crime and violence to becoming a CEO. Capra highlights the profound influence of his father, faith, and supportive wife in shaping his career and personal growth. The narrative underscores themes of hope, integrity, and perseverance, with detailed accounts of leadership, the challenges of law enforcement, facing temptations...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 25 min
This podcast episode hosted by Omar Calvillo features Ricky Irby, who shares his transformative journey from growing up in Waukegan, Illinois to experiencing wrongful conviction and eventual redemption. Convicted for the death of his child due to a mishap with tainted formula, Ricky served 35 years of an 80-year sentence. Despite his wrongful incarceration, he found faith, overcame his drug addiction, and learned forgiveness. His spiritual transformation led him to a path of service within the p...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this compelling episode host Omar Calvillo introduces Dionne Garcia, who narrates her journey from growing up amidst gang violence in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the 80's & 90's, to her eventual redemption years later. Dionne details her early involvement in gangs, teenage pregnancy, significant role in drug dealing, and dramatic arrest by U.S. Marshals, leading to her fugitive life in Mexico with her children. Despite the challenges of reinventing her life abroad and the eventual ca...
Oct 02, 2024•2 hr 34 min
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! This is the first interview that David Ayala and Jimmy Soto have done together since they were exonerated and released from prison back in December of 2023. They share their experiences with wrongful imprisonment, personal growth, and the transformation they have undergone since their release. They reflect on the importance of forgiveness and change. They also emphasize the need for community support, positive role models, and the role of the church in rehabilitation. They s...
Sep 26, 2024•1 hr 52 min
On December 14, 2023 Jimmy Soto and his cousin David Ayala were released from Stateville Correctional Center after a forty-two-year-long fight to prove their innocence. At the time of his release, Soto was the longest-serving wrongfully convicted prisoner in Illinois history. A Cook County judge vacated Soto’s sentence, stating that neither he nor Ayala received adequate counsel during the initial trial. Jimmy gives a detailed explanation of all the legal issues that were wrong with this case fr...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 55 min
This podcast episode shares the powerful stories of Mark Corbett and Steve Watt. Mark and Steve recount their journey from a tragic shooting during a bank robbery attempt to an extraordinary tale of forgiveness and redemption. Mark who was deep in debt and seeing no way out decides to rob a bank one day. The call goes out and Steve, who is a highway patrolman responds to the call and begins to look for the suspects vehicle. This is eventually puts them on a collision course that ends with both m...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 28 min
In this podcast, Omar Calvillo from Chicago hosts Anthony Consiglio, Senior Director of Operations for 'God Behind Bars,' an organization dedicated to introducing inmates to Jesus and connecting them to the local church. Anthony shares his personal journey from a promising baseball career that was derailed due to injury, leading to a period of substance abuse and reckless behavior, to finding redemption and purpose through faith in Christ. They discuss 'God Behind Bars,' which operates in 22 sta...
Sep 02, 2024•41 min
In this compelling podcast, host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Daniel Rivera, who narrates his profound journey from gang involvement in Chicago and Gary, Indiana, to redemption and ministry. After a tragic incident leading to incarceration, Rivera encountered faith in Christ through a fellow inmate, which became the turning point in his life. At this point he had been incarcerated nine years already and had established himself at the top of his gangs leadership. He was torn as to what to do a...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 47 min
Join host Omar Calvillo in this inspiring podcast episode featuring Louis Dooley. Once entrenched in the hardships of drug dealing, crime and violence, Louis shares his incredible life transformation through faith and perseverance. As a young man he gets arrested and sentenced to life in prison plus a hundred years. Right when he feels that his life is over is just the moment when he truly begins to live. Listen to Louis share about his childhood upbringing, the hardships of being bi-racial, the...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 39 min
In this podcast episode Jacob Ekelman from Phoenix, Arizona, shares his remarkable journey from a life of addiction and rebellion to redemption through faith. Raised in a Mormon household, Jacob's struggles led him to getting locked up, to a rehab center, playing bass in a various rock bands, then a HIV diagnosis triggered a profound spiritual awakening. Right when it seemed that everything in his life was falling apart, it was actually coming together. He is now a devoted servant of Yeshua and ...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, guest Pastor Frank Robles joins from Phoenix, Arizona, to share his journey from the gang-infested streets of South Phoenix to founding a successful men's discipleship program. Pastor Robles discusses his upbringing in a tough neighborhood, his early church involvement, and his descent into drugs and gang life following a disappointing church experience and divorce. He recounts finding faith again, entering ministry, and eventually servin...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 1 min
This interview chronicles the life of Maurice 'Kojak' Fuller, a former high school basketball star from Anderson, Indiana. Kojak opens up about his upbringing in a close-knit community and the challenges of growing up without a stable father figure, which led him to seek solace in basketball. Despite his talent, he veered into a life of drugs and crime, resulting in imprisonment. During his time in prison, Kojak experienced a profound spiritual awakening that redirected his life towards faith an...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 47 min
