David Carrillo was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole at just 19 years old — for a gang-related murder where he wasn’t the trigger man.

After spending years in maximum security prisons and solitary confinement, David faced a defining moment: would he let prison define him… or transform him?

Instead of surrendering to despair, David chose radical accountability. He earned his associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, and MBA while incarcerated. He became the first incarcerated adjunct college professor in the nation, teaching other inmates while serving a life sentence. He mentored men, built programs, and rebuilt himself from the inside out.

After 31 years behind bars, David was granted clemency.

This episode explores:

• Gang culture and growing up in trauma

• Life inside maximum security and solitary confinement

• Radical ownership and personal transformation

• The power of education in prison

• Losing his son and father while incarcerated

• Faith, forgiveness, and redemption

• What freedom feels like after 31 years

This isn’t a story about excuses.
It’s about responsibility, growth, and refusing to let your worst decision define your entire life.

📘 Book: Kiko: Life Without Parole to Life With Purpose

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