Couverture de Talking Second Chances

Talking Second Chances

Talking Second Chances

De : TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce
Écouter gratuitement

Talking Second Chances is a podcast that explores how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce by helping justice-involved individuals prepare to successfully reenter communities across the state. Listen to engaging and candid talk about reentry, and hear perspectives from both JII individuals and employers who are willing to give them a second chance.Copyright TN Dept. of Labor & Workforce Politique et gouvernement Sciences politiques
Épisodes
  • Healing Through Opportunity: Thistle Farms’ Job Readiness Program

    Healing Through Opportunity: Thistle Farms’ Job Readiness Program
    Jun 2 2026
    In this inspiring episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White highlight the life-changing work of Thistle Farms, a nationally recognized social enterprise dedicated to helping women survivors of trafficking, addiction, and exploitation rebuild their lives.

    Through trauma-informed care, residential support, workforce development, and hands-on job training, Thistle Farms creates pathways to healing and long-term independence for women across Tennessee and beyond.

    Joining the conversation is Holli Anglin, who shares how the Job Readiness Program was developed and explains the different phases designed to help women build confidence, gain valuable skills, and secure meaningful employment.

    Also featured is Amalia Gawlikowski, a graduate of the program whose personal story is a powerful testament to recovery and resilience. Amalia opens up about her journey from addiction to finding purpose and success through Thistle Farms.

    This episode is an honest and hopeful conversation about healing, workforce development, and the power of second chances.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    38 min
  • Driven by Second Chances: Inside Focus Freight’s Mission to Employ Returning Citizens

    Driven by Second Chances: Inside Focus Freight’s Mission to Employ Returning Citizens
    May 7 2026
    In this powerful and engaging episode of Talking Second Chances, hosts Mandy Philyaw and Jeremy B. White sit down with second chance employer Focus Freight to explore how opportunity and purpose can transform lives.

    CEO Quania Johnson shares how launching her woman-owned trucking company was inspired by a deeply personal mission to help her nephew secure employment after returning home from prison. She’s since built a business committed to opening doors for others seeking a fresh start.

    Joining the conversation is Justin Mills, who brings a remarkable story of resilience and success. After spending more than 20 years incarcerated, Justin turned a second chance into a thriving career in trucking earning six figures within a year of release. Now the owner of Mills Logistics, he’s committed to helping others follow a similar path by creating opportunities for justice-involved individuals.

    This episode is a candid, inspiring, and often fun conversation about redemption, entrepreneurship, and the real impact of second chance employment in Tennessee.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    34 min
  • From Probation to Purpose: Mandy Philyaw’s Journey in Reentry

    From Probation to Purpose: Mandy Philyaw’s Journey in Reentry
    May 5 2026
    In this episode of Talking Second Chances, Mandy Philyaw shares her personal and professional journey into the world of reentry work. Starting her career as a Probation Officer, Mandy offers insight into how her early experiences shaped her passion for helping justice-impacted individuals rebuild their lives.

    Now serving as a Grants and Programs Manager with the Tennessee Office of Reentry, Mandy reflects on the pivotal moments that led her to this role and the deeper purpose she’s found along the way. Tune in for an honest conversation about career growth, second chances, and the impact of dedicated reentry support in Tennessee.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    20 min
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
Aucun commentaire pour le moment