In this compelling episode of The Path Forward Podcast, Augie sits down with Noah Asher, the award-winning author of Chaos: Overcoming the Overwhelming. Noah's journey is one of wrong turns, addiction struggles, and ultimately incarceration. Yet, through his own tumultuous experiences, Noah has emerged as a beacon of hope and healing for others navigating life's darkest moments.Tackling themes of overcoming adversity, Noah shares his personal story with Augie. From the depths of despair, Noah found the strength to confront his problems, rebuild his life, and discover a newfound sense of purpose. Drawing from his own triumphs over adversity, Noah now dedicates his life to helping others unearth meaning amidst their own struggles.Learn more about Noah and his work here.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

Welcome back to the second part of this episode, where David Girzadas, Dean of Advanced Manufacturing at Daley College, takes Augie on an immersive tour of the campus. Join us as we step into the world of cutting-edge technology and hands-on learning that defines the advanced manufacturing program at Daley College.Get an exclusive look inside the classrooms and workshops where students hone their skills using state-of-the-art machinery and equipment. But the journey doesn't end there. David introduces Augie to a remarkable individual – a former student who, after completing a Mechatronics program at Daley College, has overcome adversity and found success.To learn more about City Colleges of Chicago, please visit www.ccc.edu. To find a community college near you, visit www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In part 1 of this episode of The Path Forward, Augie sits down with David Girzadas, the esteemed Dean of Advanced Manufacturing at Richard J. Daley College. Together, they delve deep into the world of advanced manufacturing, exploring its significance, opportunities, and the transformative role of City Colleges of Chicago in this industry.Join Augie and David as they demystify advanced manufacturing, shedding light on its diverse facets and the dynamic programs offered by community colleges. Learn how to take the first steps towards a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing and harness the abundant resources available through your local community college. To learn more about City Colleges of Chicago, please visit www.ccc.edu. To find a community college near you, visit www.usnews.com/education/community-colleges.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this episode of The Path Forward, Augie sits down with a remarkable guest, Yohance Lacour, whose journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. Yohance and Augie share a unique bond, having been incarcerated together. Yohance's story is one of resilience, determination, and finding purpose in unexpected places.At the age of 34, Yohance was sentenced to a daunting 10 years behind bars. However, it was within the confines of the prison walls that he discovered a newfound passion for leather craft. Despite the challenges he faced, Yohance poured his energy into mastering the art form, discovering both solace and skill in his creations. Now, Yohance stands on the brink of a remarkable achievement. Join Augie and Yohance as they delve into the depths of Yohance's journey, exploring the power of perseverance, creativity, and second chances. From the confines of a prison cell to the cusp of entrepreneurial success, Yohance's story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul. Please visit and support Yohance's website at www.yjlacour.com. His new sneaker line launches April 18, 2024! The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this powerful episode of The Path Forward,  Augie delves into the inspiring journey of Justin Knapp, a career planner at McHenry County Workforce. Join Augie as he sits down with Justin, who shares his deeply personal story of redemption and transformation.Justin's journey began in tumultuous circumstances, as he found himself incarcerated during his teenage years. Initially resistant to learning from his experiences, Justin reached a turning point when he realized the impact his actions were having on his family. Motivated to break free from the cycle of incarceration and become a positive role model, Justin immersed himself in learning and helping others in similar situations. Through Justin's story, listeners will gain valuable insights into overcoming adversity and breaking free from the constraints of generational cycles. The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this compelling episode of The Path Forward, host Augie sits down with Yaacov Delaney, the Director of the Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s Justice, Equity, and Opportunity Initiative, to delve into a remarkable journey of redemption and resilience. Yaacov shares his harrowing tale of receiving a 45-year sentence at the tender age of 19 and his transformative experiences within the confines of state prison.Joined by Augie, the conversation navigates the complexities of reintegration, exploring the challenges of readjusting to family life post-incarceration and the importance of proactive reentry preparation while still serving time. Tune in to uncover a tale of unwavering commitment to forging a brighter future against all odds.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

Join host Augie in an inspiring episode of The Path Forward as he sits down with the remarkable Willette Benford. Willette shares her incredible life journey, from growing up in an Illinois housing project to navigating abusive relationships and dropping out of high school in the 9th grade. In a shocking turn of events, Willette found herself facing a 50-year prison sentence for a survival crime. Undeterred, she utilized her time behind bars to earn her GED, enroll in courses, and discover a profound faith that would become her guiding light.At the 24th year of her sentence, a change in the law brought unexpected freedom as Willette was granted immediate release. What followed was a transformation that saw Willette's dedication to volunteering open doors to employment opportunities. Ultimately, she rose to the position of Director of Reentry for the mayor of Chicago and now serves as a senior advisor to the first lady of Illinois, MK Muenster.This episode is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of second chances. Tune in to witness Willette Benford's incredible journey from adversity to becoming a pivotal figure in reentry advocacy and community service.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this compelling episode of The Path Forward, host Augie sits down with Marlon Chamberlain, the inspirational leader of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishment.Marlon's story begins in the streets of Chicago, where a turbulent upbringing led him down a challenging path. After facing a 20-year federal prison sentence, he entered incarceration with a transformed mindset, viewing his arrest as a release from a lifestyle he no longer wanted. Marlon became a sponge for knowledge. As he invested in his personal development, he emerged as a leader within the prison community. Marlon now dedicates himself to advocating for legislative changes, shedding light on the hundreds of laws that hinder formerly incarcerated individuals from rebuilding their lives. Please visit endpermanentpunishments.org for more information about the mission and work of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishment.Join Augie and Marlon as they explore the transformative power of redemption, resilience, and the pursuit of a brighter future. In Marlon's words, every day presents an opportunity for personal growth and a chance to be better. Don't miss this inspiring episode on The Path Forward.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Path Forward. In this installment, Augie sits down with the remarkable Celia Colón, a true beacon of resilience and empowerment. Join them as they delve into Celia's incredible journey and her transformative role as "Women's Greatest Advocate." Celia's trajectory shifted dramatically when she found herself incarcerated for 15 years after a life-altering altercation. During her time behind bars, a fellow inmate, became the catalyst for change in her life. She imparted invaluable lessons about investing in oneself, inspiring Celia to turn her life around.Fueled by her own experiences and newfound insights, Celia founded G.O.D - Giving Others Dreams, a nonprofit organization committed to providing direct re-entry services and holistic support for justice-impacted women. Please visit www.givingothersdreams.info/ for more information about the organization's mission to break the cycle of destruction and protect women from the hardships Celia herself faced. The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this extraordinary episode of The Path Forward, we delve into an inspiring narrative of triumph over adversity as our special guest, Dr. Chico Tillmon, shares his remarkable journey. Join us in this riveting conversation as he recounts his experiences and unveils the powerful transformation that led him to become a key figure in the fight against gun violence.Our guest's journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring, marked by resilience, determination, and an unyielding commitment to making a positive impact on his community. From navigating the challenges of incarceration to emerging as a prominent gun violence subject-matter expert, his story is a testament to the boundless potential for change and growth within each individual.The episode sheds light on how our guest, once ensnared by the criminal justice system, transformed his life through education, emerging as a powerful advocate for change. As the Director of the Community Violence Intervention Leadership Academy, he has become a driving force behind innovative approaches to addressing and preventing gun violence.The conversation also explores his unexpected journey to the White House, where his expertise has been recognized and utilized in shaping policies aimed at curbing community violence. From adversity to advocacy, this episode encapsulates a narrative of second chances, educational empowerment, and the unwavering determination to create positive change.The Path Forward Podcast is brought to you by Youturn Health and 2nd Opportunity.

In this compelling inaugural episode of The Path Forward, listeners are in for a riveting conversation as Hamilton Baiden, CEO of Youturn Health, sits down with Augie Ghilarducci, the inspirational host of "The Path Forward" podcast. Augie, founder of 2nd Opportunity, shares his powerful story of incarceration and redemption, offering listeners an intimate look into the transformative journey that led him to create his groundbreaking re-entry program.Hamilton and Augie delve deep into the challenges and obstacles faced during Augie's time behind bars and explore the pivotal moments that prompted him to reevaluate his life choices. Augie's journey from incarceration to rehabilitation is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, serving as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the mission behind 2nd Opportunity and how Augie's personal experiences have fueled his commitment to providing a platform for others seeking redemption. The episode also touches on the crucial role Youturn Health plays in supporting individuals on their path to recovery, showcasing the importance of compassion and understanding in the rehabilitation process.As Augie Ghilarducci opens up about his own struggles, triumphs, and the creation of "The Path Forward," the episode becomes a beacon of hope for those navigating their own challenges. Join Hamilton and Augie on this profound and inspiring journey, exploring the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of second chances.Learn more about Youturn Health and their awesome work here: https://youturnhealth.com/Tune in to their You Learn Youturn podcast here: https://www.spreaker.com/show/you-learn-you-turn

Welcome to The Path Forward Podcast. My name is Augie Ghilarducci, and I know what it's like to need a second chance. After making some really horrible choices and bad decisions, I found myself incarcerated for 13 years. My path allowed me to face my mistakes, to admit my greed, and to re-discover my faith.On this podcast, I will be bringing incredible guests who have walked down the path of re-entry. Their journeys provide inspiration, hope, and resources. Please join me on The Path Forward, where incarceration doesn't define us; it's just one chapter of our book. There are many chapters yet to be written.First episode out on January 9, 2024.