The Redemption Project
The Redemption Project tells real stories of change, accountability, and second chances. Hosted by Brandon Burley—a retired law enforcement detective, criminal justice educator, and journalist—this podcast features conversations with men and women who have lived on both sides of the justice system, along with the ministries, programs, and people helping them rebuild their lives. Each episode explores what redemption actually looks like after prison: recovery, faith, responsibility, failure, growth, and the long road back to trust and purpose. Some stories are quiet. Some are uncomfortable.
Episodes
Kris shares his story of coming to Men of Valor Knoxville after being released from Bledsoe Prison and choosing to stay—not because he had to, but because he knew he needed structure, accountability, and community.
In this short-form conversation, Kris talks about navigating self-doubt, facing unexpected responsibilities like child support, and how relationships—not just sobriety—became the foundation for lasting change. Today, he s...
What do you think, is this a reason or an excuse?
In this episode of The Redemption Project podcast (Season 4, Episode 2), I read and comment on my article originally published in Knox TN Today: “Mission of Hope, at Christmas and Every Other Day of the Year.”
This piece reflects on how ministries and community partners work year-round—not just during the holidays—to care for people in need, extend compassion, and provide meaningful help that leads to stability and purpose.
In this r...
A long-form conversation with Savannah Ford, whose life once revolved around addiction, incarceration, and the belief that she didn’t really matter.
Savannah talks about growing up in Sevier County, years of IV drug use and repeated overdoses, serving time in jail, and what it was like to walk out with no structure—and fall right back into the cycle. She reflects on the moment a court decision diverted her into treatment, the slow w...
Hey! Welcome to season 2.
In season 2, I will be focused on more long form storytelling from individuals who have overcome their demons.
Season 1 was more short from storytelling (less than 10 minutes), and we will have that again in season 3 if thats what you like!
Season 4 is narrated Journalism. That is where I will be reading, and/or commenting on my own journalism and those podcasts I am trying to keep around the 2 minute mark.
...
This segment explores why incentives matter in criminal justice and reentry systems.Compliance does not happen in a vacuum. When individuals are given no incentives for positive behavior, accountability systems often fail.We discuss how structured incentives encourage responsibility, reduce violations, and support long-term success while still maintaining supervision and consequences.The Redemption Project focuses on realistic appr...
What do you think about Dwan's position? His story will be out January 26, 2026.
In this episode of The Redemption Project, I read and comment on my article “What Redemption Looks Like in Knoxville: A Day Inside Men of Valor,” originally published in Knox TN Today.
The piece offers a firsthand look inside Men of Valor Knoxville—a long-term reentry program built on accountability, structure, and community. It explores what life actually looks like for men transitioning out of incarceration, beyond slogans and sta...
Hey! Welcome to season 4.
Season 4 is all about narrated journalism. These short form episodes should all be around the 2 minute mark.
I would love to hear your thought on each one!
A short conversation with Duan, who chose to continue his journey with Men of Valor Knoxville after his release from the Knox County Jail.
After completing the Men of Valor program while incarcerated, Duan could have walked away. Instead, even while on enhanced probation, he chose to stay focused on the work in front of him.
For Duan, this season isn’t about fear — it’s about focus. He talks about getting clean and sober, learning ne...
Bobby, now works for Men of Valor but it wasn't always that way. Bobby gives us the details on how this transformation was possible!
Bobby is an amazing success story coming from Men of Valor at their Knoxville campus. I encourage you to listen to his powerful testimony!
Knoxville is quietly building a reentry ecosystem that many communities wish they had—connecting mentorship, recovery programs, stable housing, and community support in ways that improve public safety and reduce repeat arrests.In this read-aloud video, I share key points from my article originally published in Knox TN Today, explaining how sustained accountability, long-term mentorship, and community-rooted recovery efforts are str...
This week’s Redemption Story comes from Knoxville, Tennessee.
John Duck graduates from the Men of Valor residential program on December 26, 2025—the day after Christmas, and his daughter’s birthday. Hard to imagine a better gift.John was addicted from age 13 to 43. A former gang member. In and out of prison. A man the world would’ve written off a long time ago.But in a prison cell, he met God.And everything started to change.He’s no...
A brief explanation of how seasons and episodes are organized on The Redemption Project, and how listeners can jump in wherever they’re most interested.
Here is a preview of a Redemption Story out of Knoxville, Tennessee.
John Duck graduates from the Men of Valor residential program on December 26, 2025—the day after Christmas, and his daughter’s birthday. Hard to imagine a better gift.John was addicted from age 13 to 43. A former gang member. In and out of prison. A man the world would’ve written off a long time ago.But in a prison cell, he met God.And everything started to change...
This segment from "The Weekly Law Round-Up" originally airing on Praise 96.3 FM in Knoxville explains what The Redemption Project is and why it exists.The Redemption Project shares real stories of accountability, transformation, and second chances—often involving people who have experienced incarceration, addiction, or major life failures.By focusing on responsibility and real-world outcomes, these stories show how redemp...
This is the full, unedited 60-minute radio interview from The Weekly Law Round-up, where The Redemption Project is introduced; discussing redemption, recovery, reentry, and public safety.The conversation explores what life actually looks like after incarceration, the role of accountability and structure in long-term recovery, and why some reentry approaches succeed while others fail.Topics include:• Life after prison and reentry ch...
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