Episode
Bitesize: Life Behind Bars # 226
- Podcast
- The Inner Entrepreneur
- Published
- Jun 30, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1394
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://theinnerentrepreneur.podbean.com/e/stacey-o/
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Summary
In this bitesize episode, Paul sits down with Stacey Putka for a conversation about life at Arkansas Valley Correctional Facility. Together, they unpack the emotional impact of walking into a room full of men serving serious sentences and discovering something unexpectedly human — real presence, eye contact, openness, and a level of vulnerability that challenged every stereotype. Links to full episode: https://youtu.be/kiIAbi4h-sE?si=i0ovlqetG-nh-6SK https://open.spotify.com/episode/6LyZ5vAkKhMov2CawfZTNI?si=gdU4jddpRNGG5U_o16q0SA Stacey explains why she founded Breakthrough: because punishment alone doesn’t create healing, accountability, or safer communities. They tackle the hardest question head-on — are some people simply “bad”? — and Stacey offers a deeper framework: holding two truths at once (real harm was done, and real change is possible), while prioritizing accountability and protecting future victims through transformation. About the Guest; Stacey Poka is the founder and Executive Director of Breakthrough, a U.S.-based nonprofit that delivers transformational programming inside prisons and provides practical, emotional, and community support after release. https://timetobreakthrough.org/about-us/ About the Host: Paul Ryan is a mentor, eight-figure CEO and the host of The Inner Entrepreneur Podcast, where he explores what’s really going on beneath the surface of success — purpose, identity, values, leadership, and the inner work that shapes the outer results. https://pauljryan.net/ Work with Paul: Paul works with seasoned entrepreneurs to clarify what’s next and align their life and business around what matters most. https://pauljryan.net/