
Wrong To Strong - Chicago
"From the city of Chicago, a city known for its crime and violence. On this podcast we will be sharing stories of hope & redemption from individuals raised in the tough streets of Chicago. Some were gang members, drug dealers, incarcerated, victims and perpetrators of violence. Listen to my guests as they share their experiences, struggles, trauma but also the strength, hope, faith and perseverance these have developed in them to keep pushing and moving forward in life. Tune in to hear how their lives have gone from "Darkness to Light" and from "Wrong to Strong."
Episodes
104 episodes
Ep.2 "From Prison to Our Home" in Kewanee, IL. w/ Fred Timmons & Chance Gillespie
This is part 2 of a 5 part interview series highlighting the amazing work that is happening in Kewanee, Illinois in regards to prison ministry and re-entry initiatives. In this powerful episode of the Wrong to Strong Podcast, host O...
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50:06

Week #12 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Gideon Indovina
Thank you for joining us for another episode of the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. This week our brother Gideon Indovina from Moody Bible College reflects on 1 Peter 2:16 which urges us to live as people who are free from sin, while no...
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3:27

Ep.1 "Building Bridges from Prison to Community in Kewanee, IL." w/ Michelle Gillespie & Ronnie Carrasquillo
This is part 1 of a 5 part interview series highlighting the amazing work that is happening in Kewanee, Illinois in regards to prison ministry and re-entry initiatives. In this series we will hear from former inmates, prison ministry volunteers...
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34:44

Week #11 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Klavs Vadonis
Welcome back to another episode of the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. This week Klavs Vadonis, who has been involved in Cook County jail ministry for over a year, shares a devotional based on Matthew 21:28-32. The passage tells the sto...
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3:05

"Celebrating 100 Podcast Episodes" - Unveiling Our First Recording Ever w/ Moses Calvillo
In this special 100th episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, host Omar Calvillo celebrates the milestone along with his youngest son, Moses Omar Calvillo. Omar introduces the episode by expressing gratitude to their listeners and sup...
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27:58

Week #10 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Julio Mercado
Welcome back to another episode of the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. This week Julio Mercado discusses Matthew 21:42, where Jesus refers to Psalms 118:22-23, emphasizing that Jesus, although rejected by the Pharisees, becomes the corn...
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2:22

"Brave Enough to Heal" - When Men Get Real About Their Trauma w/ Rudy Soto
A Call for All Men to Find and Experience Inner Healing:In this emotional and deeply moving episode, Rudy Soto shares his incredible journey from experiencing spiritual attacks, witnessing tragic events, and grappling with loneliness and br...
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3:10:25

Week #9 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Aisha Mercado
Join Aisha Mercado in this 2-Minute Devotional from Wrong To Strong as she reads Matthew 11:28-29. Aisha discusses the importance of laying our burdens at Jesus' feet and cultivating a daily, intimate relationship with Him. Learn how beginning ...
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2:58

Week #8 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Greg Wood
Welcome back to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. Thank you for joining us this week as our brother Greg Wood highlights Romans 8:28, which emphasizes that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Greg uses th...
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2:34

A Wrong to Strong Marriage: Celebrating 20 Years Together w/ Ann & Omar Calvillo
Join Ann and Omar Calvillo as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. In this special episode, they share their journey, provide advice for married couples facing challenges, and dive into thoughtful questions about marriage, love, and f...
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1:10:41

Week #7 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Tiana Juarez
Join Tiana Juarez in this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong 2 Minute Devotional' as she reflects on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This powerful scripture emphasizes the true essence of love—patience, kindness, and humility—urging believers to embody thes...
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3:41

Week #6 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Arturo Gamino
Welcome to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotional! This week, brother Arturo Gamino shares insights from the book of Psalms, focusing on the importance of self-reflection and seeking God's guidance. Arturo emphasizes praying for God to revea...
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3:13

"Surviving Angola Prison" - Overcoming Life Sentences w/ Reginald Watts & Arthur Rhodes
Join host Omar Calvillo in this powerful episode of Wrong to Strong Chicago, where special guests Reginald Watts and Arthur Rhodes recount their incredible journeys from incarceration to redemption. Growing up amidst hardship in New Orleans, bo...
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55:08

Week #5 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Cisco Terrazas
"Feeling lost? Remember, God has a plan for each of us. When I was at my lowest, a dream reminded me of His presence. He holds us, guides us, and brings hope. Trust in His purpose for you." Welcome to Week #5 of the Wrong 2 Strong "...
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4:51

Week #4 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ T-Chaka Alexander
God bless and welcome back to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals!This week, T-Chaka Alexander joins us to talk about the powerful difference between joy and happiness. He explains why joy should be our ultimate pursuit, noting that ...
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2:51

"Healing After Hardship" - Ismael Centenero on Addiction, Trauma & New Life
Join host Omar Calvillo as he sits down with Ismael Centenero in another compelling episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago.' This podcast delves deep into Ismael’s life, from growing up in the crime-ridden streets of Chicago to getting involved in...
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1:39:51

Week #3 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Jorge Irizarry
Join Jorge Irizarry in this week's Wrong to Strong 2-Minute Devotional, where he shares impactful scriptures from Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:31-32. Jorge discusses the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual journey, relating it to his...
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3:31

Week #2 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Shawn Rae
With us today is Wrong To Strong Pastor Shawn Rae. On here he shares Isaiah 1:18 and explores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's grace. Shawn provides a personal testimony of his journey from a life of ...
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3:08

"Fear No More" - Taijun Waters on Faith, Forgiveness & Killing Fear
In this episode, we discuss themes of redemption, faith, and overcoming fear with guest, Taijun Waters. Taijun shares his personal journey of being raised in Chicago, his struggles with fatherlessness, and the pivotal role of faith in his life....
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1:23:12

Week #1 - Wrong 2 Strong "2 Minute Devotional" w/ Omar Calvillo
I am excited to announce that we are launching a new segment on our podcast titled "Wrong To Strong" 2 Minute weekly devotional. Last year we released this devotional on video format only and all 53 weeks of 2024 are available on YouTube. We de...
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4:41

"Drowning in Darkness to Water Walkers" w/ Jaime Cazares
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes Pastor Jaime Cazares, who shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled past to a life filled with faith and redemption. Growing up in the tough streets of Hammond, In...
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2:17:51

"Addiction, To Prison, to MMA Champion": A Story of Triumph - w/ "Mr. Unbreakable" Adam Vigil
Join host Omar Calvillo in an inspiring podcast episode as he interviews Adam Vigil, an MMA fighter with a powerful story of redemption. Raised amidst the crime and drug culture of Denver, Colorado, Adam shares his journey from a troubled youth...
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1:09:18

"Redeeming The Bloodline" - Breaking Generational Strongholds w/ Carlos Alvarez
This podcast episode, hosted by Omar Calvillo, features Carlos Alvarez sharing his transformative journey from the violent streets of Chicago to finding redemption through faith. Growing up in a gang-influenced environment, Carlos talks about h...
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2:05:27

"Gratitude and Growth" - Partnering With Our Mission
First and foremost, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our loyal listeners who consistently tune in to our podcast interviews and share them with others. We are truly appreciative of your support. On this episode, we aim to emphasize the glob...
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13:55

"Rejection, Betrayal & Redemption" - Embracing A New Life Purpose w/ Gil Lopez
In this heartfelt podcast episode, host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Gil Lopez, who shares his powerful story of transformation from a life of gang violence and incarceration to finding hope and purpose. Raised in the tough streets of Chicago, ...
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54:12
