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
83 episodes
"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
"The Path to Healing" - From Abuse, Addiction, and Cancer w/ Rik Valdez
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago', host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Rick Valdez from Cross Com Ministries. Pastor Rick shares his powerful story of transformation, from growing up in the tough streets of Chicago to dealing with c...
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1:52:27
"Violence to Visionary" - Unleashing Gifts of Hope and Creativity w/ Anthony Spaulding
In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Anthony Spaulding, a former gang member who turned his life around after being sentenced to natural life for double murder. Raised in the crime-afflicted streets of...
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1:16:39
"Former D.E.A. Chief of Global Operations" James L. Capra - Guide to Leadership & Faith
This episodes feature James L. Capra, former D.E.A. Chief of Global Operations. A veteran of law enforcement and military service, discussing his life journey from overcoming crime and violence to becoming a CEO. Capra highlights the profound i...
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1:25:08
"Wrongfully Convicted, Freely Forgiven" - The Ricky Irby Experience
This podcast episode hosted by Omar Calvillo features Ricky Irby, who shares his transformative journey from growing up in Waukegan, Illinois to experiencing wrongful conviction and eventual redemption. Convicted for the death of his child due ...
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1:13:06
"From Pilsen, To Prison, I've Risen!" - Dionne Garcia interview
In this compelling episode host Omar Calvillo introduces Dionne Garcia, who narrates her journey from growing up amidst gang violence in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood in the 80's & 90's, to her eventual redemption years later. Dionne detail...
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2:33:40
"Beyond The Bars" - Life After 42 Years in Prison w/ David Ayala & Jimmy Soto
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW! This is the first interview that David Ayala and Jimmy Soto have done together since they were exonerated and released from prison back in December of 2023. They share their experiences with wrongful imprisonment, personal ...
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1:51:48
"The Injustice of the Justice System" w/ Jimmy Soto
On December 14, 2023 Jimmy Soto and his cousin David Ayala were released from Stateville Correctional Center after a forty-two-year-long fight to prove their innocence. At the time of his release, Soto was the longest-serving wrongfully convict...
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1:54:35
"The Highway Patrolman Encounters the Bank Robber" w/ Mark Corbett & Steve Watt
This podcast episode shares the powerful stories of Mark Corbett and Steve Watt. Mark and Steve recount their journey from a tragic shooting during a bank robbery attempt to an extraordinary tale of forgiveness and redemption. Mark who was deep...
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1:28:03
"God Behind Bars" - Reaching the Unreachable w/ Anthony Consiglio
In this podcast, Omar Calvillo from Chicago hosts Anthony Consiglio, Senior Director of Operations for 'God Behind Bars,' an organization dedicated to introducing inmates to Jesus and connecting them to the local church. Anthony shares his pers...
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40:47
"He Makes Even His Enemies To Be at Peace With Him" w/ Daniel Rivera
In this compelling podcast, host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Daniel Rivera, who narrates his profound journey from gang involvement in Chicago and Gary, Indiana, to redemption and ministry. After a tragic incident leading to incarceration, ...
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1:47:10
"From Incarceration to Inspiration" - Louis Dooley’s Life Transformation
Join host Omar Calvillo in this inspiring podcast episode featuring Louis Dooley. Once entrenched in the hardships of drug dealing, crime and violence, Louis shares his incredible life transformation through faith and perseverance. As a young m...
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1:38:33
"For I Know The Plans I Have For You" - Jacob Ekelman's Journey from Darkness to Deacons M.C.
In this podcast episode Jacob Ekelman from Phoenix, Arizona, shares his remarkable journey from a life of addiction and rebellion to redemption through faith. Raised in a Mormon household, Jacob's struggles led him to getting locked up, to a re...
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1:07:51
"Redeeming Lives" - Inner-City Ministry with Pastor Frank Robles
In this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, guest Pastor Frank Robles joins from Phoenix, Arizona, to share his journey from the gang-infested streets of South Phoenix to founding a successful men's discipleship program. Pastor Ro...
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1:00:36
"The Rise & Fall of Basketball Star Maurice 'Kojak' Fuller"
This interview chronicles the life of Maurice 'Kojak' Fuller, a former high school basketball star from Anderson, Indiana. Kojak opens up about his upbringing in a close-knit community and the challenges of growing up without a stable father fi...
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1:46:57
"A Father’s Mission" - Jeff Zaugg on Empowering Dads to Lead
In an insightful interview Jeff Zaugg, founder of the "Dad Awesome" podcast, discusses the importance of intentional fatherhood and his mission to inspire fathers to lead their families with intentionality and joy. Drawing from over 329 intervi...
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1:11:36
"Leading with Purpose: Erik Saldaña on Faith, Family, and Law Enforcement"
Erik Saldaña recounts his upbringing in Chicago, his parents' separation, and the positive influences that steered him away from gangs. Initially focused on sports, Erik later pursued a career in law enforcement and joined the Chicago Police De...
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1:27:38
Wrong To Strong Chicago - Podcast Intro
From the city of Chicago, a city most recently known for its crime and violence. On this podcast we will be sharing stories of redemption from individuals raised in the tough streets of Chicago and from around the country. Some of them were gan...
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1:29
"Raised To Be Violent" - & the Fight to End Permanent Punishment w/ Harry Peña
On this podcast interview I am joined by Harry Peña, founder of "Life Impacters Foundation. (LIF)" He is also a partner of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments. It was created as an organizing and campaign hub for people di...
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2:11:34
"Home of the Forgotten Souls" - A Journey Back to Prison
On April 26th, 2024 JC Almanza & I stepped foot back into East Moline Correctional Center here in Illinois. We met there back in 1999, twenty five years earlier as young men steeped deep into darkness with criminal mindsets. Listen to this ...
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41:40
"Ripple Effect: The Battle from Violence to Victory" w/ Mike Petrovic
On this podcast interview we take the show on the road to Gary, Indiana and record an interview with Mike Petrovic at "Restoration House Ministries." This is a compelling narrative of transformation and redemption through faith. He shares...
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1:39:10
"The Real Life of a Chicago Police Officer" w/ Luis Varela
Luis Varela had a 31 year career as a Chicago Police Officer. He also served a total off 33 years between the Marines and Army Reserves were he served as a drill instructor. He grew up in the West Town neighborhood of Chicago. He grew up in an ...
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1:38:19
