From Solitary Confinement to Purpose Leadership: Carlos Vasquez on Redemption and Purpose
Carlos Vasquez spent 17 years in prison, 3 of them in solitary confinement. In this episode, he joins Dr. Payal Beri for an empowering conversation on accountability, redemption, and purpose.
Carlos shares with Payal how one decision and one mentor altered his entire trajectory. From growing up in a loving, middle-class home to becoming a gang leader and prison shot-caller, Carlos walks through his path to self-destruction, awakening, and ultimately, transformation.
Now a motivational speaker and founder of How to Battle, Carlos is on a mission to guide youth, leaders, and communities toward healing, purpose, and accountability. He speaks candidly about identity, redemption, and the power of mentorship, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone facing personal or systemic obstacles.
Tune in, and prepare to have your own perspectives reframed around true transformation and what it means to lead a life of purpose. Make sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen
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In This Episode:
00:00 Introduction
01:20 One decision that changed everything
06:30 Life in solitary confinement and breaking point
14:45 Rebuilding identity through books and faith
23:00 Mentorship, trauma, and the path to redemption
31:00 Why kids need connection, not correction
41:10 From gang life to leadership and corporate work
48:00 The long-term vision for How to Battle
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This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com