Introduction: The Fire Within the System

This year, wildfires in Los Angeles and across California became increasingly severe, devastating homes, businesses, and landscapes. Amidst the chaos, thousands of brave firefighters fought the flames, including over 1,100 incarcerated men and women who worked on the frontlines for less than $30 a day.

The controversy surrounding inmate firefighters has been a longstanding issue. While some view it as exploitation, arguing that these individuals risk their lives for minimal pay, others see it as a valuable opportunity for rehabilitation, skill-building, and a sense of purpose.

To delve deeper into this topic, I recently spoke with Pablo Asencio, a formerly incarcerated firefighter, on the How To Battle podcast. His perspective offers a unique insight into a conversation often overlooked—a narrative of gratitude, growth, and second chances.

A First-Hand Perspective: “It Gave Me Something Meaningful to Do”

When I asked Pablo whether he felt exploited, his answer was clear and unwavering: “I loved the opportunity. It gave me something meaningful to do.”

For him, being part of a fire crew transcended financial compensation—it was about finding purpose. He shared how the experience afforded him better food, housing, and privileges compared to those in traditional prison units.

Moreover, the work instilled confidence, strength, and a sense of accomplishment. Pablo learned essential firefighting skills, teamwork, leadership, and discipline—qualities that ultimately contributed to his early release and transition into a new life.

“I gained skills that I took out into the world. And it actually helped me get out significantly earlier than I would have otherwise.”

The Bigger Debate: Exploitation or Rehabilitation?

Critics continue to advocate for equal pay for inmate firefighters relative to their non-incarcerated counterparts. Assembly Member Isaac Bryan recently introduced a bill to ensure inmate firefighters receive the same pay as the lowest-paid professional firefighters.

While some perceive this work as modern-day slavery, others, like Pablo, regard it as a chance to rebuild their lives. Many incarcerated individuals seek work—not just to reduce their sentences but for the personal empowerment it offers.

Having spent time behind bars, I understand the importance of feeling valued—knowing that one’s life holds significance beyond past mistakes. For Pablo and many others, the fire camps provided that crucial opportunity.

A Call for Balance: Opportunity with Fairness

There is no doubt that inmate firefighters warrant greater recognition, safer working conditions, and pathways to employment post-release. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2020 bill aimed to ease the process of expunging records for formerly incarcerated firefighters, yet challenges remain. Many fire departments are hesitant to hire individuals with felony records despite their proven bravery in battling California’s worst wildfires.

If we continue to utilize inmate firefighters, we must ensure:

• Safer working conditions for those on the frontlines.
• Better wages that reflect the dangerous nature of the work.
• Easier transitions into professional firefighting roles post-release.

Why This Matters: Leadership, Rehabilitation, and Second Chances

At the heart of this discussion lies the human element. Pablo’s story, along with those of thousands of other incarcerated firefighters, demonstrates that change is possible. They illustrate the power of rehabilitation, discipline, and purpose.

As someone dedicated to helping others develop personal power and leadership, I view this issue as more than just about wages. It’s about opportunity—about enabling those who wish to better themselves to find pathways to do so. There are individuals in prison eager to contribute positively and seeking a second chance; we should continue to foster programs that facilitate that.

Final Thoughts: Listen to the Full Story

For those interested in hearing Pablo’s story, check out the latest episode of the How To Battle podcast. His firsthand experience as an incarcerated firefighter provides a real, raw, and unfiltered perspective that challenges our understanding of this issue.

Listen to the podcast here.

Ultimately, we must seek balance—ensuring fairness, safety, and dignity for those risking their lives while acknowledging that, for many, this work represents a step toward redemption rather than punishment.

Take Care, and Keep Battling!

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Introduction: A Book That Changed Everything

There was a time when I sat in solitary confinement, counting the minutes, the hours, the days. The walls around me were cold and unforgiving, and time felt like both my enemy and my greatest teacher. I had two choices: let my mind spiral into darkness or find a way to reclaim my peace.

Then, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle entered my life.

The book came to me through a prison guard—a man I once would have seen as an enemy. He had read it himself and, for reasons unknown to me at the time, decided to pass it along. That single act of kindness, of humanity, would set in motion a transformation that changed everything.

Dissecting the Words, Finding Peace in the Present

I didn’t just read The Power of Now; I dissected it, absorbed it, and lived it. Over and over, I returned to its pages, letting the words sink in like a lifeline in an ocean of isolation.

For the first time in my life, I understood what it meant to be truly present.

I stopped obsessing over my past—over the regrets, the mistakes, the pain that had defined me for so long. I let go of the anxiety about the future, the unknown that once felt suffocating. I simply existed in the moment, in that cell, at peace in a way I had never known before.

And in that stillness, I found something that had eluded me for years—freedom.

Not the kind of freedom that comes from unlocked doors but the kind that comes from within. The kind that no prison, no sentence, no circumstance can take away.

From One Book to a Brotherhood

When I was released from solitary confinement, back into the general population prison yard, I knew I had to share this book with others. I gathered the men around me—some I had known for years, others I was just getting to know—and we formed an unexpected brotherhood around these words.

We passed the book around, spinning laps in the yard while discussing the lessons it taught us. We held each other accountable to the principles within it—choosing presence over pain, choosing growth over regret.

For so many of us, this book became a guide to transformation.

It wasn’t just me. Gianne Lollar, Bryson McCalley, and Travon Harris—men who had fought their own battles and faced their own demons—were impacted just as deeply. We weren’t just men serving time; we were men committed to becoming better before we walked out of those gates.

Listen to our conversation about the book The Power of Now in the latest episode on the How To Battle Podcast.

Full Circle: From Solitary to Meeting Eckhart Tolle

It’s funny how the universe works.

A man I had never met—Eckhart Tolle—impacted my life from afar. His words found me in my most broken state and, in turn, helped me help others. And now, years later, through an unexpected alignment, I am connected with the Eckhart Tolle Foundation.

The man whose words changed my life is now someone I have the opportunity to meet, not just for my own personal reasons but because we are meant to continue making an impact in this world together.

This isn’t about a book. This is about humanity. About looking beyond people’s pasts, their circumstances, their beliefs—and simply seeing them, and seeing the potential for good in every person.

The Power of Books: Why I’m Paying It Forward

I know firsthand the power that one book can have.

It’s why I’m on a mission this year to get 6,200 copies of my own book, Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men, into the hands of young men throughout California.

6,200 books—one for every day I spent in prison.

I know there are young men out there who need guidance, who need a spark—just like I did. And if my book can be that for even one person, then I know it was all worth it.

Join the Movement: Help Me Get Warrior in the Garden Into the Right Hands

If you believe in the power of books, the power of words, and the power of second chances, I invite you to be part of this mission.

Click this link to leave your name and email, and we’ll reach out with ways you can contribute. Whether it’s sponsoring books, spreading the word, or simply believing in the mission, your support means everything.

Final Thoughts

I am grateful. Grateful to Eckhart Tolle for writing the book that transformed my life. Grateful to the guard who unknowingly changed my future. Grateful to the men I walked the yard with, who committed to becoming better alongside me.

And I am grateful for the opportunity to now do the same for others.

The past does not define us. We have the power to rewrite our future. And sometimes, all it takes is one book in the right hands.

Take Care, and Keep Battling!

Follow: linktr.ee/howtobattle

Get my book The P.R.I.C.E on Amazon

Get my new book Warrior In The Garden- 7 Rules for Men on Amazon

Follow How To Battle on Instagram

Listen to our latest episode on the How To Battle Podcast

VIDEO: Behind the scene

Pictured: Clara and her parents, Betina and Carlo

Clara Woods’s journey is profoundly inspiring and serves as motivation for everyone. Let her story empower you to chase your aspirations, conquer obstacles, and make a positive difference. Additionally, I’ve created a behind-the-scenes video on YouTube that offers a glimpse into the preparation and travel involved in recording this podcast at Clara’s headquarters. Watch the video on YouTube to discover what goes into bringing these conversations to life and gain insights into the podcasting process (insert link here).

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Why I Launched the How To Battle Podcast
The idea for the How To Battle Podcast was born from my personal experiences and the profound impact that sharing my story had on others. Since my release from prison three years ago, I have been featured on many podcasts, with successful podcasters encouraging me to start my own. They said I had “the voice and ability to engage effectively, which would make me a good podcast host.”—who would have thought? However, the catalyst for this podcast was the release of three friends who had served long prison sentences. Their remarkable transformations and positive impact on the world today inspired me to create a platform for them and others to share their stories.

The Importance and Relevance of This Podcast
In today’s world, where negativity and despair often dominate the narrative, How To Battle stands out as a platform where you can overcome anything with hope, resilience, and proper guidance. This podcast is not just about recounting traumatic experiences; it’s about celebrating the human spirit and the power of overcoming challenges. Each episode showcases individuals who have faced or are facing adversity yet stand stronger, wiser, and more determined to make a difference in the world.

The Inspiring Stories thus far since the launch of the How To Battle Podcast 

Episode 1. Giane Lollar’s Transformative Journey
   – Giane Lollar, owner of Fatal Fit and a former prison inmate, shares his journey from gang member to certified personal trainer and nutritionist. Giane’s story is a testament to the power of self-improvement and the impact of health and fitness on personal transformation. His experiences, including traumatic incidents in his childhood and a life sentence at 17, fueled his determination to change. Today, Giane is dedicated to motivating others and proving that one’s past does not define their future.

Episode 2. Travon Harris: From Gang Life to Redemption
   – Travon Harris, a close friend and remarkable individual, opens up about his upbringing in the “Jungles” of Baldwin Hills Village in Los Angeles and his journey from gang life to personal growth. Influenced by peer pressure and cultural norms, Travon found himself entrenched in gang culture. However, his time in prison and the mentorship he received led to a profound transformation. Travon’s story highlights the power of education, self-reflection, and resilience.

Episode 3. Bryson McCalley: Building a Legacy of Change
   – Bryson McCalley, CEO and Founder of Last of a Dyng Seed, shares his journey from gang culture to professional success. Raised in Long Beach and deeply involved in criminal activities, Bryson faced multiple life sentences at 18. His turning point came in prison, where he embraced discipline, commitment, and mentorship. Now, Bryson is focused on building a global film and media empire, demonstrating the possibility of change and the importance of leaving a positive legacy.

Episode 4. Peter Meyerhoff: Journey of Transformation and Redemption
– Peter Meyerhoff, author of Against All Odds, shares his extraordinary journey from addiction, crime, and imprisonment to achieving ultimate success and fulfillment. Once entangled in a life of substance abuse and criminal activities, Peter’s turning point came after a near-fatal overdose, leading him to embrace faith, fitness, and mental health as pillars of his recovery. Emerging from prison, Peter focused on perspective, discipline, and the power of sharing his story and the stories of others through his podcast Roll Call with Chappy to rebuild his life and foster meaningful connections with others. Now a positive role model and mentor, Peter’s story is a testament to the power of transformation and the importance of staying true to oneself. Connect with Peter on Instagram.

Why This Podcast Can Benefit Everyone

The stories shared on the How To Battle Podcast are not just tales of personal accomplishment against extreme adversity but lessons in resilience, courage, and the power of the human spirit. Whether facing your battles or seeking inspiration, these narratives offer valuable insights and practical strategies for overcoming life’s most significant battles. Listening to these episodes inspires you to view your challenges differently and find strength in your struggles.

The Calling Behind the Podcast

Launching this podcast was not just a decision—it was a calling. I felt a profound responsibility to provide a platform for these incredible stories and to create a space where people can be vulnerable and share their journeys. Words have the power to hurt, heal, and inspire, and I am honored to facilitate conversations that can change lives. Through How To Battle, I am committed to helping people share their voices and experiences and inspire others.

Encouragement for Aspiring Podcasters

Starting this podcast was intimidating, but I knew I had to leap. My advice to anyone considering starting their platform is simple: just do it. Dive in, figure it out as you go, and don’t overthink it. The connections you make and the stories you share will be worth every challenge.

Conclusion

I invite you to join me on this journey, subscribe to the How To Battle podcast, and be inspired by the incredible individuals who have turned their struggles into strengths. Remember, we can create a world where words heal, stories inspire, and people become the best versions of themselves.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Each episode of this podcast reflects that sentiment, showcasing how serving others and sharing our experiences can lead to profound personal transformation.

Please read my newly released book, Warrior in the Garden: 7 Rules for Men (on Amazon now), because each man I interviewed and mentioned here has, in some way, inspired pages of this book. Their stories of resilience and growth are woven into its fabric, providing further insights and motivation for your journey.

Thank you for your support. I am committed to helping people battle and emerge victorious.

FAQs

1. What inspired you to start How To Battle?
   – My personal experiences and the transformative journeys of my friends inspired me to create a platform for sharing powerful stories of resilience and redemption.
2. Who are some of the guests featured on the podcast?
   – The podcast features individuals like Giane Lollar, Travon Harris, Bryson McCalley, and Peter Meyerhoff, who have overcome significant challenges to achieve success and fulfillment.
3. How can I listen to How To Battle?
    – How To Battle is available on all major podcast platforms, including YouTube.
4. What can listeners expect from the episodes?
     – Listeners can expect inspiring stories, practical strategies for overcoming adversity, and insights into the power of resilience and personal growth.
5. How can I support the podcast?
     – You can support the podcast by subscribing, sharing the episodes, and leaving reviews to help spread the word about the incredible stories featured on How To Battle.

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