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

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Listen to our latest episode on the How To Battle Podcast

A couple of weeks ago, I had the honor of delivering a keynote presentation for nearly 400 Rehrig Pacific Company employees at their Cleveland Fall Gathering. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working with Rehrig Pacific as a consultant and advisor, helping shape and implement training across the organization. From day one, they welcomed me like family.  This keynote was a deeply personal experience where I shared insights from my life journey and the power of collective unity in driving meaningful change.

A Unique Company Culture Rooted in Family, Service, and Growth

In a corporate world where employees often feel detached and weighed down by pressure, Rehrig Pacific stands out as an example of true community. Founded in 1913, Rehrig Pacific has always been an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing, creating reusable plastic products for supply chains, waste management, and recycling. But beyond this, it’s their people-focused culture that truly sets them apart.

During my time with the company, I’ve formed meaningful friendships with team members at every level, including CEO Will Rehrig. Will is not only a visionary leader but also someone who embodies the principles of human-centered leadership. Working alongside him has taught me a great deal about authentic leadership and has influenced my own journey profoundly. Will’s approach—leading by example and creating a space where everyone feels empowered—is a reflection of Rehrig’s dedication to valuing its people as much as its mission.

My Journey to Human-Centered Leadership: Overcoming Adversity to Inspire Change

Speaking at the Rehrig Pacific gathering was a powerful reminder of my own journey—one shaped by challenges and the drive to overcome. I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle, to feel overlooked, and to fight for a chance to prove myself. After my time in prison, Rehrig Pacific gave me that chance, seeing potential in me before I even saw it in myself. That belief in someone’s untapped potential is the very foundation of human-centered leadership, and it’s a principle I carry with me in all the work I do.

During my keynote, I spoke to nearly 400 Rehrig Pacific team members about human-centered leadership and the importance of unity in creating change. I shared the story of the 2013 California prison hunger strike, a collective effort that changed the state’s solitary confinement policies and served as a turning point in my life. The experience taught me the importance of people coming together for the greater good, a lesson that resonates deeply with Rehrig Pacific’s Human Capital team led by Stacey Johnson.

Spotlight on Stacey Johnson and the Human Capital Team

Stacey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Human Capital at Rehrig Pacific, leads a dedicated team that embodies the company’s “People First” approach. Stacey is an accomplished, results-driven executive with a passion for building an inclusive and responsive organizational culture. She works cross-functionally with leadership to align the company’s diversity and inclusion goals with business outcomes and to respond to changes that affect employees and company culture.

From left to right: Blanca Nunez (Digital Marketing), Rosario Madrigal (Human Capital),  Stacey Johnson (VP of Human Capital), Anthony Nunn (Human Capital), Carlos Vasquez (How to Battle)

In her role, Stacey drives cultural change and talent norms, oversees organizational effectiveness and strategic talent acquisition, and promotes leadership effectiveness and employee engagement. Her commitment and dedication have pushed me to become better, inspiring me to lead by example as she does. Stacey’s influence extends across Rehrig Pacific, and her team’s work has been instrumental in creating a supportive environment where every person feels valued.

The Power of Collective Unity: Learning from the 2013 Hunger Strike

One of the core messages I shared during my keynote was the power of the collective. During the 2013 prison hunger strike, individuals came together, unified by a common goal, to end the mistreatment of prisoners in solitary confinement. That strike not only changed policies but also helped me and countless others to begin a journey of rehabilitation. It was proof that when people unite for the right cause, change is inevitable.

I encourage everyone to watch The Strike documentary trailer to see the scale of the hunger strike, which began with about 30,000 prisoners across the state participating—a third of California’s prison population at the time. The protest spread to more than 24 prisons and lasted for 60 days, revealing the profound power of unity. Watch the trailer here.

At Rehrig Pacific, unity is already an integral part of the company’s culture, but there is always room to strengthen it further. My goal is to help foster that sense of collective purpose, to reinforce a culture of empathy, resilience, and human-centered leadership that isn’t just felt and practiced in some parts of the organization but across the entire company.

A Culture of Compassion and Opportunity: Building Leaders Who Lead by Example

One of the greatest aspects of Rehrig Pacific’s culture is its commitment to offering opportunities to those who may have been overlooked elsewhere. Just as Rehrig took a chance on me, I encourage every leader to look for potential in those who may be struggling or searching for a second chance. Rehrig’s approach reminds me of a guiding figure from my time in solitary confinement—a chaplain who saw potential in me at a time when few others did. His belief in me was the spark for my own transformation.

At Rehrig Pacific, the leadership team is equally committed to empowering its people and building a supportive environment that champions both personal and professional growth. This approach aligns closely with my philosophy of human-centered leadership, which prioritizes the well-being, growth, and engagement of every individual in the organization. Together, we’re working to build a company culture where everyone feels seen, heard, and helped—motivated to do their best work.

Looking Forward: Building a Future of Human-Centered Leadership

The future at Rehrig Pacific is bright, and I’m honored to be part of a company that values people as its most important asset. In the coming months, I’ll continue working with the team to deepen our commitment to human-centered leadership and foster a culture that’s as compassionate as it is innovative. By focusing on compassion, safety, collaboration, and authentic connection, we’re building a foundation for sustainable success that benefits not only the company but also the communities we serve.

Conclusion: The Importance of Belief, Unity, and Giving Back

Reflecting on my time with Rehrig Pacific, I am reminded of the power of belief—both in oneself and in others. I’m grateful to Will Rehrig, Stacey Johnson, and the entire Rehrig Pacific family for their trust, support, and commitment to building a company culture that truly values its people. For me, human-centered leadership is more than a concept; it’s a way of giving back and creating meaningful change.

To anyone reading this, remember the importance of unity, compassion, and leading by example. Whether you’re in a position of leadership or just beginning your journey, know that your actions, your compassion, and your commitment to others have the potential to make a lasting impact. Together, we can build a world where everyone has a chance to thrive, just as Rehrig Pacific has given me the opportunity to do.

For those looking for a meaningful place to work, I highly recommend exploring opportunities with Rehrig Pacific Company. Visit their website or find them on LinkedIn to view available positions and become part of a company that truly cares.

Take Care, and Keep Battling!

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This isn’t just serendipity; it’s about being open, prepared, and proactive in chasing your dreams. By radiating positivity and determination, you’re not just hoping for the best—you are actively setting the stage for greatness.

Consider Nelson Mandela’s remarkable life. Despite nearly three decades in prison, he maintained his resolve, championing forgiveness and hope. His relentless positivity not only helped dismantle apartheid but also paved his path to becoming South Africa’s first black president. Mandela’s story is a testament to the transformative power of maintaining a positive outlook even in the darkest times. 

Reflecting on my own experience, I remember stepping out of solitary confinement during my 14th year in prison, having reshaped my outlook on life. Returning to the general prison yard, a hub of complex social dynamics, I noticed a shift. The energy I now embodied—one of change and positive intentions—drew people and opportunities toward me. This shift played a crucial role in my early release, as I engaged in educational and rehabilitation programs that were instrumental in my transformation. This personal journey reinforces my belief the energy you emit shapes the life you lead.

My challenge to you is to make a conscious effort to be a force of positive energy in your daily interactions. Embody the type of presence that doesn’t just light up a room but also unlocks doors to new possibilities. Here’s how you can start:

1. Self-awareness: Regularly reflect on the type of energy you are projecting. Ask yourself, what kind of person am I? Where can I improve?
2. Intentional Positivity: Decide each morning to radiate positivity, regardless of the challenges that come your way. It’s about choosing your attitude, even on tough days.
3. Continuous Improvement: Embrace the journey of personal growth. Always strive to enhance your mindset and behaviors, which in turn will continue to attract more positive outcomes.

By fostering a positive life, you are not only enhancing your immediate environment but also setting the foundation for future opportunities to come your way. Start today, and watch as the world transforms around you.

My recommended read for this month is Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela.

Take Care, and Keep Battling!

Follow & Connect: 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

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