FCI Otisville

I am grateful to Warden Erik Rickard and Executive Assistant Christopher Everle for welcoming Carole and me to the Federal Correctional Institution in Otisville. Their leadership and openness made it possible for us to connect directly with hundreds of people in both the minimum-security camp and the medium-security prison.

Beginning at the Camp

Our visit began at the Otisville camp. The facility sits in a scenic setting, where deer roam freely across the grounds. The architecture reminded me of the camp at Lompoc, where I once lived during my own journey through prison.

Staff members welcomed me warmly and led me to an outdoor area, where I had the privilege of speaking for nearly two hours. At camps, my message always centers on personal accountability—the importance of using time inside to prepare for success outside. Yet I also emphasize the unique challenges of minimum-security settings, where many people arrive with strong professional backgrounds.

I encouraged participants to focus on restoring reputations, rebuilding careers, and preparing for success on Supervised Release. Afterward, many men approached me to share their stories. Some had been physicians, attorneys, or business professionals before surrendering. Their openness gave me hope that they would take the message to heart: they can help themselves by memorializing their journeys and documenting the ways they reconcile with society.

Meeting with Warden Rickard

Following the camp presentation, Carole and I had the opportunity to meet with Warden Rickard in his office. He spoke candidly about the challenges of substance abuse within his institution. His perspective gave me valuable context, which I sought to integrate into my later presentations. I deeply respect his commitment to fostering change in a difficult environment.

Touring the Medium-Security Institution

Around noon, Mr. Everle guided Carole and me through the medium-security prison. We admired the immaculate grounds and the breadth of programming. In the vocational arts building, people were developing skills that could serve them well upon release. We visited the art and music rooms, along with an impressive horticulture program featuring a greenhouse and water features—spaces that bring beauty and dignity into confinement. We met many teachers and staff members who expressed enthusiasm about our program, which would allow people to document the intentional steps they're taking to prepare for success upon release.

Presentation to 200 People

In the gymnasium, approximately 200 people gathered to hear my story. As always, I began with three promises:

1. I will never lie.
   
   
2. I will never ask anyone to do something I did not do myself.
   
   
3. I will never charge a penny for the free resources our nonprofit offers.
   

Over two-and-a-half hours, I emphasized the importance of a deliberate, self-directed plan. I spoke about building biographies, keeping journals, writing book reports, and crafting release plans. These efforts allow people to rise up our Prison Professors leaderboard—documenting why they are extraordinary and compelling.

I also shared that our team is committed to advocating for additional incentives, but that advocacy works best when people inside demonstrate their efforts to prepare for success.

Building Value Through Advocacy

My role is to work with staff, administrators, and incarcerated people to improve the culture of confinement. That requires us to be the change we want to see in the world. By working together, we can show the Bureau of Prisons the value of creating more mechanisms for people to earn freedom through merit.

I left Otisville with deep gratitude—for the leadership of Warden Ricard and Mr. Everle, for the professionalism of the staff, and for the hope I saw in the men who attended.

Together, we can build pathways to safer communities, stronger families, and brighter futures.

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