Talks at Universities
Michael Santos visits universities nationwide to share powerful insights from his 26-year journey through the federal prison system. His presentations emphasize resilience, criminal justice reform, personal accountability, and the transformative power of education. Students and faculty learn about steps we can take to improve outcomes for people who go through America’s criminal justice system.
.webp)
.webp)
.webp)
Empowering the next generation of change-makers
Inspiring Students to Lead with Purpose and Impact
Michael Santos brings real-world lessons into university classrooms, sharing powerful stories from his 26-year journey through prison and successful reentry into society. His presentations encourage students to reflect deeply on choices, consequences, resilience, and the transformative power of education.
By challenging students to think critically about personal accountability, social impact, and justice reform, Michael equips them to become thoughtful leaders and advocates. Participants leave his talks inspired, empowered, and ready to make a positive difference in their communities.
.svg)
Soft White Underbelly
Mark Laita is a renowned photojournalist who created the impactful platform Soft White Underbelly. With a dedicated audience of over 10 million followers across YouTube and other channels, Mark provides a compelling space for individuals to share their stories of struggle and resilience. I was honored when he invited me to participate.
When I visited Mark’s studio in Santa Monica, I was accompanied by my friend Matt Bowyer. Matt is well-known for extensive media coverage portraying him as one of America's largest bookmakers. His notoriety intensified following a widely publicized scandal involving baseball star Shohei Ohtani, his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, and prominent Las Vegas casino executives. Mark initially intended to profile Matt, and through that connection, I had the chance to share my own story.
In the studio, Mark initially suggested I discuss experiences related to large-scale drug trafficking. However, I explained that my narrative was different. My journey was more about the process of recalibrating and rebuilding after profound adversity. Prison provided the backdrop, but the essence of my story was deeply human, highlighting strategies taught by influential mentors. Mark usually conducts interviews by asking questions, but he suggested I might tell my story uninterrupted. So, I sat down and spoke unscripted for an hour.
Million Stories
The Singleton Foundation sponsors numerous programs aimed at teaching financial literacy to underserved populations. One such initiative is the FacePlant series, which highlights inspiring stories of individuals who've faced significant adversity but discovered pathways to rebuild and transform their lives. I was honored when they approached me to feature my journey.
People entering the justice system often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the future. They need to know their current crisis doesn't have to dictate their life's trajectory. Every individual has the power to make strategic decisions during difficult times that can lead to positive outcomes. To share my experience, the FacePlant producers visited my home and created a high-quality video interview. In it, they explored the pivotal choices and mindset shifts that allowed me to move beyond the daunting challenge of a 45-year prison sentence.
Influential leaders guided me to adopt new ways of thinking, enabling me to recalibrate my perspective and rebuild my life from the inside out. These transformative lessons carried me through 26 years of incarceration and laid the groundwork for establishing multiple income streams after my release.
We are all navigating our personal journeys toward new chapters in our lives. By preparing proactively and thoughtfully, we position ourselves to seize emerging opportunities. That's precisely the message I aimed to convey through my story in this brief but powerful video.
UC Berkeley
In this talk at UC Berkeley, I shared my personal journey of serving 26 years in federal prison and the transformative lessons I learned during that time. Drawing inspiration from influential leaders like Socrates, who taught me about self-reflection and integrity, and Nelson Mandela, whose resilience and vision for justice deeply shaped my perspective, I conveyed the power of personal accountability and growth. I encouraged students to think critically about the importance of resilience, the flaws in our current justice system, and the urgent need for reform. Together, we explored how systemic changes could create opportunities for individuals to earn freedom through their own merit, actions, and personal development. I invited the students to join this movement for justice reform, fostering a future where transformation and second chances are truly possible.
California Wellness
The California Wellness Foundation stands as one of the largest philanthropic organizations in California, playing a pivotal role in supporting impactful initiatives. During my time in prison, I connected with Justin Paperny, who became both a friend and a partner in many ventures we launched together. When I shared my vision of creating a nonprofit dedicated to improving outcomes for individuals in jails and prisons, Justin immediately pledged his support. He began introducing my work to friends who visited him, many of whom had significant influence.
One such friend, Brad Fullmer, a former Major League Baseball player, offered his support during a visit to the prison. In a remarkable gesture, he provided a $40,000 check to help bring our vision to life.
Another key connection was Julio Marcial, who held a prominent position at the California Wellness Foundation. After outlining my vision for the nonprofit, Julio was inspired to help. Together, we developed a plan to turn that vision into reality. Leveraging his influence, Julio successfully persuaded the California Wellness Foundation to sponsor our efforts.
This partnership resulted in multiple grants, totaling over $500,000, which we used to develop long-term resources aimed at transforming the system. Thanks to the support of individuals like Justin, Brad, and Julio, and the generosity of the California Wellness Foundation, we were able to lay the foundation for meaningful, systemic change. After I finished my prison term, Julio asked me to give a keynote speech at the foundation’s annual conference in San Diego. Â
‍
.webp)
.webp)
Today, Michael dedicates his life to helping others overcome challenges. He shares insights through his Accountability Log, Daily Blog, and stories of the influences who shaped his journey.
‍
50+
Prisons we've visited to make in-person presentations. We don't only teach and inspire, we lead train-the-trainer seminars to promote peer-to-peer learning and improve the culture of confinement.
‍
1,000+
People in custody taking initiative to build profiles on the Prison Professors Talent platform. They're memorializing steps to prepare for success as law-abiding, contributing citizens.
‍
1,100+
Jails and prisons that offer our lessons, courses, and books to teach and inspire people. In our self-directed courses, people learn how to accelerate pathways to success upon release.
‍
900K+
People in custody with daily access to Prison Professors lessons, courses, and books through our collaboration with the Edovo Foundation and direct partnership with government agencies.
‍
Principles we teach
The origins of our self-directed courses began with readings of Socrates, Frederick Douglass, Nelson Mandela, and modern leaders who teach us how to live as if we're the CEO of our life. To overcome any crisis, or build solutions, follow the principles of our Straight-AÂ Guide.
.svg){kind=icon}
Who we serve
We offer resources that people who are going through a crisis or challenge can use to recalibrate. It's never too early or too late to begin building pathways to a better outcome. Each individual can build a body of work that opens opportunities for the next phase, empowering them to live meaningful, contributing lives.
.webp)
Incarcerated Learners
Get access to our lessons, books, or self-directed courses. Regardless of what staff do, you grow.
Correctional Facilities
Improve the culture of your facility, inspiring people to learn. Be the change you want to see.
Lawyers & Law Firms
Offering resources to help people develop assets for self-advocacy, building mitigation stories.
Family, Friends, & Community
Download daily lessons to inspire people in custody. Help them build self-confidence and prepare.
On behalf of our institution, I write to extend my sincerest appreciation for taking the time to visit and present to our staff and population. We’re looking forward to implementing the program.
In my capacity as a warden, and as a regional director, I invited Michael Santos to visit our institutions. His programs have had a positive impact in our facilities.
.svg)
.webp)
.png)
.webp)
Take action
with us.
