Outlaws to Advocates
Stories of Redemption, Recovery, and Real Ones
Outlaws to Advocates
Stories of Redemption, Recovery, and Real Ones
Real people. Raw stories. Radical change. Hosted by Jesse Messer & George Nolan, we amplify voices that once had none.
From Chains to Change: Voices That Matter
Real stories. Raw truths. Unfiltered conversations with those who’ve walked the walk from incarceration to impact.
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I was sitting in a cell with nothing but time and regret. I never imagined I’d be standing in front of my own home, free, sober, and surrounded by love. This podcast gave me the first space where my voice wasn’t just heard—it was valued.
Chris M., Formerly Incarcerated | Episode 14 Guest
6 months ago
🧡 Katherine Kouvelas | Heart of ARIS 🧡
"Leading with Love to Uplift the Homeless" 🏠✨
Katherine Kouvelas is the passionate force behind the ARIS Foundation, a movement built on compassion, dignity, and relentless service. Every week, rain or shine, Katherine and her team show up to provide food, hygiene, hope, and human connection to those experiencing homelessness in Arizona. Her mission is simple but powerful: to love people back to life. 💫💕
About Katherine's Work
Katherine Kouvelas-Edick is the founder and Executive Director of the Aris Foundation, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Tempe and the surrounding areas of Maricopa County, Arizona. Established in 2016, the foundation provides weekly outreach every Tuesday evening at Mountain Park Health Center in Tempe, offering meals, clothing, hygiene items, and emotional support to 175–200 individuals each week .
Katherine's journey began with small acts of kindness, such as filling Christmas stockings and handing out meals, which evolved into a thriving ministry serving over 200 people every Tuesday night . Her mission is to create a judgment-free zone where individuals can feel comfortable enough to begin the path to permanent housing and recovery .
In addition to the weekly outreach, the Aris Foundation collaborates with organizations like the Tempe Community Action Agency and AZ HUGS to provide comprehensive services, including case management, shelter intakes, and rapid rehousing .
For more information about the Aris Foundation or to get involved, you can visit their official website at www.arisfoundation.org or contact Katherine directly at katherine@arisfoundation.org.
🎙️ Coming Up Next
Stay Tuned for Our Next Guest
A new voice is stepping up to the mic—someone with a powerful story of transformation, resilience, and redemption. Their journey from adversity to advocacy will inspire and challenge us all.
Why You Should Listen:
- Gain firsthand insights from someone who has walked the path from incarceration to empowerment.
- Discover practical advice for overcoming challenges and building a purposeful life.
- Be inspired by stories of resilience, transformation, and community impact.
Don't Miss Out!
Subscribe to the "Outlaws to Advocates" podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform to catch this and future episodes.
Reflecting on the Stories That Shaped Us
Every episode we’ve released is more than just a conversation — it’s a testament to transformation.
From raw stories of incarceration to powerful accounts of recovery, advocacy, and redemption, our guests have shown what it means to rise from the ashes. These episodes aren’t just moments in time — they’re living proof that pain can lead to purpose and that no one is beyond change.
🎙️ Revisit the journeys that built this movement. Explore every episode and rediscover the power of real voices.
The Barbell Saves Joins OTA!!
Rob and Jeremiah from The Barbell Saves Project dropped in on Outlaws to Advocates—and this one’s a powerhouse. From iron bars to lifting bars, these two are transforming pain into purpose and showing what true strength really looks like.
We talk redemption, resilience, and the kind of discipline that only comes from surviving the storm. If you’ve ever felt like the weight was too heavy to carry, this episode will remind you: you were built for it.
Tap in now. Your comeback starts here. 👊
#OutlawsToAdvocates #TheBarbellSavesProject #Reentry #SecondChances #StrengthThroughStruggle #RecoveryIsPossible #FromPrisonToPurpose #SpotifyPodcasts
Colby Love Can
She’s on a mission to support people entering recovery 🙌 and their beloved pets 🐶🐱—because healing shouldn’t mean leaving your best friend behind.
Colby understands that for many, our animals were there when no one else was. They’re family. 🫶
And now, she’s making sure both people and pe
Calling out the BS!
🔥 Last night’s Outlaws to Advocates podcast was all about breaking down stigma and calling out the BS that holds people back. 🚫💭 We got real about the labels society slaps on justice-impacted individuals and those in recovery—how they limit opportunity, fuel discrimination, and reinforce cycles of failure. But we didn’t just talk about the problem; we tackled solutions. 💡 From self-advocacy to community accountability, we laid out what it takes to push back against the nonsense and rewrite the narrative. ✊✨ If you missed it, you’ll definitely want to catch the replay. 🎙️🔥 Let’s keep the conversation going—drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️💬#EndTheStigma #BreakTheCycle #JusticeReform #RecoveryMatters #SpeakTruth #SecondChances #NoMoreLabels #ReentrySuccess #AdvocateForChange #OutlawsToAdvocates
Justice Imapacted
In this special hosts-only episode of JustUs Impacted, we’re keeping it real and breaking down what actually works in reentry. 🚪➡️ From landing jobs and finding housing to building a solid support system, we’re sharing the game-changing strategies that help people come home and stay home. As folks who’ve been through it ourselves, we’re talking wins, challenges, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. No fluff—just real talk, real solutions, and maybe a few laughs. 😆 Tap in and let’s build a better reentry together! 💪🔥
New Episode
"Yesterday on Outlaws to Advocates, we had the honor of hosting Hayley Winterberg, a true force for change. Her journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, determination, and purpose can turn any challenge into an opportunity for growth. Hayley’s insights on advocacy, leadership, and pushing through adversity left us inspired to keep fighting for a better tomorrow. No matter where you start, your story is still being written—so make it one of impact. Keep rising, keep pushing, and never stop believing in the power of your own transformation!" 🚀🔥 #OutlawsToAdvocates #KeepPushing #Transformation"
Joey Landin-Sanctuary RC
Last night onOutlaws to Advocates, we had an incredible conversation with Joey Landon, owner of Sanctuary Recovery Centers and Helping Hands Auto Repair! 🚀 Joey’s passion for second chances and his commitment to lifting up those in recovery truly inspired us. From rebuilding cars to rebuilding lives, his story is a powerful reminder that with determination and heart, anything is possible. You won’t want to miss this one—raw, real, and packed with motivation. 🎙️🔥 #SecondChances #Recovery #OutlawsToAdvocates #Podcast
Outlaws to Advocates Merch: Wear the Journey
This isn’t just clothing it’s a movement. Every hoodie, tee, and sneaker tell a story of transformation, resilience, and purpose. Built by those who’ve walked the walk, our gear stands for redemption, strength, and the unstoppable rise from outlaw to advocate. Rep your path. Inspire the next.
