What does it take to go from prison to pardon — and build a life of purpose?

In this powerful episode of Teaching Journeys, host Dave Roberts sits down with Perry Staples, a St. Croix Chippewa Indian of Wisconsin tribal member with 17 years of sobriety, a gubernatorial pardon, and a life devoted to helping others heal.

Perry shares his raw, honest story: growing up on the reservation, the grip of alcohol and drugs, six DWIs, four felonies, and 33 months in prison — all the way to receiving a personal phone call from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers congratulating him on his pardon. Along the way, Perry reveals how Native American traditions, ceremonies, and culture became the foundation of his recovery — and how they continue to guide his work today as a certified peer specialist and founder of the Wings of Migizi Recovery Peer Support G ...