Bullied Behind Bars – Matt Melvin’s Journey from Prison to Purpose
Transforming Lives Panel Podcast
Episode Overview
Matt Melvin, author of Bullied Behind Bars, joins hosts Sharmin Prince** and Mitzy Dadoun to discuss his life-changing journey, including his lonely childhood, a late autism diagnosis, two prison experiences, the benefits of journaling, men’s work, and his growing relationship with God.
Matt shares how he transformed impulsive behavior linked to "shadow-of-autism" into positive activities, emphasizing that vulnerability leads to freedom and outlining practical steps for rebuilding after personal failure.
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## ⏰ Show‑Notes & Timestamps
| Time | Segment | Highlights |
|------|---------|------------|
| **00:00 – 02:00** | **Intro & Breathing Exercise** | Charmin leads a guided inhale/exhale to center listeners. |
| **02:01 – 04:30** | **Guest Intro** | Matt’s memoir *Bullied Behind Bars* is introduced; quick bio recap. |
| **04:31 – 07:45** | **Why He Wrote the Book** | Writing as catharsis; four‑year process of turning thousands of journal pages into a readable memoir. |
| **07:46 – 11:20** | **Early Life & First Crime** | Bullying in school, impulsive car‑sale scheme at a dealership, first 18‑month sentence. |
| **11:21 – 14:55** | **Managing Impulsivity** | Journaling, talking, vulnerability; why bottling struggles hurts. |
| **14:56 – 18:30** | **Reaching Out & Finding Tribe** | Social media’s double‑edge; importance of neuro‑divergent friends; men’s work groups. |
| **18:31 – 22:10** | **The Four‑Year Memoir Journey** | Selecting highlights, creating early connection with readers, dealing with family stoicism. |
| **22:11 – 26:00** | **Autism/Asperger’s Diagnosis** | Validation from psychiatrist; “no box can contain me.” |
| **26:01 – 30:45** | **Near‑Death Experience & Faith** | 495 highway crash, turning point toward God, deeper spiritual fire. |
| **30:46 – 35:20** | **Second Prison Stint (2016‑2018)** | Background‑check fraud, multiple facilities, grievances, solitary confinement. |
| **35:21 – 38:50** | **Coping in Prison** | Journaling, prayer, Bible study, listening to others. |
| **38:51 – 42:15** | **Surprising Prison Realities** | Decent guards, unexpected church community, few decent inmates. |
| **42:16 – 45:40** | **Message for Readers** | Early intervention, mental‑health support, men’s groups to stop the downward spiral. |
| **45:41 – 48:30** | **Paradigm Shift – Men’s Work** | March 2022 men’s weekend; vulnerability, silence, letting go of control. |
| **48:31 – 51:00** | **Protecting the Inner Self** | Surround yourself with positive, like‑minded people; reading (Covey, Bible). |
| **51:01 – 53:45** | **Book Highlights & Takeaways** | “I’m still here,” faith forged in prison, purpose to minister. |
| **53:46 – 56:20** | **Advice to Younger Self** | “I love you. You’re enough. You’re worthy.” |
| **56:21 – 58:55** | **Conclusion & Call to Action** | Reach out, join men’s groups, practice daily self‑love, forgive yourself. |
| **58:56 – 01:02:30** | **Rapid‑Fire Questions** | One‑word descriptors, daily prison routine, biggest misconceptions, source of strength, etc. |
| **01:02:31 – End** | **How to Connect & Buy the Book** | Email, website, Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), Amazon link. |
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## 📚 Resources Mentioned
| Resource | Link |
|----------|------|
| **_Bullied Behind Bars_ (Amazon)** | https://www.amazon.com/dp/… |
| **Matt’s Website** | https://BullyBehindBars.com |
| **Email** | BullyBehindBars@gmail.com |
| **Instagram** | @BullyBehindBars |
| **Facebook** | Matthew.Melvin.5621 |
| **X (Twitter)** | @xBarsBully |
| **Men’s Groups (search “men’s weekend” + your city)** | Google “men’s weekend + [your location]” |
| **Big Bill’s Book (addiction recovery)** | (Title not specified – ask Matt for details) |
| **Stephen Covey – *The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People*** | https://www.franklincovey.com/the-7-habits.html |
| **Bible (any preferred translation)** | https://www.biblegateway.com/ |
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## 🎧 Why You Should Listen
* **Raw, unfiltered truth** – Matt doesn’t sugar‑coat the pain of bullying, prison, or mental‑health struggles.
* **Practical tools** – Journaling, men’s work, daily Bible reading, and honest self‑reflection.
* **Hope & transformation** – A powerful testimony that faith and vulnerability can rewrite a life story.
* **Actionable steps** – From admitting a problem to finding a supportive tribe, Matt gives a clear roadmap for anyone feeling stuck.
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## 📢 Call‑to‑Action
1. **Grab the book** – Get *Bullied Behind Bars* on Amazon or your favorite retailer.
2. **Connect with Matt** – Reach out via email or social media for mentorship, men’s‑group recommendations, or a listening ear.
3. **Start journaling today** – Write down one thing you’re grateful for and one challenge you’re facing.
4. **Join a men’s group** – Search locally or ask Matt for a vetted list of groups that focus on vulnerability and accountability.
5. **Share this episode** – Help others who might be on the brink of a life‑changing decision.
Host: Sharmin Prince
Transformational Coach, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Trainer, Content Creator.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SharminVanPrince
https://www.facebook.com/eaglessoarN413805Y
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088212
X: https://twitter.com/SharminPrince
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharminprince/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/eagles-empowered-to-soar-inc-eets
Website: https://www.sharminprince.utobo.com
https://www.sharminprince.com
https:www.eaglessoar.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eagles_soar_inc/
https://www.instagram.com/sharmin_vp/
Host: Mitzy Dadoun
Travel, Insurance, Seniors, Teens, Spirituality, Manifestation, Gratitude, Business, Real Estate, author of 6 books
https://linktr.ee/mitzydadoun
http://www.wealthcreationconcepts.com/
http://www.smartseniorsrealty.com/
https://mddigital.biz/
https://mdsocialsavvy.com/home
https://mitzydadoun.wearelegalshield.ca/
https://www.loveitreviews.com/
https://lovemyclients.info/
Podcast Connect:## 🎧 How to Listen
- Follow the Transforming Lives panel podcast for more episodes featuring inspiring guests and transformative stories.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHpiH1ROjGb8qP9MqAAFVQ
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TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@user287979619?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Podcast Guest Booking: `https://tidycal.com/team/transforming-lives-panel-podcast/transforming-lives-panel-podcast
### 🎧 Listen & Share
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*Disclaimer:*
- The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast.
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*Stay connected, stay vulnerable, stay transformed.*