Bullied Behind Bars – Matt  Melvin’s Journey from Prison to Purpose

**Episode Intro – “Transforming Lives: From Bars to Blessings with Matt Melvin”**

Welcome back to *Transforming Lives*, the podcast where we dive deep into stories of hardship, healing, and radical change. I’m your host, Charmin Prince, joined by my co‑host Mitzi Dadun, and today we’re honored to sit down with a truly compelling guest—Matt Melvin, author of the raw, unflinching memoir *Bullied Behind Bars*.

Matt’s journey is a stark reminder of how a series of impulsive choices can tumble a life into the federal prison system, where he endured bullying, isolation, and the harsh realities of incarceration. Yet, amid those walls, he discovered unexpected sources of hope: relentless journaling, daily Bible study, and a deepening relationship with God. After two stints behind bars, Matt emerged with a powerful new identity—one that refuses to fit into any “box,” even after a later‑in‑life diagnosis of Asperger’s.

In this episode we’ll explore:

- **The power of vulnerability:** How men’s groups and honest, painful storytelling became Matt’s lifeline.

- **Living with neurodivergence:** The impact of his autism diagnosis on self‑understanding and impulse management.

- **Faith in the furnace:** The near‑death experience that thrust him into a deeper, fire‑filled walk with Jesus.

- **Practical tools for transformation:** Journaling, prayer, reading (from Stephen Covey to the Bible), and the importance of finding a tribe that challenges and supports you.

- **Key takeaways for anyone feeling trapped:** The first step is admitting the mistake, then seeking connection—whether through a men’s weekend, a support group, or simply reaching out to Matt himself.

Matt also shares rapid‑fire insights—one word that described him before prison (“Angry”), after prison (“Empathetic”), the most valuable skill he learned behind bars (journaling with a positive attitude), and his definition of freedom: *Fearlessness*.

If you’re looking for a story that proves redemption is possible, that kindness can be found in the darkest places, and that a commitment to honesty and faith can rewrite a life, stay tuned. Matt’s memoir is available on Amazon, and you can connect with him at **BullyBehindBars.com**, or on Instagram, Facebook, and X under the handle **BullyBehindBars**.

Grab your headphones, take a deep breath, and get ready for a conversation that will challenge, inspire, and remind us all that we are never truly confined—unless we let our past define us. Let’s dive in..