Sunday, March 1 through Saturday, March 6, 2015
Sunday, March 1 (Podcast seminar)
Today I had my first lesson on podcasting. I participated on a call with three different people. Two of them already operate successful podcasts. I learned some of the strategies that enable them to build a wide audience. Once of the podcasters was passionate about equestrian communities and she taught herself everything within six month. The other person started his podcast a couple of months ago and he has already received 5,000 total downloads, he said. I’m optimistic when I hear about the success that others are achieving. Once I launch my podcast, I intend to release a new podcast every day, just as I used to write a blog every day while I was incarcerated. I’m still working out the structure of the show, but I’m really eager to begin.
Monday, March 2 (Justin Paperny of FederalPrisonAdvice.com)
My friend and partner Justin Paperny spent the entire day in my office. He is launching a new venture at FederalPrisonAdvice.com. I happily collaborated with Justin to write content that will guide others as they encounter that challenges that accompany a criminal indictment. I anticipate that his new venture will launch before the end of March. He primarily works with people who’ve been indicted for federal crimes, but he has content for anyone who has been challenged by a criminal prosecution. Once I launch my podcast, I’ll likely submit record some for him.
Tuesday, March 3 (Miranda McCroskey of LawentrepreneurRadio.com)
Today I met Miranda McCroskey, founder of LawpreneurRadio.com. Miranda’s show inspired me to learn more about podcasts. She interviews attorneys that leave large firms to launch their own firms. Miranda launched her podcast about one year ago and she has since conducted interviews with more than 150 attorneys. If I can squeeze in the time, I’ll work with Miranda to compile those interviews into a book. There is so much work ahead for aspiring entrepreneurs! After lunch, Miranda invited me to watch her interview four guests for her podcast show. That was a wonderful opportunity that I really appreciated.
Wednesday, March 4 (Lisa Damiani and Diane Bass)
Today I interviewed two more attorneys, Lisa Damiani and Diane Bass. I reached out to both with a letter that introduced my work. As I did with Anthony Patti, I asked each to participate in a project I’m building to help defendants understand questions they should ask when hiring a defense attorney. Lisa spoke with me over the phone from her office in San Diego. Diane met me in my office and we spoke for nearly three hours. The information they provided will be really helpful. I’m going to write the articles tomorrow, or that is the goal.
Thursday, March 5 (Business Insider Article)
Business Insider published an article I wrote about Jodi Crupi, a former manager that worked for Bernie Madoff. She contacted me through PrisonProfessor.com seeking guidance to prepare for a six-year prison term. When I heard from Jodi, I didn’t know anything about her case. The more she told me, the more certain I became that she needed to write her story. Defendants who choose to write their story take the first steps to prepare for meaningful lives. In Jodi’s case, the prosecutor’s version of events and a jury’s verdict indicate that she knew or should have known about the massive fraud that Madoff perpetrated against thousands. If she was duped by him, then she was victim, too. She must invest the time and energy to help the world understand her version of events. If she is successful, she will advance possibilities for more successful return to society.
Friday, March 6 (Maine State Prison)
Mike, a warden from a state prison in Maine, contacted me. He said that he has been using several books I wrote as teaching resources for the men in his institution. Mike and I had a long conversation this morning about new programs that I could develop. Through PrisonProfessor.com, I will create content and programs to inspire the men inside to take action toward preparing for a better outcome. In addition to writing lesson plans that the men can follow, I’m going to create regular podcasts specifically for men in prison. The Main State Prison will compensate me for this service by paying a monthly subscription fee for this service. Since I’m going to undertake this responsibility, I must simultaneously work to build a wider client base with prisons and jails across the country.
Saturday, March 7 (New website)
Today I spent the entire day researching the Internet for great website designs. I need to rebuild MichaelSantos.com now that I’m going to build this podcasting platform. The site must work to grow an email list. I saw several great designs that incorporate technology in ways that will automate delivery of the content that I create. I’m very excited to begin implementing the service. It’s going to be incredibly exciting to generate all of this work. I’ve got a steep learning curve ahead of me, but I’m excited to overcome the challenges ahead and build something great. After Carole graduates, she will join me. Together, we’ll create a business providing information, products, and services that build a better world.
Miles for week: 23.3
Miles for month: 23.3
Miles for year: 196.92
Weight: 167