The Hidden Prisons Trapping You & How to Break Free
In this episode of The School of Greatness, Shaka Senghor and Christian Howes share their experiences of incarceration and the tools they used to overcome its psychological challenges. Both men found different paths through their time in prison: Senghor discovered the therapeutic power of journaling during his seven years in solitary confinement, while Howes focused on music and intellectual growth through psychology courses.
The conversation explores how both men faced and overcame post-release obstacles, including emotional barriers and societal judgment. They discuss the role of mentorship, creative expression, and therapeutic support in their journeys, with Senghor developing his career as a writer and Howes evolving from classical to jazz music. Their stories demonstrate how self-reflection, maintaining relationships, and finding purpose contributed to their personal growth after incarceration.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 22, 2025 episode of the The School of Greatness
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1-Page Summary
Overcoming Incarceration and Trauma
Shaka Senghor and Christian Howes share their transformative journeys through incarceration and the lasting impacts of trauma, highlighting their paths to psychological resilience and personal growth.
Prison Experience and Post-Release Challenges
During his 19-year sentence, Shaka Senghor spent seven years in solitary confinement, where he discovered journaling as a tool for mental liberation. Christian Howes focused on intellectual growth, music, and maintaining relationships through letter-writing during his incarceration.
After release, both men faced significant challenges. Senghor struggled with emotional hardening developed as a survival mechanism in prison, while Howes dealt with persistent feelings of guilt and shame. They discuss how society's constant reminders of their past, such as having to disclose convictions on job applications, created additional barriers to moving forward.
The Power of Self-Reflection and Support Systems
Both men emphasize the transformative impact of self-reflection and therapeutic support. Senghor describes how journaling helped him process grief without attaching it to guilt, while Howes utilized psychology courses and therapy during his incarceration. They highlight the crucial role of mentors, with Senghor noting how "master teachers" in prison guided him toward intellectual pursuits, and a civilian prison employee helped him recognize his potential.
Creative Expression as a Path to Freedom
For both men, artistic expression became a powerful tool for processing trauma and finding purpose. Howes evolved from classical violinist to jazz artist during his incarceration, learning from fellow inmates in the prison band. Senghor developed his writing in solitary confinement, eventually establishing a publishing company and writing books that challenge perceptions of formerly incarcerated individuals.
Keys to Personal Growth and Success
Senghor emphasizes the importance of gratitude and maintaining a connection to higher purpose, while Howes stresses the value of relationships and continuous learning. Both men view their success as the result of intentional choices and staying true to their purpose, rather than chance. They continue to serve others through their respective crafts - Howes through music workshops and Senghor through his writing and mentoring.
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Actionables
- Start a reflective journaling habit to explore your thoughts and emotions, dedicating at least 10 minutes each day to write freely without judgment. This practice can help you process experiences and foster mental clarity, much like it did for Senghor. For example, you might write about a challenging situation at work or a personal goal, exploring your feelings and potential solutions.
- Engage in a new form of artistic expression, such as painting, writing poetry, or learning an instrument, to channel emotions and stress into creativity. This can be a therapeutic outlet and a way to discover new passions. For instance, if you've always been interested in music but never learned an instrument, consider starting with simple online tutorials for beginners.
- Identify a mentor or accountability partner who can provide guidance and support as you work towards personal goals. This relationship can be with a trusted friend, a professional coach, or even a peer with similar interests. Regular check-ins with this person can keep you motivated and on track, similar to the role mentors played for Senghor and Howes.
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Overcoming Incarceration and Trauma
Shaka Senghor and Christian Howes share their profound journeys of transformation and psychological resilience while facing and overcoming the challenges of incarceration and the lasting impacts of trauma.
Shaka and Chris's Journey Of Overcoming Prison and Trauma
Shaka's Quest for Inner Freedom in Solitude
Shaka Senghor's journey of self-liberation began in the solitude of solitary confinement, during which he served seven of his 19 years in prison. Senghor realized that he had been metaphorically imprisoned by societal narratives even before his actual incarceration, having succumbed to a mindset that predicted his outcomes would be limited to death or prison by the age of 21. While isolated, Senghor took up journaling to question his imprisonment—both physically and mentally. His introspection and the reading material he had access to, such as stories of triumph and philosophy, helped him to break free from these negative prophecies and escape mental incarceration.
Chris's Commitment to Self-Improvement Through Intellectual, Physical, and Social Activities in Prison
Christian Howes, during his time behind bars, directed his energies toward intellectual growth, musical development, physical fitness, and maintaining interpersonal relationships through letter-writing to family and others. This multifaceted approach to productivity helped him maintain a sharp mind and a sense of purpose.
Impact of Prison and Trauma After Release
Adjusting To Life Outside Prison and Overcoming Survival Instincts
Upon their release, both Senghor and Howes faced the difficulty of adaptation to life outside the correctional system. Shaka Senghor struggled with reintegration and acknowledged that without his strong will and perspective, he might have succumbed to depression and a sense of failure that often plagues individuals with a criminal record. Christopher Howes talked about the ongoing effort needed to combat the psychological prisons of guilt and shame that persist long after physical release. Howes continues to encourage positive progress in life, even three decades post-incarceration.
Processing Grief, Shame, and Complex Emotions
Senghor discussed the emotional hardening required in prison to cope with constant exposure to violence—a defense mechanism that was then difficult to shed upon re-entry into society. To counteract this, he engaged in acts of compassion and empathy, such as mentoring young people, and embracing his roles as a father and husband. Lewis Howes opened up about being constantly ...
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Overcoming Incarceration and Trauma
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Actionables
- You can explore your own mental narratives by keeping a daily reflection journal, where you write down the stories you tell yourself about your capabilities and future. This practice can help you identify and challenge any limiting beliefs that may be holding you back, similar to how introspection aided Senghor.
- Start a habit of writing letters to express and process complex emotions, whether they're addressed to someone else or just for yourself. This can be a therapeutic way to deal with feelings of guilt, shame, or aggression, and can help you understand and articulate your experiences better.
- Engage in volunteer work that allows you to mentor or support individuals who might be fa ...
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The Role of Self-Reflection, Therapy, and Mentorship
Shaka Senghor and Christopher Howes discuss how self-reflection, therapy, and mentorship have profoundly impacted their lives, especially in the context of incarceration and personal growth.
The Transformative Power of Self-Examination and Journaling
Shaka's Unpacking of His Mindset and Trauma Leading To Prison
Shaka Senghor reflects on his self-practice of healing, which includes reading about trauma, meditation, mindfulness, and journaling. Through this process, he recognized that his negative thinking led to negative outcomes, prompting a journey of personal discovery and self-liberation. Journaling served as a tool to interrupt the cycle of beating up on himself, helping him to be present with his grief without attaching it to guilt. He learned to celebrate victories and not allow shame to erase them.
Shaka also recounts receiving a letter that triggered his old self, which was prone to violence. He considered reverting to his past aggressive behavior but instead decided to write, indicating a milestone in his personal development.
Recognizing Humanity in Self and Others for Healing
Senghor discusses his experience of feeling shame after a work project, recalling how the CEO helped him reflect on what could have been done differently. This exercise of intentional assessment helped him recognize his own humanity and the power of writing about his feelings. Lewis Howes emphasizes the importance for men to talk about emotions like fear, shame, and guilt, and Shaka echoes this sentiment, stressing the value in understanding and embracing these emotions for healing.
Importance Of Seeking Therapeutic Support and Mentors
Chris's Access to Psychology Courses and Therapy in Prison
Christopher Howes talks about finding personal freedom through poetry in jail, reflecting on the therapy he received in high school and his receptivity to it. While incarcerated, Chris took advantage of Pell Grants to take college classes, including psychology. He emphasizes continuous learning through therapy, podcasts, and books as vital components of his emotional intelligence and personal development.
Role of Positive Relationships and Understanding in Growth
The conversation highlights the need for support systems. Chris believes that sharing his backstory, despite the potential for s ...
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The Role of Self-Reflection, Therapy, and Mentorship
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Counterarguments
- While self-reflection and journaling are beneficial, they may not be sufficient for everyone, especially those with severe mental health issues who might require more structured or clinical interventions.
- The emphasis on individual self-improvement might overlook systemic issues that contribute to incarceration and personal challenges, such as socioeconomic factors, racial disparities, and the need for broader criminal justice reform.
- The narrative of personal transformation through self-help and mentorship could inadvertently perpetuate the idea that those who fail to transform are solely responsible for their circumstances, ignoring external factors.
- The story of personal growth in the context of incarceration might not be generalizable to all incarcerated individuals, as access to resources like therapy, education, and mentorship can vary greatly within the prison system.
- The idea that sharing personal stories of shame or guilt is indicative of the need for more personal work could be seen as an oversimplification, as some individuals may choose not to share for reasons unrelated to personal growth, such as privacy or cultural norms.
- The focus on gratitude and positive relationships as a means to overcome internal shame may not acknowledge the complexity of emotional healing for some individuals, for whom these approaches may not resonate or be effective.
- The success storie ...
Actionables
- Create a "trigger action plan" by identifying situations that evoke strong emotions and pre-planning constructive responses. For example, if you know that traffic jams make you angry, prepare a playlist of calming music or an audiobook to focus on instead of your frustration. This helps redirect emotional energy similarly to how writing served as an alternative to violence.
- Start a "gratitude and growth" conversation series with close friends or family, where each person shares something they're grateful for and a recent personal challenge they've overcome. This encourages open discussions about emotions and supports the idea that sharing personal stories can foster growth.
- Develop a "mentor moment" exchange in your community, where ...
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Finding Purpose and Freedom Through Creative Expression
The transformative journey of individuals like Christian Howes and Shaka Senghor through music and writing demonstrates the redemptive nature of creative expression.
Creative Talents and Passions: A Path to Redemption
Chris's Evolution: From Violinist to Jazz Artist, Guided by Incarcerated Mentors
Christian Howes began his journey with a passion for music, initially focusing on becoming a great classical violinist. However, his purpose evolved while he was in prison, where he aspired to become a great jazz violinist. During this time, he joined the prison band and was taught by inmates about different types of music, which greatly influenced his evolution as a musician. This journey is part of Howes' 70-minute performance film "Redemption Time," where he and other formerly incarcerated artists showcase their transformative power through creativity. Lewis Howes recalls Chris's evolution from his first music CD, "10 Yard," to becoming a jazz artist who has released several albums.
Shaka's Transition From Survival Writing to Inspirational Writing
Shaka Senghor's creative journey began in solitary confinement with "write or die" as his mantra. Senghor's evolution from writing letters, articles, and uninterrupted work in prison, to establishing a publishing company, reflects his transition from survival writing to producing work that inspires and challenges perceptions. His third and fourth books aimed to highlight the dreams and capabilities of those who have been to prison. Senghor also shared poems symbolizing his transition from a past life in prison to one of love and inspiration, emphasizing his desire to offer warmth, safety, and care through his words.
The Therapeutic and Connective Power of the Arts
Shaka and Chris's Artistic Processing of Trauma
Both Shaka and Chris found freedom through their respective modes of artistic expression – music for Chris and writing for Shaka. In the process, they tackled their experiences of incarceration, revealing the trauma behind them. Chris desc ...
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Finding Purpose and Freedom Through Creative Expression
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Actionables
- Explore a new genre of music each month to expand your cultural appreciation and understanding, much like discovering jazz transformed Christian Howes' musical perspective. Start by creating a playlist with top tracks from genres you're unfamiliar with, and dedicate time each week to listen and research the history and key artists in that genre.
- Start a personal journal where you document your thoughts and experiences as a form of self-expression and processing emotions, akin to how Shaka Senghor used writing to navigate his time in solitary confinement. Set aside a few minutes each day to write freely without judgment, focusing on your feelings, challenges, and aspirations.
- Volunteer with organizations that support the arts in correction ...
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Advice and Lessons for the Journey to Greatness
In a rich discussion, Shaka Senghor and Christian reflect on purpose, freedom, and lessons learned from their lived experiences, providing insights on the path to greatness.
Gratitude, Service, Lifelong Learning: Keys to Fulfillment
Shaka on Gratitude's Power and Higher Purpose Connection
Shaka Senghor emphasizes the importance of gratitude, service, and lifelong learning as essential components of a fulfilling journey. He encourages the audience to count every victory and remain consistent, likening this practice to living life metaphorically. Gratitude, for Shaka, is about staying present and recognizing higher purposes in our lives. He cites his experiences in prison, where helping others became his calling – an illustration of humanity at its best. Shaka also touches on the idea of children's independent journeys, and he emphasizes being open with his own child about his past as a way to guide rather than possess.
Chris's Focus on Relationships and Vision Reassessment
Chris has learned that knowledge comes from diverse sources and that maintaining gratitude for simple things is paramount. He stresses continuing practices honed during hardships, like living intentionally and serving others. He educates others through his workshops, reflecting his commitment to building relationships and serving through music.
Greatness Through Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
Shaka's View: Greatness As Tapping Into Our Creative Potential
Shaka Senghor believes greatness arises from delving into our inner potential and curiosity. This involves nurturing the child within for validation and confidence, and being a "joy hunter." Senghor speaks of the power of resilience and the need for candid conversations with children about life's challenges, demonstrating an appreciation for emotional intelligence. He asserts that he and Chris have reached their current positions not by chance, but by hard choic ...
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Advice and Lessons for the Journey to Greatness
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Counterarguments
- While gratitude is important, it's also necessary to acknowledge and address negative emotions and experiences rather than just focusing on the positive.
- Counting every victory might not always be practical or helpful for everyone, as some individuals may find that it minimizes their struggles or challenges.
- The concept of a higher purpose is subjective and may not resonate with individuals who are non-religious or who have a more pragmatic view of life.
- Helping others is commendable, but self-care and setting boundaries are also important to prevent burnout and maintain personal well-being.
- Being open with children about one's past is a nuanced issue and may not always be appropriate depending on the child's age and maturity level.
- Knowledge from diverse sources is valuable, but critical thinking is necessary to discern the quality and reliability of the information.
- Intentional living and serving others are noble goals, but they must be balanced with personal needs and limitations.
- Building relationships through service and education is important, but it's also crucial to recognize and respect the autonomy and agency of others.
- Tapping into inner creative potential is a powerful idea, but not everyone may identify with or have the opportunity to explore their creativity due to various life circumstances.
- The concept of nurturing the inner child might not resonate with everyone, and some may find more value in other forms of self-validation and confidence-building.
- Resilience is key, but it's also important to recognize when to seek help and that sometimes resilience alone is not enough to overc ...
Actionables
- You can create a "gratitude map" by drawing a simple map of your daily routine and marking spots where you can pause to reflect on what you're thankful for, like the comfort of your morning coffee or the smile from a neighbor.
- This visual reminder can help you stay present and recognize the small victories and higher purposes throughout your day. For example, if you always feel a sense of accomplishment after a workout, mark the gym on your map and take a moment post-exercise to acknowledge that feeling.
- Start a "joy hunt" journal where you jot down moments that spark joy or curiosity, no matter how small, and reflect on them at the end of each week.
- This practice encourages you to nurture your inner child and seek validation from within. For instance, if you find yourself smiling at a street performer's act, write it down and later think about what it was that made you happy in that moment.
- Develop a "resilience dialogue" with a friend or family member ...
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