In this raw and powerful episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, host Brent Cassity interviews Saffron Gustafson, who shares her harrowing journey from a successful business owner of medical clinics to facing federal charges after an FBI raid on her medical business. Eventually she is sentenced to 22 months in prison at the Dublin prison that was eventually shutdown for sexual abuse of women. Saffron Gustafson’s story is one of resilience, survival, and reclaiming her voice after years of silence. As the author of My Name Is Saffron: Voices Silenced, Stifled, and Taken Away, she opens up about the struggles that shaped her journey, the systems and circumstances that tried to erase her identity, and the strength it took to fight back. We explore how trauma, injustice, and isolation can strip someone of their voice—and how reclaiming it becomes the ultimate act of freedom. Together, they dive into themes of survival, courage, and the universal search for dignity when the world seems determined to keep you down. This conversation will challenge, inspire, and remind us that it is shocking what someone can adapt to at rock bottom. Saffron reminds us that you have a choice with how you handle your nightmare.

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In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Dr. Muhamad Ali Rifai, who shares his incredible journey from surviving a war-torn childhood in Syria to facing a federal investigation in the United States. Dr. Rafi survived machine gun fire as a child. He escaped thyroid cancer and a car crash that should have killed him, but nothing prepared him for going to trial with the United States Government. The Doctor discusses his experiences with raw authenticity, the challenges of navigating the legal system, and the importance of telemedicine. Dr. Rifai, who is both an internist and psychiatrist, was a pioneer of telemedicine. He emphasizes the need for professionals to understand the complexities of the law and shares insights from his own trial, where he was ultimately acquitted of all charges. His big "tip" is do not talk to the investigators, they are professionals. Let your attorney handle all communications. The conversation highlights the power of staying true to your beliefs and the importance of supporting others in similar situations. Dr. Rifai is the author of the book Doctor Not Guilty, and he is the founder of SHIELD that helps professionals through the complicated process of being indicted.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

What makes someone go from "I can't" to "I can" mindset. Pamela Winn's mindset change came from having a conversation with a friend after returning home from a 78 month Federal Prison Sentence. Pamela Winn earned a scholarship to college and later became a registered nurse before her world came crashing down with a charge of mortgage fraud. She had a miscarriage in custody being shackled with a hard fall. Her journey is one of courage, advocacy, and unshakable resolve. After experiencing firsthand the devastating gaps in our criminal justice system, Pamela turned her pain into purpose, founding RestoreHER, a policy and advocacy organization dedicated to ending the mass incarceration of women and addressing the unique challenges justice-impacted women face. Honored with numerous awards for her leadership, including The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023, Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact List, and PBS Short Film Festival Winner "Winn Movie" to name a few. Pamela has become a powerful national voice for dignity, health, and human rights. She added language for women incarcerated in the the First Step Act.

In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with Pamela to explore her personal story, the systemic barriers she’s fighting to dismantle, and the hope she’s building for women across the country.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

Brandon James walked out of prison over 6 years ago, and has created one of the biggest roofing companies in the state of Missouri. Brandon was stuck at rock bottom who attempted to take his life a few weeks out of prison. This is an incredible redemption comeback story. He says you cannot be a victim and victor at the same time. Brandon became intentional about what he wanted in life. He wrote it down and asked for help. He is now the founder of Brandon J Roofing of one of the fastest growing roofing companies doing over $60 million a year annually. In this episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity interviews Brandon James, who shares his incredible journey from a troubled childhood and a 10 year incarceration to becoming a successful entrepreneur, podcast host of WIT "Whatever It Takes", and a motivational speaker. The discussion delves into themes of overcoming fears, the impact of early life experiences, the challenges of re-entering society after prison, and the importance of sharing one's story. Brandon is constantly seeking advice from mentors, coaches, and studying the people who have been a success. This episode is full of life lessons of how to get unstuck and act on your purpose.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

In this powerful and revealing episode of Nightmare Success In and Out, Brent Cassity sits down with former Illinois Judge Jessica O’Brien—the first Filipino-American elected to the bench in Cook County—who went from a respected courtroom authority to a federal inmate. Jessica opens up about her stunning journey through the justice system:the decision to go to trial that led to a conviction for mortgage fraud, the surreal experience of trading her judge robe for a prison uniform, and how she rebuilt her identity from the inside out. With raw honesty, she reflects on the shame, isolation, and loss of purpose she faced, and how she found resilience and redemption in the most unlikely place. Now an advocate for second chances and systemic reform, Jessica shares how her experience has reshaped her understanding of justice—and her mission moving forward. She is still diligently fighting to overturn her conviction. This is a conversation about resilience , surviving, and the courage to rewrite your story. A must-listen for anyone who believes that rock bottom can be the beginning of something new.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

From homelessness to cooking for Team USA at the Olympics, to Food Network fame—Darnell "SuperChef" Ferguson has lived a life of extremes. But behind the fame and fire in the kitchen, his journey has been anything but smooth. In this powerful episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, Darnell opens up about his early battles with the law, rebuilding his life through food, and the recent legal storm that nearly unraveled everything he worked for. We go deep into his rise from rock bottom, the pressures of success, the realities of public scrutiny, and what redemption means when your past keeps knocking on your door. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about second chances, staying accountable, and finding purpose through the pain.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

James Catledge was once a high-flying investment promoter with a charismatic edge and a growing empire that promised wealth and security. He decided to diversify for his clients in real estate in the Dominican Republic that turned into a nightmare. James shares his incredible journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful entrepreneur. James discusses the impact of his early experiences, including his time as a missionary. In this gripping episode of Nightmare Success: In and Out, James opens up about the rise of his financial kingdom, the criminal investigation that turned his world upside down, and what it was like facing the reality of federal indictment and incarceration. Now out of prison, he reflects on the hard lessons learned, the people affected, and the long road to redemption. James has transitioned into a new career in financial services, developing a scoring algorithm to help financial advisors better serve their clients. This is a raw, revealing conversation about character, reputation, justice, and second chances.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"

In this episode of Nightmare Success, Brent Cassity interviews Donald Hinton, who shares his inspiring journey from a troubled childhood to overcoming significant challenges in prison and ultimately finding success in real estate. Donald discusses the impact of his father's incarceration on his life, and the turning point that led him to change his life while in prison. His son came to visit him in the exact same prison visiting room Donald had visited his own dad. He committed he was going to break the cycle. He emphasizes the importance of planning for life after incarceration, the challenges he faced, and how he now helps others by providing housing and mentorship. Donald's story is a testament to resilience, personal growth, and the power of second chances. Check out his book on Amazon: From Prison to Properties.

Show sponsors: Navigating the challenges of white-collar crime? The White-Collar Support Group at Prisonist.org offers guidance, resources, and a community for those affected. Discover support today at Prisonist.org Protect your online reputation with Discoverability! Use code NIGHTMARE SUCCESS for an exclusive discount on services to boost your digital image and online reputation. Visit Discoverability.co and secure your online presence today. Skip the hassle of car shopping with Auto Plaza Direct. They’ll handle every detail to find your perfect vehicle. Visit AutoPlazaDirect.com "Your personal car concierge!"