John Espinosa Nelson believes that dumping all the so-called “toxic” people in your life is an excuse.
Why I Hate the “N” Word
John Nelson feels very strongly about the N-word. Here’s why.
‘Music is Moral Law’
Not havin’ the day you hoped for? Here’s some joy you can’t ignore.
The Year I Drove Around With “Character” Carved in My Door.
John Espinosa Nelson tells the story of the year he drove around with “F%*&ER” carved into his car door, and what he learned in the process.
Standards of a Stand-up Guy
There’s facing facts and confronting possibilities, and then there’s dealing with truly horrifying circumstances head on—and publicly—as an example to others of the strength of character one can achieve.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Worry List
In 1933, author F. Scott Fitzgerald ended a letter to his 11-year-old daughter, Scottie, with a list of things to worry about, not worry about, and simply think about.
Stand-Up Comedian Josh Blue is Where Excuses Go to Die
Creator of the “Palsy Punch” is still swinging that “arm”
Murderers Are His Life
Let’s make sure the wisdom of prison educators doesn’t get left out of a dialogue that has become water-cooler conversation across America.
Elmore Leonard R.I.P.
For John Espinosa Nelson the height of irony was devouring Elmore Leonard novels in prison.
Why Go Easy on Junkies?
Reforming mandatory minimum sentences for low-level drug offenders.
Lucky are the Children Who Think and Rock for Themselves
John Espinosa Nelson explains why these young men absolutely rock, and in more ways than one.
Lock-Up Quotas are Real
Excessive sentences, aka “bonus justice” is the rich soil in which for-profit detention has taken root.
I Played Prison Football and Lived to Write This
A new section of grass opened up an invitation to play some Yard football.
Ernie’s Auto-Erotic Wallpaper
Small tokens take on oversized importance in the small, lonely cells of Donovan Correctional Center.
The ‘Big House’ Isn’t Big Enough
A former consumer of corrections services, John Nelson knows a thing or two about prison overcrowding—and the men who hope to find rehabilitation when they get there.