All About Us (Africa & Diaspora)

Episode Description In this powerful episode of The All About Us Podcast, host Carl Allen sits down with author and nonprofit founder John David Graham to explore a life shaped by struggle, faith, and service. John shares his 30-year journey of searching for purpose, from periods of homelessness and career detours to founding Good Samaritan Home, a nonprofit that has helped more than 2,500 men and women rebuild their lives after prison. Through honest reflection, John explains why redemption is not about perfection, but persistence. He also discusses his award-winning novel Running as Fast as I Can, a story rooted in second chances, forgiveness, and the quiet courage of starting again. This conversation offers deep insight into rehabilitation, compassion, and what faith looks like when lived out in the real world. Guest Information John David Graham Founder, Good Samaritan Home Author of Running as Fast as I Can Doctorate in Theology Advocate for prison reentry, rehabilitation, and restorative justice John founded Good Samaritan Home in Dayton, Ohio, providing transitional housing and mentorship for individuals reentering society after incarceration. His work focuses on accountability, dignity, and long-term stability rather than punishment. Timestamps and Key Topics 00:00 – 03:00 John’s early life, lack of direction, and the myth of life as a straight path 03:01 – 06:15 Career detours, instability, and the long search for purpose 06:16 – 08:30 Experiencing homelessness and how it shaped John’s compassion 08:31 – 11:00 The role of John’s wife and the importance of steady support 11:01 – 14:45 Founding the Good Samaritan Home and partnering with Ohio’s reentry programs 14:46 – 18:50 Daily life inside the reentry houses: accountability, structure, and dignity 18:51 – 22:30 “Calloused hands and tender hearts” and what real forgiveness looks like 22:31 – 25:30 Why rehabilitation saves lives, communities, and public resources 25:31 – 30:10 Why John wrote a novel instead of a memoir 30:11 – 33:45 Publishing Running as Fast as I Can at age 75 and overcoming rejection 33:46 – 36:45 Faith in action versus faith in theory 36:46 – 39:10 Race, resistance, and hostility faced while building Good Samaritan Home 39:11 – 44:30 Unity, division, and cross-cultural understanding 44:31 – 51:00 Second chances, stubborn perseverance, and never quitting 51:01 – 56:10 Redemption, forgiveness, and what it means to get up one more time 56:11 – 58:15 Final reflections and how listeners can learn more about John’s work Key Takeaways and Highlights Redemption is not a single moment. It is choosing to stand back up again. Stable housing is the foundation for successful reentry after prison. Accountability and compassion can exist side by side. Forgiveness means not keeping score. Service often teaches more about faith than formal education. It is never too late to begin again, regardless of age or past mistakes. Links and Resources Mentioned Good Samaritan Home https://goodsamaritanhome.org John David Graham – Official Website https://johndavidgram.com Book: Running as Fast as I Can Available wherever books are sold Free on Kindle Unlimited Currently offered for $0.99 (as mentioned in the episode) Facebook: https://facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JGrahamAuthor Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, take a moment to explore John’s work and support organizations that focus on rehabilitation and second chances. Visit Good Samaritan Home to learn how reentry housing changes lives, or pick up a copy of Running as Fast as I Can and join the conversation around forgiveness, persistence, and hope. Subscribe to The All About Us Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who believes in the power of starting again. Follow Us: All About Us Podcast:  IG:https://www.instagram.com/dalla_s4lr/ Website:http://www.standupndosomething.org/ Facebook: All About Us Africa & Diaspora