119-“My past does not define me, but it does give purpose to the work I do today.”-JD Leach-Author, actor, father, and juvenile justice reform advocate.
Fri Feb 06 2026
“My past does not define me, but it does give purpose to the work I do today.”-JD Leach
In this powerful episode of The Krista Escamilla Show, Krista sits down with JD Leach, author, actor, father, and juvenile justice reform advocate, to share his deeply personal journey through the Texas juvenile justice system and beyond.
JD is the author of the memoir Behind Closed Eyes: The Echoes From Texas Juvenile Prison, where he courageously details his survival, rehabilitation, and the realities faced by young people inside the system.
Having spent many years in the oilfields of Midland, JD’s story is one rooted in West Texas, resilience, and redemption.
Today, JD lives in Granbury, Texas, where he continues to advocate for reform, raise awareness, and share his story to help protect and empower vulnerable youth.
He has also appeared in the film Lioness and recently filmed Stan the Man, using storytelling both on and off screen to spark conversation and change.
🎙️ In this episode, we discuss:
JD’s experience inside the Texas juvenile justice system
What inspired him to write Behind Closed Eyes
The long road to healing and purpose after incarceration
How he went from the oilfield to the big screen.
The time he rode a lawn mower across Texas to raise money for a great cause.
This is an honest, raw, and hopeful conversation about resilience, accountability, and the power of sharing your truth.
👍 Please like, subscribe, review and share this episode, these stories matter.
A special thank you to our Sponsors: Omni Midland Hotel Rig-ID Workwear Midland Cap Co. The Preserve at Midland The Locklin Hotel Thin FR www.Joincapclub.com We appreciate you supporting local.
WE are cheering for you. Dream Big~Believe~Never Give Up
Thanks for Listening :)
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“My past does not define me, but it does give purpose to the work I do today.”-JD Leach In this powerful episode of The Krista Escamilla Show, Krista sits down with JD Leach, author, actor, father, and juvenile justice reform advocate, to share his deeply personal journey through the Texas juvenile justice system and beyond. JD is the author of the memoir Behind Closed Eyes: The Echoes From Texas Juvenile Prison, where he courageously details his survival, rehabilitation, and the realities faced by young people inside the system. Having spent many years in the oilfields of Midland, JD’s story is one rooted in West Texas, resilience, and redemption. Today, JD lives in Granbury, Texas, where he continues to advocate for reform, raise awareness, and share his story to help protect and empower vulnerable youth. He has also appeared in the film Lioness and recently filmed Stan the Man, using storytelling both on and off screen to spark conversation and change. 🎙️ In this episode, we discuss: JD’s experience inside the Texas juvenile justice system What inspired him to write Behind Closed Eyes The long road to healing and purpose after incarceration How he went from the oilfield to the big screen. The time he rode a lawn mower across Texas to raise money for a great cause. This is an honest, raw, and hopeful conversation about resilience, accountability, and the power of sharing your truth. 👍 Please like, subscribe, review and share this episode, these stories matter. A special thank you to our Sponsors: Omni Midland Hotel Rig-ID Workwear Midland Cap Co. The Preserve at Midland The Locklin Hotel Thin FR www.Joincapclub.com We appreciate you supporting local. WE are cheering for you. Dream Big~Believe~Never Give Up Thanks for Listening :)