theforcedpivot Podcast with Shawn Barksdale

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Shawn Barksdale.

Shawn A. Barksdale is a resilient leader, entrepreneur, and community advocate whose life journey reflects transformation and empowerment. A former Returning Citizen, Shawn emerged from early incarceration determined to rewrite his narrative and break the cycle. Though his civil rights were taken before he ever exercised them, the second chapter of his life became a testament to growth, perseverance, and service.

During his time in confinement, Shawn committed himself to education—earning a diploma, completing college coursework, and mastering trades. He also pursued personal growth through social development classes, making a vow never to return to confinement.

Upon release, he furthered his education and launched Press 4 Time Tees, a printing business that today serves many justice reform organizations nationwide. His drive to empower others led him to become a Virginia Tech ACE Instructor, a certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and a Mental Health First Aid Instructor.

Shawn’s impact extends to media and advocacy as the host of the podcast Ten Minutes of Truth, which provides communities with critical information and perspectives often overlooked by society. With his civil rights restored, he has fostered important conversations with returning citizens, law schools such as Georgetown and Harvard, and diverse audiences across the country.

Today, Shawn works with Virginia Tech as a Special Hire for the COPE Project, where he continues to build ecosystems of support and opportunity. Through his work, business, and outreach, he embodies the power of personal transformation and inspires others—returning citizens and the wider community alike—to reclaim their narratives and embrace their inner strength.

Shawn is a podcast host as well.  His podcast is called "Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale". You can listen and learn more about the podcast at these platforms:

• Official website: tenminutesoftruth.com
• Facebook: TenMinutesOfTruth
• On Apple Podcasts: “Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale”
• On Spotify: “Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale”
• On Shawn’s website: shawnabarksdale.com
• Press 4 Times Tees: www.press4timetees.com
• Facebook:  Press4TimeTees

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