Beyond the Bars: Carlos Vasquez on Redemption and Purpose

Reframing Perspectives with Payal Beri, PhD

Carlos Vasquez spent 17 years in prison, 3 of them in solitary confinement. In this episode, he joins Dr. Payal Beri for an empowering conversation on accountability, redemption, and purpose.

In this episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:20 One decision that changed everything

06:30 Life in solitary confinement and breaking point

14:45 Rebuilding identity through books and faith

23:00 Mentorship, trauma, and the path to redemption

31:00 Why kids need connection, not correction

41:10 From gang life to leadership and corporate work

48:00 The long-term vision for How to Battle

In the episode, Carlos shares with Payal how one decision and one mentor altered his entire trajectory. From growing up in a loving, middle-class home to becoming a gang leader and prison shot-caller, Carlos walks through his path to self-destruction, awakening, and ultimately, transformation.

Now a motivational speaker and founder of How to Battle, Carlos is on a mission to guide youth, leaders, and communities toward healing, purpose, and accountability. He speaks candidly about identity, redemption, and the power of mentorship, offering hard-earned wisdom for anyone facing personal or systemic obstacles.

Tune in, and prepare to have your own perspectives reframed around true transformation and what it means to lead a life of purpose. Make sure to leave a rating and review wherever you listen!

More from Carlos:

https://linktr.ee/howtobattle

Follow Dr. Payal Beri on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/dr.payalberi

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Check out RK Empathy:

https://www.rkempathy.com/

Connect with Dr. Payal Beri on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/payalberi/

Interested in having Dr. Payal Beri speak at your event?

https://www.payalberi.com/

This Podcast is Produced by MicMoguls.com.

This podcast is produced by MicMoguls.com