Introducing Reentry Roads: A New Podcast Series Highlighting the Realities of Reentry
Real voices. Real stories. Real reentry.
At Workbay, we believe that every person deserves a chance to rebuild their life, especially those returning to our communities after incarceration. That belief has taken a new form through our latest initiative: the Reentry Roads podcast — a platform dedicated to honest conversations, lived experiences, and community insight around the journey of reentry.
In our pilot episode, Reentry Roads welcomes an unforgettable guest: Cory, affectionately known as “Cory with the Keys.” A returning citizen and successful entrepreneur and owner of The Key Konnect, a car dealership in Killeen Texas, Cory’s story sets the tone for the series — a balance of reality and hope, hard truths and second chances.
Watch Cory “with the Keys” Simek’s appearance on KCEN News
Hosted by Jay Christensen and Melissa Doramus, the podcast goes beyond surface-level narratives. It’s about bridging the gap between what people think reentry looks like, and what it actually feels like. As Jay states in the opening minutes, "We're going to take a deep dive into the realities of reentry, uncovering the obstacles both known and perceived… and the ones that take people completely by surprise."
In this episode, Cory talks candidly about the challenges of rebuilding trust, reentering the workforce, and finding stability. But more importantly, he brings us into the mindset it took to stay committed to change. As someone now entrusted with literal keys in a secure environment, Cory reflects on the symbolism of that responsibility — once locked in, now trusted to unlock.
The second half of the episode features John Pallasch, former Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training at the U.S. Department of Labor, who brings a broader policy lens to the conversation. Reflecting on Cory’s story, John reflects upon the national reentry landscape, underscoring how critical it is to create pathways for second chances. “I'm always emboldened,” he shares, “when I see folks who don’t get the breaks and still choose to move forward.” His remarks reinforced the podcast’s core message — that opportunity, mindset, and support are essential ingredients to successful reintegration.
In future episodes, listeners will also hear from correctional professionals, who offer context and contrast to the reentry journey from the institutional side. The goal is not just to tell stories, but to spark better policies, deeper empathy, and a shared commitment to reducing recidivism.
Reentry Roads is more than a podcast. It’s a movement toward understanding, inclusion, and opportunity — one voice at a time.