In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, James Smith narrates his compelling journey from a career in law to finding redemption after serving a five-year prison sentence for bank robbery linked to his gambling addiction. James explores his early life pressures, his rise as a successful lawyer, and the moments of self-evaluation that led him to become a committed man of faith and a minister. Sharing insights from his time in prison and solitary reflection, he emphasizes the importance of overcoming adversity, embracing faith, and helping others. James, now an author and podcaster, also discusses his podcast ‘Deal by Me’, his three books, and his role as a moderator for the General Baptist State Convention. The episode highlights the power of vulnerability, persistence, and support from loved ones like his mother. Listeners can explore more of his work on www.dealbyme.com and Amazon.

Former Practicing Attorney; former compulsive gambler; ex-offender, served 5 years in Federal Correctional Institution for Armed Bank Robbery. A former NC State Bar Approved Sponsor of Continuing Legal Education, CLE for 11 years. James is a retired Pastor of a historical Missionary Baptist Church, Durham Co, NC, where he served for almost 32 years. James is the author of three books, “Deal By Me, A Golden Opportunity Blown,” Deal By Me 2nd Edition, A Self Evaluation,” and “Come, Let Us Reason Together.”

James truly believes in another chance. he had two major surgeries, prostate Cancer and spinal correction surgery, many years ago. James has recovered from both and is enjoying life to its fullest.

06:18 Introduction and Welcome

06:55 James’ Background and Early Life

07:29 The Compulsive Gambler Realization

08:28 Career Beginnings and Challenges

09:06 Life After Prison and Ministry

10:19 The Turning Point and Reflections

12:47 Gambling Addiction and Consequences

25:16 The Bank Incident

35:48 Prison Sentence and Transformation

41:50 Faith and Redemption

29:53 Guiding Others Through Experience

55:32 Conclusion and Contact Information

Sponsors of the Podcast:

• BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of Therapy
• WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans.
• Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial
• Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez
• Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan
• Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez

If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:

• Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-macp-mba-072a8a1ba/⁠
• Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.