

Locked In with Ian Bick
Ian Bick
Real stories from the people everyone else judges first. Locked In with Ian Bick is a podcast hosted by Ian Bick, a former federal inmate turned podcaster. The show features raw conversations with former inmates, recovering addicts, bikers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, investigators, and people who have lived through crime, prison, addiction, trauma, and redemption. Each episode dives deep into real prison stories, life inside prison, the criminal justice system, street life, addiction recovery, mental health, and what it takes to rebuild after incarceration. Guests share what really happens behind bars, how people survive prison, and the difficult road to second chances after hitting rock bottom. If you’re interested in prison stories, criminal justice experiences, life after prison, and honest conversations with people who have lived through the darkest chapters of their lives, you’ll feel at home here.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 20, 2025 • 1h 27min
I Was a Cop — Then I Got Arrested | Travis Hoban
Travis Hoban always wanted to be a cop—just like his dad, a tough New Jersey correctional officer. But growing up in a household filled with alcoholism and emotional turmoil, Travis carried more than just ambition into adulthood. After finally making it onto the force, his career came crashing down just one year in—arrested for DUI and forced to resign. Spiraling deeper into addiction, Travis hit rock bottom before making a powerful comeback. In this raw and emotional episode, he opens up about law enforcement culture, hitting his breaking point, and the brutal reality of recovery.
#FormerCop #AddictionRecovery #DUIArrest #RockBottomToRedemption #AlcoholismStory #PoliceDownfall #SecondChances #LockedInPodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Get 50% off the Magic Mind offer here: https://www.magicmind.com/IANB50. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 The Turning Point: DUI Arrest and Career Collapse
00:05:15 Inspiration from My Dad's Career in Law Enforcement
00:10:20 Legalization of Weed in New Jersey and Its Impact on Alcohol Sales
00:15:22 Encounter with a Bus Bully
00:20:38 Journey to Becoming a Class One Officer
00:25:53 Arrest Story: From Disorderly Conduct to Drugs
00:30:21 The Challenges of Polygraph Tests in Law Enforcement Hiring
00:35:29 Experiences in Camden Police Department
00:40:41 Drunk Driving Incident and Consequences
00:45:49 The Consequences of a DUI as a Cop
00:50:37 Navigating Workplace Challenges: Union Reps and Legal Battles
00:55:45 Arrival in Florida for Rehab
01:00:51 The Start of a Downward Spiral
01:06:20 Experiencing the Challenges of Security Work at St. Francis Hospital
01:11:13 Challenges in Law Enforcement Hiring Practices
01:16:18 Reflections on Past Drinking Habits
01:22:02 Appreciating Travis's Journey and Story
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Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 43min
ICE Agents Are Breaking the Law — Public Defender Exposes the Truth | Thomas Leaf Pt. 2
Public defender Thomas Leaf gives his unfiltered take on America’s growing immigration crisis. From ICE overreach to broken policies and political hypocrisy, Leaf breaks down what’s really happening behind the headlines. This isn’t courtroom drama — it’s a firsthand look at how the system is failing from someone who sees the consequences every day.
#ImmigrationCrisis #ICE #BorderControl #PublicDefender #ImmigrationReform #JusticeSystem #IllegalImmigration #lawandorder
Watch my first interview with Thomas Leaf here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfpfLca1xbA
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 The Rise of ICE Impersonations and Immigration System Flaws
00:06:00 Legal Advice on Immigration Detainers
00:12:15 Understanding Crimes of Moral Turpitude
00:18:46 Immigration and Tax Contributions in the U.S.
00:24:41 Privilege and Injustice: Recognizing Humanity
00:31:09 Origins and Evolution of MS-13
00:37:06 Unseen Impacts of Immigration Policies on Communities
00:43:09 Understanding Protected Status and Immigration Challenges
00:49:06 The Danger of Racial Prejudice and Mischaracterization
00:55:17 The Weaponization of Stereotypes
01:01:31 The Importance of Police Identification
01:07:26 Community Solidarity and Peaceful Protests
01:13:36 Confronting White Privilege and Systemic Oppression
01:19:27 Creating a Space for Open Dialogue
01:26:22 Understanding Birthright Citizenship and Due Process
01:31:51 Understanding Fascism and Authoritarian Regimes
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Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD:
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Jul 16, 2025 • 2h 4min
I Went from Wall Street to Prison — Over a Technicality | Travis Richey
Travis Richey was a successful hedge fund owner with a background in finance — until a paperwork mistake landed him in an Arizona state prison. Raised in Boston with family ties to organized crime, Travis built a career on Wall Street before a technicality changed his life forever. In this gripping episode, Travis opens up about his rise in the finance world, the moment it all came crashing down, and how he’s now using his experience to help others through his nonprofit.
#TrueCrimePodcast #WhiteCollarCrime #PrisonReform #FinanceGoneWrong #FromWallStreetToPrison #LifeAfterPrison #ArizonaPrisonStory #LockedInPodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Travis Richie's Early Life and Career
00:07:01 Growing Up with a Criminal Father
00:14:30 Reflections on Childhood and School Experiences
00:21:50 High-Earning Careers Without a College Degree
00:29:03 Navigating Securities Regulations: A Lesson in Legal Oversight
00:36:44 Uncovering Legal Challenges and Investor Relations
00:43:46 Embracing Hate Comments for Growth
00:51:10 The Courtroom Decision and Sentencing
00:58:29 Courtroom Appearance: The Importance of Image
01:06:42 Learning from Past Mistakes in Business
01:13:36 First Day in Prison: A Journey to the Unknown
01:20:52 From Inmate to Financial Literacy Teacher
01:28:27 Facing Felony Charges and Financial Ruin
01:36:29 Recognizing Privilege and Life's Challenges
01:44:43 Overcoming Probation Challenges
01:51:12 Success Stories and Turning Points
01:58:23 Travis Shares His Inspirational Journey
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Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 59min
I Spent 30 Years Inside Federal Prisons — As The Associate Warden | DJ Whitmore
DJ Whitmore spent 30 years inside the walls of federal prisons — not as an inmate, but as an associate warden. From serving in the Gulf War to working his way up through the ranks of the Bureau of Prisons, DJ has seen every side of the justice system. In this powerful interview, he shares what really goes on behind bars, from low-security camps to high-security penitentiaries. If you’ve ever wondered what prison is like from the other side — this episode pulls back the curtain.
#FederalPrison #BureauOfPrisons #PrisonWardenStories #InsidePrisonWalls #PrisonLifeUncovered #VeteranToWarden #TrueCrimePodcast #LifeBehindBars
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Life Inside Federal Prisons: Insights from Associate Warden DJ Whitmore
00:06:58 Career Path in Corrections: From Military to Federal Bureau
00:14:05 Climbing the Professional Ladder in Corrections
00:21:24 Challenges of Inmate Punishments and Privileges
00:28:40 Navigating Prison Rules: Finding Balance
00:35:40 Tragic Consequences: Violence Over Minor Disputes
00:42:43 The Role of Paperwork in Prison Safety
00:49:35 Unbelievable Contraband Story: Inmate's Desperate Measures
00:56:38 Inmate Labor Dynamics and Facility Management
01:03:34 Challenges of Substitute Teaching in Prisons
01:10:32 Importance of Mental Health Support
01:17:48 Leadership in Bureau of Prisons
01:24:54 High Incidents in the Special Management Unit
01:32:03 Accountability in Correctional Facilities
01:39:21 Challenges in the U.S. Prison System
01:46:23 Media Bias in Union vs. Administration Story
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Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 15min
I Made Millions Selling K2 — Then Landed in Federal Prison | Roger Upchurch
Roger Upchurch was a successful homebuilder in Indiana—until the 2008 market crash pushed him into the synthetic marijuana trade. He built a multi-million dollar K2 empire, making over $50,000 a week, until an undercover DEA agent brought it all down. At 69 years old, Roger was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and money laundering. In this jaw-dropping episode, he reveals how he went from building homes to building a drug empire—and what it cost him.
#TrueCrimeStory #FederalPrison #DEAInvestigation #SyntheticMarijuana #K2DrugBust #RealCrimeRealPeople #PrisonTransformation #FromMillionsToPrison
Connect with Roger Upchurch:
Order his book: https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Til-Proven-Innocent-Brilliant/dp/1649691327
Visit his website: https://rogerwupchurch.com/
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 From Home Builder to Prisoner: The Roger Upchurch Story
00:04:40 Journey to Home Building Career
00:08:21 Transition from Real Estate to K2 Business
00:12:59 DEA Raid and Financial Seizure
00:18:00 The Business of Selling K2
00:22:21 Managing a Business with Limited Capital
00:26:31 Setting Up a Makeshift Production Line
00:31:16 Concerts and Charity Events for Veterans
00:35:34 Entering a Business Partnership and Profit Sharing
00:39:48 Expectations vs. Reality: First Impressions of Prison
00:44:35 Unseen Side of Incarceration: Professional Underpinnings
00:48:55 Life as a Camp Driver in Prison
00:53:16 Life during Lockdown in a Prison Camp
00:57:09 Navigating Life with the "OG" Title in Prison
01:01:12 Life After Prison: Overcoming Obstacles with a Criminal Record
01:05:16 Charity Event Featuring Car Giveaway
01:09:52 Episode Conclusion
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Jul 13, 2025 • 1h 19min
I Was Set Up by an Undercover ATF Agent — Then Sent to Federal Prison | Kyle Farace
Kyle Farace grew up with a normal life—until he found out his dad was secretly growing and selling weed. What started as a curiosity turned into a full-blown operation, with Kyle eventually joining forces with his father. But everything changed when he got set up by a confidential informant and an undercover ATF agent, leading to drug and gun charges and a 3-year federal prison sentence. Kyle believes his own father may have had a hand in the setup. In this raw interview, he shares how prison changed him, the hustles that kept him going inside, and the struggle to rebuild life after getting out.
#FederalPrisonStory #ATFStingOperation #PrisonHustles #WeedOperationGoneWrong #FatherSonBetrayal #CISetup #DrugAndGunCharges #LockedInPodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Connect with Kyle Farace:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_farace/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyle.farace.7
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Kyle's Unexpected Arrest
00:04:30 Teenage Years and Feeling Like an Outcast
00:09:36 Discovering the Family Secret Business
00:19:27 Legal vs. Illegal Gun Sales
00:24:07 Unexpected Arrest and Federal Involvement
00:28:36 Legal Advice on Facing Federal Trials
00:33:15 Life Before Self-Surrender
00:38:12 Creative Prison Hustles: From Pockets to Mattresses
00:42:44 Prison Life and Commissary Stories
00:47:11 Challenges of Dating Post-Incarceration
00:52:00 Friendship and Support During Prison
00:57:19 Unexpected Tattoo Expenses
01:02:08 Life Changes After Prison
01:07:48 Commissary Practices and Potential Scams
01:10:32 Creative Prison Cooking Ideas
01:14:23 Birthday Wishes and Sally's Pizza
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Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 53min
Bloods Shot Caller Survived 15 Years in America’s Deadliest Prisons | Smiley B
Smiley B grew up in the Bronx without a father figure and was pulled into gang life at an early age. Recruited into the Bloods, he was in and out of juvie and Rikers Island before catching two federal cases that led to 15 years behind bars. From surviving 11 different federal prisons—6 of them being the most violent U.S. penitentiaries—to becoming a shot caller inside, Smiley B lived through it all. In this raw and unfiltered interview, he shares the brutal war stories, the codes of prison politics, and the moment he finally decided to walk away from the life that nearly destroyed him.
#BloodsGang #FederalPrisonStory #RikersIsland #GangLifeSurvivor #PrisonWarStories #ShotCaller #RedemptionStory #lockedinpodcast
Connect with Smiley B:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neighborhood.poppy29?igsh=MWx1eGZtd2Uwa2gxZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr.
Buy his book: https://a.co/d/aaaFR7R
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Smiley B’s Rough Upbringing and Joining the Bloods
00:07:04 Early Misadventures and Street Influence
00:13:51 Early Life and Gang Influence
00:21:17 Life in Juvenile Detention Centers
00:27:51 The Art of Car Theft
00:34:52 Understanding Gang Culture in the Federal System
00:41:58 Life in High-Security Prisons: A First-Hand Account
00:48:30 Life in a US Penitentiary
00:55:00 Jealousy and Tensions within Prison Crews
01:02:11 Understanding the Street Mentality in Prison
01:08:18 Contraband and Corruption Inside Prisons
01:14:49 Unexpected Legal Troubles and Intertwined Cases
01:22:01 Reflections on Prison Life and Regret
01:27:49 2017 Raid
01:34:08 Prison Dynamics and Inmate Conflicts
01:43:43 Transitioning to Life Outside Prison
01:46:50 Shout Outs to Supporters and Family
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Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 30min
I Lost Everything to Meth — Then Fought to Stay Alive | Ed Kressy
Ed Kressy had a successful career and a promising future—but behind the scenes, he was fighting a deadly secret. What started as teenage drinking spiraled into a brutal meth addiction that stole his life, his sanity, and nearly his soul. In this interview, Ed opens up about the depths of meth psychosis, the devastating impact on his career and relationships, and the moment he finally hit rock bottom. Now clean and rebuilding his life, Ed shares what it really takes to come back from the edge.
#MethAddiction #AddictionRecovery #MethPsychosis #RockBottomStory #FromAddictToRecovery #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #TrueAddictionStory #LockedInPodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Connect with Ed Kressy:http://www.instagram.com/edkressy
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:00:00:00 Ed Cressy's Battle 00:05:19 The Need for Alternative Incarceration Options 00:10:18 Early Memories00:15:47 Meth-Induced Psychosis and Conspiracy Beliefs 00:21:05 Overcoming Personal Struggles 00:26:18 Spiritual Beliefs00:31:49 Struggles with Personal Identity and Self-Destruction 00:37:02 The Meaning of Life and Material Possessions 00:42:20 Personal Descent into Psychosis 00:47:46 Experiencing the FBI on Meth00:53:12 Transformation Through Adversity 00:58:40 Turning Point in Addiction Recovery01:04:02 Advocacy for Recovery and Incarceration01:09:17 Contrasting Life Circumstances at Volunteer Events 01:14:25 Overcoming Unfair Advantages 01:19:45 Lessons Learned from Recovery 01:24:49 Building Effective Partnerships with Correctional Services
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Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 19min
I Was an Oxy Addict — Now I’m an EMT Saving Lives | Brendan Thomas
Brendan Thomas grew up in Connecticut with a loving family and a promising future—but one decision changed everything. After trying Oxy for the first time, he spiraled into an 8-year battle with drug addiction that led to heroin, drug dealing, and dropping out of college. In this interview, Brendan opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, his many failed attempts to get clean, and the moment everything finally changed. Now sober and working as an EMT, he’s saving the same kinds of lives he once nearly lost.
#AddictionRecovery #OxyContinCrisis #HeroinAddictToEMT #FromAddictToHero #DrugAddictionStory #OvercomingAddiction #RecoveryJourney #lockedinpodcast
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Brendan Thomas's Journey
00:04:05 Nostalgia for Pre-Digital Childhood
00:08:26 Life-Changing Moment Witnessing Drug Use
00:13:11 High School Memories and Familial Obligations
00:17:47 The Desire to Fit In and Its Consequences
00:22:47 Facing the Consequences of Dr*g Use
00:27:25 Life in the Drug Economy: From Stash House to Street Deals
00:31:38 Struggles with Pills
00:36:29 Choosing Snorting Over Injecting
00:40:58 The Hidden Struggles in Families
00:45:08 Exploring a Day in the Life of Addiction
00:49:50 Consequences of Addiction and the Road to Recovery
00:54:41 Journey to Sobriety: A Personal Transformation
00:58:56 Dallas Years and Relapse
01:04:18 Vivitrol
01:09:14 Coping as a First Responder
01:13:38 Finding Hope and Inspiration in Adversity
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Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 46min
Attempted Murder Put Me on the Prison Murder Block | Daniel Pedicini
Daniel Pedicini’s life spiraled from teenage trouble to attempted murder charges. Growing up in Massachusetts, he got hooked on painkillers in high school, was arrested for kidnapping and assault, and eventually landed a 3.5-year sentence on the murder block in state prison. In this raw interview, Daniel opens up about life in county jail, surviving time alongside killers, and what it took to beat addiction and stay sober after prison.
#TrueCrimePodcast #PrisonStories #RedemptionArc #LifeAfterPrison #StatePrisonStory #FromInmateToInspiration #SecondChances #lockedinpodcast
Thank you to FACTOR for sponsoring today's episode: Head to FACTORMEALS.com/LOCKEDIN50OFF and use code LOCKEDIN50OFF for 50% off plus free shipping on your first box.
Connect with Daniel Pedicini:
https://www.instagram.com/hadthattoy/?hl=en
Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick:
https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en
https://ianbick.com/
Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy:
https://tyson20.com/
https://woooooenergy.com/
Buy Merch:
http://www.ianbick.com/shop
Timestamps:00:00:00 Daniel Pedicini's Troubled Youth and Legal Battles00:06:07 Life as the Class Clown00:12:30 The Path to Prison: A Personal Reflection 00:18:29 The Safe Burglary Incident00:25:00 The Pressure to Plead Guilty in Court 00:31:18 The Wizanator: A Creative Solution for Dr*g Tests 00:37:54 Transition from Probation to Addiction00:43:57 Living with Methadone: Daily Struggles and Restrictions00:50:22 Confrontation at the Flea Market Leading to Arrest00:56:54 Arrest and Legal Struggles01:03:22 Survival Tactics and Making Friends in Jail01:09:44 Prison Life: Adapting to Unconventional Challenges 01:15:46 Emotional Impact of the Parole Hearing 01:21:59 The Inspiring Journey and Tragic End of a Colorado Friend01:28:28 Transition from Night Shift to Marijuana Consulting01:34:58 Challenges in Housing and Overcoming Rejection01:41:39 Funny Job Stories with Dan
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