Episode 23 - Showing Up: Eric Freeman on Fatherhood, Leadership, and Giving Back After Prison
From Prison to Purpose - Eric Freeman on Healing, Fatherhood, and Entrepreneurial Impact
On this powerful episode of What I Know Now, presented by The Delta Project, hosts Bilal and Cole Williams sit down with Grand Rapids entrepreneur and community leader Eric Freeman. Eric shares his deeply personal journey through the criminal justice system, beginning with his experiences of childhood emotional neglect and family struggles, leading to his incarceration at 19, and ultimately, his transformation into an advocate, father, and founder.
Eric opens up about growing up in a food desert, how lack of access to nourishing food and emotional support shaped his youth, and the pivotal moments in prison that changed his outlook on life. Highlighting the importance of mentorship, integrity, and self-reflection, Eric discusses the foundation of his business, Mindset Meals, a venture dedicated to improving health and wealth creation in underserved communities.
Listeners gain inside perspective on the realities of the prison pipeline, the impact of absent fathers, and the transformative power of community and consistent support. Eric explains how entrepreneurship was not a choice, but a necessity after facing barriers to traditional employment as someone formerly incarcerated. The conversation also touches on breaking generational cycles, the role of sports and positive role models, and the critical need for programs like The Delta Project to provide guidance and belonging to justice-involved youth.
Whether you’re interested in juvenile justice reform, social entrepreneurship, or personal redemption stories, this episode delivers raw, honest dialogue about overcoming adversity and making lasting social impact. Tune in to learn what Eric wishes he knew before—and what he’s dedicated to changing for the next generation.
