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Background Check Podcast

Jay Dan Gumm

After five DWI’s landed me prison, something had to change. One day I got into a fight and I spent eight days in solitaire confinement thinking about my life and the decisions I had made that led me to that dark place, literally.

I came out of the hole a different man with a different heart, mind, soul, direction, and outlook on life. I got mentored by a couple of inmates who eventually made parole but within a year they were both back in. This confused me and ticked me off. I wondered how I was going to make it out there.

Since my release in 2006 we’ve opened up a transitional house for men, with another ”ranch” coming, launched a documentary, been on the Mike Huckabee Show, launched this podcast, and it goes into prisons all over the nation.

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  • 20 episodes
  • Avg 1 hr 8 min
  • English

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  • #257
    September 15 · 1 hr 15 min· Video

    EP 238 "Daddy, You Ain't Never Gonna Do Right" with Johnny Gleaton, Former Alabama Inmate

    In this episode, Jay Dan sits down with Johnny Gleaton in Atmore, Alabama at the We Care Program. Jay Dan recently visited the Florida and Alabama prisons and had the chance to catch up with Johnny in person, outside the prison, after seeing him inside for over two years. Johnny's life, upbringing, sexual abuse, betrayal, criminal life, and eventually his son saying these words to him, "Daddy, you ain't ever gonna do right", all played a part in who Johnny is today. Johnny taught himself to play guitar in prison and became the worship leader at the Annex unit, which is where I met him and have become friends ever since. His story has so many twists and turns, but eventually, it turned to Jesus and Johnny has become a great man of God. Please share this with anyone you know who could use the encouragement. Hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode. You can watch on Apple Podcast, Podbean, and YouTube. Tell your loved ones on the inside they can watch on the podcast app and eventually the Edovo app. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support North Texas Giving Day: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/ForgivenFelons Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #256
    September 5 · 1 hr 44 min· Video

    EP 237 "The Cruise & the Prison Trip" with Jay Dan, Jessa, and Jemma, featuring Reggie Hicks

    In this episode, Jay Dan, Jessa, and Jemma talk about their cruise, Jay Dan’s dislocated knee and upcoming surgery, and lot of dad jokes. Jay Dan talks about his week with Reggie Hicks, from Brother’s Keeper Prison Ministry, in Alabama and Florida prisons. We talk about current events that affect our demographic like Tropical Storm Eduardo, the fires in Indiahoma, and the drug bust in Corsicana and Waxhahachie. AND we release our first video of the rendering our Forgiven Ranch plans. We are raising money for a site plan right now. You can watch on Apple Podcast, Podbean, and maybe YouTube. Tell your loved ones on the inside they can watch on the podcast app and eventually the Edovo app. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support North Texas Giving Day: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/ForgivenFelons Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #254
    August 6 · 1 hr 20 min· Video

    EP 235 "Remembering the Legacy of Jane (Gumm) Davidson: Matriarch of Forgiven Felons

    In this episode, we honor the memory of my mom, Jane Gumm Davidson. This is the memorial service. We don’t own the rights to any of these songs. They were just my mom’s favorite songs by her favorite people. She love her weenie dogs and Robert Redford. That’s why the AI pics are in there. David Phelps, Guy Penrod, Jim Hill, Gaither Band, Barbara Streisand. It Is Well What A Day How Beautiful Heaven Must Be The Way We Were Something Beautiful There Is A River The drawing at the beginning was done by Ruth SaraniKone (I know I misspelled his name, I’m sorry) My mom loved Forgiven Felons and all the men and women behind bars all across the nation. Thank you to all who have shown their love through prayers, cards, condolences, and donations in her name. I’ll miss you Mama To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #253
    July 5 · 51 min· Video

    EP 234 "Forgiven Felons Freedom Open House 2026"

    SPECIAL EPISODE FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN ON THE INSIDE. Waxahachie, TX Fireworks Show. Fireworks were synced to music from KBEC 99.1 radio. They own the rights to play. We don’t any of it or make money off any of the music we share here. When men and women get out of prison, one of the most popular episodes, second only to the Christmas lights episodes, is the fireworks episodes. So, this is an episode where Jessa and Jay Dan talk a little shop then show highlights of the Forgiven Felons Freedom Open House, including the water balloon fight, and the fireworks. This year, we brought the drone out for a little bit, but had technical difficulties. Happy 4th of July people. You can watch on Apple Podcast, Podbean, and maybe YouTube. Tell your loved ones on the inside they can watch on the podcast app and eventually the Edovo app. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #252
    July 1 · 1 hr 23 min· Video

    EP 233 "Transformation, One Cup of Coffee at a Time" with Michael Etcheson, Founder C.R.E.A.M. Luxury Coffee

    C.R.E.A.M. Christ Rules Everything Around Me In this episode we sit down with the founder and co-owner of C.R.E.A.M. Luxury Coffee, Michael Etcheson. He's also an executive relations manager at PEP, Prison Entrepreneurship Program. He was in the graduating class 22 in that program inside the prison walls. Michael shares is childhood with us, and talks us through being born to a teenage mom, then becoming a dad himself at the age of 15. He shares what led him to prison and describes his journey to God as well as his idea for CREAM coffee. He's the recipient of several community awards and his company gives back to a nonprofit each month. His co-owner is Army veteran, Nicole Yelder. This month they are giving back to Forgiven Felons. From July 1-31, 10% of all purchases goes back to our ministry. Y'all this is good coffee too. I've already been buying it for 6 months. How to connect with CREAM Luxury Coffee and purchase product: Website: https://www.creamcoffee.shop/ Instagram: @cream_luxury3 Facebook: @CREAMLuxuryCoffee TikTok: @cream.coffee3 Special Blend for Forgiven Felons for July, Second Chance Reserve. Limited time only. You only have one chance to get Second Chance Reserve. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #251
    June 30 · 1 hr 3 min· Video

    EP 232 "From Looking at Life, to Speaking Life" with Landy, Christian Hip Hop Artist

    Special! From inside the Fountain Correctional Center in Atmore, AL Christian Hip Hop Artist shares his incredible journey of coming from the street life, into the loving arms of Jesus. It didn't take hold the first couple of times, but God doesn't give up on us. After a few judicial miracles, facing life in prison, to only having to do a short time, Landy finally settled into what God called him to do, minister to the youth. He now goes into juvenile centers and adult prison, sharing his story and his life-changing music. So many men came to know Jesus because of the testimony and music of Landy. Listen to him share his story, then enjoy the concert. You can find Landy on all social media platform, including YouTube. All songs and videos used with permission from Landy himself. Big thanks to the Warden, Chaplain, and staff at Fountain Correctional Center To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #249
    June 19 · 1 hr 25 min· Video

    EP 230 Father's Day Episode "Two Brothers, One Mission" John and Guy Early, Think Twice Ministries

    In this episode we sit down with BOTH of the Earle brothers. And boy, having them both on doesn't disappoint. We ask them questions like "Who's better......?" and have them pick. It's so funny. John and Guy are former professional football players for the NFL and Canadian Football League. They have been doing prison ministry for a long time now and cover almost all of the Texas prisons. They do pod ministry exclusively and it is so effective in reaching the ones who will never set foot in a chapel or gym. We talk about being a dad, their dad, and being a spiritual dad. How to connect with Think Twice Ministries: https://www.thinktwiceministries.org/ To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #248
    June 18 · 1 hr 19 min· Video

    EP 229 "Prison Saved My Life" with Shawn Serfass, 2nd Chance Mentors

    In this episode, we sit down again with speaker, mentor, entrepreneur, and now author, Shawn from 2nd Chance Fitness and 2nd Chance Mentors. This time we talk about everything from his story that led him to federal prison, his relationship with his son and how that affected his parenting, marriage, his new roofing company that he started, AND his book release. We laugh, but we also dig into some deep topics. You will enjoy this episode and want to share it with someone you know. How to connect with Shawn, his organization, and his companies. Shawn's Book: https://www.forgivenaf.com/ 2nd Chance Mentors: https://www.2ndchancementors.com/ 2nd Chance Fitness: https://2ndchancefitcamp.com/ Alpha Storm Roofing & Construction https://www.alphastormroofing.com/ To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #247
    May 31 · 2 hr 17 min· Video

    EP 228 "Empires & Puzzles: A Gamer's Love Story" with Bill and Stephanie Everts, Less Than The Least Ministries

    In this episode we sit down with Bill and Stephanie Everts to hear one of the most fascinating God stories I've ever heard, and I ain't playing games. But their lives cross in an online game called Empires and Puzzles. Their stories individually are incredible, but their together story is filled with redemption, love, sacrifice, and Jesus. Bill is the Executive Director of Less Than The Least Ministries which is heavily involved in the prisons across Texas. They also host, together, The Edge Podcast and is one of the most watched prison podcast on Pando. You've got to watch this episode and share it with someone you know who could use some encouragement. Connect with Less Than The Least Ministries: Website: https://lessthantheleast.org Facebook: @lessthantheleast Instagram: @lttl.pm YouTube: @TheEdgePrisonPodcast Inside Prison: Pando App To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #246
    May 22 · 57 min· Video

    EP 227 "What We Learned at the Rodeo" with Jay Dan and Jessa

    In this episode, Jay Dan and Jessa talk about everything from her short sermon coming up, date nights, inmate graduation classes, dad jokes and funny commercials, Jay Dan's trip to the ER, the Ranger's, Jessa's new club volleyball team, and what we learned when we went to the Ellis County Rodeo. We also highlight one of our newest residents at the house. It's a fun episode where Jessa gives some shout outs to her junior high friends. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283 Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #245
    May 19 · 8 min· Video

    Background Check-In May 19, 2026 Health Update

    Hey Background Check family, just wanted to give everyone on the inside a quick update with what's going on with my health. We got some great episodes coming with Jessa and Bill and Stephanie from The Edge Podcast, but just wanted to share with you what's been happening to me the last 9 days. Thank you for your prayers.

  • #244
    May 8 · 1 hr 21 min· Video

    EP 226 "I'm Not That Person Anymore" with Audrey Guzman

    Audrey works for a roofing company, that she found through a second chance staffing agency, which she found because she was connected to B.I.G. Love Ministries. Audrey's motherhood journey is a rough one, but God is redeeming the time in her life and she is living a life that her family admits is very different. She's involved in church leadership, recovery groups, and prison ministry. We cry and laugh through her story that involves, abandonment, drug using and dealing, jail, a raid with her own son, prison, and falling on her knees crying out to God. Share this with a mom you know needs it. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #243
    May 7 · 1 hr 32 min· Video

    EP 225 "Just One More Kiss Mommy" with Sarah Burt

    Facebook Post: "She didn’t know it then… but the woman watching that podcast from a prison cell ….would one day be sitting on it. 🔥"- Sarah Burt This episode we sit down with Sarah Burt and talk life, addiction, muscle deterioration, motherhood, prison, plea deals, and losing custody of children. We talk a lot about Jesus too. It wasn't too long ago that Sarah was sitting on her bunk watching the podcast from her prison unit. Now she's out, involved in helping people out here, and back inside prison, all while on her journey to get her relationship with her kids restored. "We serve a God of restoration" says Sarah. We play a tribute to all mothers everywhere at the beginning of the episode with a poem about mother's and some pics of some amazing ladies. We laugh and cry our way to talking for almost 90 minutes. It's that good of a story. Share with someone you know, especially a mom. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #242
    April 25 · 2 hr 31 min· Video

    SPECIAL EPISODE: Live from the Farmington Correctional Center in Farmington, MO

    Thank you to all the staff, including the wardens, and Matt Petty, at the Farmington Correctional Center in Farmington, MO for allowing us to invade their unit with Jesus. Thanks to Jimmy Carter for the recording, and editing of the event. Thanks to Real Vida for letting them use your song at the end. After a brief introduction and shout outs, I air the original production, in it's entirety (with one small, inconsequential edit at the end). Share with everyone you know. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #241
    April 24 · 1 hr 15 min· Video

    EP 224 "Suicide by Cop" The Cheyenne Pitts Story with Cheyenne Pitts and Live Music in Studio

    In this episode we sit down with Cheyenne from the Cheyenne Pitts Band. Cheyenne's story takes all the normal twists and turns of addiction and family dysfunction, but then adds some guitar, country music, and a "suicide by cop" element to it. Cheyenne admits that most of his trouble came as a result of his anger issues, which, with the help of God, and his time in prison, has been under control. Cheyenne travels and plays on the weekends but holds down a job during the week in which he is a project manager. After we chat for a little bit, Cheyenne breaks into a few songs for us in studio. Share this with everyone you know, and let your loved ones in prison know that it's probably available on their tablets. To partner with us please click here: https://www.forgivenfelons.org/support Other ways to support us: Cash App: $ForgivenFelons Mail Check to: Forgiven Felons PO Box 4283
Cedar Hill, TX 75106 Forgiven Felons and Background Check Merchandise https://www.forgivenfelons.org/shop Are you in the market, or are wondering if you’re in a good position to buy a home, first time buyer, or refinance your current home? Jessamy Gumm, with Cross Country Mortgage can help. 972-897-5476 to get your journey started. Or email her at Jessamy.gumm@ccm.com Your background shouldn’t HOLD you back, it should PAY you back.

  • #240
    April 10 · 11 min· Video

    Background Check-In with Jessa and Jay Dan

    This check in comes from being on the road in Oklahoma for Jessa's volleyball tournament. We talk about several things including upcoming episodes, and do some shoutouts.

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