From Broadway to Prison Reform

In this powerful episode of Alive.Again. Podcast, Andreea Parc and Alexa Dumitru sit down with Marc Vahanian, founder and executive director of Pathway to Kinship, a nonprofit transforming prison rehabilitation and reentry across the United States.From a career on Broadway to trauma-resolution work and ultimately prison reform, Marc shares the deeply personal journey that led him to create Pathway to Kinship — now operating in 10 California prisons with tablet-based programming available nationwide.This conversation explores:The psychology of shame and denial in incarcerated individualsHow institutionalization impacts identity and reentry successWhy inner rehabilitation must precede outer freedomThe real challenges of housing, employment, and rebuilding family trustThe “Seven Keys” framework: purpose, passion, preparation, partnering, practice, poise, and presentationRestorative justice, victim impact, and rebuilding dignityHow families and communities are affected by incarcerationReentry coaching certification and how to support the missionIf you care about criminal justice reform, second chances, rehabilitation, prison reentry, trauma recovery, or restorative justice, this episode offers both insight and hope.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 02:12 Mark’s Early Life and Acting 04:14 Reinvention Through Fitness 05:18 Trauma Work and Finding Purpose 07:00 Founding Pathway to Kinship 08:49 Prison Culture and Hope Stories 12:55 Unlearning Judgment and Shame 17:22 What Freedom Means Inside 21:28 Reentry Challenges and Support 24:10 Inner Rehabilitation Approach 30:55 Seven Keys Curriculum Explained 33:41 Victimhood and Restorative Voices 37:56 Families and Ripple Effects 45:17 Reentry Coach Certification 46:38 Second Chances and Success Stories 50:22 How to Support and Donate 51:39 What Makes Mark Feel Alive 52:49 Final Thanks and Sign-OffLearn more or support the mission at: pathwaytokinship.org