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In this powerful episode, Amber and Jason meet Fez, who spent 22 years in prison, and Vern, who has volunteered with the Jericho Circle for 25 years. Together, they share the transformative impact of circle work both inside prison walls and beyond.

Fez's story begins with a childhood lacking affection and stability, which paved his path to juvenile detention at 15 and later a 22-29 year sentence. When he first entered prison, his mindset was focused solely on revenge. "I'm going to get out and finish what I started," he recalls thinking. But something profound happened when he encountered the Native American Circle and later the Jericho Circle.

The simple yet powerful structure of circle— where the group focuses on interconnectedness and shared humanity and participants use a talking stick to ensure each person speaks uninterrupted —created a space where Fez could confront his past, take responsibility, and begin genuine healing. "People share very deep traumatic events in their lives," Fez explains. "We're there supporting them."

What makes Jericho Circle unique is that it operates entirely through volunteers with no government funding. The circle keepers receive no compensation yet continue showing up because, as Vern puts it, "The healing was as deeply felt in me as in anyone else."

Now five years free, Fez has built a successful life and serves as a circle guide himself, creating space for others to heal.

Their story challenges conventional approaches and offers a powerful model of transformation through community, vulnerability, and genuine human connection.

Visit JerichoCircle.org to learn more about this life-changing work.

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Fez & Vern (Jericho Circle): The Transformative Power of Circles - Season 5 Episode 10

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