Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley: Episode Summary – “Unexpected Call In! (feat. Sharita Mona)”
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Host: Savannah Chrisley
Guest: Sharita Mathis
Introduction
In this emotionally charged episode of Unlocked with Savannah Chrisley, Savannah welcomes Sharita Mathis, a woman who spent eight months at FMC Lexington prison camp alongside Savannah’s mother, Julie Chrisley. The episode delves deep into Sharita’s transformative journey, her bond with Julie, and the profound lessons learned during her incarceration.
Sharita Mathis: From Incarceration to Empowerment
Meeting Julie Chrisley
Sharita Mathis opens up about her time at FMC Lexington, a camp linked to a medical facility within the men's prison. [00:37] She shares, “I was in this little tiny building that looks like an old schoolhouse... It was like an old dorm.” Her environment was anything but easy, navigating the challenges of prison life while forming a meaningful connection with Julie Chrisley.
Emotional Connection and Support
Sharita describes the emotional impact of interacting with Julie, noting, “I sent me some of them and I just started sobbing. I was like, oh, my God...” [00:50] This moment underscores the deep emotional bonds formed within the confines of prison walls, highlighting Julie’s influence on Sharita’s resilience.
Lessons in Real Estate: A Path to Redemption
Discovering Real Estate
One of the pivotal moments in Sharita’s journey was learning about real estate from Julie. [07:18] She recounts, “Your mom taught a real estate class... She was talking about how your dad builds relationships and how you're just like her daddy.” This education became a cornerstone for Sharita’s post-release life.
First House Flip
Sharita shares an inspiring story of flipping her first house just ten days after her release. [11:35] “I was sitting there departing with like, this is All I got, I've been gone. I lost everything. And I gave it to him. I gave it to him. And we flipped the house.” This venture was a turning point, earning her approximately $60,000 and setting her on a path to financial stability and personal growth.
Navigating Prison Life and Legal Challenges
Facing Conspiracy Charges
Sharita delves into the complexities of her legal situation, discussing her conspiracy charge related to Medicaid fraud. [17:03] “Conspiracy charge can be a con... it doesn't take much to get a conviction on a conspiracy charge.” She explains the arbitrary nature of restitution amounts, lamenting the inconsistencies in how her case was handled compared to others.
Systemic Critiques
The conversation highlights systemic issues within the prison system, including lengthy sentences for drug-related offenses and the arbitrary nature of restitution calculations. [19:37] Sharita criticizes the lack of transparency and fairness, stating, “Why is mine this but theirs is this and this one is this and this one is this.”
An Unexpected Call from Julie Chrisley
Heartwarming Reunion
Towards the end of the episode, an unexpected and heartwarming moment occurs when Julie Chrisley calls in. [21:21] The genuine joy and surprise shared between Savannah, Sharita, and Julie encapsulate the essence of the episode—highlighting the enduring bonds and emotional support that transcend incarceration.
Insights and Reflections
Resilience and Reinvention
Sharita’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of mentorship. Through Julie’s guidance and the lessons learned in prison, Sharita was able to reinvent herself and build a meaningful life post-incarceration.
Systemic Flaws and Personal Agency
The episode sheds light on the broader systemic flaws within the criminal justice system, emphasizing the need for reform. Sharita’s experiences underline the importance of personal agency and the impact of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
“Unexpected Call In! (feat. Sharita Mona)” is a deeply moving episode that offers listeners an intimate glimpse into Sharita Mathis’s journey from incarceration to empowerment. Through heartfelt conversations and real-life stories, Savannah Chrisley and Sharita explore themes of resilience, mentorship, and systemic injustice, providing valuable insights for anyone navigating similar challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- Sharita Mathis [00:50]: “Until you've gone through it, you really don't.”
- Sharita Mathis [07:18]: “Tell me your story. Just tell me how from the beginning.”
- Sharita Mathis [11:35]: “That's how I boosted myself back.”
- Sharita Mathis [17:03]: “Conspiracy charge can be a con... it doesn't take much to get a conviction.”
Pre-order Sharita Mathis’s Book:
Letters to My Daughters From the Inside – Available April 1st. Dive deeper into Sharita’s inspiring journey by pre-ordering her book today.
This episode masterfully combines personal storytelling with critical insights into the criminal justice system, making it a compelling listen for anyone interested in authentic human experiences and transformative journeys.