#13 – From the Trenches - After Prison Show - From Prison to YouTube Empire (Joe Guerrero)

In this From the Trenches episode, Joe Guerrero—creator of the After Prison Show—shares his inspiring story of transformation from serving seven years in prison to building a YouTube empire with over a million subscribers. Joe opens up about resilience, adapting to new technology, and turning adversity into opportunity through authentic storytelling and relentless persistence.

From learning to use a smartphone after release to creating viral content and launching multiple businesses, Joe’s journey offers raw lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and authenticity. He explains how fear, risk, and creativity shaped his evolution from construction worker to full-time content creator and entrepreneur.

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Episode Highlights

• 00:02:40 – Joe’s first encounter with smartphones and social media after prison.
• 00:04:33 – The viral prison tattoo machine video that launched his channel.
• 00:12:38 – Realizing After Prison Show was a real business.
• 00:16:26 – Hiring fellow ex-prisoners and blending friendship with work.
• 00:23:50 – Diversifying beyond fear of losing success.
• 00:35:08 – Pivoting to house flipping and starting Joe Does Stuff.
• 00:54:09 – Encouraging all businesses to use social media authentically.

About the Guest

Joe Guerrero is the creator of After Prison Show, a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers dedicated to inspiring transformation and second chances. Joe is also the founder of Joe Does Stuff, where he documents home renovation, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.

🌐 Visit After Prison Show on YouTube →

About the Host

Josh Peterson is the CEO of Bering McKinley and host of the BMK Vision Podcast. Through the From the Trenches series, Josh highlights entrepreneurs and leaders who have rebuilt, redefined, and reignited their purpose through experience and perseverance.

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