Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 12 hours ago
In this inspiring video, Michael Santos, founder of Prison Professors and formerly serving a 45-year federal prison sentence, shares his personal story and proven strategy for staying connected to society while incarcerated. Michael reveals how intentional efforts to build education, meaningful contributions, and a support network helped him overcome the isolation of prison and ultimately find the love of his life.
**What You'll Learn:**
* The four main ways to maintain connection from prison: quasi-email systems, phone calls, postal mail, and visits
* How Michael’s journey began in solitary confinement with a three-part plan: getting an education, contributing to society, and building a support network
* The power of writing letters and developing relationships even under prison limitations
* The evolving communication tools in prisons, including true links/email systems and upcoming tablets with video visits and unlimited phone calls
* How PrisonProfessors.org offers a free profile system and resources to help people build better futures during incarceration
* The importance of proactive planning to build a community and support system before release
* Michael’s inspiring story of how education and perseverance helped him build a life beyond prison, including marrying his wife, Carol
* Practical advice on becoming the “CEO of your life” despite incarceration challenges
**Timestamps:**
0:00 – Introduction: The feeling of invisibility in prison and the strategy to overcome it
0:24 – Four ways to stay connected with society from prison
2:36 – The importance of building bridges early in incarceration
4:01 – Michael’s three-part plan: education, contribution, support network
5:18 – Pursuing education while incarcerated and its impact
6:00 – How a high school connection led to a lifelong relationship
7:22 – The power of letters and communication through mail
8:03 – Managing phone time limits and upcoming improvements
10:00 – How email (True Links/Core Links) works inside prison
11:35 – Challenges and costs of in-person visiting
13:01 – The future of tablets, video visits, and unlimited phone minutes
14:24 – The role of luck and hard work in building supportive relationships
15:02 – Building a support system as key for successful reentry
15:39 – Michael’s transition from prison to freedom and founding Prison Professors
16:06 – Closing message: Start building your profile and future today
**About Prison Professors:**
Prison Professors is a nonprofit organization providing free self-directed educational resources and tools designed to help justice-impacted individuals prepare for successful reentry and healthier, more productive lives.
* * *
💡 Ready to build your future while incarcerated? Visit **prisonprofessors.org** and start developing your profile and skills, completely free.
* * *
👍 If you found this video helpful or inspiring, please **like** and **subscribe** to support our mission.
💬 Have questions or want to share your story? Leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated on new resources and motivational content.
#PrisonProfessors #PrisonEducation #ReentrySuccess #JusticeImpacted #SecondChances #CriminalJusticeReform #BuildingHope #MichaelSantos
In this inspiring video, Michael Santos, founder of Prison Professors and formerly serving a 45-year federal prison sentence, shares his personal story and proven strategy for staying connected to society while incarcerated. Michael reveals how intentional efforts to build education, meaningful contributions, and a support network helped him overcome the isolation of prison and ultimately find the love of his life.
**What You'll Learn:**
* The four main ways to maintain connection from prison: quasi-email systems, phone calls, postal mail, and visits
* How Michael’s journey began in solitary confinement with a three-part plan: getting an education, contributing to society, and building a support network
* The power of writing letters and developing relationships even under prison limitations
* The evolving communication tools in prisons, including true links/email systems and upcoming tablets with video visits and unlimited phone calls
* How PrisonProfessors.org offers a free profile system and resources to help people build better futures during incarceration
* The importance of proactive planning to build a community and support system before release
* Michael’s inspiring story of how education and perseverance helped him build a life beyond prison, including marrying his wife, Carol
* Practical advice on becoming the “CEO of your life” despite incarceration challenges
**Timestamps:**
0:00 – Introduction: The feeling of invisibility in prison and the strategy to overcome it
0:24 – Four ways to stay connected with society from prison
2:36 – The importance of building bridges early in incarceration
4:01 – Michael’s three-part plan: education, contribution, support network
5:18 – Pursuing education while incarcerated and its impact
6:00 – How a high school connection led to a lifelong relationship
7:22 – The power of letters and communication through mail
8:03 – Managing phone time limits and upcoming improvements
10:00 – How email (True Links/Core Links) works inside prison
11:35 – Challenges and costs of in-person visiting
13:01 – The future of tablets, video visits, and unlimited phone minutes
14:24 – The role of luck and hard work in building supportive relationships
15:02 – Building a support system as key for successful reentry
15:39 – Michael’s transition from prison to freedom and founding Prison Professors
16:06 – Closing message: Start building your profile and future today
**About Prison Professors:**
Prison Professors is a nonprofit organization providing free self-directed educational resources and tools designed to help justice-impacted individuals prepare for successful reentry and healthier, more productive lives.
* * *
💡 Ready to build your future while incarcerated? Visit **prisonprofessors.org** and start developing your profile and skills, completely free.
* * *
👍 If you found this video helpful or inspiring, please **like** and **subscribe** to support our mission.
💬 Have questions or want to share your story? Leave a comment below – we’d love to hear from you!
🔔 Turn on notifications to stay updated on new resources and motivational content.
#PrisonProfessors #PrisonEducation #ReentrySuccess #JusticeImpacted #SecondChances #CriminalJusticeReform #BuildingHope #MichaelSantos
