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The UpLevel Podcast
In the first year of the pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%. And employers with workers who are experiencing mental health issues spend more than $5,500 on average in turnover costs per year per employee. In addition, according to a late 2021 Gallup Survey; 85% of employees are experiencing a level of disengagement at their workplaces, and 73% are actively looking for new employment. The Great Resignation for many has become The Great Realization. It’s clear that mental health, well-being in the workplace, and having an up-leveled consciousness are more important than ever, both for individuals themselves and for organizations.UpLevel Productions is committed to ending the stigma around mental health as well as humanizing the workplace to create cultures of well-being which is why we create content, experiences, and trainings that develop leaders who make our world a healthier, more alive and connected place to be. Each series in the podcast shares stories, knowledge, and know-how from experts in leadership, wellness, mental health, and the humanization of the workplace and our schools.
The UpLevel Podcast
“From Prison to Purpose” with Adnan Khan
This week’s guest is filmmaker and activist Adnan Khan. Listen in to hear his compelling story about how he went from a troubled youth to becoming an incarcerated filmmaker at San Quentin State Prison and now an advocate for criminal justice reform. He shares deep insights about intergenerational trauma, personal growth behind bars, and his journey toward redemption.
Adnan’s life is a testament to resilience amidst adversity. His experiences shed light on the realities inside prison walls - far beyond what mainstream media portrays. Please tune in to discover how, despite harsh conditions, he found hope and purpose through filmmaking while advocating for legislative changes like Senate Bill 1437.
In this episode:
- Self-Reflection: Adnan’s introspective journey allowed him to understand the root causes of his actions and make amends for them. This teaches us the importance of self-reflection in understanding our own behaviors and patterns.
- Resilience: Despite facing harsh conditions and a life sentence at a young age, Adnan maintained hope and resilience, which kept him going each day. His story emphasizes the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.
- Empathy & Humanity: Adnan’s experiences taught him about humanity's full range from suffering to resilience, leading him to aim for peace wherever possible both for himself and others around him. This underlines the importance of empathy towards others’ struggles.
- Continuous Learning: Even while incarcerated, Adnan met individuals who were intelligent without formal degrees but skilled as lawyers or leaders, artists who brought humor into their lives despite their circumstances - demonstrating that learning is continuous regardless of your situation.
- Making Amends: Although direct restitution was impossible due to his imprisonment, he sought indirect ways such as charity within the facility by helping older inmates or sharing resources like food when possible – showing that there are always opportunities to make amends if one looks for them.
- Responsibility & Accountability: Accepting responsibility for one's actions is an important lesson. Adnan’s admitted guilt, even though he didn't directly commit murder, shows how taking accountability helps in starting a path toward redemption.
About Adnan:
Adnan Khan is a filmmaker and the Founder and Executive Director of Firstwatch Filmmakers. While incarcerated, Adnan founded Firstwatch, a media filmmaking project produced entirely by incarcerated men at San Quentin State Prison. He also created Re:Store Justice, a nonprofit criminal justice organization, where he advocated for the successful passage of Senate Bill 1437. Adnan is also a San Francisco FILM resident receiving the 2023 Filmhouse Residency.
You can find him here:
https://www.instagram.com/akhan1437
www.uplevelproductions.com
https://www.instagram.com/uplevelproductions/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/uplevelproductionscompany
https://www.facebook.com/uplevelproductionscompany
