The Progression Podcast
Our purpose is to empower and equip incarcerated and ex-incarcerated individuals through the Progression Podcast, sharing personal stories and practical advice, so that they can reintegrate into society and break the cycle of recidivism.”
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Our purpose is to empower and equip incarcerated and ex-incarcerated individuals through the Progression Podcast, sharing personal stories and practical advice, so that they can reintegrate into society and break the cycle of recidivism.”
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Episodes

Apr 5, 2026
Apr 5, 2026
17 min
In this episode host 007 shares his personal testimony of transformation from street life and prison to faith in Jesus, anchored by 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 1 Thessalonians 4:12.He discusses the freedom and practical benefits of living for God, the importance of minding your own business, and encourages listeners to pursue personal progress and independence.
Apr 5, 2026
17 min

Apr 4, 2026
Breaking the Cycle: From Prison to Purpose
Apr 4, 2026
Apr 4, 2026
17 min
On this episode of The Progression Podcast, host 007 shares his personal journey from prison to faith and freedom, reflects on why people are drawn to negativity and drama, and warns against repeating past mistakes.Using stories from hip-hop and his own life — including the Poo Shiesty headlines — he challenges listeners to develop inward maturity before seeking upward mobility, embrace accountability, and treat life as real, not a rehearsal.
Apr 4, 2026
17 min

Jan 17, 2026
Fix Your Posture: From 6x9 to New Life
Jan 17, 2026
Jan 17, 2026
16 min
007 shares his transformation from prison and addiction to a life of faith, rooted in Ephesians 3:7-8 and 2 Corinthians 5:17. He urges listeners to "fix their posture" with an attitude of gratitude—being thankful for what their life isn’t and for what it is.He also highlights his new album Audio Future 2.0 (Y'all Ain't Ready), available on Spotify, Apple Music, and other platforms, and invites listeners to subscribe to the Progression Podcast.
Jan 17, 2026
16 min

Jan 4, 2026
Jan 4, 2026
17 min
On this episode of The Progression Podcast, 007 lays out his personal "standard operating procedure": he’s done proving points, done wasting time, and done entertaining gossip. He shares his testimony of leaving the streets, finding Jesus in prison, and seeing his life transformed.
He outlines goals for 2026—practicing discipline, consistency, and gratitude—announces prison outreach, and reminds listeners where to find the show.
Jan 4, 2026
17 min

Jan 1, 2026
Jan 1, 2026
19 min
Welcome to the first show of 2026 where 007 encourages listeners to leave negative habits from 2025 behind and treat the year as 365 blank pages to write a new story.
He warns against talking down on others, jealous spirits, and self-incriminating podcast confessions, and calls for honesty, integrity, and morals as the foundation for success.
Drawing on scripture and personal experience, the episode urges reinvention, authentic living, and uplifting others through faith and positive action.
Jan 1, 2026
19 min

Nov 9, 2025
Don't Fall for the Finesse Game
Nov 9, 2025
Nov 9, 2025
20 min
Host Double O returns to the Progression Podcast to warn listeners about the "finesse game": peer pressure, false advice, and distractions that pull people away from faith and purpose.Blending scripture, personal stories, and candid talk, he urges listeners to resist negative influences, embrace their unique path, and keep God at the center of their lives.
Nov 9, 2025
20 min

Sep 29, 2025
Legacy: From Prison Bars to Purpose
Sep 29, 2025
Sep 29, 2025
16 min
On this episode host 007 shares his journey from street life and prison to faith and community service, exploring what “legacy” really means through scripture and real-world examples.He challenges listeners to prioritize morals, principles, and integrity over money, showing how our actions and influence create the mark we leave behind.
Sep 29, 2025
16 min

Sep 28, 2025
The Streets Is Dead — Make It Make Sense
Sep 28, 2025
Sep 28, 2025
16 min
In this episode 007 shares his journey from street life to prison to faith, explaining why "the streets is dead" and urging listeners to choose legal hustle, entrepreneurship, and education over the old ways. He unpacks "pit living," wasted moves, and the concept of an "Uno Reverse" where communities ultimately rose above the intended harms.Loaded with personal stories, practical warnings, and a call to take small consistent steps toward change, the episode encourages listeners to protect their families, make smart choices, and keep progressing.
Sep 28, 2025
16 min

Sep 28, 2025
The Streets Is Dead — Make It Make Sense
Sep 28, 2025
Sep 28, 2025
16 min
Host 007 delivers a bold message about leaving the street life behind and choosing a new path through faith, education, and entrepreneurship. He shares personal lessons—liberation from the streets, education in prison, and elevation through Jesus—while urging listeners to stop wasted moves and pursue legal, sustainable success.With practical advice about small steps adding up, critiques of outdated street culture, and a hopeful call to rebuild and rise, this episode challenges listeners to rethink the hustle and start building a better future.
Sep 28, 2025
16 min

Sep 28, 2025
The Night I Became an 'Overnight Success'
Sep 28, 2025
Sep 28, 2025
17 min
In this episode the host shares a powerful testimony of conversion in a jail cell, describing how one night of surrender led to a long journey of transformation. He reflects on Scripture, the start of his success, and the years it took to become an "overnight" success.He discusses the ongoing journey—finding community in church, repairing relationships with his wife and children, and redefining success as faith, family, and the ability to celebrate others’ wins alongside improved finances.
Sep 28, 2025
17 min
THE PROGRESSION PODCAST
HOSTED BY 007 OF 5thWard Boyz
HIGHLITING EX-FELONS AND TELLING STORIES OF REDEPTION

OUR FOUNDER
Andre “007” Barnes is a 5th Ward native whose story is a perfect example of how positive opportunities and role models can lead to dramatic life change.
In the mid-90’s 007 gained fame and notoriety as a founding member of the hard core gangsta rap crew the 5th Ward Boyz. Unlike many of today’s street rappers, 007 was never a “studio gangsta.” His lyrics reflected his actual life. That included a murder case for shooting and killing a man trying to steal his car (later ruled a justifiable homicide) and armed robbery as well as selling and abusing drugs.
Eventually greed consumed 007. After a European tour in the year 2000, he was caught robbing three banks and sentenced to more than four years in prison. Upon release he caught another case that earned him an additional 15 months behind bars.
It was there, in jail once again, that Andre Barnes had his “Road to Damascus” experience. Finally encountering and understanding the true grace of God through the sacrifice of His one and only son, Barnes began to change.
When he walked out of the yard this time around, it was with a renewed mind. Barnes pursued ministry, established Taking Back the Streets, and opened Blessings Christian Bookstore with his wife and family.
Now a new creature, 007 has returned to the mic with a much different message.
“I’m just trying to show young people that you don’t have to let street life consume and define you,” Barnes said.





