THE PROGRESSION PODCAST
HOSTED BY 007 OF 5thWard Boyz
HIGHLITING EX-FELONS AND TELLING STORIES OF REDEPTION
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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Sunday Aug 17, 2025

Sunday Aug 17, 2025

Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Friday Aug 15, 2025
Welcome to the Progression Podcast, hosted by 007, where we explore the journey of growth, liberation, and transformation. This episode delves into the personal "cheat codes" that have guided our host from the streets to a fulfilling life, grounded in faith and family.Through candid storytelling and powerful insights, discover how appreciating what you have, walking with integrity, and being upfront and honest serve as keys to success. Embrace these principles to develop solid character and progress in life with purpose and authenticity.

Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Monday Aug 11, 2025
Join 007 as he returns to the airwaves in this enlightening episode of The Progression Podcast. With raw honesty and personal anecdotes, he dives deep into the themes of liberation, education, and elevation through the lens of his own spiritual journey. 007 shares his heartfelt experiences with overcoming church hurt, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and a relationship with God beyond the four walls of a church.Explore the realities of flawed human nature within religious communities and the power of spirituality over institutional structures, as 007 candidly discusses loyalty versus manipulation, and the misconceptions about religious labels. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on faith, spirituality, and the power of personal transformation. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that challenges the status quo and invites you to look beyond surface-level perceptions of religion.

Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Saturday Aug 09, 2025
Welcome to the latest episode of the Progression Podcast with your host, 007. In this heartfelt and inspiring session, 007 returns to share profound insights and personal experiences that reflect on life's hard truths and the journey of transformation. The podcast opens with a tribute to a dear friend who has passed, setting the stage for a discussion filled with meaning and reflection.Listeners are taken on a journey from liberation from street life to spiritual elevation, highlighting the transformative power of faith and change. This episode explores the necessity of losing in order to gain, challenging listeners to sacrifice pride and familiarity for true growth and success. It tackles the uncomfortable yet essential truths about human experiences, including why bad things happen to good people and the spiritual challenges we face.007 underscores the episodes with powerful messages of self-honesty, urging everyone to seek growth by confronting their own realities. A reminder that authenticity in personal assessment leads to genuine progress in life. This episode promises to resonate with anyone on a journey of personal evolution.

Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
Friday Aug 08, 2025
In this episode of the Progression Podcast, host 007 shares his transformative journey from a challenging past to a life filled with purpose and faith. Reflecting on his experiences, 007 discusses the significant role that money played in his life, both as a means to achieve dreams and a source of struggle that ultimately built a supportive team.
Tune in to hear insights on liberation, education, and elevation as 007 shares personal stories of overcoming adversity, finding faith, and learning the true value of money. Discover the importance of horizontal networking, the difference between success and succeeding, and how genuine connections can lead to lasting fulfillment.

Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Sunday Aug 03, 2025
Welcome back to The Progression Podcast with your host 007! In this passionate episode, explore the depths of redemption and personal growth as we dive into the theme of 'When Men Fall.' Through biblical insights and real-world examples, gain profound lessons on resilience, empathy, and the importance of grace. Join us as we discuss high-profile stories involving Shannon Sharpe, Deion Sanders, and P. Diddy, and discover the wisdom in focusing on your own journey rather than judging others. Delve into the concept of 'undercover jealousy' and the impact of public scrutiny. Embrace the power of minding your own business, understanding the value of learning from others' experiences, and paving your own path. Perfect for those seeking liberation, education, and elevation, this episode offers encouragement to lift you up and push you forward in your personal and spiritual progression.

Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Thursday Jul 31, 2025
Welcome back to the Progression Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the profound topic of perseverance and the hidden costs of giving up on your dreams. Host 007 takes us on a journey through personal stories of overcoming obstacles, from a challenging upbringing to imprisonment, and how faith played a pivotal role in turning his life around.
With a focus on liberation, education, and elevation, 007 shares the importance of staying the course, leaning on the support of those who believe in you, and leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. This episode is a call to action to stop making excuses and to embrace the power of showing up, encouraging listeners to realize their unique potential.

Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Welcome to the Progression Podcast, hosted by 007, where we delve into the concepts of liberation, education, and elevation. In today's episode titled "The Power of Positive Perception," we explore how the way you view situations can greatly impact your life's outcomes. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Philippians 4:11-13, we discuss the importance of positive thinking and how it can transform your life.
We share real-life stories and examples, like the importance of looking at situations—in both business and personal aspects—from a positive perspective. Discover the power of making tough decisions early and the impact of having faith as strong as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the face of adversity.
Join us as we navigate the journey of perception and learn how to stop whining and start embracing positivity for a fulfilling life.

Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Saturday Jul 19, 2025
Welcome back to the Progression Podcast with your host, 007, who brings an inspiring discussion on the theme of "Pick Your Pain." This episode offers valuable insights into navigating life's inevitable challenges, drawing upon personal experiences of overcoming street life and embracing faith for transformation.Delve into themes of liberation, education, and elevation, as 007 shares profound reflections on breaking negative cycles and setting essential boundaries to craft a meaningful life. With scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 1 Timothy 5:8 anchoring the conversation, gain a deeper understanding of success, identity, and spiritual renewal.Join us for an empowering journey that encourages you to choose your path wisely, embrace personal growth, and learn to be comfortable with not being liked by everyone. It's time to lock in, get serious, and break free from the chains that hold you back.
THE PROGRESSION PODCAST
HOSTED BY 007 OF 5thWard Boyz
HIGHLITING EX-FELONS AND TELLING STORIES OF REDEPTION

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.