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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Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Monday Jul 29, 2024
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of the Progression Podcast, hosted by 007, also known as 5th Ward Boy 007. Despite being under the weather, 007 dives into a week filled with volatility and important reflections on faith, authenticity, and societal issues.In this episode, 007 emphasizes the core values of liberation, education, and elevation, sharing his personal journey from street life to finding salvation in Jesus Christ. He challenges listeners to consider the inconsistency of selective blasphemy and selective outrage, urging a more genuine and consistent approach to faith and morality.007 also addresses the pitfalls of trusting social media experts and the importance of focusing on real issues such as oppression, hunger, and injustice. He calls for true humility among believers and highlights the need to uplift and support those within our immediate circles rather than being preoccupied with distant celebrities.Join 007 as he encourages listeners to be a light in their communities, live authentically, and remain steadfast in their faith regardless of external circumstances. Tune in to the Progression Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and Sirius for more inspiring content.Stay up, stay blessed, and keep progressing!

Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Monday Jul 22, 2024
Welcome back to The Progression Podcast! Your host, 007, dives deep into the concept of pride and its impact on our lives. Sharing personal experiences and biblical insights, 007 explores the delicate balance between healthy self-pride and destructive arrogance.
In this episode, we discuss Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride goes before destruction. We explore how misplaced pride can hinder personal growth and lead to downfall, while emphasizing the importance of starting small and aligning priorities.
From real-life anecdotes to motivational advice, 007 encourages listeners to take responsibility, honor their commitments, and focus on personal development. Tune in to learn how to overcome pride, embrace humility, and set a course for true progression.
Join us on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you find your podcasts. Let's progress together!

Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Monday Jul 15, 2024
Welcome to the latest episode of the Progression Podcast, hosted by 007! In this heartfelt and dynamic episode, 007 dives into the transformative power of faith and the importance of prioritizing your responsibilities. Drawing from his own experiences of liberation from street life, education in the prison system, and elevation through Jesus Christ, 007 shares valuable insights on setting priorities and being prepared for life's challenges. The episode, aptly titled "Priority Power," emphasizes the significance of handling your priorities effectively. 007 reflects on a recent storm in Houston that knocked out power for several days, using it as a metaphor to highlight the need for preventive maintenance and preparation in our lives. He discusses the importance of making wise decisions and not being swayed by the illusions of social media. Tune in to hear 007's personal anecdotes, biblical references, and practical advice on how to chase freedom rather than the bag, and the value of being prepared for the unexpected. Whether you're commuting to work or seeking inspiration, this episode offers a blend of motivation, faith, and practical wisdom. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode! Hit the notification bell and catch new episodes every Monday morning at 5 AM. Join the conversation and share your thoughts with 007, because on the Progression Podcast, we speak liberation, education, and elevation.

Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Monday Jul 08, 2024
Welcome to the Progression Podcast with your gracious host, 007! In this compelling episode, we dive into the topic of "Comparison" and explore its impact on our lives. While comparison can sometimes be motivating, more often than not, it holds us back from true happiness and success.Join us as we delve into biblical scriptures and personal anecdotes to understand why comparing our lives to others is detrimental. Learn how to appreciate what you have, avoid covetousness, and focus on your own journey to liberation, education, and elevation.Let's break free from the chains of comparison and embrace gratitude for the unique blessings in our lives. Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, inspiration, and actionable insights to help you live your best life.

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to the Progression Podcast with your host, 007. In this brief yet impactful episode titled "Mind Your Business", 007 shares his thoughts on focusing on one's own life and not getting caught up in the affairs of others. He underscores the importance of personal growth, supported by biblical references, and calls for listeners to channel their energy into bettering themselves rather than critiquing others.
Using examples from the world of sports and social media, 007 highlights how public figures like LeBron James face unnecessary scrutiny. He encourages his audience to celebrate others' successes and to concentrate on their own journeys. This episode is a quick reminder to mind your own business and to work on personal development.
Tune in for an uplifting message that promotes liberation, education, and elevation, with a touch of humor and real talk. Don't miss out on this engaging soliloquy from 007 before he heads out of town.

Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Monday Jun 24, 2024
Welcome to a transformative episode of the Progression Podcast with 007. This time, we're diving straight into powerful reflections without the usual frills. Inspired by a moment of doubt, 007 challenges himself and listeners with the bold question: "How dare you?" He shares personal anecdotes and scriptures, emphasizing the importance of consistency, discipline, and faith.Explore key themes such as knowing your identity in Christ, overcoming doubts, and making necessary sacrifices to progress. Hear about turning obstacles into opportunities and the power of maintaining a positive attitude through life's challenges. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the relentless love of Jesus Christ and the strength we find in facing our truths.Join 007 in this raw and inspiring journey of self-reflection, faith, and unwavering perseverance.

Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Monday Jun 17, 2024
Welcome to the Progression Podcast! I'm your host, 007, and I'm thrilled to be back with you on this special Father's Day 2024 episode. After a refreshing vacation, I'm ready to dive into today's topic: the importance of growing up and taking accountability.
In this episode, we explore the transformative journey from a street life to a life of liberation, education, and elevation through faith in Jesus Christ. We discuss the significance of letting go of childish ways and embracing mature, intelligent conversations.
We'll delve into the outdated street code and why it's crucial to abandon it for a more responsible and fulfilling life. Additionally, we'll address the dangers of seeking validation and the pitfalls of adults posting lies for attention.
Join me as we reflect on the importance of unplugging from the routine to rewire our minds and the value of not carrying old feelings into new endeavors. It's time to grow up and embrace a life of purpose and authenticity.
Shout out to Eyes On Me, Inc., Power Church, and my Fifth Ward homeboys for their support and inspiration. Tune in and let's progress together!

Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Welcome back to The Progression Podcast! After a brief hiatus, host 007 returns with an episode packed with reflection, inspiration, and deep insights. This episode, powered by Josiah's House Ministries, dives into the theme of "The Indefensible," exploring how secrets, both good and bad, eventually come to light.007 shares personal stories of liberation, education, and elevation, emphasizing the importance of living a Christ-centered life. He also addresses the culture of exposing celebrities and the consequences of our actions, urging listeners to keep the same positive energy and avoid unnecessary negativity.Join the conversation as we discuss current events, the power of cosigning, and the importance of reflecting on past mistakes to improve our future. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that encourages personal growth and community support.Thank you for tuning in! Remember to reflect, remember, learn, and apply. Stay positive and keep progressing!

Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
Delve into the complex world of celebrity feuds with this enlightening episode of "The Progression Podcast". Hosted by 007, the episode highlights a long-standing rivalry in the hip-hop industry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. As tensions frequently escalate between parties, making alarmist headlines, 007 offers an engaging, insider's look into the damaging and potentially tragic consequences of these conflicts. The host illuminates the contemporary 'Era of Exposing', a time riddled with conflict, online shaming, and misinformation. These negative elements often fuel hatred and unrest, diverting attention from what truly matters - the music itself. This episode provides an eye-opening exploration into the dark side of the music industry.Investigating the intricate dynamics of the industry, the host emphasizes the dangers of public feuds and the dire need for a shift in focus. Drawing from personal experiences and using vivid analogies between street life and spiritual enlightenment, he powerfully proposes a change in attitude. More focus on self-improvement and less emphasis on others' wrongdoings, he suggests, could help revive the true essence of the industry. Listen to this insightful episode for an unprecedented peek into the behind-the-scenes dynamics of celebrity feuds in the music industry. Learn about the damaging trend of public feuds, the repercussions of the social media age, and get inspired to take on a spiritual journey towards self-improvement.

Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Monday Apr 22, 2024
Join us for an episode of the Progression Podcast, "Losing My Mind To Find Liberation: A Journey From Street to Faith" where host Ben 007 shares his compelling path from street life and prison to embracing faith in Jesus Christ. Inspired by teachings from 2 Corinthians 5 and 17, hear his transformational journey towards becoming a 'new creature' by relinquishing a corrupted mindset and embracing righteousness.Discover Ben's thoughts on the 'reprobate mind', the loss of logic and morality, and its pernicious consequences. He boldly warns believers about the perils of conflating spirituality with a hidden agenda and indulging in worldly matters. Ben openly critiques people who steer the faithful towards political capitals rather than the Cross.Dive into a thought-provoking conversation on why it's crucial to separate spirituality from secular affairs. Understand the hazards of entwining spiritual principles with societal norms and surrender to the sanctity of Jesus Christ’s gospel that outreaches cultural and geographic limitations.Relate to Ben's experiences of societal pressures during the pandemic and the trials of holding a different perspective. Learn about the importance of preserving individual integrity, even if it risks ostracism from one's community. Hear Ben's firm belief in Christ's teachings of love and respect for all, beyond the realm of political views.Follow Ben's insightful discussion on the dangers of a reprobate mind and the importance of retaining a clean conscience. Take cues from his advice to adhere to Christianity and Christ's teachings in their purest form. Absorb the significance of faith, not as a means to an end but where the journey matters the most.Finally, muse over Ben's powerful analogy on the potential of falling apart to be stages of coming together. Learn from his own experiences of incarceration, those seemingly destructive moments were, in truth, periods of self-realization and spiritual growth.Listen to an honest dialogue about spirituality, personal growth and society, as Ben's candid sharing and self-deprecating humor paints a realistic picture of life. Tune into this enlightening and captivating podcast episode for an affirmation of your faith and an encouraging invitation to lose your mind to find your soul.
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.