Real conversations. Real growth. Real change.
What does meaningful prison rehabilitation look like? Sometimes, it begins with a conversation.
At the 1st Annual Cuts 4 Vets event at Minnesota Correctional Facility–Stillwater (MCF-Stillwater), incarcerated author Brandon D. Cox had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Minnesota Department of Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell.
The discussions went beyond Brandon's accomplishments as co-author of It Just Works: Real Stories & Behavioral Science From the Earned Living Unit. They also explored his personal journey of accountability, rehabilitation, leadership, and growth.
It Just Works: Showing What Rehabilitation Can Look Like
Written from inside MCF-Stillwater, It Just Works shares firsthand stories from men living in the Earned Living Unit (ELU), combining personal experiences with behavioral science to explore how positive environments, peer mentorship, accountability, and community can support lasting change.
For Brandon, the book represents something bigger than becoming a published author. It is an opportunity to give incarcerated men a voice and demonstrate what can happen when rehabilitation becomes an active part of everyday life.
His conversation with Commissioner Paul Schnell was another opportunity to share that message directly with correctional leadership.
Why These Conversations Matter for Criminal Justice Reform
Discussions about criminal justice reform, prison rehabilitation, and second chances often happen without the voices of people experiencing incarceration firsthand.
At Cuts 4 Vets, Brandon had an opportunity to share his experiences directly—not simply as an incarcerated individual, but as a man actively working toward personal transformation and contributing to his community.
These conversations matter because meaningful rehabilitation involves more than completing programs. It involves accepting responsibility, changing behaviors, building positive relationships, and demonstrating growth through consistent actions.
As Brandon often says:
"We're not just doing time. We're defining it."
Moving the Conversation Forward
Crookd Crown Publishing extends its sincere appreciation to Commissioner Paul Schnell for taking the time to engage with Brandon during the Cuts 4 Vets event at MCF-Stillwater.
Through It Just Works, Brandon hopes to continue bringing the voices of incarcerated men into conversations about rehabilitation, correctional environments, and criminal justice reform.
Because rehabilitation deserves more than discussion. It deserves to be recognized, supported, and understood.
Crookd Crown Publishing — Real People. Real Stories. Real Change.
Learn more: Crookd Crown Publishing