From Ivy League to Prison to Purpose: Ken Miller on Redemption & Resilience
By Lana Reid | January 28, 2026
In this episode of The Male Perspective, Ken Miller offers a candid reflection on the complexities of success, failure, and second chances.
Ken speaks openly about how unresolved personal struggles and addiction derailed his early academic promise, leading to incarceration and profound loss. Rather than framing his story as a fall from grace, he emphasizes accountability and the importance of confronting hard truths about oneself. His journey illustrates how resilience is built through intentional choices, not instant transformation.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Ken explore the role of mentorship in sustained recovery and growth. Ken explains how consistent guidance, structure, and community support were critical to rebuilding his life after prison. He stresses that recovery is not linear, and that resilience is strengthened through daily commitment rather than one defining moment.
The discussion also highlights the broader implications of redemption. Ken reflects on how sharing his full story—the highs and the lows—has become central to his work today. By speaking honestly about addiction, incarceration, and recovery, he challenges stigma while offering hope to those navigating similar struggles.
This episode reinforces the power of accountability, mentorship, and second chances in redefining purpose and creating meaningful transformation.
About the Guest
Ken Miller is a speaker, author, and mentor whose work focuses on resilience, recovery, accountability, and redemption. Through storytelling and mentorship, he supports individuals navigating addiction, incarceration, and life transitions, emphasizing that purpose can emerge from even the most difficult chapters.
𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿:
https://kenmillerspeaks.com
https://www.instagram.com/thekenmillerspeaks
https://www.facebook.com/thekenmillerspeaks
https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kenmillerspeaks
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7H29FZN
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men whose lived experiences challenge stereotypes and illuminate pathways toward healing, growth, and community leadership.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
Conversations in Color’s Current Initiatives
THE MALE PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of The Male Perspective is to dispel stereotypes and increase awareness of the experiences of Black men through open discussions, thought-provoking interviews, and the sharing of personal experiences that highlight the diversity and depth of the Black male experience.
SISTAS REBUILDING SISTERHOOD
Sistas Rebuilding Sisterhood is an intergenerational community of Black women who come together for relaxed, non-judgmental gatherings to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate in a collective effort to improve the quality of sisterhood interactions in everyday life.
TAPESTRY OF BLACK VOICES AWARDS
The Tapestry of Black Voices Awards honors local communities and showcases the creativity, brilliance, and lived experiences of Black voices across the United States.