Dana Miller’s life story is a study in extremes. A notorious kingpin during the crack scourge on Jacksonville’s Eastside, he once embodied the drug trade’s fast money, mortal danger and, ultimately, devastating loss. Shot 10 times, imprisoned for a decade and grieving the violent deaths of his brother and nephew, Miller reached a turning point.

Today, he’s working to repair the community he once chose to “tear down.” From the pulpit of his barbershop, he urges young people to choose a better path, even as he offers a unique service to families of murder victims: the difficult task of preparing their loved ones for an open casket viewing.

In this episode, Miller talks about his rise to drug kingpin, the despair he experienced even at his height, and his mission to repair the neighborhood he once harmed.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

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What happens when a band is on the cusp of global dominance—only to have it all taken away? As part of the Jacksonville-based hip-hop group Asamov, Willie Evans Jr. helped create a sound that was both distinctly Duval and poised to reshape the Southern rap landscape.

But it never happened.

In this episode, Willie Evans Jr. (Niam Jones) explains how a cease and desist letter derailed the band—also composed of DJ Therapy (Paten Locke), Ja-One-Da (Joe Cox) and Basic (Buddy Vladimir Decastro)—and the profound impact of losing bandmates Locke and DeCastro.

He also reflects on the staying power of the band’s first, last and only album, “And Now.”

But as his recent video-based project “Brown Wonder” and his new album, “Pine Box Parables” make clear, nothing can stop Evans from continuing to set the creative agenda on the First Coast.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR sponsor-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ann Finnell didn’t set out to become a criminal defense attorney—but once she started, there was no turning back. From the exoneration of Brenton Butler, a 15-year-old wrongfully accused of murder, to her role in the case of accused child-killer Casey Anthony, Finnell has spent decades vigorously defending clients accused of the worst crimes and succeeding in all but one case in keeping them off Death Row. .

In this episode, she reflects on how the work impacted her, the ways in which the criminal justice system has changed and one case she will never forget.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.