🎙 The Th3rd Bridge Podcast launches soon — stay tuned!
Meet the voices behind
The Th3rd Bridge
Our Team
The Th3rd Bridge is hosted by three individuals who bring unique perspectives to mental health conversations. Our team combines lived experience with professional expertise, creating authentic dialogue that honors both personal journeys and clinical knowledge.
Together, we represent the bridge between communities impacted by the justice system and the mental health professionals who serve them. Our conversations are grounded in mutual respect, shared learning, and a commitment to healing-centered approaches.
Our Hosts
Three different paths. One shared mission.
Brian Shepperd
Formerly Incarcerated
ROLE
Co-Host
STORY
Co-founder and Co-host of The Th3rd Bridge. Brian is a formerly incarcerated individual who spent nearly 30 years in som...
Brian Shepperd
Co-Host
Dwight Jones
Exonerated Survivor
ROLE
Co-Host
STORY
Co-creator and rotating host, Dwight Jones is an exonerated survivor who endured 21 years behind bars for a crime he did...
Dwight Jones
Co-Host
Dr. Lisa de la Rue
Licensed Psychologist
ROLE
Co-Host
STORY
Dr. Lisa de la Rue brings more than 15 years of clinical and research expertise in trauma-responsive care, addiction tre...
Dr. Lisa de la Rue
Co-Host
Our Focus
The bridges we build and re-build to create healing.
1) Healing Trauma
Addressing the deep psychological wounds of incarceration and life challenges through dialogue, emotional humility, and tools for recovery.
2) Dismantling Stigma
Breaking down the barriers and shame surrounding mental health and therapy, especially for justice-impacted communities.
3) Unlearning Harmful Beliefs
Challenging toxic masculinity, internalized misogyny, and the "boys don't cry" script that block connection and growth.
4) Breaking Barriers
Creating access to practical, culturally responsive strategies that support re-entry, strengthen families, and spark community-wide healing.