🎙 The Th3rd Bridge Podcast launches soon — stay tuned!
Meet the voices behind
The Th3rd Bridge
Our Team
The Th3rd Bridge is hosted by Brian Shepperd, who brings a deeply personal perspective to mental health conversations. His lived experience as a formerly incarcerated individual creates authentic dialogue that honors both personal journeys and the path to healing.
Brian represents the bridge between communities impacted by the justice system and the mental health support they deserve. His conversations are grounded in accountability, shared learning, and a commitment to healing-centered approaches.
Our Host
Brian Shepperd
Co-Host
Formerly Incarcerated
Story
Co-founder and Co-host of The Th3rd Bridge. Brian is a formerly incarcerated individual who spent nearly 30 years in some of California's most notorious prisons. His lived experience and system-impacted expertise inform a deeply trauma-informed perspective that now drives his purpose and leadership. Once immersed in gangs and prison culture, Brian has transformed those hard-earned lessons into transferable skills—tools that now serve him in building community, bridging divides, and advocating for change. He is a continually evolving leader committed to healing, accountability, and uplifting others impacted by the justice system.
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.