-You Gotta Be Kidding Me-

Two days ago, something happened at my prison that made my jaw drop. I actually could not believe what my eyes were seeing and my ears were hearing. I’m honestly still trying to process the entire event itself. Hopefully, writing this letter to all of you will help organize and align my thoughts. I’m really seeking some clarity and wisdom right now.

Ok, I gotta do a quick flashback in time to describe the magnitude of what I witnessed in the prison chapel basement this past Wednesday.

Right now, do me a favor and pretend you’re watching a movie and we’re about to get a glimpse into “my past.” Let’s rewind my life to about 2.5 years ago. Please be prepared — my past ain’t pretty.

About 2.5 years ago, I was a giant coward. YES, you read that right. A few years ago, I was just a wimpy coward trying to hide from my shame. My business decisions had created a massive mess, and I was trying to just run away from it, make excuses, and play the victim. I had not yet learned the power of facing your shame. I now know that the moment a person takes responsibility for their actions, God can step in and begin to heal the situation.

Well, on May 2nd, 2023, I could no longer run or hide from my past shame. Around 10:00 a.m. that day, I received an email stating I had been criminally charged and indicted. This meant I would need to appear in federal court on June 1st, 2023, to be arraigned and possibly detained in a federal prison.

I will never forget the image of Noel dropping to her knees and sobbing when I told her the news about my indictment. It is forever burned into my brain.

My shortsighted business decisions and cowardice had finally caught up with me. Now, I had to face the harsh reality that my amazing wife and beautiful children were going to be punished for my actions. As a loving husband and very involved father, this is a gut-wrenching reality. It still stings to write about it.

In an absolute panic, I started to research online about the “federal prison process.” Umm… have you ever gone to Google for medical advice??? That’s what it feels like trying to navigate the “federal prison process” by yourself. The entire thing is daunting, confusing, and terrifying.

However, one name kept popping up every single time I researched something about “federal prison.” The same name kept popping up over and over and over again.

“Hi, I’m Michael Santos from Prison Professors.”
“Hi, I’m Michael Santos from Prison Professors.”
“Hi, I’m Michael Santos from Prison Professors.”

This guy was EVERYWHERE when it came to the federal prison process.

Eventually, I worked up the nerve to call him and seek guidance about my prison journey.

The moment I called Michael, my life was changed forever.

You see, Michael had spent 26 years in federal prison and overcame every single obstacle thrown at him. He completely transformed his life behind bars and dedicated his remaining years as a free man to helping others (like me) navigate the federal prison process.

I’m telling you — this guy is built different. Michael has been forged in the fire of pain and shame. He found a way to face his shame and become a better person through the process. I really admire Michael’s courage, transparency, and authenticity. He’s the type of guy who will tell you the truth no matter how uncomfortable.

On our first phone call together, he told me what I needed to hear, not what I wanted to hear. It hit me like a ton of bricks. It takes courage to tell another man the truth with a loving heart.

For years, I had made excuses about my poor business decisions. My solution to every problem I created was to run and hide — hoping it would all magically go away.

Michael Santos, this man who I had never met, had the courage to tell me the truth.

On our call together, he said to me in a stern but loving voice:

“Brett, YOU created this problem. Own it and face it. You need to stop making excuses. If you continue to run from this, your wife and kids will be the ones that suffer. Brett, you have an opportunity right now to make your family proud.
FACE YOUR SHAME.
It’s never too early or too late to start sowing seeds for a better future.”

Michael continued:

“Brett, this process will NOT be easy or fast, but it will be worth it. Are you ready to start this journey? You must be 100% dedicated to transparency and authenticity for the rest of your life. No more hiding. Brett, are you ready?”

My answer was simple and direct:

YES!!! YES, I AM!!!

It’s hard to explain, but something clicked in me that day. I felt like a new man, thanks to Michael. No matter what was ahead, I was ready to make my family and myself proud.

I was at the start of a very long and painful prison journey. Luckily, I had Michael to speak truth and wisdom into my life every time I felt overwhelmed by the federal prison system. His guidance and wisdom during my 1.5 years of pre-trial were priceless. Michael had prepared me to be productive in prison. No matter what the judge sentenced me to, I would use my time productively to make my family proud.

Michael was — and is — my federal prison mentor. His pain became my blueprint to follow. Michael has done this for thousands and thousands of federal prisoners like me. He’s an extraordinary and compelling man who finds all his enduring strength through his rock-solid faith in God.
Mr. Michael Santos — someday my family and I will be one of your greatest success stories. I’m thankful for you.

Ok, now let’s fast-forward my “life movie.” We’re now back to October 8th, 2025.

Around 6 a.m. every morning, I go to the “computer room” and message my incredible family — Noel, Cambria, Willow, Lula, and Zion. I cherish these early mornings. It’s usually super quiet because most prisoners are still asleep.

Well, this particular morning was NOT quiet!!!

All of a sudden, I hear BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, CLANG, CLANG, CLANG!

The Captain and Lieutenants were going to every cell and waking up all prisoners.
They were yelling:

“Get up, get dressed! All prisoners must be in the chapel basement by 7:45 a.m. in uniforms. This is mandatory!”

I quickly and abruptly ended my computer time. Hearing the Captain and Lieutenants yell through the hallways pretty much puts the fear of God into me.

All the prisoners sluggishly got dressed and marched across the prison campus to the chapel basement. Hundreds and hundreds of federal prisoners piled into the packed room.

As I walked in, I looked up at the stage…

Do you know who I saw standing tall with a perfectly fitted suit and a bright smile from ear to ear?

Mr. Michael Santos from Prison Professors!!!

The entire moment felt like a dream.

How did Michael pull this off?

Well, the short version is this:
Years ago, while Michael was still serving his prison sentence, he made a huge impression on a staff member. That staff member has been promoted a lot over the last decade.

Now he’s THE BIG BOSS OF FEDERAL PRISONS IN THE MIDWEST.

That means he’s directly in charge of my prison — FMC Rochester.

So now, this Big Boss is personally escorting Michael from prison to prison so he can share his story and hopefully show thousands of prisoners how to use their time productively.

Michael delivered a very compelling and moving 3-hour presentation to all of us in the chapel basement on Wednesday. With tears filling his eyes, he said:

“I am a man of faith. You are my brothers and sisters. I love each and every one of you. I am you!”

He pleaded with the crowd of prisoners to use their time here productively so they could heal the pain of their shame.

Instead of receiving a much-deserved standing ovation, the prisoners in the crowd mocked him, called him names, and criticized his integrity.
They called him a “rat,” “liar,” “fake,” and “fool.”

I was outraged at my fellow inmates’ reaction to Michael’s presentation. I know this man spends his own hard-earned money to visit federal prisons and speak into the lives of inmates. I wanted to scream at each person making these ridiculous comments.

Michael stood on stage unphased by the crowd’s reaction. He looked at them with the eyes of a loving father, still smiling ear to ear. I realized he knew the criticism was coming — he was prepared for it. I’m telling you, this man is built different.

Before I left the chapel basement that Wednesday, I made sure to say “thank you” to my federal prison mentor. His eyes got big and wide. While I shook his hand, he said, “Wow, Brett! It’s so good to see you!”

As I left the chapel, my friends Mr. Wolf, Mr. Chill, and The Networker surrounded me. We were all furious at how 99% of the prison population responded to Michael. But instead of letting anger take over, I thought to myself:

“What would Michael do right now?”

I immediately knew the answer.

I looked at my crew and told them we have one single job while we’re in prison:

“PROVE MICHAEL RIGHT! LET’S USE OUR TIME IN PRISON PRODUCTIVELY AND HEAL THE WOUNDS WE CREATED.”

Mr. Chill, The Networker, and Mr. Wolf all agreed to this mission.

Then three other prisoners — The Scientist, Big Bearded Man, and The Doctor — heard about our new mission and wanted to join.

Now, these six men stood around me looking for guidance on their first steps to facing their shame. At that moment, I realized it was my turn to use my pain and shame as a blueprint.

I addressed Mr. Chill, Mr. Wolf, The Networker, Big Bearded Man, The Doctor, and The Scientist.

With tears in my eyes, I repeated the same words Michael told me 2.5 years ago:

“Guys, right now you have the opportunity to make your loved ones proud. It’s time to face your shame. It’s never too early and never too late to start sowing seeds for a better future. This process will not be easy, but it will be worth it. You must be 100% dedicated to honesty and transparency. No more hiding. Are you ready?”

The answer from every man standing in front of me was a firm “YES.”

Thank you, Michael. I’m forever grateful for you and your prison wisdom. Thank you for facing your shame and giving me the blueprint to face mine. Now I’m hopeful that my pain and shame will become the roadmap for others in this prison to follow. I promise I will not let you down. Lives will be changed at FMC Rochester — that I can guarantee.

Again, I hate being in prison and away from my wonderful family, but I can’t deny what God is doing here.

At this point, I’m just in awe. My simple human response to all these divine appointments is:

“You gotta be kidding me.”

Love all of you,
Thank you for letting me express my thoughts.

Sincerely,
Brett (Michael’s #1 Superfan)

 

-Note from Noél -

How unbelievably cool is this!!??

God is moving, and He is working in every single detail! So, I wanted to share with you a story that happened yesterday.

I had some much-needed time with God as I drove to an appointment, and while I was praying and blasting my worship music, God spoke so clearly to me! A lot of times, God speaks to me through music — well, this new song came on by a newer artist I’ve been loving lately, and I heard God say, “This is Brett’s song.”

That morning, I had read this letter from Brett, and as the words began to play in my car, tears quickly started streaming down my face. I could feel every single word touch my heart.

When Brett took responsibility for the crimes he was charged with, he not only took on what he had done but also things he didn’t even have a hand in. He took on it all — and was sentenced so severely, and was accused of committing these crimes with intent to do so, which is so far from the truth. 

Before all this began, he was already in his own kind of prison, trying to make things right and pull out of the hole that had been dug. I watched my husband lose parts of himself, and I saw that light inside him begin to dim. The darkness consuming his mind and body, thinking that it had won. BUT GOD HAD A DIFFERENT PLAN FOR HIM!

So, seeing how far Brett has come and how free he is now — I have no words for how happy I am as his wife and how truly proud I am of him. That light is so bright inside of him now and it shines brighter than it ever has before!

What God is doing now — and what He was orchestrating far beyond what we could even see — is a true testament of who God is. He walks with us not just when the chaos or the hard times begin, but long before, preparing and guiding us each and every step of the way.

How God is using Brett in prison is so powerful. All God needed was a spark, and soon, before our very eyes, we’ll witness a bonfire erupt within that prison! Brett and I truly believe this is just the beginning of what God wants to do — both inside and outside those walls — bringing light to a dark world.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego has been heavy on my heart since all this began. I know God has walked through the fire with us every single step of the way, but as I sat in my car yesterday, I heard God say:

“What if it’s not you just walking or surviving the fire — but YOUR FAMILY IS THE FIRE? It's getting to the point where you become fireproof!”

Like what!!!??? Oh gosh — instant sobbing!

What God is doing is something I can’t even begin to put into words, but I do want to thank each and every one of you for walking this journey with us. We wouldn’t be here — or able to keep moving forward — without you.

So, thank you!! 

Good things are coming soon! The bonfire has been ignited!! Let's light this world up!

---

“Bonfire” by: I Needed This Dave

(Lyrics as written — beautiful and powerful connection to Brett’s journey)

Ohhhh
I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life...
I was without food. Ooh
I was lost in the silence.
Shadows all around.
A flicker in the distance, was all I found.
The weight of my failure  
holding me down. 
But a spark kept burning, deeper in me now. 
I was lost in the shadows. 
Chains around my soul, buried under regret. It was taking its toll.
Something always felt missing. I never felt whole. But your light kept burning.
A flame that never dies. 
You reached into my darkness and showed me I’m alive.
A spark became a bonfire. 
Your love has set me free.
The darkness has no power. 
Your light is all I see. 
Now I’m standing in your victory.
You brought me out of the darkness.
Now I walk in the light of your promise, Forever FREE! 
And hell can’t stop this, hell can’t stop this bonfire! 
Bonfire, Bonfire!
Hell can’t stop this Bonfire!
Bonfire, Bonfire!
Now you told me to go forth, 
and find people like me.
You want us to gather our flames. 
IT’S TIME FOR OTHERS TO BE FREE!
When we all stand TOGETHER, 
Spirit lights the flame!
All hearts ignite as one! 
All in JESUS NAME!
The darkness cannot hold us. 
It trembles at the sound!
A BONFIRE RISING!
GOD’S GLORY ALL AROUND!
Hell can’t stop this! 
Hell can’t stop this Bonfire!
Hell can’t stop this Bonfire!
Bonfire, Bonfire!
The smoke became a Bonfire!
Your love has set us FREE!
The darkness has no power. 
Your light is all we see! 
Now we are standing in your victory! 
You brought us out of darkness.
We walk in the light of your promise!
FOREVER FREE! 
And hell can’t stop this! 
Hell can’t stop this! 
Bonfire, Bonfire, Bonfire! 
Hell can’t stop this Bonfire! 
Bonfire, Bonfire, Bonfire
Hell can’t stop this!

🎵 Listen to “Bonfire” by I Needed This Dave —

https://youtu.be/6Mughi91NPM?si=KMRMl1AsVZ5mqntV

https://open.spotify.com/track/73sIbYCJcB9Rm116AnLV1j?si=31030b6d14314eb6