139. Kenny Johnson

From Prison to Spiritual Awakening

Kenny Johnson spent more than twenty years in prison, and his life afterward became a powerful example of transformation, service, and spiritual awakening. In this conversation, he shares how incarceration, addiction, and the hard realities of prison life eventually opened into a deeper recognition of love, grace, and presence. He also speaks about the work he now does with incarcerated women and with people trying to rebuild their lives after prison.

Kenny tells the remarkable story of how books, meditation, and unexpected encounters with spiritual teachers entered prison through drug smugglers and other unlikely channels. He describes his early fascination with power and siddhis, the fear and surrender that came with meditation, and the turning points that led him back to prison and eventually to Gangaji. Along the way, he reflects on dignity, listening, kindness, and how even the most difficult life can become preparation for helping others.

He also speaks candidly about addiction, retaliation, second chances, and the importance of offering practical support rather than “popcorn guru” spirituality. His message is simple and direct: God’s grace is here now, and love is the real value in life.

“If there is anything worth serving, it’s this love. If there is anything worth being, it’s this love. If there is anything worth talking about it’s this love. If there is anything of real value it’s this love.” – Kenny Johnson

Kenny’s book: The Last Hustle

Kenny’s website, “This Sacred Space”

Transcript, summary, and key takeaways from this interview

Interview Recorded 9/22/2012

YouTube Video Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Kenny Johnson
• 00:04:02 – Preparation for Working with the Incarcerated
• 00:08:12 – A Conversation About Jail
• 00:10:25 – The Tipping Point and Disillusionment
• 00:13:26 – The Miracle of Gangaji and a Productive Life
• 00:16:31 – Promoting Reading in Jails
• 00:19:07 – Growth in Prison
• 00:21:53 – Survival and Retaliation in Prison
• 00:25:07 – The Cycle of Crime and Second Chances
• 00:27:03 – Prison Life and Escaping
• 00:29:12 – The Transition to Pimping
• 00:30:57 – The Pimping Lifestyle
• 00:32:32 – The Cycle of Pimping and Drug Addiction
• 00:34:49 – The Prison Experience
• 00:36:58 – Smuggling and Spirituality
• 00:39:32 – Seeking Power and Enlightenment
• 00:41:59 – Meeting Gangaji Again
• 00:44:24 – Falling in love with Gangaji
• 00:47:15 – Recognizing beauty in nature and another human being
• 00:51:14 – Detox and Alcoholism
• 00:54:46 – A Moment of Connection with a Friend
• 00:57:24 – The Power of Presence
• 01:00:20 – Creating a Sacred Space Near Prisons
• 01:03:24 – The Depth of Lostness in Maya
• 01:06:41 – Maya, The Friend of Consciousness
• 01:09:48 – Giving Back and the Issue with Popcorn Gurus
• 01:12:33 – A Message of Love and Transformation in Prison
• 01:15:36 – Experiencing Love through Connection
• 01:18:24 – A Blazing Inferno
• 01:20:44 – Contact Information and Future Speaking Engagements
• 01:23:47 – Update on Cancer Remission