In the latest episode of The Bounce Back Podcast, host B Luke sat down with Ant Live, a Boston native who spent 15 years incarcerated in both state and federal prison. The raw and unfiltered conversation highlighted Ant’s tumultuous journey from the streets of Dorchester to a federal penitentiary, offering a deep dive into the struggles, survival tactics, and eventual redemption that followed.
Ant’s story begins at 24 when he was arrested for bank robbery charges. What followed was a long, grueling four years in county jail, as he fought the case and weighed the consequences of going to trial. Ultimately, he decided to take a plea deal, resulting in a 14-year sentence. “It was either this or a potentially much longer sentence,” Ant explains, reflecting on the tough decision that shaped his future.
Once behind bars, Ant’s journey took him across various facilities, culminating in a transfer to the notorious USP Big Sandy in Kentucky, where he spent over two years. “The transport process between prisons was rough,” Ant recalls, “it was like a constant struggle to survive, mentally and physically.” At Big Sandy, Ant learned to navigate the dangers of federal prison, where conflicts over something as simple as “paperwork” could escalate into life-threatening situations. “You gotta know who you’re dealing with,” he advises. “That paperwork is everything. If your charges aren’t clear, you could be marked.”
Ant describes the hierarchy within federal prisons and how regional alliances play a crucial role in survival. Despite being from a relatively small group of Boston inmates, Ant says they held their own, ensuring that their presence was respected. “Even though we were outnumbered, Boston always had a strong presence. The paperwork proves who you are, and if you’re trying to check someone, you better have yours in order,” Ant adds.
Throughout his time in federal prison, Ant experienced firsthand how power struggles and internal politics affected daily life. From his time at Kanan to Hazelton, Ant learned how to survive by adopting the “Laws of Power” and staying independent. “It’s a constant battle. People try to tell you what to do, but you have to be your own person in there. That’s how you survive,” he reflects.
In one particularly tense moment, Ant found himself in a fight at Big Sandy after an inmate failed to show his paperwork. The altercation led to both men being placed in segregation, and the incident served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of life in federal prison.
After serving 15 years, Ant was finally released in October 2024. However, the transition back to society wasn’t easy. Ant reveals that adjusting to life outside of prison has been challenging, especially dealing with the overwhelming changes in technology and social dynamics. “I was anxious as hell. I thought I’d be happy to get out, but when I did, I realized there was a whole new world to figure out,” he says. For Ant, physical exercise and staying close to his family and friends have been vital for managing his anxiety and reintegrating into life on the outside.
While talking about his struggles, Ant sheds light on the psychological toll of prison life, noting that the system often attempts to break individuals mentally. “They try to destabilize you in there. They use everything from medication to psychological tactics, but you have to remain focused. If you don’t, you might never get out,” he advises.
With his newfound freedom, Ant is determined to share his story to help others understand the gravity of the system and make better choices. “The system is designed to break you, but if you can find a way to survive and stay focused on your goals, you can come out stronger,” he reflects.
In closing, Ant offers a message of resilience, self-determination, and the importance of staying connected with the right people. “It’s about who you surround yourself with. Network, stay grounded, and never forget where you came from,” he advises.
