Dana Miller’s life story is a study in extremes. A notorious kingpin during the crack scourge on Jacksonville’s Eastside, he once embodied the drug trade’s fast money, mortal danger and, ultimately, devastating loss. Shot 10 times, imprisoned for a decade and grieving the violent deaths of his brother and nephew, Miller reached a turning point. 

Today, he’s working to repair the community he once chose to “tear down.” From the pulpit of his barbershop, he urges young people to choose a better path, even as he offers a unique service to families of murder victims: the difficult task of preparing their loved ones for an open casket viewing.

In this episode, Miller talks about his rise to drug kingpin, the despair he experienced even at his height, and his mission to repair the neighborhood he once harmed.

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

Support the stories that matter to you—become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you’ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.

Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.

Join now at wjct.org/newsnow.

Dana Miller&rsquo;s life story is a study in extremes. A notorious kingpin during the crack scourge on Jacksonville&rsquo;s Eastside, he once embodied the drug trade&rsquo;s fast money, mortal danger and, ultimately, devastating loss. Shot 10 times, imprisoned for a decade and grieving the violent deaths of his brother and nephew, Miller reached a turning point.&nbsp;
Today, he&rsquo;s working to repair the community he once chose to &ldquo;tear down.&rdquo; From the pulpit of his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/212133409175343/the-man-cave-barber-shop-jacksonville/">barbershop</a>, he urges young people to choose a better path, even as he offers a unique service to families of murder victims: the difficult task of preparing their loved ones for an open casket viewing.
In this episode, Miller talks about his rise to drug kingpin, the despair he experienced even at his height, and his mission to repair the neighborhood he once harmed.
Kingpins &amp; Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.
Support the stories that matter to you&mdash;become a WJCT News Now member today! As a member, you&rsquo;ll enjoy NPR bonus content and ad-free listening, exclusive on-demand podcasts from WJCT News 89.9 , and early access to new podcasts.
Plus, your support helps power trusted local journalism and original podcasts like this one.
Join now at <a href="http://wjct.org/newsnow" data-start="291" data-end="334">wjct.org/newsnow</a>.

Kingpins & Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends—giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests’ personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

Kingpins &amp; Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends&mdash;giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city&rsquo;s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests&rsquo; personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

Kingpins and Catalysts

Kingpins & Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends—giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city’s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests’ personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.

 

Kingpins &amp; Catalysts tells the stories of First Coast legends&mdash;giants in their fields, people who have left an indelible mark on the city&rsquo;s identity. In a series of revealing, long-form interviews, First Coast Connect Host Anne Schindler explores the connections between her guests&rsquo; personal experiences and their public impact, and how their stories also shaped the story of Jacksonville itself.
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