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Hope On The Outside by Bart Smith Offers a Practical Blueprint to Reduce Recidivism & Help Returning Citizens Rebuild Their Lives
New book spotlights the lack of truly productive rehabilitation programs—and argues every person entering and exiting jail or prison should receive this guide.
Las Vegas, NV – September 3, 2025 — Author, speaker, and trainer Bart Smith today announced the release of Hope On The Outside: Ensure You Have Every Chance To Succeed On The Outside With What You Learn Inside This Book!, a hands-on playbook designed to help people in custody—and those about to return home—prepare for work, wellness, and long-term stability. Drawing from decades as an entrepreneur and coach, Smith addresses a persistent gap: despite good intentions, many rehabilitation offerings still don’t equip people with modern, marketable skills or a concrete plan for life after release.
“Facilities often tell people, ‘You’ll need a job when you get out,’ but stop short of showing how to build employable skills, launch service businesses, or work remotely with technology,” said Smith. “Hope On The Outside fills that gap with practical steps, positive mindset work, and actionable tactics that families and reentry teams can rally around.”
Why this book—and why now
America’s recidivism numbers remain stubbornly high. According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 68% of people released from state prison in 2005 were arrested within 3 years, 79% within 6 years, and 83% within 9 years. A more recent BJS cohort (people released in 2012) still shows about 7 in 10 were arrested within 5 years—a modest improvement that underscores how much work remains to reduce repeat justice involvement. (Bureau of Justice Statistics)
Smith argues that putting proven, plain-English guidance directly into people’s hands—both at intake and again before release—could immediately strengthen outcomes. “Imagine if every person entering custody received Hope On The Outside on day one, then revisited it with counselors, mentors, or family before going home,” Smith added. “That kind of repetition and reinforcement changes mindsets—and trajectories.”
What readers get inside
Organized into concise, step-by-step chapters, Hope On The Outside covers more than 90 life-building topics—from mental resilience to money basics to legitimate pathways for entrepreneurship and employment that don’t hinge on a traditional résumé. Highlights include (alphabetized for quick reference):
• Accountability & attitude: daily habits, forgiveness, goal-tracking, and self-leadership.
• Education & employability: certificates, job-readiness, and entrepreneurship for service work and remote clients.
• Family & friendships: rebuilding trust, healthy boundaries, and supportive networks.
• Health & healing: exercise, recovery, and routines that sustain momentum.
• Planning & preparation: checklists, reentry timelines, and realistic action plans.
• Technology & tools: getting computer-literate, software basics, and online professionalism.
Who should read it
• Individuals in custody preparing for reentry or living in halfway houses.
• Families and loved ones who want to be constructive partners in the process.
• Reentry coordinators, nonprofits, and corrections leaders seeking practical materials for orientation, classes, and pre-release packets.
Availability
Hope On The Outside is available in paperback and Kindle, and the full audiobook is free to stream on YouTube so that anyone—inside or outside—can access the material. Bulk orders and partnerships for facilities, libraries, and nonprofits are welcome.
Author Background
Let it be known for the record, Bart Smith has never gone to prison or been in jail. He knows best how to STAY OUT of prison/jail, hence the motivation to write this book and share what he knows about ... STAYING OUT! (HAHA) A longtime entrepreneur and trainer, Bart specializes in teaching practical, marketable skills that help people create opportunity, earn income, and build confidence. His work emphasizes clarity, character, communication, and common-sense strategies for thriving partnerships. Beyond writing, he produces book videos, trailers, and tutorials across his media channels. Bart’s written 30+ books spanning personal development, coaching, confidence, motivation, business growth, a cookbook, and lifestyle improvement. He writes and produces all of his projects in-house, bringing a practical, DIY ethos to everything he does. He writes and produces at scale—often designing his own covers, websites, and trailers. Through books, videos, workshops, and online training, he translates complex life topics into step-by-step action plans people can use right away. He also produces a growing library of free audiobooks and resources on his YouTube channel @BartSmithWorld and at BartSmith.com, where his mission is to help people live stronger, more resilient lives. Smith is dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their lives, careers, and relationships. Known for his practical, straight-talking approach, Smith has been a trusted guide for those seeking confidence, clarity, and long-term success. He’s also baked and shipped 250,000+ of his “world’s best” chocolate chip cookies across the U.S. and documents 35+ years of cookie R&D—plus 600+ reviews, testimonials, and stories—in his free, full-color chocolate chip cookie book at BartSmith.com.
Website (1) → BartSmith.com
Website (2) → BartsCookies.com
YouTube → @BartSmithWorld
Instagram (1) → @BartSmithWorld
Instagram (2) → @BartsCookies
TikTok → @BartSmithWorld
Interviews & Appearances
Bart is available for interviews in flexible and convenient formats:
• Telephone
• Zoom
• In-person / In-studio
• Instagram Live
• YouTube Live
• TikTok Live
• Panel (Multiple Interviewers)
• Group (Multiple Interviewees)
• Q&A Article Format
Whether your medium is broadcast, digital, print, blog, podcast, or social media, Bart can adapt to your platform’s style and offer giveaway prizes (i.e., a dozen cookies to 1-3 random winners, one of his books, a call with Bart, etc.) to your audience when allowed or appropriate.
Request An Interview
To request an interview with Mr. Smith, please contact his office. Thank you for considering Bart Smith for your media coverage. He'd love to be a part of your story.
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