Meet David Collingsworth

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Collingsworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Inspiration in my life today comes from trying not to make the same mistakes I’ve made in my life over and over again. I try to break the cycle and make the next right decision.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I produce The Prison Show, a live radio program airing every Friday evening from 9–11 pm Central on 90.1 FM KPFT in Houston, TX. The Prison Show began in March of 1980 by the infamous Ray Hill. We are live on Facebook, KPFT FM/HD1, and www.kpft.org, then we re-broadcast on your favorite podcast platform, YouTube and the incarcerated population can watch and listen using their tablets on the Edovo App. So anyone can tune in at their convenience.

The Prison Show uses the first hour to discuss issues of interest to the incarcerated. The second hour features shout-outs from family and friends in the free world to their loved ones behind the wire and the bars.

Everyone is encouraged to call and shout out or they can leave a voice message during the week on Facebook Messenger or by email.

Lobbying by The Prison Show was instrumental in persuading the Texas Legislature to approve the installation of phones in TDCJ for the incarcerated in 2007. Texas was the last state to do so.

After 4 years of negotiation with TDCJ and Securus, The Prison Show was approved to upload content on the Edovo App so the incarcerated can view or listen for free without having to purchase radios. Edovo is currently available in 45 states for an approximate 900,000 incarcerated population.

I have been the producer for The Prison Show since 2013, in the 7 months we’ve been uploading The Prison Show on Edovo, The Prison Show has had 197,542 views on the incarcerated tablets. Thats 28,220 views a month, or 5,810 views a week. Not counting the views and listeners we get on FM, HD1, Facebook, YouTube, or the many podcast platforms.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Lets visit Prisons and the Piney Woods

Since we want to explore the prison history and culture, this itinerary focuses on Huntsville, home to the Texas Prison Museum and several operational correctional facilities.

Here’s a possible itinerary, along with suggestions for food, drinks, and things to see and do:

Day 1: Arrival and Prison History in Huntsville
Morning: Arrive in Huntsville, TX and check into your accommodation.

Afternoon:
Immerse yourself in the Texas Prison Museum. This museum offers exhibits on the history of criminals and guards in the state, including artifacts and stories from the Texas Prison Rodeo. You’ll see items from famous inmates like Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie and Clyde fame) and learn about prison escapes.

Stop by the HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas for a dose of military history right next door.

Evening:
Enjoy a casual Texas-themed meal at the Farmhouse Cafe.
Unwind at Trace’s Place, a cocktail lounge with a speakeasy vibe, known for its craft cocktails and friendly atmosphere.

Day 2: Sam Houston’s Legacy and Nature

Morning:
Visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, located on the campus of Sam Houston State University. Learn about the life and contributions of the first president of the Republic of Texas and discover why he has such a prominent place in Huntsville’s history.

Afternoon:
Explore Huntsville State Park, known for its pine woods and Lake Raven. You can hike, bike, or rent a kayak to enjoy the scenic lake.

Evening:
Savor dinner at Sam’s Table Restaurant and Gray Horse Tavern, known for its high-quality food, craft beer, and wine.
If you’re up for more evening fun, check out 12th Street Bar, a saloon-style spot with live music and karaoke nights.

Day 3: Livingston and Lake Livingston

Morning: Take a drive to Livingston, another town with a strong connection to the Texas prison system, as it’s home to the Polunsky Unit and Texas Death Row.

Afternoon:
Visit the Polk County Memorial Museum, offering insights into the area’s history, including a fascinating telegraph office.
Enjoy the outdoors at Lake Livingston State Park, where you can go camping, fishing, or take a refreshing swim.

Evening:
Enjoy a tasty Cajun and BBQ meal at Cajun Smokehouse Junction.
Wind down at the Wet Deck Bar & Grill, a lakefront bar and grill with a patio, known for its live music and karaoke nights.

Day 4: Return to Huntsville & More Local Favorites

Morning: Enjoy the scenic beauty of the East Texas Pineywoods and consider taking a guided horseback trail ride at Huntsville State Park.

Afternoon:
Stop by the Historic Tours of Texas office to learn about various tour options to explore the region, from historical sites to nearby towns.
Have a unique lunch experience at the Potato Shack, famous for its creative baked potatoes and other delicious options.

Evening:
Indulge in comfort food and perhaps some live music at The Blue Duck Kitchen & Bar.

Day 5-7: Explore Houston or relax in nature

Option 1: Day trip to Houston: You could venture into Houston to explore the vibrant city life. You could visit museums like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science or explore the shopping scene.

Option 2: Embrace Nature: Spend more time in Huntsville or Livingston, enjoying the state parks, exploring trails, or simply relaxing by the lake.

Option 3: History & Relaxation: If you’re interested in more history, visit the Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery, the main prison graveyard in Texas. Alternatively, enjoy a peaceful afternoon reading and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

This itinerary offers a balance of exploring the area’s unique prison history, enjoying nature, and indulging in local cuisine and drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to thank Jesus, my parents Jim and Ruth Collingsworth, Joe and Charlotte Fauss, Allen Rice, Ray Hill, and my wife and high school sweetheart DeeDee Collingsworth for the love, inspiration, guidance, encouragement and belief in me during times that I didn’t believe in me.

Website: https://theprisonshow.net

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/txcwby95

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-collingsworth-ab078045

Twitter: https://x.com/txcwby95

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kpfttheprisonshow

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theprisonshow90.1fmkpfthouston