Josh’s story starts in the early 1990’s, and the height of skateboarding mania, where he became one of the most celebrated pro skaters of his generation. In the 90’s, Josh had been regarded as the future of the sport by skaters like Christian Hosoi, Tony Hawk, and Steve Caballero. Josh was sponsored by Vans – still is – and his rise in skateboarding was meteoric.
However, just as quickly as Josh’s professional star was shining, his personal life came crashing down. In 1995, Josh was convicted to a life sentence for the second-degree murder of Keith Ogden. In 2012, after spending almost 20 years behind bars, Josh was finally released.
What happened in between those years of incarceration are in the pages of Josh’s unbelievable memoir. It’s impossible to sum up Josh's story in an email pitch – but his memoir truly has it all.
There is an incredible love story throughout the book. There is a phenomenal story of how Josh, and two other prisoners, all worked together for years on educating each other and figuring out how to be granted parole. All three prisoners were eventually released.
It’s a story of loss, despair, death, fear, hope, race relations, family, friendship, humanity, growth, addiction, redemption, grit, love, and so much more.
Josh’s story grabs on to your heartstrings and simply doesn’t let go.
Actor Jay Mohr says in the Foreword:
“Swindell’s Story is a fantastic story of redemption. It starts with such an unapologetic shock that makes the message of hope all the more rewarding. Thankfully, Josh holds nothing back, proving he works a program of rigorous honesty. This book will restore your faith in humanity and force you to reexamine what you think you know of recovery and rehabilitation.”
Josh Swindell, a former professional skateboarder, was unjustly ensnared in a murder conviction by a corrupt judge, leading to a life sentence.
Amidst the confines of prison, he discovered solace and redemption through sobriety, while actively dismantling racial barriers to reclaim his freedom.
Today, Josh channels his experiences into impactful advocacy, returning to prisons to support those grappling with sobriety and collaborating with the Anti Recidivism Coalition to reform the criminal justice system. Additionally, he passionately mentors children on the Autism spectrum, teaching skateboarding and essential social skills.
An ardent enthusiast of action sports like snowboarding, Motocross, and mountain biking, Josh resides in the serene Sierra foothills of Northern California with his beloved wife Khristi, epitomizing a life devoted to freedom and service to others.