Episode 8: Raul Lopez on Faith, Redemption, and Community in Tennessee

Raul Lopez and Lonnie Spivak.

Transforming Lives Through Faith and Action: Raul Lopez on You're So Right Podcast

In the heart of Tennessee, where resilience and community run deep, Raul Lopez is making a profound impact. As the Executive Director of Men of Valor and a key figure in Latinos for Tennessee, Raul’s story is one of faith, perseverance, and a commitment to uplifting those who need it most. On Episode 8 of You're So Right, host Lonnie Spivak explores Raul’s journey, from his family’s escape from communist Cuba to his transformative work in Tennessee’s prison system and beyond.

A Personal Journey Rooted in Faith

Raul Lopez’s story begins in the mid-1960s, when his family fled Cuba to escape the oppressive regime of Fidel Castro. Arriving in the United States legally, they were embraced by the Miami community, which helped them rebuild their lives. This experience shaped Raul’s perspective, instilling a deep appreciation for freedom and a wariness of government overreach. “Communism is a bad thing,” Raul says, drawing parallels to modern movements like BLM and the “woke” agenda, which he sees as echoing the control tactics his family fled. His grandmother’s annual reminders to never forget the risks they took for freedom continue to drive his mission today.

Men of Valor: Breaking the Cycle of Incarceration

At the core of Raul’s work is Men of Valor, a Christian prison ministry and reentry program that has been transforming lives for over 25 years. Founded by Carl Carlson, who himself experienced redemption after serving time in Tennessee’s infamous “Green Mile” prison, Men of Valor has grown under Raul’s leadership into a statewide force. The organization operates in every prison in Tennessee and 12 jails across Middle Tennessee, offering discipleship groups, mentorship, and reentry services like job readiness, education, and affordable housing.

One of Men of Valor’s standout achievements is its recidivism rate of less than 10%, compared to the state’s 50-75%. “If you do the crime, you need to do the time,” Raul emphasizes, but he also believes in second chances. Through faith-based programming, Men of Valor helps men rebuild their lives, restore family relationships, and break generational cycles of incarceration. “The number one indicator of someone going to prison is their dad went to prison,” Raul notes. By fostering mentorship and family reconciliation, the organization ensures that men not only stay out of prison but become positive role models for their children.

Expanding the Mission: Florida, Texas, and Beyond

Men of Valor’s impact is no longer confined to Tennessee. The organization is expanding to Florida, where Raul is working with state and private prisons like CoreCivic to implement faith and character pods. These pods, inspired by successful programs under former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and expanded by Governor Ron DeSantis, offer incentives like better living conditions and GED classes in exchange for zero-tolerance policies on violence and contraband. “The only pods without contraband were the faith-based pods,” Raul shares, highlighting their effectiveness in creating safe, transformative environments.

In addition to Florida, Men of Valor is establishing a presence in Houston, Texas, and exploring partnerships with ICE to minister to detained immigrants. Raul’s vision is clear: preach the gospel, change lives, and equip individuals to transform their communities, whether they return to their home countries or stay in the U.S.

Latinos for Tennessee: A Conservative Voice for the Future

Raul’s work with Latinos for Tennessee complements his ministry, focusing on engaging the Latino community with conservative values. Founded in response to the liberal presence in Hispanic organizations during the Obama era, Latinos for Tennessee gained momentum during the Trump administration. By focusing on faith-based issues and reaching out to churches, the organization has built a strong conservative voice in Tennessee’s minority communities. “Trump looks future,” Raul says, contrasting the forward-thinking approach of entrepreneurs like Trump with the short-term focus of many politicians.

Addressing Systemic Challenges

Raul and Lonnie also discuss the systemic barriers facing formerly incarcerated individuals, such as accumulating traffic fines, inability to secure housing, and lack of credit. Raul advocates for solutions that reward participation in programs like Men of Valor rather than blanket handouts. “You don’t reward misbehavior,” he says, but tying government, corporations, and nonprofits together can create pathways to success. For example, Men of Valor’s affordable housing campus in Nashville, which houses 90 men for just $600 a month, is a model that local leaders have overlooked. “Not one mayor has set foot in our facility,” Raul laments, despite their rhetoric on affordable housing.

Raul’s collaboration with the Trump administration, including work on the Second Chance Act, underscores his belief in practical, business-minded solutions. By creating job opportunities and investment zones in communities where formerly incarcerated individuals return, Raul sees a path to reducing crime and fostering economic growth.

A Call to Action for Nashville and Beyond

As Nashville grapples with rapid growth, rising crime, and shifting demographics, Raul and Lonnie emphasize the need for leadership that prioritizes long-term solutions over political expediency. From advocating for faith-based pods in Tennessee’s prisons to addressing the city’s affordability crisis, Raul’s work is a beacon of hope. His message to listeners is simple: get involved. Volunteer with Men of Valor, support their mission, or advocate for policies that empower communities.

To learn more about Men of Valor, visit menofvalor.org. To stay updated with You're So Right, follow Lonnie Spivak on Instagram (@LonnieSpivak) or visit yourssoright.us. The podcast is available on YouTube, Rumble, and all major platforms.

In the heart of Tennessee, where dreams take flight, our spirits rise no matter what the fate. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more resilient Nashville—one life, one family, one community at a time.