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Maxi Blanco’s story is unforgettable — from facing a potential prison sentence to receiving a full pardon and rebuilding his life from the ground up.

He shares the night everything changed — when a split-second decision nearly cost him everything — and the path that led him toward redemption, peace, and purpose.

The conversation goes deep into anger, forgiveness, and how he turned a life of chaos into one of discipline and purpose. 

If you’ve ever questioned whether people can truly change — this episode will answer it.

00:00 – Intro: Meeting Maxi Blanco
 02:00 – Childhood across London, Spain & Connecticut
 05:00 – The roots of anger and identity
 13:00 – Life alone at 18 and chasing independence
 16:00 – The hustle begins: street life and drugs
 20:00 – The night of the shooting
 27:00 – Facing the police and a life-changing case
 36:00 – Isolation, reflection, and awakening
 45:00 – Becoming a barber & building a new future
 53:00 – Faith, forgiveness, and a full pardon
 1:00:00 – Lessons, purpose, and second chances

✂️ Connect with Maxi Blanco:

💈 Instagram: @maxi_the_barber

📅 Book a haircut: Book with Maxi at I Got You Next Barbershop (Groton, CT)

🧴 Beard Products: BeardOctane.com
— Use code MAXB10 for 10% off

🎙 About The Open Exchange Podcast:

Real people. Real stories. Real change.

Hosted by Paul Martinez, The Open Exchange shares authentic conversations that remind us that no matter where you’ve been, there’s always a path forward.

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