Newly released from prison, PJ Braun holds nothing back about his experience behind bars and the racial segregation and violence he experienced
PJ Braun is once again a free man. In the first episode of our new video series A Conversation With PJ Braun, we get a revealing glimpse into life behind bars for Braun, the former owner of Blackstone Labs who was sentenced to 54 months in prison for his role in selling illegal products marketed as dietary supplements.
Known for his influence in the bodybuilding and sports nutrition world, PJ Braun’s career took a dramatic turn after being found guilty in a lengthy case against the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Having been released in July 2024, this interview with director Vlad Yudin, conducted just days after Braun’s release, provides an intimate look into his legal battles, prison experiences, and reflections on his past.
PJ Braun rose to prominence in the bodybuilding community as a competitive bodybuilder and co-founder of Blackstone Labs, a company that quickly became known for its aggressive marketing and controversial product lines. However, his career faced a significant setback when he and his business partner, Aaron Singerman, were indicted for distributing illegal substances. Despite the legal turmoil and a lengthy prison sentence, Braun’s story continues to fascinate many in the fitness industry.
For the first time since the trail began, PJ Braun is now able to speak freely on all aspects of the case and his time in prison. This week, Braun goes into unfiltered detail about life in prison and the violence he experienced – despite being in a “white collar” prison facility. Let’s dive in!
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Clearing The Air: Tensions with Generation Iron
The conversation begins by addressing the tension between PJ Braun and Generation Iron, the media outlet headed by Vlad Yudin. During his legal battles and imprisonment, Braun became angry with Generation Iron (among other outlets and individuals), feeling that their coverage could potentially harm his case and chances of an early release. He specifically mentions an interview with his former partner, Aaron Singerman, which inadvertently led to self-incrimination.
Braun explains that during such a tumultuous period, he was highly sensitive to any media coverage that might jeopardize his legal standing. His anger was directed at anyone or anything that seemed to threaten his defense.
However, Braun now acknowledges that his anger was misplaced and that Generation Iron was merely fulfilling its role as a news outlet. This reflection shows Braun’s growth and understanding, highlighting the intense pressure he faced while fighting for his freedom.
Prison Experiences: From County Jail to Prison Camp
PJ Braun provides a detailed account of his prison experiences, contrasting the harsh conditions of county jail with the relative freedom of the prison camp. In county jail, he describes the overcrowded cells and the constant tension among inmates, making it a particularly grueling environment.
In addition to spending time in county jail, he was also transferred to detention centers while he waited being moved to the intended facility for the remainder of his prison sentence. These detention centers he was transferred to before the prison camp were equally challenging, with 23-hour lockdowns and limited human interaction. He was only allowed to leave his cell to make a seven minute phone call and shower each day.
Upon arriving at the prison camp, Braun experienced a significant shift. The camp offered more freedom of movement, opportunities for work, and even unique programs involving the training of service dogs. Despite initially having a cell to himself due to a delay in the dog training program, Braun appreciated the sense of purpose and companionship the initiative provided.
Programs for Sentence Reduction
One of the most significant aspects of Braun’s prison experience was the opportunity to participate in programs designed to reduce his sentence. These programs, available to inmates with non-violent, white-collar offenses, included incentives for good behavior and the challenging RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program).
Despite spending times with puppies in prison sounding like a walk in the park, Braun describes RDAP as the hardest thing he has ever done, emphasizing the strict rules and the culture of “snitching” it fostered. Regardless of these difficulties, completing RDAP earned Braun a significant reduction in his sentence.
Prison Violence: Navigating Racial Tensions and Building Respect
Braun recounts a particularly tense situation involving racial dynamics within the prison. In an effort to maintain a good appearance for a visit from his fiancé, Braun paid a black inmate $50 for a haircut, unknowingly violating both prison policy and social norms.
Due to PJ Braun being white and the other inmate being black, his decision to pay well for the haircut crossed a line that Braun did not know existed. In prison, a white man paying for a black inmates’ services was seen as a white man’s “ownership” over the black inmate.
This led to a confrontation where PJ Braun as attacked by his fellow inmate. With a zero violence policy, Braun was nearly expelled from the RDAP program. However, his honesty during the investigation helped him avoid further punishment, and the incident ultimately earned him respect among his peers.
The prison environment’s racial tensions were further complicated by Braun’s diverse group of friends, which included inmates from various ethnic backgrounds united by their shared interest in fitness. This diversity sometimes drew negative attention, but Braun’s ability to navigate these complex social dynamics proved crucial to his survival and personal growth during his incarceration.
Reflections on Race and Segregation in Prison
PJ Braun shares his insights on the racial segregation prevalent in prison, noting that his experiences were relatively mild compared to what others might face in more intense prison environments.
He reflects on the irony that the hardest individuals for him to interact with were the white inmates, many of whom were rednecks with a hostile attitude towards everyone. In contrast, Braun found common ground with inmates of different ethnicities through their mutual interest in fitness, leading to a unique camaraderie.
Wrap Up
The first episode of A Conversation With PJ Braun offers a compelling narrative of resilience, reflection, and redemption. PJ Braun’s candid discussion with Vlad Yudin provides a window into the challenges he faced during his legal battles and imprisonment, as well as the personal growth he achieved through these experiences. As Braun continues to share his story in subsequent episodes, viewers can expect to gain deeper insights into the complexities of his journey and the lessons he has learned along the way.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes in this digital interview mini-series only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network.
