California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority, Front page, Rehabilitation

CALCTRA podcast features Dave’s Killer Bread co‑founder Dave Dahl

August 25, 2026

The California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority (CALCTRA) featured Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave’s Killer Bread, on the latest episode of Prison to Purpose.

After spending years in and out of prison, Dahl ultimately found a new direction through his family’s bakery business. The skills he gained while incarcerated gave him the experience to help shape the philosophy behind Dave’s Killer Bread.

“The job training skills I received participating in an AutoCAD program while incarcerated helped me realize I was capable of more than I thought,” said Dahl. “These skills gave me the ability to create the branding of Dave’s Killer Bread.”

Dahl goes on CALCTRA podcast, tours Folsom Prison

Michele Kane, host of the CALCTRA podcast, with Dave Dahl, co-founder of Dave's Killer Bread.

Dave’s Killer Bread was launched in August 2005 in Portland, Oregon, at a local farmers market. He says the bread is the most nutritious, organic whole grain bread and the result is what he called “killer” bread.

“Creating Dave’s Killer Bread was a turning point in my life. When I made ‘Good Seed,’ I realized I had turned over a new leaf. I had been a bad seed, but through hard work, purpose and a second chance, I became a good seed,” said Dahl. “That bread became a symbol of my own transformation and a reminder that people can change their story.”

During his appearance on the podcast, Dahl shared his journey and experiences that helped change the course of his life. His story offers an important perspective for incarcerated individuals participating in rehabilitative programs such as CALCTRA.

“Having Dave Dahl join the Prison to Purpose podcast provides an opportunity to highlight what is possible when individuals are given the tools, support and knowledge to change the direction of their lives,” said CALCTRA Director Suzie Changus. “His story reinforces why the work we do at CALCTRA matters. Our investment in preparing people for reentry impacts more than employability and the potential for meaningful careers. (This investment) also creates lasting, positive change among their peers, families and the communities they go home to.”

Dahl sold Dave’s Killer Bread in 2015 for $275 million. Since then, he has continued to give back to communities and speaks extensively about the importance of second chances. He is also currently working on a memoir.

Offering job opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals

Dahl is also committed to providing employment opportunities to people who were previously incarcerated.

“Speaking about my story with other incarcerated individuals is a form of therapy for me. If sharing what I’ve been through can give someone else hope, then it’s worth it,” said Dahl. “I’ve learned that you get what you give in life. When you give hope, you often receive it right back.”

Dahl tours Folsom State Prison

Dahl meets with incarcerated CALCTRA students at Folsom State Prison.

Dahl also toured CDCR’s Folsom State Prison (FSP), where he met with acting Warden Rosalinda Rosalez. He toured CALCTRA programs and connected with participants in the AutoCAD program.

Dahl admires work of AutoCAD participants. — *Dahl admires the work of AutoCAD participants.*

“Welcoming Dave Dahl to Folsom State Prison is a special opportunity to connect his remarkable journey with the work we see every day in rehabilitation. His story shows that a person’s past does not have to define their future,” said Rosalez. “Plus, as someone who genuinely loves Dave’s Killer Bread, it’s an added treat to meet the person behind a brand that has become a household favorite.”

Michele Kane, Dave Dahl and acting Folsom Prison Warden R. Rosalez. — *CALCTRA Deputy Director of External Affairs Michele Kane, left, Dave Dahl and acting Folsom Prison Warden Rosalinda Rosalez.*

His experience with the AutoCAD program gave participants a unique connection to his story, demonstrating how skills learned while incarcerated can become a foundation for success after release. For those currently enrolled in the program, meeting someone who walked a similar path shows how rehabilitation can open doors.

“To see someone who went through an AutoCAD program in prison and was successful once returning to his community, shows there is a future for us. It proves that anything is possible,” said a CALCTRA AutoCAD participant at Folsom State Prison.

Dave Dahl with AutoCAD students in CALCTRA. — *Dahl and CALCTRA AutoCAD students.*

Dave’s story is a powerful addition to the podcast series, said CALCTRA organizers. Watch Dave Dahl’s episode of Prison to Purpose and hear his story of transformation, perseverance and purpose.

Prison to Purpose: Building Futures Behind Bars is released every other Tuesday and is available on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Video episodes can also be viewed on CALCTRA’s YouTube channel.

Story Stephanie Eres, CALCTRA public information officer
Submitted by Michele Kane, CALCTRA deputy director of External Affairs

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