Welcome to Season 4! Wanda Bertram from the Prison Policy Initiative stops by to discuss the latest insights and highlights on current incarceration rates, parole, juvenile justice, and how women incarcerated in the U.S. compare to other states and countries . While the statistics are alarming when reading the 'whole pie' research that the Prison Policy Initiative is known for, the truth of the criminal justice system in America is hard to ignore. Today's conversation on detention centers, youth confinement, and incarcerated women invokes the sad reality that systemic issues continue to contribute to mass incarceration in the U.S. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the continued need for reform and increased compassion within the criminal justice system.

Leadership was always in the cards for Kristin Kline. Despite being incarcerated, it only took one coach in an Arizona women's prison to encourage Kristin that she had leadership qualities and wasn't a gangster. Finding faith in herself, she launched a workout program for the women in her prison section and took to the prison yard to improve the mental health and healing of her podmates. In this episode, Kristin discusses her transformative journey from incarcerated leadership to entrepreneurial empowerment. Kristin shares her experiences of resilience, the importance of addressing trauma, and her dedication to helping women rewrite their stories through fitness and community support, both behind and beyond the wall, with her fitness organization CONVICTED Comeback. Tune in to discover how one person's comeback can inspire a movement for change and hope.

Anthony Ray Hinton was 29 years old when falsely accused of multiple murders. With no money to hire an attorney and up against a criminal justice system that accused him based on the color of his skin and a false ballistics test, he spent 30 years on death row, only feet away from the execution chamber at Holman State Prison in Alabama. In this emotional episode, Ray shares his harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, the injustices he faced, and the resilience he cultivated during his time in prison. His story is one of hope, forgiveness, and the unwavering support of his Mother and best friend, Lester. Tune in to hear about Ray's fight for freedom, his experiences on death row, and the lessons he learned about love and justice.

This episode explores the transformative journey of Brett Thomas, who at 18 years old was sentenced to an excessive prison term for a crime he personally did not commit. Brett is joined by Beth Henderson, Pro Bono Director at Microsoft, and they share the powerful story of how the Seattle Clemency Project helped Brett connect with Beth and her team to navigate the complexities of the Washington State legal system to achieve his release. Tune in to discover how the impact of compassion, Brett's resilience, and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds became a winning combination.

Radha Natarajan is the Executive Director of the New England Innocence Project, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this episode, Radha shares her journey into the world of wrongful convictions and the challenges faced by those, behind the wall, fighting for justice. Radha also shares her and her team's hard-fought battle to free Edward Wright, a man who spent 41 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Listen in to learn how the New England Innocence Project takes on innocence cases, the remarkable work to exonerate innocent individuals, stay within the complexities of the criminal justice system, and always keep alive the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Nothing is more heartwarming as the Holiday's approach than to re-feature a montage of stories of resilience, community, and the transformative power of giving. In this newly arranged episode, we delve into the inspiring initiatives from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office's gardening program, the impactful work of the East Hampton Community Center, and the innovative food service programs at the Maine Department of Corrections. These stories highlight how individuals and organizations are making a difference in the lives of those in need, proving that compassion and community spirit can flourish even in challenging circumstances.

Sheriff Jillian Myers of Grafton County, New Hampshire, isn't just the first and youngest female High Sheriff ever elected in her hometown, but she's also a wife and mama to her three little girls. While a career in law enforcement wasn't on her radar till college, Sheriff Myers says she couldn't see herself doing anything else. Her commitment to the communities and people within her rural county, the staff under her watch, and her collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies have made an undeniable impact since her taking office in January of 2025. As one of only two female Sheriffs in New Hampshire and one of 50 Nationwide, this episode is a testament to courage, leadership, and commitment to making a difference, because age is really just a number.

When three women, a Warden, an Attorney turned Social Justice advocate, and a Filmmaker all cross paths at a maximum security prison for women in Bedford Hills, NY, anything is possible. The synergy they embody drives ground-breaking change for the innovative work taking place at the Bedford Hills Correctional Center. From filmmaker Jenifer McShane, whose documentary Mothers of Bedford explored the transformative power of empathy and family structure at the Bedford Hills Children's Center, to advocate Barbara "Bobby" Blanchard, who dedicated her career to helping incarcerated mothers maintain their bonds with their children, and lest we forget, there's former Warden Elaine Lord, who championed the innovative programs for women at Bedford Hills and set a new bar for success. This episode highlights the importance of compassion, connection, and second chances, so join us for a montage of these incredible women, their legacies, and the impact they've made in the lives of many. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.