Prison Exposed

In this episode, Hope and Phoebe examine what happens when women report harm and find themselves under scrutiny instead. Through three cases, they explore how, when interpsonal harm the criminal justice system, a woman can dinfer herself displaced from her original position as the person harmed. Her becomes a subject of investigation. Her decisions and behavior are scrutinized. In some cases, the...

Hope and Phoebe examine how election-season allegations, investigations, and political narratives can shape public perception before cases are resolved. They review voting issues in New York and Virginia, then connect historic and current examples involving women in public life to the importance of scrutinizing timing, evidence, and who benefits from a narrative.

Horror can reveal more about society than just the things that scare us. In this episode, we explore how horror stories reflect cultural fears about women, motherhood, mental illness, and behavior that falls outside of societal expectations. We examine how these narratives shape who we see as dangerous, who we believe deserves compassion, and whose suffering we dismiss. As we build the stories tha...

This episode explores the cultural and historical roots of societal perceptions of women, examining fairy tales, media, and historical events to understand how gender norms influence the legal system and societal treatment of women. Hakiym Simpson Resources: Justice for Hakiym- Petition Link, Donation Link, Case Summary, and PBS Doc all found here Monique l Blackbeltbabe- The Firefighter They Lock...

A judge recently authorized use of a surgically placed feeding tube on a detained man, raising questions about bodily autonomy, medical ethics, dentention, and state power. In the episode, Phoebe and Hope examine the growing use of court-approved force-feeding in detention centers. They discuss the difference between medical care and coercion, and what it means when a person's only form of pro...

The episode explores the tragic death of Marcos Alcaraz at Eastern Correctional Facility and the ongoing struggles of incarcerated individuals to report abuse and seek accountability. It highlights the importance of transparency, proper emergency response, and the work of the Remedy Project in advocating for prisoners' rights.

The episode explores the complex relationship between mental health and the criminal legal system, highlighting systemic failures, the importance of early intervention, and the need for reform to support mental health outside of punitive environments.

This episode explores the complex system of privatized correctional services, focusing on prison labor, food quality, and the influence of private companies. It highlights how economic incentives and legal frameworks impact the treatment and rights of incarcerated individuals.

This episode explores the complex and troubling history of prison labor in the United States, its ties to slavery, racial disparities, and the ethical questions it raises today. We examine how companies benefit from forced prison labor and what happens to accountability and justice when the state can profit from the bodies it locks up.

In this episode Hope and Elsa discuss the limitations of compassionate release, long-term care, and institutional violence. They explore the similarities between systems we often think of as separate. What happens when the symptoms of cognitive decline start to resemble behaviors that have been criminalized?

In this episode Hope and Phoebe explore how climate change impacts incarcerated populations during extreme weather events. They highlight systemic failures, unsustainable models and the urgent need for reform. Links ACLU- Abandoned & Abused Remedy Project Member Jerry Cooper Donate Prison Exposed TikTok Prison Exposed Instagram

In this episode, Hope and Phoebe explore the recent changes to the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), its implications for incarcerated LGBTQ+ individuals, and the systemic issues surrounding sexual violence in detention facilities. Through an examination of PREA's intended protections, the realities of its implementation, and recent policy changes, they discuss survivor experiences, institut...

Following the crises at Bertie-Martin, Hallmark Youthcare, and the Virginia Department of Corrections, Hope and Remedy Project write Elsa explore the institutional responses, public perception, and the role language plays in shaping whose voices are believed.

In this episode, Elsa from the Remedy Project discusses Tally Dillard's urgent medical case in federal prison, highlighting systemic issues in incarcerated healthcare and advocacy efforts to bring attention and change. The Remedy Project Amherst Chapter Instagram The Remedy Project Donate Website Tallie Dillard Campaign Prison Exposed TikTok Instagram

In this episode, Hope and guest, Katie, explore the complex intersections of confinement, disability, homelessness, and policy. They discuss and analyze recent policy shifts, legal decisions, and real-world cases to understand how systemic frameworks shape support and confinement. Emmanuel Fru- Linktree (Gofundme, Change.org petition, etc..) The Remedy Project- Website Donate Here Prison Exposed-...

This episode opens the season by examining how recent policy shifts are reshaping the justice system, from the expanding definition of political violence to sentencing, prison placement, and conditions of confinement. Through reporting, case examples, and institutional analysis, we explore how discretionary power moves through the system and what those changes mean not only for incarcerated people...

This episode explores the harrowing case of Shane Cratty, highlighting systemic issues in federal prisons including medical neglect, psychological abuse, excessive force, and procedural obstruction. Through detailed recounting, it underscores the urgent need for external oversight and accountability to prevent such abuses. Links: Shane Cratty's Campaign

This episode explores the harrowing case of Kevion Rogers. It highlights systemic failures in medical care post incarceration and within the prison system. It also looks at the broader issues of racial bias, control, and neglect in carceral environments.

In this insightful interview, David Simpson discusses the enduring legacy of the slavery mindset, its influence on systemic oppression, mass incarceration, and societal conditioning. He shares personal experiences, historical context, and actionable steps to challenge and reprogram this deeply embedded culture. Resources: The Slavery Mindset: Jim Crow Culture in the United States Criminal Justice...

To close out our Supermax Twin series, we speak with Vishal Agraharkar of the ACLU of Virginia about Thorpe v. Virginia Department of Corrections, the class-action lawsuit challenging conditions in Red Onion State Prison and Wallens Ridge State Prison. Using this case as a lens, we examine the use of prolonged solitary confinement, ongoing litigation, and the broader questions of transparency and...

In this episode hosts Sahai and Hope zoom out of the supermax twins to a broader discussion of Virginia corrections with Uhuru Asadi. Uhuru shares his journey through Virginia’s prison system, from being sentenced to 78 years at 19 to ultimately receiving a conditional pardon. He reflects on the realities of incarceration, the mindset required to survive long-term confinement, and what it takes to...

In this episode of Prison Exposed, hosts Sahai and Hope speak with journalist Dave Cantor about his reporting on Virginia’s prisons. The conversation explores the challenges of covering carceral systems, the impact of government policies, and broader questions around oversight and accountability. Dave also discusses the role of media in bringing attention to these issues and the need for sustained...

In this episode of Prison Exposed, hosts Sahai and Hope speak with Nick Szuberla, a director and media advocate, to discuss the documentary Up the Ridge and Injustice: Hidden Crisis in Virginia's Prisons and the broader implications of supermax prisons in Virginia. The conversation explores the evolution of community media, the ethical responsibilities of documentary filmmakers, and the impact...

In this episode of Prison Exposed, hosts Hope and Sahai, along with guests Zora and Katie, discuss the documentaries 'Up the Ridge' and 'Solitary,' exploring the realities of supermax prisons in Virginia. They discuss the emotional and economic impacts on communities, the racial dynamics at play, and the human cost of incarceration. The conversation highlights the struggles of families affected by...

This episode continues our examination of the systemic violence and control mechanisms inside Virginia’s supermax prisons, Red Onion and Wallens Ridge. Picking up in 2024, we trace a series of escalating events, including accounts of self-immolation, multiple deaths inside Red Onion, assaults on correctional officers at Wallens Ridge and River North, and the institutional responses that followed....