Prison: The Hidden Sentence Podcast

Prison can divide people, but can a simple game of pickleball bring them together? On this episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, Roger BelAir shares the surprising story of how one idea sparked a movement inside jails and prisons across the country. From rival gang members playing side by side to correctional officers joining the game, Roger has witnessed moments that challenge assumptions about...

Prison affects more than the person behind bars—it changes the lives of the families who love them, too. In this heartfelt episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, Shalanda Thompson shares how a childhood friendship unexpectedly blossomed into love when she reconnected with her husband while he was serving a 25-years-to-life sentence. Through loneliness, fear of judgment, and the challenges of lovi...

What happens to a family when a loved one is incarcerated in a U.S. Federal prison and the family lives in another country? In this episode, Nick shares his experience of having a brother in the American Federal prison system while living abroad, and the ripple effects that reach far beyond prison walls. He opens up about the toll on his mother, the isolation that siblings of incarcerated people q...

He spent 15 years in prison—then co-founded Dave's Killer Bread and gave second chances to hundreds of formerly incarcerated people. In this episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, host Julia Lazareck talks with Dave Dahl about the rock-bottom moment that turned his life around, how he rebuilt his family relationships, and why second chances and successful reentry became his mission. A must-listen...

Prison, incarceration, and death row are often viewed through headlines—but what happens when love grows in a place most people never expect? In this powerful conversation, Gigi Taylor shares her unconventional love story with her husband, Michael, a man who has spent more than two decades incarcerated, including years on death row. Their relationship challenges the assumptions and stigma often at...

Prison doesn't just incarcerate one person—it changes countless lives. In this heartfelt episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, Rebecca shares what it's like raising her daughter while her husband is incarcerated. She opens up about the loneliness of parenting alone, who she can trust with their story, balancing the challenges her husband faces in prison with the needs of their family, and why sh...

What really happens during a prison visit? Most people never see beyond the security gates—however every visit leaves a lasting impact.   In this powerful recorded theatrical experience, you'll step into one prison visit through the eyes of those living it: a child, a grandmother, an incarcerated parent, a registration staff member, and a correctional officer. Inspired by the real experiences...

Prison changed the course of Jay Rutherford's life—but what he did after his release is what makes his story unforgettable. In this episode of Prison: The Hidden Sentence, host Julia Lazareck sits down with Jay Rutherford , a New Jersey advocate who knows the system from the inside out, having served time himself before dedicating his life to lifting others up. Jay opens up about his own journey t...

When their son's arrest shattered their world, Dale and Karen were thrust into an unfamiliar and overwhelming system with no roadmap—but their unwavering love and determination became his lifeline through both incarceration and reentry. In this powerful episode, this devoted couple opens up about the full journey: supporting their son behind bars, navigating the complexities of the system, and the...

Prison is often seen as an ending, but for Jonas Royster , the real transformation began after his release – when deep self-introspection led him to take ownership of his life and turn his lived experience into a powerful force for change. Joining Julia Lazareck, the award-winning author, leadership educator, and CEO of Hood Proverbz shares how reshaping his mindset allowed him to guide incarcerat...

Incarceration and addiction can tear families apart, but today’s episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and second chances. Jacklyn Eva shares her deeply moving journey of navigating her husband’s incarceration and their shared battle with addiction, revealing how they’ve maintained their connection and built a foundation of healing and purpose. This episode is a must-listen for...

The first formerly incarcerated person ever elected to the Nevada Legislature, Assemblymember Jovan Jackson , joins us on Prison the Hidden Sentence. From serving time in prison to serving his community in the State Assembly, Jovan’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. He opens up about how his lived experience fuels his fight for criminal justice reform, restoring voting rights...

Prison didn’t stop Mark Wilson from becoming a force for good—it’s where his journey into advocacy and restorative justice began. In Part 2, Mark shares how he used his time behind bars to create programs that empowered others to grow, take responsibility, and prepare for life after release. His work didn’t end when the gates opened—today, he’s a paralegal with the Oregon Justice Resource Center ,...

Incarceration doesn’t just impact the person behind bars—it affects entire families. In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Mark Wilson shares the beginning of his journey through addiction, incarceration, and the ripple effects it had on his loved ones. As he faced the consequences of his actions and the reality of life in prison, Mark began to reflect deeply on the harm he caused and the chang...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Natasha Blakely, Training and Engagement Specialist at Project Avary , to explore the impact of incarceration on children and families. Natasha shares her personal journey and the purpose that drives her work supporting youth with incarcerated parents. If you're looking to understand the deeper effects of prison beyond the sentence—and how compassion, men...

Incarceration may have ended, but the journey is far from over. In this powerful episode, we continue the story of Jane—now joined by her son, Anthony, who has recently come home after years in prison. Together, they share what life has been like since his release, offering an honest look at the emotional, relational, and practical challenges of reentry. From rebuilding trust to finding a new norm...

Prison forever changed Jane’s world when her son was arrested and sentenced. In Part 1 of this two-part podcast, we’re honored to share her powerful story. Jane is a devoted mother and fierce advocate for her incarcerated son, and instead of staying silent, she chose to speak out. She opens up about the emotional impact of her son’s incarceration, the struggles she’s faced, and the strength she’s...

Sentenced to life in prison as a teenager, Kyle Hedquist defied the odds. Hear his incredible journey from a life sentence to freedom and how he's now driving change in state policy. In 2022, Governor Brown commuted his sentence, and he was released just 20 days later. Now, nearly two years on, Kyle is driving change in state policy with incredible passion. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of r...

Edgar Barens' Academy Award-nominated documentary, “ Prison Terminal ”, has been viewed in over 60 prisons and 80 educational institutions. His unique talent for turning large-scale issues into personal, deeply humane stories. We’ll explore his mission: documenting a groundbreaking prisoner-run hospice program at Iowa State Penitentiary. Hear how Edgar captures the dignity and compassion within th...

Destinee and Mario Redding's remarkable love story endured and flourished through the challenges of Mario's 17-year incarceration. In this powerful episode, they share their journey of Love Incarceration , resilience, and the strength to overcome hardships that seemed insurmountable. Hear firsthand how they navigated the emotional and practical struggles of prison life while maintaining a deep con...

Leslie Ann Turner is a powerful voice in the fight for change, working tirelessly to dismantle mass incarceration and uplift marginalized communities. As a devoted mother, dynamic community organizer, and co-director of the Mass Liberation Project in Nevada, Leslie is on the frontlines advocating for those most impacted by over-policing and the criminal justice system. In this episode, she dives d...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative work of Kate Feigen, a dedicated leader at the Prison Monastery, where she helps incarcerated individuals cultivate more intentional and meaningful lives. Through their program, The Art of Soulmaking, Kate and her team guide those behind bars on a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and personal liberation. By fostering an environment of m...

In this episode, we welcome Ron and Catherine Tijerina, the visionary founders of The RIDGE Project . As co-executive directors, they lead a national nonprofit organization and the international TYRO curricula, both dedicated to supporting families affected by incarceration. The Ridge Project offers a range of services, including direct support, family day events, youth programs, case management,...

In this episode, Jim Cox from Ashland University joins us to share eye-opening insights into their transformative educational programs for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover compelling stories of resilience and success, learn how education can reduce recidivism, and understand the powerful impact these programs have on individuals and society. This inspiring conversation...

Welcome to the Prison: The Hidden Sentence podcast, where today we are going to explore the transformative impact of empowering today's youth. In this episode, Sheree Corniel shares her story with podcast host, Julia Lazareck. When Sheree's siblings were incarcerated, she began questioning the criminal justice system at an early age, which led to her working within it for many years. During this t...