NRNRC Black Table Talk

What happens inside a jail or prison doesn't necessarily stay behind its walls. But why should incarceration matter to people who have never experienced it themselves? In the second installment of our Intern Spotlight series, Black Table Talk host Zach Ragone sits down with NRNRC intern Vicente to discuss his recent visit to the D.C. Jail. From meaningful conversations with incarcerated reside...

What is restorative justice, and how can it help individuals and communities address conflict, repair harm, and build stronger relationships? In this episode of the Black Table Talk Podcast, host Zach Ragone sits down with Rashid Hughes, who has been leading restorative justice and circle keeping trainings with the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens (NRNRC). Together, they explore wha...

Social change doesn't always begin with legislation, elections, or large-scale movements. Sometimes, it starts with a conversation, a relationship, or simply showing up in a community. In the first installment of our Fall '26 Intern Spotlight series, Black Table Talk host Zach Ragone introduces NRNRC intern Vicente and explores his interest in social change and his experiences participatin...

Meet two of the newest members of the NRNRC team, Diamond Ransome and Leandra Jackson. In this episode of Black Table Talk , they share what brought them to the organization, how their own experiences have shaped the way they think about reentry, and what they hope to contribute through their new roles. The conversation also touches on community, second chances, the challenges of rebuilding after...

After a decade of incarceration, Leandra Jackson returned home to a world that had changed—and began the process of rebuilding her life. In this episode of Black Table Talk , Leandra shares her reentry journey, from adjusting to technology and reconnecting with others to setting boundaries, finding support, and learning why sometimes moving forward means putting yourself first.

What does it really take to prepare returning citizens for meaningful employment—and what happens when they’re ready but opportunities remain out of reach? In this episode of Black Table Talk , Ready4Work facilitator Thandor Miller discusses workforce preparation, the barriers returning citizens face, and how employers and communities can help create pathways to lasting employment.

Join us for a discussion on multifaceted topics surrounding returning citizens. Our interns dive in on stigma, representation, and what drives initial views on returning citizen, and their experience with running our social media.

Listen in for a conversation between Mr. Sellers, our program coordinator, and Simone Taylor, a client of ours, for her personal stories about her experiences. This emotional and intriguing dialogue is not one to miss, so make sure to give it a listen!

Join us for a discussion on multifaceted topics surrounding returning citizens. Our interns dive in on stigma, representation, and what drives initial views on returning citizen, and their experience with running our social media.

In this episode, our interns dive into a conversation around our Community-Led Preventive Model and book club. The dialogue naturally builds, segueing into interesting topics like being incarcerated during your 20s, addiction, valuable lessons they have learned at this internship, and an interaction they had on H Street. Tune in to hear more!

Coming from Florida, Cassidy, David, and Maryam are stepping into a whole new political landscape in DC. Today’s episode is a dive into our intern’s experience at the DC Council, where they sat in on the hearing for the final budget vote. Tune in for an insightful discussion!

In this insightful conversation, our Policy Director, Zachary Ragone, and our interns discuss their experience visiting the DC Jail. Tune in for an engaging dialogue discussing the realities of the DC Jail and their personal thoughts.

In this episode, we had our Summer 2026 interns; Cassidy, David, and Maryam, introduce themselves, and discuss overarching themes about the prison system. Listen in for an interesting dialogue from a younger generation on topics such as media, their reasons for applying to intern at the NRNRC, their future plans, and more. Moderated by our own, Mr. Ragone.

Special guest Mr. Zachary Ragone , Policy Director, joins us to unpack policy, advocacy, and the pathways toward equity and full reentry for returning citizens. Tune in for dialogue that informs, challenges, and inspires.

Reentry Advocate Sydni Turner joins us to explore the power of holistic wellness — shifting from simply surviving to truly thriving . Tune in as she shares how empowering returning citizens to live on purpose creates space for healing, growth, and lasting transformation. #BlackTableTalk #NRNRC #ReentryAdvocate #HolisticWellness #ThrivingNotSurviving #LiveOnPurpose

Today's episode will showcase the staffers at National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens coming together to share their insights, experiences, and leadership in the reentry movement. Each conversation reflects on justice, healing, and community power, while amplifying the voices of those working on the frontlines to create change. This podcast provides an authentic space for reflection, d...

Today's episode, we're joined by our incredible interns Riya Ashok & Ethan Nichter, who have been part of The National Reentry Network For Returning Citizens this summer as interns. They've contributed to the mission, growth as young professionals, and today, they're here to reflect on what they've learned, how this work shaped them, and where they hope to go from here. Take a listen...

In this powerful conversation, the National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens sits down with Rev. George Gilbert Jr. , Pastor of Holy Trinity Baptist Church and Executive Director of the Center for Racial Equity & Justice . Rev. Gilbert shares his lifelong commitment to advancing equity and justice through faith, advocacy, and community leadership. Together, we explore the urgent need to...

Join us for a powerful episode featuring Mary Zenger , D.C. Justice Fellow with DC Justice Lab , and Zachary Ragone , Policy Director with The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens , as we break down the complex world of community supervision—probation, parole, and supervised release. Take a listen...

Join us for a powerful conversation with Katie McConville , Policy Counsel at the Council for Court Excellence, and Zachary Ragone , Policy Director at The National Reentry Network for Returning Citizens. In this episode, we break down what public policy is , how it directly impacts returning citizens , and explore how the larger community can drive legal system reform to advance health equity and...

🎙️ New Episode Alert! Tune in to the latest episode of The National Reentry Network For Returning Citizens' Black Table Talk Podcast — Reentry & Wellness: Mind, Body & Soul . Join NRNRC Wellness Coach Mr. Talamonti and Mr. MenSa Maa , Director of Program Implementation at Thrive DC , as they explore the intersection of wellness and reentry. From mental clarity and physical health to sp...

New Episode Alert: NRNRC Black Table Talk Podcast Listen to The National Reentry Network For Returning Citizens podcast as we sit down with Spring Interns Lisa Yuyun & Jasmine Mitchell and Jason Ziedenberg of DC Justice Lab for a compelling conversation on their experiences within the reentry movement and the powerful intersection of reentry and public policy . From research of lived experienc...

Today's episode is a dive into a powerful conversation on healing, growth, and reclaiming wellness after incarceration. This episode explores how returning citizens are nurturing their whole selves on the journey to wholeness. #ReentryWellness #MindBodySoul #HealingJustice #ReturningCitizensRise

Today's episode highlights the historical and present-day challenges women face returning from incarceration, raising awareness about gender-specific barriers, and amplifying the voices of justice-impacted women.

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Black Table Talk Podcast as we sit down with Tony Vinson , who shares his powerful reentry journey—rising from the lowest valleys of incarceration to standing tall on the mountaintop of success and redemption. Through resilience, determination, and community support, Tony transformed his life and now works to uplift others on their own reentry paths. Tune in...