On The Recyard: Women's Prison Podcast

In this episode, we revisit a conversation that began with Tylenol and turned into something much deeper. Behind bars, acetaminophen often becomes the default response to serious medical concerns. Instead of diagnostic testing, specialist referrals, or trauma informed care, many incarcerated women are handed over the counter medication and sent back to their bunks. We share our lived experiences w...

In this episode, Marci Marie and Toonche dive into timeline jumping and the Mandela Effect, the phenomenon where large groups of people remember events differently than recorded history. Is it psychology? Quantum theory? Collective consciousness? Or just flawed memory? We explore why so many people feel like reality has shifted, how narratives shape what we believe, and what it means when your mem...

Nearly 90 to 97 percent of criminal cases in the United States end in plea bargains. Most people never get a trial. In this episode of On The Recyard Women’s Prison Podcast , Marci Marie Simmons and Jennifer Toon break down how plea deals really work, why prosecutors rely on them, and how the “trial penalty” pressures people into pleading guilty. We talk about: • Why going to trial can mean riskin...

Predictive policing is already here and it is changing how people are targeted long before a crime ever happens. In this episode, Marci Marie and Toonche explore how artificial intelligence is being used throughout the criminal legal system, from policing and courts to jails and prisons. We break down predictive policing, biased algorithms, and the myth that technology is neutral. This conversatio...

In this episode of On The Recyard Women’s Prison Podcast, Marci Marie Toonche break down copaganda, the way media narratives shape public trust in police and protect policing institutions from accountability. From TV shows and news coverage to true crime and viral clips, copaganda teaches the public who to believe, whose stories matter, and whose harm gets minimized. In this conversation, Marci Ma...

We’re back and yes, we have things to say. In this return episode of On The Recyard Women’s Prison Podcast , Marci Marie and Toonche sit down to talk about why the podcast is returning now, what’s changed since we last recorded, and what it means to break down prisons and current events through lived experience. This episode is part catch up, part reset, and part warning. We’re naming the moment,...

When you’ve got wealth, celebrity, and the right political connections, your pathway to freedom looks very different from the rest of us. We’ll unpack how class and influence shape outcomes, from prison sentences to presidential pardons and why everyday people impacted by this system are still waiting for mercy that may never come.

In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to be watched all the time: on the unit and on parole. From guards listening in on phone calls to cameras in every hallway, to parole officers showing up unannounced, the surveillance never stops. We share our own stories about the pressure of always being monitored and how it shapes your sense of freedom, even after release.

This week, we’re talking about the prison moms. You know, the ones who weren’t our real mamas but stepped into that role when we needed it most. The ones who looked out for us, gave us advice (even when we didn’t ask for it), made sure we ate, and reminded us who we were when we started to forget. Every woman who’s done time knows about those “play” moms, the aunties, big sisters, and OGs who show...

Marci Marie and Toonche are On The Recyard talking about the wild ways that they strip search incarcerated women in Texas prisons.

Toonche turned out for Rec and is sitting by herself, and talking to people about random stuff. What will Marci think?

In this episode of On The Recyard, Marci Marie and Toonche kick back and reflect on what "second chances" really mean: from the yard to the free world. Whether it’s rebuilding trust, reclaiming our power, or just getting through another day with hope, this episode is all about the real stories of resilience and redemption. Join us as we talk about the moments that shaped us, the people w...

Listen as we get a live update from the attorney!

Prison isn’t just about serving time. It’s about control. From solitary confinement to loss of visits, mail, and basic privileges, punishment comes in many forms. But some of the most painful punishments aren’t just about isolation or restriction. They’re about humiliation. This week, we’re talking about the ways punishment is used to break people down, from petty write-ups to degrading strip sear...

Marci missed turn out so Toonche is hanging out with a suprise guest!

🎙️We’re kicking off Second Chance Month with a powerful and informative episode featuring Taja Hereford, Manager of Inclusive Hiring at the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ). Taja leads the award-winning Unlock Potential workforce development program, helping opportunity youth, veterans, and justice-impacted individuals find meaningful employment.✅ What is second chance hiring an...

Casey Anthony is back, this time on TikTok, and people have a lot to say. From her highly publicized trial to her recent reappearance on social media, we’re diving into the ongoing fascination with her case, media narratives, and why the public remains so divided. Why do some high-profile cases never fade from the public eye? What does this say about race, privilege, and the legal system? And how...

We’re kicking off Parole Advocacy Week with a must-listen episode featuring Jorge Renaud, a leading voice in parole reform. We’re diving deep into all things parole, breaking down the policies, and sharing real advocacy actions you can take to push for change. Join us as we gear up for Parole Justice Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol! If you care about second chances, reentry, and justice, this ep...

This week, we are keeping it real with an open mic episode! Tune in as Marci Marie and Toonchi answer your questions live, share insights on prison life, reentry, and justice reform, and chop it up about whatever is on your mind. No script, no filters—just raw, honest conversation straight from the recyard. Drop your questions and let’s talk! 💬

This week, we are keeping it real with an open mic episode! Tune in as Marci Marie and Toonchi answer your questions live, share insights on prison life, reentry, and justice reform, and chop it up about whatever is on your mind. No script, no filters—just raw, honest conversation straight from the recyard. Drop your questions and let’s talk! 💬

This week on On The Recyard: Women's Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonche are joined by special guest Justin Martinez to talk all things parole in Texas. We’ll also discuss the policies and legislation shaping Texas parole and what justice-impacted individuals and their families need to know about navigating this challenging system. Whether you’re on parole, supporting a loved one, or fight...

What does it really mean to be popular in prison? On this episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonche are breaking down the unspoken social rules of incarceration: how friendships are formed, why reputation matters, and what it really takes to navigate prison life. From making connections to avoiding drama, we are sharing our own experiences about the realities of...

You asked, we answered! This episode is all about YOUR questions—covering everything from life behind bars, reentry challenges, to the untold stories that shaped us. Tune in for an honest, unfiltered conversation as we dive deep into the realities of incarceration and beyond.

In this episode of On the Recyard, we discuss the role of incarcerated firefighters, including the 800 who were deployed to battle the recent L.A. wildfires. These individuals put their lives on the line, facing grueling conditions and dangerous work for minimal pay. We’ll explore the complexities of their contributions, the systemic barriers they face after release, and the broader conversation a...

When winter hits Texas prisons, the cold isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s brutal. With little to no heating, thin uniforms, and often no extra blankets, incarcerated people are left to fend for themselves against freezing temperatures. In this episode of On the Recyard: Women’s Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonchi dive into what it really means to survive winter behind bars. We share personal stor...