On The Recyard: Women's Prison Podcast

Join Marci Marie and Toonche for a special New Year’s episode of On The Recyard! Reflecting on 2024, they’ll discuss what New Year’s means in prison, share personal resolutions, and celebrate stories of resilience and growth. Kick off 2025 with inspiration, solidarity, and a fresh perspective from women reclaiming their lives after incarceration. Don’t miss it! #OnTheRecyard #NewYearsDay #WomensPr...

This week on On The Recyard Women’s Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonche are diving into the infamous story of Luigi Mangione, the world of "snitches" in prison, and how those dynamics play out behind bars. Joining us is our special guest, Colin Rea, who did time in Pennsylvania and just happens to live in the same town where Luigi got snitched on. 👀 Colin brings his own unique perspective, sh...

In this episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, we dive into the transformative power of books behind bars and the critical role reading plays in the lives of incarcerated individuals. Marci and Toonchi discuss the challenges and triumphs of accessing literature in prison, highlighting how books provide education, escape, and empowerment in an environment often designed to suppress hope....

The holidays can be a time of joy, but for many formerly incarcerated people, they bring a mix of emotions—grief, celebration, and everything in between. In this episode, Marci Marie and Toonchi open up about navigating the holidays after prison, from rebuilding family traditions to coping with loneliness and finding gratitude in unexpected places. Whether you're lighting a tree, lighting a candle...

On The Recyard tonight co-hosts Marci Marie and Toonche discuss how Thanksgiving is celebrated behind bars. Our call-in lines are open, so drop in and share what you're grateful for!

Marci Marie and Toonche sit down with Angel Carroll! It's a free for all Q & A session. Let's chill tonight and have a good time!

Marci Marie and Toonchi dive into the world of advocacy after incarceration. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of using their voices to push for change—from addressing policy gaps to breaking down stigma and fighting for the rights of justice-impacted people.

In this powerful episode of On the Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonchi dive into the true meaning of resilience behind bars. From navigating strict rules to finding creative ways to maintain a sense of self, they share personal stories of how they and others resisted oppressive conditions and found strength in each other. Whether it’s through small acts of defiance, building co...

In this episode of On the Recyard, hosts Marci Marie and Toonchi discuss the unique culture of formerly incarcerated women, exploring the social dynamics, shared values, and unspoken rules that shape this resilient community. Marci Marie and Toonchi offer valuable insights for those who have never been to prison on how to approach and understand someone with a background in incarceration. They dis...

Join our hosts, Marci Marie and Toonche, for this gripping episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast. We dive deep into the infamous Menendez Brothers case, where brothers Lyle and Erik were convicted for the 1989 murders of their wealthy parents. Special guest Rosie O'Donnell joins us to unpack the complexities of the case, exploring issues of family dysfunction, abuse, and the justice sys...

In this episode of On The Recyard, Marci and Toonchi sit down with Heather Jarvis, a formerly incarcerated mother and writer, to discuss the unique challenges of parenting while in prison. Heather opens up about the emotional struggle of maintaining a connection with her children during her incarceration. Together, they explore how women can navigate motherhood from behind bars, the impact on chil...

In this episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, Marci Marie and Toonchi are joined by Tiara Cooper, a justice advocate and organizer, to discuss the death penalty and its devastating impact on incarcerated communities. Tiara shares her insights and experiences working with families affected by death row cases.

Marci Marie and Toonchi chat with Destiny Villarreal On The Recyard about her time on Field Squad in Texas prisons—enduring long hours in the sun, working the fields, and finding resilience through it all. They explore the harsh reality of forced labor and the small moments of solidarity that kept them going. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation.

In this episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most jarring experiences for anyone entering the prison system: intake and the first day inside. Marci Marie and Toonchi recount their own first day in prison, sharing personal stories of fear, confusion, and the overwhelming emotions that come with being processed into the system.

Marci Marie and Toonchi along with special guests, Angel Carroll and Meme Styles, of Measure, an organization dedicated to using data to drive social change, explore how data collection and analysis are crucial in supporting advocacy work for justice-impacted people.

In this episode of On The Rec Yard Women's Prison Podcast, hosts Marci Marie and Toonchi discuss the harsh realities of how mental illness is criminalized in our justice system. Being mentally ill can land you behind bars, especially for women who face unique struggles navigating both their mental health and incarceration.

In this special live episode of On The Recyard, Marci Marie and Toonchi open the floor to answer all your burning questions about life in women’s prisons. From the day-to-day realities to the unique challenges faced by incarcerated women, no topic is off-limits. With their trademark honesty and compassion, Marci Marie and Toonchi dive deep into the issues that matter most, sharing personal insight...

A felony conviction isn’t just a sentence—it’s a life sentence of invisible barriers that follow you long after you’ve served your time. From limited job opportunities to restricted housing options, the ongoing impact of a felony conviction can be devastating, affecting every aspect of your life. Join us On The Recyard as we explore these collateral consequences, share personal stories, and discus...

On this episode of On The Recyard Women's Prison Podcast, hosts Marci Marie and Toonchi dive into the history of Texas prisons and how TDCJ attempts to glamorize their past with "Throwback Thursday" photos. The discussion uncovers the reality behind these images, exploring how they often mask the harsh truths of incarceration. Marci and Toonchi bring their personal experiences and in...

Marci Marie and Toonchi dive into how women find community and build strong bonds in prison. They share personal stories of sisterhood, support, and the deep connections that help women navigate life's challenges behind bars. This episode highlights how these relationships provide strength and hope in the most difficult circumstances.

Join our co-hosts Marci Marie and Toonchi and special guest, Alycia Castillo on the recyard as they uncover some truths about Texas youth prisons. The Department of Justice recently investigated the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and what they discovered may shock and disturb you.

Marci Marie and Toonchi will discuss the recent developments in the Texas prison heat lawsuit after spending two solid days in a federal court room listening to the attorneys lay their case out

Temperatures inside Texas prisons get up to between 110 and 149 degrees Fahrenheit during summer months putting incarcerated Texans at risk for heat-related illnesses and even death. Join the conversation about how systemic issues contribute to these dangerous conditions and how we can make a change.

In this candid episode, Marci and Toonchi answer listener-submitted questions about life behind bars, the challenges faced by justice-impacted women, and their personal experiences navigating the prison system.

Join co-hosts Marci Marie and Toonche as they shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of the prison system, emphasizing the importance of humane and adequate medical care for incarcerated individuals.