Podcast From The Pods

Welcome to Couch Conversations! CC is a new, special series from Podcast From the Pods, where Sheriff McFadden steps away from the studio for a candid discussion about the issues shaping Mecklenburg County. In this first installment above, he explores the importance of having honest, genuine conversations about the role of a sheriff, offering insight into the responsibilities, challenges, and real...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden takes listeners inside the growing overcrowding crisis at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, where the population has reached more than 2,113 residents. The Sheriff explains what life looks like inside an overcrowded jail, where residents awaiting trial - not yet convicted of a crime - are competing for limited resources, including phones, showers, medical c...

In the latest installment of the "Podcast from the Pods" series, Sheriff McFadden sits down with Detention Officer York to discuss the realities of working inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. Officer York, who works closely with residents' families and their concerns, shares her perspective on the detention center's current challenges, particularly the ongoing overcro...

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to face a severe overcrowding crisis at Detention Center Central, where the resident population has surged to 2,085, despite the facility being built to house 1,791 residents. The growing numbers are placing major strain on daily operations, medical services, and housing conditions, with more than 1,000 residents currently requiring medication....

In the Sheriff's latest "Podcast From The Pods" episode - the Sheriff sits inside Pod 1700 for a candid conversation with a resident about life inside the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. The discussion highlights how conditions have changed over the years as overcrowding continues to impact daily operations, resources, and living conditions for residents. The resident shares con...

In this episode, Sheriff Garry McFadden shares his excitement about partnering with newly appointed Chief Deputy Ricky Robbins as they look toward the future of the agency. He discusses a continued forward-focused vision that includes the Sheriff's reentry home, addressing concerns around jail deaths, success surrounding the Post-Release Resource Center, and continuing to prioritize mental hea...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden introduces the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office’s new Chief Deputy, Ricky Robbins. The two sit down for an engaging conversation about Robbins’ transition into the role, his vision for the agency, and the goals he hopes to accomplish moving forward. The episode also highlights the strong rapport between the two leaders, featuring lighthearted moments and person...

Sheriff McFadden’s latest podcast episode takes a look at the current state of the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, highlighting the growing challenge of overcrowding and what it means for staff, residents, and the community. In this episode, he also announces an exciting shift for the podcast, which will now be recorded in various locations. Most importantly, the conversation aims to provide...

In this powerful episode, Sheriff Garry McFadden sits down with a Mecklenburg County resident currently incarcerated who opens up about his first experience behind bars and the emotional toll of being separated from his mother and children for more than three years. Through participation in MCSO’s mental health programs, he’s learned to recognize and manage his struggles with anxiety, PTSD, and de...

In this week’s episode of "Podcast From The Pods," Sheriff McFadden discussed the pressing issue of many residents being released with no soft landing or handoff to the community. With many individuals spending years in the system, reintegrating them into society can be a significant challenge. He explores the role of the Sheriff's Office, addressing questions like: What steps are taken to help pe...

In the episode, Sheriff Garry McFadden remembers a Mecklenburg County Detention Center resident not just as someone who was booked into the facility, but as a friend and a man who devoted much of his life to helping others. The sheriff recalls how this individual consistently gave food and support to the homeless and lived in a way that honored their friendship and the work they did together. Sher...

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office celebrated National Hot Dog Day on July 17 at First Ward Park in Charlotte by giving out hundreds of hot dogs and soda to community members. The event brought together families, staff, and Escape campers for a day of fun and connection. Campers engaged in sports, splashed in water activities, and enjoyed music from a live DJ, all while building positive rela...

In this episode of "Podcast From The Pods", SheriffMcFadden introduces his new co-host, Arkevious Armstrong - a man with a past, a purpose, and a passion for transformation. With heart and humor, the Sheriff and Armstrong dive into their shared mission of inspiring young men in the detention center to recognize their worth, explore their passions, and grow into well-rounded individuals....

In this episode, learn about Nakiesha Barnette, a resilient and inspiring young woman whose life has been deeply shaped by tragedy, justice, and healing. In the 1990s, her mother went missing, an event that left Nakiesha with heartbreak and unanswered questions. It was Sheriff Garry McFadden, then a homicide detective, who notonly found her mother’s body but also solved the case, arresting the man...

In the video, Sheriff McFadden sits down with John Bunn who was just 14 years old when he was wrongfully arrested and convicted for a crime he didn’t commit - a 1991 Brooklyn murder of a corrections officer. Despite having no physical evidence tying him to the scene, John wassentenced to life, spending 17 years behind bars before finally being released and later exonerated.  Growing up behind bars...

In a heartfelt and revealing conversation on "Podcast From The Pods", Host Sheriff Garry McFadden sits down with Alura Dannin, host of "The Alluring Hour Podcast", opens up about his deep love for people and unwavering commitment to the Mecklenburg County community. Far beyond the badge, Sheriff McFadden is a man driven by compassion, connection,and a belief in second chances. With a unique approa...

In a heartfelt conversation, Sheriff McFadden and guest Malik Abdullah reflect on Abdullah's journey after being in and out of the prison system for 39 years. Abdullah shares how the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office helped him in a way no other correctional facility ever had. At MCSO, he felt truly seen - as a person, not just another resident in a pod. He participated in several progra...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden recounts the moments surrounding a recent bomb threat at the Mecklenburg County detention center. The Sheriff talks about the process of containing the threat until an "all clear" can be made. He opens up about the emotional toll these situations take on staff who can't leave the building and families of residents who are left in the dark, hearing on...

May is Mental Health month. In this episode, Sheriff McFadden shares stories involving correctional officers and deputies facing unique challenges that can significantly impact their mental health, including high-stress environments, exposure to traumatic events and the demands of maintaining safety and order. MCSO has implemented the RISE program for individuals deemed incapable to proceed in the...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden sits down with a courageous mother to share the emotional story of her son’s time at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. With raw honesty, they explore the pain of separation, the silence between phone calls, and the resilience required to hold on to hope. She opens up about her son’s remarkable full-circle transformation - from incarceration to inspiration -...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden gets released from Pod 4100 for a day to correct the widespread chatter that he has the authority to easily release residents from the detention center. While still under the concept of Podcast From The Pods, the Sheriff reports from the MCSO studio to talk about NCGS 162.62, House Bill 10, and other legislation that he has followed and will continue to follow whe...

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden talks about his experience taking phone calls from mothers who are in need of help and support for their sons who were once incarcerated at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. He talks about how he helps them and why it's important to provide residents, commonly referred to as inmates, second chances to succeed in life.

In this episode, Sheriff Garry McFadden explores the daily population inside the Detention Center. That number fluctuates and ranges anywhere from 1300-1400 a day. The Sheriff breaks down how many residents are inside along with their demographics, age and gender.

In this episode, Sheriff McFadden breaks down what his new podcast, "Podcast From The Pods" is all about. Consider this an introduction to what listeners can expect to hear, learn and understand when it comes to the complexities of the criminal justice system and how the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office Detention Center operates on a day-to-day basis.