Prison POD Productions

In this engaging interview, Pete Bludworth from Corrections Unfiltered shares his extensive corrections career, insights into private corrections, and the importance of transparency and understanding in the correctional system. The conversation covers topics from inmate reentry to trauma, community trust, and innovative programs that support both staff and inmates. Corrections Unfiltered:  https:/...

In this compelling interview, Lorenzo Trout shares his transformative journey from trauma and incarceration to becoming a mentor and advocate for justice-involved individuals. Discover insights on trauma, recovery, community support, and innovative programs like equine therapy that foster healing and reintegration. Support the show

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio speaks with Paula Fox, who shares her experiences in prison ministry, particularly focusing on the Kairos program, Crossroads Prison Ministry, and the Jump Start Employment Reentry program. Paula discusses the importance of faith-based support, the challenges of reentry for individuals coming out of prison, and the stigma surrounding sex offenses...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio interviews Caroline Georgiou, a sound therapist specializing in somatic practices. Caroline discusses her innovative approach to healing and rehabilitation in prison settings, focusing on the use of sound therapy to help inmates reconnect with their bodies and emotions. She shares insights into the process of somatic counseling, the impact of her...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio speaks with Brian Koehn, founder and CEO of Social Purpose Corrections. They discuss the need for reform in the corrections system, focusing on reducing recidivism and improving the culture within prisons. Brian shares his journey from military service to corrections, highlighting the challenges and inefficiencies he observed in the system. He em...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, host Valerie Cartonio speaks with Dr. Karen Gedney, a former prison physician with 30 years of experience in the correctional system. Dr. Gedney shares her journey from being a curious young girl with dreams of becoming a doctor to her unexpected role as a prison doctor, where she faced numerous challenges, including being taken hostage. She discusses her commitm...

In this episode of The Prison Pod, host Valerie Cartonio welcomes Sephria Reynolds-Tanner, a criminal justice and drug policy analyst at the Reason Foundation. Sephria shares her journey from working as a probation and parole officer in Washington to her current role, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in criminal justice reform. She discusses the barriers individuals face upon...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio speaks with Mitch Pearlstein about the concept of second chance hiring, addressing the myths and facts surrounding the employment of individuals with criminal records. They discuss the economic and ethical necessity of providing job opportunities to this population, the importance of trades and job training, and the role of education and reentry...

In this episode of The Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio interviews rap legend X-Raided, who shares his journey from a troubled past to a successful music career. He discusses the importance of family, the meaning behind his album cover, and the themes of perseverance and hope in his lyrics. X-Raided reflects on his spiritual growth, the significance of being a father, and his upcoming autobiography, e...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, host Valerie Cartonio speaks with Holly Bot, a former inmate who served a 12-year sentence in a Minnesota women's prison. Holly shares her journey from a troubled life marked by depression and a difficult marriage to finding faith and purpose during her incarceration. She discusses the challenges of adjusting to prison life, the importance of coping mechanis...

Summary In this episode of the Prison Pod, Dr. Robert Mossi Alexander discusses his journey from incarceration to becoming an educator and filmmaker. He emphasizes the transformative power of education in reducing recidivism and shares insights from his documentary 'Reclaiming Our Humanity.' Dr. Alexander also highlights the importance of children's literature in addressing the stig...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio interviews Samuel Hunter, founder of Youth Love and Above, a program aimed at rehabilitating youth and preventing them from entering the prison system. Samuel shares his personal journey from incarceration to creating impactful programs that focus on cognitive restructuring and community outreach. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lis...

In this episode of the PrisonPod, host Valerie Cartonio speaks with Sobanan Narenthiran, who shares his transformative journey from aspiring doctor to incarcerated individual. Sobanan discusses the impact of his prison experience on his identity, the educational opportunities available in prison, and how he found hope and purpose during his time behind bars. He addresses misconceptions about priso...

Kara Janssen is formerly incarcerated and works on prison reentry and reform. she is a storyteller and teaches others how to tell their story. Only you can tell your own story from your perspective. Kara's Linked In:   / karaejanssen  We Stand AZ: https://www.alignable.com/glendale-az... We Stand AZ is "a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to empowering incarcerated individuals and the...

In this conversation, Valerie Cartonio interviews John R. Whitman about the Creative Prisons Project, which aims to harness the creative potential of incarcerated individuals. They discuss the challenges of copyright registration for prisoners, the therapeutic benefits of art, and the vast untapped creativity within the prison population. Whitman emphasizes the importance of creativity in rehabili...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio interviews Madinah Wilson-Anton, a Delaware state representative and comedian. They discuss Madinah's advocacy for social justice, her experiences with vitiligo, and the importance of humor in addressing serious topics. Madinah shares her journey in politics, the significance of community engagement, and the role of faith and hope in her wor...

In this episode of the Prison Pod, host Valerie Cartonio speaks with Percy H. Pitzer, a retired warden and founder of the Pitzer Family Education Foundation. They discuss the importance of education in reducing recidivism, the role of inmates in supporting educational initiatives, and the need for community engagement in the rehabilitation process. Percy shares his experiences in the correctional...

Hinda  -  https://www.hindahelps.com/ "Our mission is to empower families affected by institutionalization, trauma, and crisis. Through support and rehabilitation, we foster resilience, restore relationships, and aid reintegration. We envision a future where everyone can heal, thrive, and build a more just, connected society." (c) 2025 Prison POD Productions Support the show

Abby Rabinowitz joins us and talks about the work she does with the Hinda Institute around families and incarceration. Hinda Institute: https://www.hindahelps.com CARES:  Counseling, Advocacy, Restorative Justice, Education, and Support https://www.hindahelps.com/templates/... Lubavitch Rebbe : https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/defau...   (c) 2025 Prison POD Productions Support the show

David talks about financial literacy and personal prosperity. https://thefinancialempowermenthandbo... https://www.financeiqtest.com/ - Use Prison Pod for free IQ test (c) Prison POD Productions 2025 Support the show

Autism Speaks - https://www.autismspeaks.org Autism Society - https://autismsociety.org Mediate.com -  https://mediate.com Support the show

Justin is a successful Construction Estimator & Project Manager in California. He has helped to develop a workbook "The 7 Keys to Financial Literacy", with Marc Vahanian & Pathway to Kinship. Justin tells how he has overcome obstacles in his life to be successful today. Support the show

Velda Dobson-Davis Velda Dobson-Davis is a retired Chief Deputy Warden from the CDCR and is the Program Coordinator for both Healing Trauma Plus and Beyond Violence Plus programs at the Central California Women’s Facility. Ms. Dobson-Davis is a liaison at the prison for our research team. https://www.envisioningjusticesolutio... Recognition: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/insidecdcr/20... https://www.cdc...

Ken talks about bringing programs together to reduce recidivism and to improve conditions within the prisons. Support the show

YouTube videos featuring David: Prostate Cancer in Prison    • Video  US vs David Grosky    • Video  David Grosky on Mob Tales    • Mob Tales Guest David Grosky  David Grosky - Hinda https://www.hindahelps.com/templates/... Support the show