30 episodes

Uncuffed is a show made by people behind bars in California prisons. We share intimate stories of our struggles and triumphs, and of the heartache and forgiveness taking place within these walls. Uncuffed is vulnerable and personal. If you can see the humanity in us, you can see the humanity in everyone.

WeAreUncuffed.org

Uncuffed KALW

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 148 Ratings

Uncuffed is a show made by people behind bars in California prisons. We share intimate stories of our struggles and triumphs, and of the heartache and forgiveness taking place within these walls. Uncuffed is vulnerable and personal. If you can see the humanity in us, you can see the humanity in everyone.

WeAreUncuffed.org

    What Can California Learn From Norway’s Prisons?

    What Can California Learn From Norway’s Prisons?

    In our previous episode, a team of formerly incarcerated producers visited a prison from another planet. Or at least that's how it seemed. Norway's progressive and unique prison system is wildly different from anything in the United States, and it serves as a model for folks trying to make a change here. So now we’re heading back to another Norwegian prison with horses, a marathon, and little cottages—and asking what California can learn from Norway's example.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

    • 29 min
    A Prison From Another Planet

    A Prison From Another Planet

    In conversations about prison reform in California these days, you might hear about reducing overcrowding, dismantling the death penalty, and changing the Three Strikes sentencing law. You also might hear about Norway. Norwegian prisons are unique — in everything from their design and architecture to the length of sentences, to how guards are trained to treat incarcerated people. It’s one of the reasons why California officials are looking to Norway as an example for change. There was even a recent assembly bill dubbed the “Norway Prison Bill,” which would have created a job training program modeled after prisons in Norway. Last summer, some formerly incarcerated graduates of the Uncuffed program traveled to Norway to see how prisons work over there. What they found was something that felt very different, but in some ways, very familiar.In the second part of the episode, Greg Eskridge from Uncuffed, Rahsaan "New York" Thomas from Ear Hustle, and Juan Haines from San Quentin News react to what they've heard.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

    • 31 min
    Prison Radio International

    Prison Radio International

    Last summer, the Uncuffed team was invited to the world’s first International Prison Radio Conference in Oslo, Norway. Formerly incarcerated producers and staff hopped on a plane (some for the first time in their lives), and joined other prison radio makers from countries like Australia, India, and the UK. On this special episode of Uncuffed, we're sharing a few of our favorite pieces from around the globe. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Hear more from the shows featured in this episode: The Secret Life of Prisons, from the UK's Prison Radio Association: www.prison.radio Jailbreak, from the Community Restorative Centre in Australia: www.crcnsw.org.au/services/jailbreak-radio Ear Hustle, from PRX's Radiotopia in the US: www.earhustlesq.com Inside Wire, from Colorado Prison Radio: www.coloradoprisonradio.com Tinka Tinka Foundation in India: www.tinkatinka.org/jail-music-2 Learn about all the programs that make up Prison Radio International: www.prison.radio/prison-radio-international

    • 35 min
    Prison’s Secret Santas (2019)

    Prison’s Secret Santas (2019)

    For people in prison, the holiday season can be a painful time. Many miss their families and traditions. But it’s also a time when they get together with food and acts of kindness. During the holiday season, we're playing you a favorite episode from season one, all about making it through the holidays in prison.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

    • 25 min
    Uncuffed Presents: Becoming Muslim

    Uncuffed Presents: Becoming Muslim

    At Folsom State Prison, Wendell El-Amin James gravitated towards incarcerated Muslims out of a need for protection. But ultimately his conversion restructured his life to one of education and purpose. Uncuffed presents a special episode from our friends at KALW podcast The Spiritual Edge. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

    • 22 min
    An Uncuffed Thank You

    An Uncuffed Thank You

    In this season of gratitude, two founding co-hosts of Uncuffed, Tommy "Shakur" Ross and Thanh Tran, give a special update on the program. Thank you to everyone who supported Uncuffed during our emergency fundraiser! Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

    • 2 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
148 Ratings

148 Ratings

megan melis ,

Solano state prison

I had the opportunity this past week to speak with the guys who run the podcast out of Solano state prison and they were so lovely to speak with! They recommended to me the wild turkey episode and it did not disappoint! They are doing great work and I can’t wait for their next episode!!!

Guamgal ,

Thank you

Thank you for sharing these insights from the inside. As a loved one impacted by incarceration, I appreciate these truth tellers sharing their experiences. The episodes are well produced and really got home.

Chesstiger139 ,

AN EXCELLENT SHOW!

This is a fantastic show. I’m glad I found it. I’ve listened to every episode. The presenters do a great job on the interviews and production of the show.

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