Unintended Consequences

Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform

Unintended Consequences is a podcast from Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform that explores how policies, systems, and decisions within the justice system impact real people in ways that are often overlooked. Through honest conversations, data-driven insight, and powerful storytelling, this podcast shares real stories from individuals, families, and communities directly affected by the system. Each episode brings those experiences to the forefront while breaking down what is working, what is not, and where meaningful change is possible. This is not about politics. It is about outcomes, ac

Episodes

  1. Sep 1

    From Jail to Fatherhood | Demetrius Thomas Jr. | Unintended Consequences Ep 11

    In Episode 11 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton continues the conversation with Jabbar of True Dads and is joined by Demetrius Thomas Jr., a former True Dads participant who now works with other fathers and parenting teams through the program. Demetrius shares his own journey from college, fatherhood, a DUI, incarceration, and uncertainty about his future to finding the tools he needed to become the father he wanted to be. After hearing a True Dads radio commercial at a time when he was struggling, Demetrius decided to take a chance on the program. Years later, he returned simply to say thank you—and ultimately became part of the team helping other families navigate many of the same challenges he once faced. This episode explores: • Demetrius's journey into fatherhood• What incarceration changed for him• The moment he realized he needed help• How True Dads gave him practical tools for parenting• Why making it safe to connect matters• Communication between fathers and co-parents• Breaking unhealthy generational cycles• Employment, dignity, and the ability to provide• Rebuilding trust after incarceration• Why fathers coming home from prison need support• The impact of maintaining a relationship between fathers and their children• Turning lived experience into purpose One of the most powerful lessons in the episode is simple: you can want something different for your life, but sometimes you need new tools to get there. Demetrius now uses his own experience to sit across from fathers and parenting teams who feel stuck, discouraged, or uncertain about what comes next—and help them see that tomorrow can look different than today. Learn more about True Dads:TrueDads.com Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:okjusticereform.org #UnintendedConsequences #TrueDads #Fatherhood #SecondChances #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR #DemetriusThomasJr

    From Jail to Fatherhood | Demetrius Thomas Jr. | Unintended Consequences Ep 11

  2. Aug 18

    Why Strong Fathers Build Stronger Communities | Jabar Shumate | Ep 10 Part 1

    In Episode 10, Part 1 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Jabar Shumate of True Dads to talk about fatherhood, family stability, employment, co-parenting, and the connection between strong families and Oklahoma's criminal justice system. True Dads is an evidence-based responsible fatherhood program that works with fathers and their co-parents to strengthen communication, improve employment outcomes, build healthier relationships, and create better outcomes for children. Jabar explains why one of the biggest misconceptions about fathers, particularly Black and brown fathers, is that they don't want to show up for their children. His experience tells a very different story. With close to 60% of True Dads participants having some involvement with the justice system, the connection between fatherhood and criminal justice reform is significant. This episode explores: • Why True Dads focuses specifically on fathers• The connection between fatherhood and family stability• Employment, income, and a father's ability to provide• Healthy communication and co-parenting• Reconnecting with children after incarceration• The barriers justice-involved fathers face• Breaking generational cycles of incarceration and poverty• Why strong families can lead to better outcomes for children• The importance of planning with people instead of for them• What policymakers should understand about supporting families Jabbar also shares the three keys True Dads teaches families: Decide, Don't Slide; Make It Safe to Connect; and Do Your Part. True Dads works to remove barriers for participating families through coaching, employment support, transportation, meals, incentives, referrals, and connections to hundreds of community partners. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: when fathers have the tools and resources to show up for their families, the impact can extend far beyond one individual. Children, families, and entire communities can become stronger. Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of criminal justice policy and reform across Oklahoma. Learn more about True Dads:TrueDads.com Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:okjusticereform.org #UnintendedConsequences #TrueDads #Fatherhood #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR #JabbarShoemate

    Why Strong Fathers Build Stronger Communities | Jabar Shumate | Ep 10 Part 1

  3. Jul 28

    How Curbside Chronicle Is Transforming Lives Across Oklahoma | Whitley O'Connor | EP 9

    In Episode 9 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Whitley O'Connor, founder of Curbside Chronicle, to discuss how employment, dignity, and community are transforming the conversation around homelessness in Oklahoma.What started as a street newspaper has grown into a nationally recognized social enterprise that includes Curbside Flowers, Curbside Apparel, and Sasquatch Shaved Ice, creating meaningful employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness and other significant barriers.Whitley shares why homelessness is far more complex than most people realize, how incarceration and homelessness are deeply connected, and why investing in housing, employment, and supportive services benefits everyone.This episode explores:The real causes of homelessnessWhy employment restores dignityHow Curbside Chronicle changes livesThe connection between incarceration and homelessnessAffordable housing and supportive employmentWhy homelessness isn't just an urban issueCommon myths about homelessnessWhy social enterprise worksBuilding stronger communities through opportunityPolicy solutions that actually make a differenceIf you care about criminal justice reform, housing, public policy, community development, or creating lasting solutions to homelessness, this conversation offers practical insights backed by years of experience.Learn more about Curbside Chronicle:https://www.curbside.orgLearn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:https://okjusticereform.org#UnintendedConsequences #WhitleyOConnor #CurbsideChronicle #Homelessness #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR

    How Curbside Chronicle Is Transforming Lives Across Oklahoma | Whitley O'Connor | EP 9

  4. Jul 14

    Recovery Housing Saves Lives | Amanda Coldiron | Unintended Consequences Ep 8

    In Episode 8 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Amanda Coldiron, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR), to explore one of the most overlooked parts of recovery: safe, supportive housing. Recovery doesn't end when treatment ends. For many Oklahomans, the real journey begins after rehab or incarceration. Without stable housing, mentorship, accountability, and community, many people find themselves returning to addiction, homelessness, or the criminal justice system. Amanda explains how recovery housing provides structure, dignity, peer support, and hope while helping people rebuild their lives one step at a time. This episode explores: • What recovery housing really is• Why recovery is more than treatment• The connection between addiction and incarceration• How stable housing reduces relapse and recidivism• Employment and financial accountability in recovery• The importance of peer support and mentorship• Breaking generational cycles of addiction• Why language matters in recovery• The stigma surrounding addiction and recovery• Building stronger families and safer communities Recovery is about more than sobriety. It's about restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and giving people the support they need to build a better future. Learn more about the Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources:https://okarr.org Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:https://okjusticereform.org #UnintendedConsequences #RecoveryHousing #AmandaColdiron #OKARR #CriminalJusticeReform #Recovery

    Recovery Housing Saves Lives | Amanda Coldiron | Unintended Consequences Ep 8

  5. Jun 30

    Clean Slate Is Coming to Oklahoma | Sarah Fajardo | Unintended Consequences Ep 7

    In Episode 7 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Sarah Fajardo of the Clean Slate Initiative to discuss one of the most significant criminal justice reforms happening in Oklahoma and across the country. With nearly one in three Americans living with an arrest or conviction record, millions continue to face barriers to employment, housing, education, and financial stability long after they've completed their sentence. Sarah explains how Clean Slate legislation uses technology to automatically seal eligible criminal records, giving people a true second chance while maintaining public safety. This conversation explores: • What the Clean Slate Initiative is• How automatic record sealing works• Why only a small percentage of eligible people currently receive expungements• Oklahoma's bipartisan Clean Slate legislation• How Clean Slate strengthens public safety• Employment and housing barriers after a criminal record• The economic impact of second chances• The implementation process in Oklahoma• Why technology is transforming criminal justice• What comes next for Clean Slate in Oklahoma With an estimated 300,000 Oklahomans expected to benefit from Clean Slate, this conversation highlights how smart policy can strengthen families, grow the workforce, and improve communities across the state. Learn more about the Clean Slate Initiative:https://www.cleanslateinitiative.org Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:https://okjusticereform.org #UnintendedConsequences #CleanSlate #SarahFajardo #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR

    Clean Slate Is Coming to Oklahoma | Sarah Fajardo | Unintended Consequences Ep 7

  6. Jun 23

    06. Oklahoma's Answer to Women's Incarceration | Erin Engelke

    In Episode 6 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Erin Engelke, CEO of ReMerge, one of the nation's most innovative diversion programs for justice-involved mothers. Created in response to Oklahoma's historically high rate of female incarceration, ReMerge offers an alternative to prison by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior, including addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, poverty, and instability. Erin shares how ReMerge helps mothers rebuild their lives, reunite with their children, secure employment, find housing, and break generational cycles of incarceration. This conversation explores: • Why Oklahoma created ReMerge• Addiction, trauma, and justice involvement• Alternatives to incarceration• Diversion programs that work• Family reunification and child welfare• Breaking generational cycles of poverty and incarceration• Employment and long-term recovery• The role of accountability in diversion programs• Public safety and rehabilitation• The future of criminal justice reform in Oklahoma With a recidivism rate of just 3.6%, ReMerge is proving that accountability, dignity, support, and opportunity can transform lives and strengthen communities. Learn more about ReMerge:https://remergeok.org Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:https://okjusticereform.org #UnintendedConsequences #ReMerge #ErinEngelke #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR

    06. Oklahoma's Answer to Women's Incarceration | Erin Engelke

  7. Jun 16

    05. How Diversion Hub Is Changing Lives Across Oklahoma | Meagan Taylor

    In Episode 5 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Meagan Taylor, Executive Director of Diversion Hub, to discuss one of Oklahoma's most innovative approaches to criminal justice reform.Diversion Hub serves thousands of Oklahomans impacted by the criminal legal system by connecting them with housing, employment, treatment, transportation, identification services, family support, and other critical resources that create long-term stability.Drawing from her experience as a former prosecutor, Meagan shares how Oklahoma can improve public safety, reduce recidivism, and strengthen communities by focusing on people rather than punishment.This conversation explores:• The mission and impact of Diversion Hub• Why stability is critical to reducing incarceration• Housing, employment, and mental health barriers• The connection between poverty and criminal justice involvement• Why people fail to appear in court• Reentry and reintegration after incarceration• Family impacts of the justice system• Diversion vs. incarceration• Accountability and public safety• The future of criminal justice reform in OklahomaIf you care about public safety, criminal justice reform, community impact, mental health, housing, or building stronger Oklahoma communities, this episode is for you.Learn more about Diversion Hub:https://www.diversionhub.org

    05. How Diversion Hub Is Changing Lives Across Oklahoma | Meagan Taylor

  8. Jun 9

    04. What Happens After Prison? | Glynn Simmons on Reentry, Hope & Second Chances | Pt. 2

    In Episode 4 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton continues his conversation with Glynn Simmons, who spent 48 years, 5 months, and 18 days in prison for a crime he did not commit.But this conversation is not about wrongful conviction. It is about what comes next.After gaining his freedom, Glynn made a decision that surprised many people. Instead of leaving Oklahoma behind, he stayed and committed himself to helping others successfully transition back into society.In this episode, Glynn shares the vision behind Grace Redemption Salvation (GRS), a reentry organization designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals find housing, employment, stability, and purpose during the critical first months after release.The conversation also introduces James Lewis, who entered prison at just 14 years old and spent 38 years incarcerated before being released. Today, James is rebuilding his life through the support of GRS and Free Man Foods.This episode explores:• Life after wrongful conviction• Reentry and reintegration challenges• Housing and employment after prison• Recidivism and public policy• Criminal justice reform in Oklahoma• Faith, purpose, and second chances• Why support systems matter• The challenges facing formerly incarcerated women and men• Grace Redemption Salvation (GRS)• Building a future after decades behind barsThis conversation highlights an often-overlooked reality: freedom is only the beginning. Long-term success requires opportunity, community, accountability, and support.Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of criminal justice policy and reform across Oklahoma.Learn more about Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform:https://www.ocjr.orgLearn more about Grace Redemption Salvation:https://www.graceredemptionsalvationinc.org#UnintendedConsequences #GlynnSimmons #JamesLewis #CriminalJusticeReform #OCJR

    04. What Happens After Prison? | Glynn Simmons on Reentry, Hope & Second Chances | Pt. 2

  9. Jun 2

    03. 48 Years on Death Row for a Crime He Didn’t Commit | Glynn Simmons | Part 1

    In Episode 3, Part 1 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with Glynn Simmons, a man who spent 48 years, 5 months, and 18 days in prison for a crime he did not commit. After moving to Oklahoma from Louisiana, Glynn was arrested just 30 days later, convicted of murder, sentenced to death, and forced to spend nearly five decades fighting for his freedom. Throughout this powerful conversation, he shares the emotional toll of wrongful conviction, surviving death row, maintaining hope through unimaginable circumstances, and the faith that carried him through some of the darkest moments of his life. This episode explores: • Wrongful conviction and innocence• Death row and prison life• Police misconduct and hidden evidence• Faith, resilience, and survival• Mental health during incarceration• Family support through decades of imprisonment• Learning the law from prison• Fighting for freedom• Life after exoneration• The power of perseverance and hope Glynn's story is not only about what happened to him. It is about the countless people whose stories have never been heard and the importance of continuing to pursue justice for those still fighting to prove their innocence. Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of Oklahoma's justice system and the people affected by it.

    03. 48 Years on Death Row for a Crime He Didn’t Commit | Glynn Simmons | Part 1

  10. May 26

    02. The Real Reason Oklahoma Has One of the Highest Incarceration Rates | Kris Steele

    In Episode 2 of Unintended Consequences, Mike Shelton sits down with former Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kris Steele for a powerful conversation about mass incarceration, justice reform, public safety, and the future of Oklahoma. Kris Steele shares the story behind Oklahoma’s rise to having one of the highest incarceration rates in the country and explains how decades of “tough on crime” policies created unintended consequences for families, communities, education, and the economy. This episode explores: • Why Oklahoma became a leader in incarceration • The impact of poverty, addiction, trauma, and mental health • Racial disparities in the justice system • Why accountability and punishment are not the same thing • How diversion programs reduce crime and strengthen communities • The connection between incarceration and education • Why smart-on-crime policies matter • The role of lawmakers, voting, and community investment • Solutions that actually improve public safety long-term Kris Steele also discusses the work being done through TEAM (The Education and Employment Ministry), diversion programs across Oklahoma, and why treatment, education, and opportunity are key to reducing incarceration rates. If you care about criminal justice reform, public safety, Oklahoma policy, incarceration, education, mental health, or community transformation, this is a conversation you need to hear. Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of policy decisions across Oklahoma.

    02. The Real Reason Oklahoma Has One of the Highest Incarceration Rates | Kris Steele

  11. May 12

    01. From Prison to Purpose | Jed Chappell’s Story of Redemption & City Center

    In the first episode of Unintended Consequences, hosted by Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform, Mike Shelton sits down with Jed Chappell, founder and executive director of City Center in Oklahoma City.Jed shares his powerful story of growing up in Oklahoma City, losing his father at a young age, becoming involved in drugs and armed robbery, being shot by police, and receiving a 47-year prison sentence. But this episode is not just about incarceration. It is about redemption, second chances, mentorship, community transformation, and the power of dignity-driven support systems.Today, Jed leads City Center, an organization serving families, young people, and justice-impacted individuals through mentorship, food access, clothing support, and community care.This conversation explores:• Oklahoma’s incarceration crisis• Prison rehabilitation and lived experience• Mentorship and youth intervention• Trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers• Reentry and second chances• Community leadership and restorative support• Why dignity matters in social services• The unintended consequences of policy decisionsIf you care about criminal justice reform, community impact, faith, redemption stories, or creating better outcomes for Oklahoma families, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more conversations exploring the real-life impact of policy, incarceration, and reform in Oklahoma.Learn more about OCJR:https://www.ocjr.orgLearn more about City Center:https://www.citycenterokc.org

    01. From Prison to Purpose | Jed Chappell’s Story of Redemption & City Center
  • 11 Episodes

About

Unintended Consequences is a podcast from Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform that explores how policies, systems, and decisions within the justice system impact real people in ways that are often overlooked. Through honest conversations, data-driven insight, and powerful storytelling, this podcast shares real stories from individuals, families, and communities directly affected by the system. Each episode brings those experiences to the forefront while breaking down what is working, what is not, and where meaningful change is possible. This is not about politics. It is about outcomes, ac

Information

  • Creator
    Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform
  • Show Website
    Unintended Consequences