6 episodes
Track Change NPR
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 13 Ratings
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As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?
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01. I Wrote This to Inspire
Recently freed from a state prison, rap prodigy Teddy navigates the enormity of landing a job, healing from childhood trauma, and staying sober all at the same time.
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02. I Know I'm Getting Stronger
While awaiting his court date, country singer-songwriter Garland reckons with his own choices and tries to lay down a stronger foundation with his girlfriend, Kelly.
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03. I'm Tired of Recidivism
Struggling to keep up with his rehabilitation program, amateur rapper Anthony confronts the damage done by an entire life spent fighting for survival.
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04. I Gotta Break These Chains
With his release from jail just weeks away, hip-hop musician Devonte does everything he can to balance the love he has for his family against the big risks that come with their history.
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05. Before the Miracle Happens
Seven years after the REAL program left the Richmond city jail, Speech shares what's happened to the men he made music with — and reflects on what it takes to solve the nationwide re-entry crisis that they're grappling with.
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Intro: Welcome to Track Change
From a studio inside the walls of Richmond City Jail in Virginia, hear the soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.
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Customer Reviews
A joy to listen to.
I am glad to know this exists in the world. I know that this took a long time to produce. Giving opportunities to people who are in the most difficult of situations is not an easy task to do. Kudos and congrats to the team for getting this out!
They’re good songs, Brandt.
I helped make this show. It was an honor to share space with these men, be in direct contact with them, and work with the music they've created. I learned about the reality of incarceration in ways no other podcast has ever shown me, and I’m grateful for the privilege to listen.
Beautiful and heartbreaking
First of all so much talent here and can’t wait for the next episode. Great work! I work with incarcerated folks and the system is not set up for rehabilitation.. it’s designed for recitivism… just like addiction, you often go back.
Great podcast! But my heart hurts for these artists but I’m cheerleading on the sidelines!