Reality Behind Bars

Ashley Scolaro & Carolyn Fisher
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TV Reviews

Reality Behind Bars discusses incarceration by analyzing documentaries and reality television. Hosted by a college professor and a formerly incarcerated educator, the show aims to separate entertainment from reality. Each episode examines popular shows about prison life—asking what they get right, what they get wrong, and what they leave out. Drawing on research, psychology, and lived experience, the hosts explore topics like incarceration, reentry, prison culture, criminal justice reform, and the real human impact of the system. If you watch prison documentaries, follow true crime, or want a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, Reality Behind Bars offers thoughtful analysis and honest conversations about the stories we’re told about life behind bars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 5h ago

    Daughters (Netflix, 2024)

    Can a single day change the course of a family's future? In this heartfelt episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley and Carolyn explore the powerful 2024 Netflix documentary Daughters, a moving film that follows four young girls preparing for a father-daughter dance with their incarcerated fathers after completing a 10-week parenting and emotional coaching program. Drawing on Ashley's expertise in psychology and the criminal justice system and Carolyn's lived experience with incarceration, this conversation examines how meaningful family connections can support rehabilitation, strengthen parent-child relationships, and reduce the long-term impact of incarceration on children. The hosts discuss the emotional challenges faced by incarcerated fathers, the resilience of the daughters and their caregivers, and the intentional work of program leaders Angela Patton and Chad Morris to help families begin repairing relationships damaged by incarceration. Throughout the episode, Ashley and Carolyn explore the psychology of attachment, childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), father involvement, and the importance of accountability, empathy, and restorative approaches within correctional settings. They also discuss how documentaries like Daughters challenge common stereotypes by humanizing incarcerated parents while acknowledging the complex realities faced by families navigating separation, grief, and reentry. Whether you're interested in criminal justice reform, prison rehabilitation, family reunification, or documentaries that reveal the human side of incarceration, this episode offers an insightful discussion about hope, healing, and second chances. You can learn more about the programs Girls for a Change here and A Date with Dad here. If you like our content, don't forget to subscribe, rate and review us! We'd also love to hear from you so feel free to contact us at realitybehindbars@gmail.com if you have comments, suggestions or are interested in being a guest on the show! Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. 2d ago

    60 Days In S2E12 (A&E, 2016)

    The Season 2 civilian participants struggle to get through their final hours of incarceration before being released and sharing their experiences with the Sheriff. The staff at the jail finally learn about the program, but will anything change at the facility? Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Jul 23

    Inmate to Roommate S1E10 (A&E, 2022)

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down Inmate to Roommate to Season 1 Episode 10 entitled “The Next Chapter”. This episode explores addiction recovery, relapse, trauma, family reunification, fatherhood, and the challenges of reentry after incarceration. Ashley and Carolyn discuss why some placements succeeded while others failed, highlighting the importance of communication, stable housing, support systems, and realistic expectations. They compare the approaches of Dr. Henry and Artie with those of other hosts and examine how unconditional support and accountability can influence successful reintegration. The hosts also discuss the emotional impact incarceration has on families, the need for counseling and reentry programs, and what society often misunderstands about life after prison. Plus, they share their overall thoughts on the series and preview upcoming episodes covering the documentaries Daughters (available on Netflix) and Out of Mind, Out of Sight (available on YouTube). Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Jul 21

    60 Days In S2E11 (A&E, 2016)

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 11 entitled “Blood, Debt and Tears”. As tensions rise inside Clark County Jail, the hosts explore inmate debt, commissary culture, and the violence that can result when people are unable to repay what they owe. They examine Ryan’s tray business, the dangers facing indigent inmates, and how delayed staff responses and lack of supervision create an environment where inmates are forced to police themselves. The episode also follows the release of participants Dion, Quintin, and Mona Lisa, highlighting their vastly different reactions to freedom and the emotional toll of living undercover for 60 days. In addition, they analyze the F-pod controversy surrounding Damarius and the hierarchy of offenses inside jail, while questioning whether correctional administrators are truly listening to the concerns raised by participants. Through research, lived experience, and thoughtful discussion, the hosts explore prison culture, manufactured chaos, and the importance of validating the voices of incarcerated people. Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Jul 16

    An Interview with Lacorrey Russell from The Alabama Solution (HBO Max, 2025)

    Ashley & Carolyn sit down for an interview with Lacorrey Russell who was one of the incarcerated people featured in The Alabama Solution (HBO Max, 2025). Lacorrey has been released from The Alabama Department of Corrections for over a year and shares not only the experiences of being incarcerated and working with the documentary crew but also the challenges of rebuilding his life after release. Topics discussed include his childhood experiences, juvenile incarceration, experiencing loss of loved ones during incarceration, solitary confinement, living conditions in prison (including violence and sexual coercion), substance use and dependence, contraband, and the experience of being in a documentary. Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Jul 14

    60 Days In S2E10 (A&E, 2016)

    Reality Behind Bars returns with an in-depth discussion of 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 10, “Trouble in Store,” where the fallout from the jail’s sewage crisis continues. Hosts Ashley, a college professor who studies the criminal justice system, and Carolyn, an educator with lived experience of incarceration, explore how overcrowding, lack of water, poor sanitation, and inadequate communication increase tensions inside the facility during sewergate. They discuss the dangers of dehumanization, the impact of medical neglect, and how correctional staff responses can either escalate or defuse conflict. The episode also examines commissary culture, overcrowded housing units, and the psychological effects of confinement. Ashley and Carolyn share insights into family stress during incarceration, the challenges of reentry, and the emotional toll experienced by both incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Jul 9

    Inmate to Roommate S1E9 (A&E, 2022)

    In this episode of Reality Behind Bars, Ashley and Carolyn break down the escalating tensions, emotional setbacks, and reentry challenges featured in Inmate to Roommate Season 1, Episode 9, “You’ve Been Served.” The hosts examine DQ’s struggle to maintain employment after losing two temp jobs and discuss the barriers many formerly incarcerated people face when trying to rebuild their lives after release. They explore the realities of felony-related employment discrimination, the importance of career readiness, and whether entrepreneurship can be a meaningful path toward successful reentry. The episode also highlights Jovan’s emotional journey as he navigates divorce proceedings, fatherhood, and the difficult process of reconnecting with his daughter. Ashley and Carolyn discuss the long-term impact incarceration can have on family relationships and the value of mentorship from people with lived experience. Meanwhile, the conflict between Bill, Mark, and Sharna reaches a breaking point after Bill returns to find the locks changed and his belongings inaccessible, raising questions about trust, control, boundaries, and the responsibilities involved in supporting someone during reentry. For more information about the amazing work of The Dannon Project you can visit their website just click this link. Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Jul 7

    60 Days In S2E9 (A&E, 2016)

    In this episode, Ashley and Carolyn break down 60 Days In Season 2, Episode 9 entitled “Sewer Gate." As a massive sewage backup spreads through the jail, participants and incarcerated individuals are left without running water, functioning toilets, or clear communication from staff. The hosts discuss what happens when correctional facilities face emergencies without adequate preparedness plans. Ashley and Carolyn examine the health risks of exposure to raw sewage, dehydration, delayed medical care, overcrowding, and the growing tension that develops when incarcerated people are left without basic necessities. The episode also highlights troubling questions about emergency management in jails, the treatment of incarcerated individuals during crises, and the role of correctional staff when communication breaks down. From Dion's mounting frustration to medical concerns involving sick inmates and escalating conflicts among the women in F-Pod, this episode exposes systemic weaknesses that extend far beyond reality television. Join us as we analyze prison conditions, jail oversight, correctional policy, emergency preparedness, and the real-world implications behind one of the most chaotic episodes of 60 Days In. Visit our website https://www.realitybehindbars.com Send us an email at realitybehindbars@gmail.com Want to know more about the hosts? Check out our Meet the Hosts episode. Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Reality Behind Bars discusses incarceration by analyzing documentaries and reality television. Hosted by a college professor and a formerly incarcerated educator, the show aims to separate entertainment from reality. Each episode examines popular shows about prison life—asking what they get right, what they get wrong, and what they leave out. Drawing on research, psychology, and lived experience, the hosts explore topics like incarceration, reentry, prison culture, criminal justice reform, and the real human impact of the system. If you watch prison documentaries, follow true crime, or want a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, Reality Behind Bars offers thoughtful analysis and honest conversations about the stories we’re told about life behind bars. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Scolaro & Carolyn Fisher
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    46
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ashley Scolaro & Carolyn Fisher
  • Show Website
    Reality Behind Bars