The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

The PA Prisons Podcast takes you inside the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to hear first-hand accounts about the programs and policies in state facilities. Episodes will feature people who work with the incarcerated and reentry populations of Pennsylvania to give you an inside look at corrections in the Keystone state.

  1. 11/05/2025

    Episode 18: Personal Growth Program Evaluation (Amber Petkus)

    In this episode, we discuss a recently completed evaluation of the Personal Growth program for technical parole violators.  The guest on the show is Dr. Amber Petkus, joint post-doctoral fellow with Penn State University and the PA Department of Corrections.  We also talk with Dr. Petkus about her experience as a post-doc at the PA DOC.  She reflects on her time with us as she prepares to move on.

    20 min

  2. 09/24/2025

    Guidelines for a Successful Visit

    Visiting incarcerated loved ones can be an intimidating process—but it doesn’t have to be! The key to a successful visit is to be prepared and know what to expect. In this episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, SCI Camp Hill Sgt. Lopez breaks down the visiting experience for visitors, including how to set up a visit, what to bring, what to wear, how to visit with kids, and so much more. For full details on visiting one of our facilities, visit our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/inmate-visitation

    29 min

  3. 09/05/2025

    Episode 17: PADOC Evaluations of TCs, SIP-HOPE, and Residential Relocation

    In this episode we revisit three previously conducted evaluations by the PA Department of Corrections: 1) Therapeutic Communities (TCs); 2) the SIP-HOPE pilot program; and 3) a residential relocation pilot program. These evaluations highlight the use of multiple rigorous evaluation methodologies (randomized controlled trial, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching) for attempting to understand the real causal impact of these initiatives/programs.  On this episode you’ll learn more about these three initiatives/programs, the findings from the evaluations, and what the implications are for policy and practice.

    23 min

  4. 08/27/2025

    What to Know About the Reception Process

    It can be a very challenging time for family members and friends when a loved one is incarcerated—especially at the beginning. To help answer some common questions about the reception process, SCI Camp Hill Corrections Classification Treatment Manager Miranda Brechbiel joins the podcast to discuss what in-processing is like for incarcerated individuals. Camp Hill is the reception facility for male inmates, and Miranda explains how reception works, including when inmates can make phone calls, what they bring from the county jails, and so much more. The best resource for families and friends of inmates is our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/resources/for-family-and-friends

    21 min

  5. 06/25/2025

    Coding and Corrections: How The Last Mile Prepares Inmates for Careers in Computers

    A successful reentry hinges on securing a job, so many of the reentry efforts in the Department of Corrections are focused on teaching incarcerated individuals useful job skills for when they get out. While many are in traditional trades, SCI Pine Grove began a new partnership with The Last Mile to teach inmates a unique yet highly valuable skill: computer coding. In this episode, TLM Executive Director Kevin McCracken joins the show to discuss what his organization is, why it does what it does, and how teaching inmates coding prepares them for reentry success. From its roots in California to its new program at Pine Grove, TLM is a one-of-a-kind vocational program that is dedicated to reducing recidivism and helping reentrants thrive upon release—whether in coding or other fields.

    24 min

  6. 06/09/2025

    Episode 16: Staff Wellness (Kayla Franklin)

    Staff wellness is an under-appreciated component of corrections historically.  The field is just now starting to pay more careful attention to this important topic, but how do we measure the effectiveness of staff wellness initiatives?  Outcomes in this area tend to be a bit more squishy than say recidivism rates or in-prison assault rates.  In this episode we speak with Kayla Franklin, the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently hired Staff Wellness Coordinator. Kayla helps us understand what staff wellness looks like in corrections, and also how to think about evaluating and measuring success in this area.

    23 min

  7. 05/28/2025

    How DMVA Supports Veterans in the DOC

    In honor of Military Appreciation Month, our guest for this month’s episode is Jennifer Spitler, regional program outreach coordinator for the Pennsylvania Department of Military Affairs. Jennifer shares about the variety of ways DMVA supports veterans in the DOC—which is the largest employer of veterans in Pennsylvania—including participating in veterans expos at DOC facilities or simply visiting with employees to provide valuable resources. Jennifer also shares about helpful resources for Pennsylvania veterans, and she suggests a few ways non-veterans can thank or show support for veterans in their lives. Later in the episode, Jennifer also discusses how DMVA supports incarcerated veterans and how they help prepare them for a successful reentry.

    23 min

  8. 04/29/2025

    Respecting Victims While Preparing for Reentry

    While a major focus of the Department of Corrections is preparing incarcerated individuals for reentry, victims of crime can never be overlooked. Fortunately, the DOC has a strong relationship with the Office of Victim Advocate! In this episode, Commonwealth Victim Advocate Suzanne Estrella joins the podcast to discuss the many ways her office works within the DOC to support victims while helping inmates come to terms with their actions.

    24 min
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About

The PA Prisons Podcast takes you inside the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections to hear first-hand accounts about the programs and policies in state facilities. Episodes will feature people who work with the incarcerated and reentry populations of Pennsylvania to give you an inside look at corrections in the Keystone state.

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