More Life: The Reentry Podcast VanKevia Garner

I have a criminal record and I want to go to college. The criminal justice system and higher education are two major systems that can arise significant challenges for individuals, especially those with a criminal record. Tune in as VanKe’via and Dr. Stewart discuss the impact of a criminal record on higher educational opportunities, including navigating college admissions and financial aid. Dr. Robert Stewart is an Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland. He studies the social, political, and collateral consequences of criminal legal involvement, emphasizing the accumulating effects of criminal legal interaction and criminal records on impacted people and communities.
Preface:
This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast.
Want to learn more about Dr. Robert Stewart, check out his social media and professional website:
Bluesky media
Robert Stewart Twitter
To learn more about the impact of a criminal record on college admissions and financial aid:
How to get into college if you have a criminal record
Admissions and Access for Incarcerated Individuals
Navigating Higher Education and Employment: Resource Toolkit For People Impacted by the Criminal Legal System
Formerly Incarcerated College Graduate Network
Want an experiential understanding of reentry?
Checkr Reentry Simulation
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Jordan Cox
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

One statement we often hear: You are not allowed to vote if you have a felony or have been to prison. Is this true? Tune into a conversation with our host, VanKe'via, to discuss the common myth associated with voting and criminal records. VanKe'via provides an understanding of the power of voting and the process of voting registration for those with a criminal record. It's important to know your rights and this episodes provides information regarding voting rights for those impacted by the legal system.
Preface:
This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast.
Resources below:
Voting Rights Reentry Mythbusters
Know Your Rights: Voting with a Criminal Record
A Guide to State Voting Rules After a Criminal Conviction
Want an experiential understanding of reentry?
Checkr Reentry Simulation
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Jordan Cox
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Often times people are misinformed of their rights when interacting with law enforcement. For people with a criminal record or who are on community supervision, they may come in contact with law enforcement more often. Therefore, it is imperative to know our rights as it pertains to interacting with law enforcement. Dr. Paul Bergman is a UCLA Professor of Law Emeritus. Among other books, he has written or co-written books on criminal law and procedures, evidence rules and trial techniques, legal analysis, and courtroom movies. Dr. Paul Bergman has received the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award.
Preface:
This is not to be legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Paul Bergman's work, please review his publications and research:
The Criminal Law Handbook Know Your Rights, Survive The System by Dr. Paul Bergman
Represent Yourself in Court Prepare and Try Winning Civil Case
Criminal Law: A Desk Reference
If you are interested in learning more about what to do when interacting with the police while having a history with the Criminal Justice System:
Know Your Rights - Stopped by Police
The Reintegration Report Card
The Rights of Felons After Release
Want an experiential understanding of reentry?
Checkr Reentry Simulation
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Jordan Cox
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Am I eligible for SNAP benefits after incarceration? A commonly asked question among those being released from incarceration or on community supervision. In this episode, VanKe’via and Dr. Testa explore the impact of criminal records on SNAP eligibility, the challenges faced by those reentering communities, and the broader implications on their well-being. Dr. Alexander Testa is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health. His research focuses on the consequences of criminal justice system involvement and violence exposure for health and wellbeing over the life-course.
Preface: This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast. 
Follow Dr. Testa on socials? 
 Twitter Page 
 Linkedin Website 
 Instagram Page 
Professional Website 
Want to learn more about Dr. Testa’s research and publications?
Formerly incarcerated Texans deserve better access to SNAP benefits
Criminal justice system involvement and food insufficiency
General information about public assistance and reentry: 
History, Background, and Goals of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Ex-prisoners are going hungry amid barriers, bans to benefits on the outside 
How SNAP Can Better Serve the Formerly Incarcerated 
Checkr Reentry Simulation 
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast 
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Jordan Cox 
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Can I leave the country, or can I leave state? A commonly asked question by people on supervision or those with a criminal record. In this episode, VanKevia and Mr. Douglas dive into a conversation to discuss travel rights and restrictions for those who've experienced incarceration. Specifically, they will discuss traveling as it relates to supervision and traveling internationally. Mr. Douglas has a Master's degree in higher education and has worked in the criminal legal system for about 4 years.
Preface:
This is not to be legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast 
If you are interested in learning more about travel rights when navigating the reentry process, linked below are some informational resources:  
Transportation after Incarceration: WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD FOR SUSTAINABLE REENTRY 
CAN I GET A PASSPORT WITH A FELONY ARREST RECORD | HOW TO GET YOUR US PASSPORT | CRIMINAL RECORD
How Criminal Records Affect Passports and Your Right to Travel Georgia Justice Project 
International travel restrictions based on criminal record
Want an experiential understanding of reentry?
Checkr Reentry Simulation 
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast 
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Jordan Cox 
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

On this episode, VanKe’via delves into a discussion on the marijuana rights for formerly incarcerated individuals and those on parole. Tune into this conversation as VanKe'via discusses the impact of marijuana laws on individuals transitioning back into society. This episode also aims to inform those with legal involvement of the rights and restrictions related to marijuana-related policies and practices.
Preface:
This episode does not intend to serve as legal advice. For more help and assistance, please consult with a legal attorney. The information provided is based on research and does not reflect the opinions of More Life: The Reentry Podcast or the guests of the podcast. 
Want to learn more about marijuana state laws?
Marijuana Legality by State
State Laws Regarding Marijuana
General information about marijuana-related laws: 
Who's Really in Prison for Marijuana?
Facts about Marijuana Equity Decriminalization
Measuring the CJS Impacts of Legalization and Decriminalization
Marijuana and Record Clearing
Want an experiential understanding of reentry?
Checkr Reentry Simulation 
Instagram: @morelifethereentrypodcast 
Want to send us topic ideas or reach out to us? Complete the form: Topic Ideas Form
Are you formerly incarcerated and want to share your story? Complete this form: Resilient Reentrants Form
Please listen, rate, and review. Thank you, More Life!
Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.
Produced by Brendan Hays
https://uppbeat.io/track/hartzmann/good-feelings
License Code:WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF