Voices Unlocked

More Than Our Crimes
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We share unvarnished stories from inside America's federal prison system to touch hearts and change minds.

  1. Reclaiming 'DC Blacks' And Rethinking Youth Justice

    OCT 21

    Reclaiming 'DC Blacks' And Rethinking Youth Justice

    We share how Eyone Williams is reclaiming the name "DC Blacks" and trace how his support network grew from social posts into real connections. We go on to challenge a new push to try DC kids as adults and remove judicial discretion for people under 24. Our stories show how adult prisons teach violence to children and why prevention and second chances work. We explore: • The DC-to-federal prison pipeline. • The early indoctrination of youth on juvenile blocks and in jail. • The myths of the super predator narrative in the media. • Why teens’ impulsivity and environment matter for accountability. • The healing offered by violence interruption, credible messengers and second-look sentencing Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    28 min
  2. Creative Resistance: How Art Sustains Humanity Behind Bars

    AUG 21

    Creative Resistance: How Art Sustains Humanity Behind Bars

    Take a journey behind prison walls where artistic expression becomes both sanctuary and act of resistance. In this captivating conversation, artist Kobi Mowatt shares his remarkable story of creating powerful visual art during his 29-year federal prison sentence, revealing how creativity preserved his humanity in an environment designed to suppress it. Kobi's artistic journey began long before incarceration but flourished within confinement where he developed a distinctive style using pastels—a medium chosen specifically because it allowed him to create in his cell rather than designated hobby areas with limited access. "I just disappear from what's going on in the place," Kobi explains, describing how art transported him beyond his physical reality. "Sometimes it'd be five, six hours I'm gone. I'm not even here, I'm inside the painting." More than mere distraction, Kobi's artwork became political commentary and historical documentation. His piece "A Beautiful Rising" reimagined the George Floyd protests with bold imagery challenging systemic oppression, while other works connected struggles in Gaza with global resistance movements. These expressions of solidarity and critique reveal how art functions as resistance—and why prison officials actively work to suppress it through censorship and cell raids. Perhaps most revealing is how society devalues these creative contributions once labeled as "prison art." As Kobi notes, "I didn't want my art to be labeled prison art. I just wanted it to be art." This powerful observation cuts to the heart of how we dismiss human potential behind bars. Co-host Rob Barton puts it plainly: "I'm not exceptional or a unicorn, I'm actually the norm... a lot of the people we advocate for just made mistakes in their life and deserve second chances." Their conversation unveils the extraordinary talent and humanity flourishing despite—or perhaps because of—the harshest circumstances, challenging us to see beyond the label of "prisoner" to the artists, thinkers, and whole persons waiting to be recognized. Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    29 min
  3. The Power of Hope: How Second Look Laws Change Lives

    MAY 16

    The Power of Hope: How Second Look Laws Change Lives

    What happens when a person with a life sentence is suddenly offered the possibility of freedom? Rob Barton entered prison at just 16 with a 30-year-to-life sentence, facing a future he could barely comprehend. Now free after nearly three decades behind bars, he takes us on a revealing journey through the psychology of incarceration and the transformative power of hope. "When you're in a mansion, you live like you're in a mansion, but when you're in the woods, you adapt to the woods," Rob explains, capturing the essence of how prison forces adaptation. Without prospects for freedom, people naturally acclimate to their environment in ways that can work against rehabilitation. The mind-bending reality of prison life creates a parallel culture with its own norms – what Rob calls "bidding" – developing routines that make endless time bearable. The game-changer was DC's Second Look Law, allowing those who entered prison young to petition for release based on rehabilitation after serving 15 years. This legislation created something precious that had been missing: hope. Rob reveals how this hope transformed not just his outlook but the entire prison culture, inspiring people to pursue education and programming they'd previously ignored. Through powerful personal stories and conversations with others still behind bars, Rob exposes the broken promises of the federal parole system, which routinely denies release even when people meet all requirements. The contrast with second-look laws is striking – of approximately 150 people released under DC's law, fewer than a handful have reoffended. Today, Rob describes himself as having transitioned from being "a product of to a creator of" his reality – embodying the core message that people are truly more than their worst mistakes. His story offers compelling evidence that rehabilitation is possible and that society benefits when we provide meaningful pathways to redemption, regardless of the original crime. Join us for this eye-opening conversation that challenges conventional thinking about punishment, rehabilitation, and who deserves a second chance. Subscribe now to support our work advocating for those still behind bars. Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    29 min
  4. Is Resistance Worth the Price? Stories of Backlash and Hope

    APR 17

    Is Resistance Worth the Price? Stories of Backlash and Hope

    Three prison journalists and activists share how they have countered  retaliation for exposing corruption and inhumane conditions inside America's federal detention facilities. They risked solitary confinement, prison transfers, parole denials and blocked communication - yet remain committed to fighting a system they describe as a "machine that is counterproductive to rehabilitation." Robert Barton co-founded More Than Our Crimes and was denied parole. Pam Bailey, his partner, saw her email address blocked at multiple federal prisons.Askia Afrika-Ber published exposés on prison corruption at USP McCreary, resulting in 90 days of solitary confinement and transfer to one of the worst facilities, USP Hazelton.All three continue their advocacy despite the risks, drawing inspiration from civil rights leaders who put their lives on the line. Listeners can support prison journalism by following their work, visiting their website, and sharing information The next episode will explore the laws and institutions that initially worked against Rob's release and those that finally allowed him to gain freedom. Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    11 min
  5. Reentry: Searching for a Place to Call Home

    FEB 19

    Reentry: Searching for a Place to Call Home

    Housing is at the heart of successful reentry when returning home from prison. Join Voices Unlocked as we expose the human stories behind the reality that returning citizens are 10 times more likely to face homelessness than the general population. Through deeply personal narratives from our guests Delonte Williams, Alexander Penn and Darnell Keys, we explore the urgent need for stable housing and the emotional strain it places on those fighting to rebuild their lives. Delonte shares his apprehension about returning to a neighborhood that could jeopardize his future, while Alex opens up about the struggle of reconnecting with loved ones after years apart.  But the complications don’t end there. Hear from Tee Peters and Darnell Keyes as they explain the bureaucratic maze of housing support and the inequities that undermine their journey to reintegration. Discover how stigmatizing conditions in available housing options can feel like an extension of incarceration, and the dire need for empathy from policymakers and nonprofits alike. The episode calls for a powerful shift: empowering returning citizens by listening to their lived experiences and involving them in crafting solutions. It’s a call to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for those looking to redefine their futures post-incarceration. Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    29 min
  6. Halfway to Nowhere: Navigating Reentry Challenges and Red Tape

    12/18/2024

    Halfway to Nowhere: Navigating Reentry Challenges and Red Tape

    What if the pathway to freedom after incarceration was assisted with opportunities rather than riddled with obstacles? Join us as we peel back the layers of the halfway house system, officially known as residential reentry centers, with special guest Darnell Keyes. We dive into firsthand experiences from cities like Baltimore and Ohio, highlighting the glaring inconsistencies in management and support that can make or break a person's reentry journey. Darnell's story of struggle is juxtaposed with Alexander Penn's more positive experience, revealing the urgent need for standardized practices and oversight to ensure halfway houses truly support reintegration. The episode takes a particularly close look at staffs' inability to manage the pervasive issue of drug abuse, focusing on the synthetic drug K2. Hear firsthand accounts of the chaos that ensues when untrained staff are left to handle medical emergencies without adequate resources or support. We question why the Bureau of Prisons emphasizes personal responsibility over structural support, when on-site addiction treatment and mental health services could help both those in the throes of addiction and residents who are trying to start normal lives. Our discussion probes the gap between what's needed and what's provided, raising vital questions about the resources necessary for a safe and supportive reentry. We also tackle the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate life in halfway houses, from securing approvals for daily activities to accepting the movement restrictions imposed with global positioning monitors.  As we look to the future, the construction of a new halfway house in DC offers a glimmer of hope, affirming the potential for meaningful change in how we support individuals transitioning back into society. Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    39 min
  7. Political Engagement from Within Prison Walls

    10/29/2024

    Political Engagement from Within Prison Walls

    Civic engagement is essential to a healthy democracy. The traditional form of civic engagement is voting -- a right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, but taken away from most people once they become incarcerated. DC residents, however, have had that right restored, and cohosts Pam Bailey and Terrell "Tee" Peters interview two individuals behind bars about why they want to participate in the election -- or why not. We also talk about other ways to be active citizens, beyond voting, and how a recent Bureau of Prisons restriction on the use of email is making it harder for those it confines to stay connected to their communities.  Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    37 min
  8. Finding Purpose in Prison: the Search for Meaning

    09/25/2024

    Finding Purpose in Prison: the Search for Meaning

    Have you ever pondered the purpose of your life? That's a difficult question to answer for anyone, but in prison it's a challenge to answer.  In this thought-provoking episode of Voices Unlocked, Pam Bailey and Tee Peters explore this question inspired by the book, "The Why Café." They are joined by Rob Barton, who is still in prison, and Cordell Miller, who was recently released, but then deported. Can e person find purpose and meaning in prison?  We look at the myriad ways prisoners find a way to spend their time, whether it's learning the law, setting records for burpees, learning to crochet or -- less constructively -- gambling and drug dealing. Rob and Cordell, however, became change makers.  Tune in, and think about how YOU would answer the question: Why are you here? Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

    24 min
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About

We share unvarnished stories from inside America's federal prison system to touch hearts and change minds.

Information

  • Creator
    More Than Our Crimes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Voices Unlocked
  • Show Website
    Voices Unlocked