Voices Unlocked

More Than Our Crimes

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SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Voices Unlocked

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

OCT 29

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 ...

37 min
SEP 25

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 prisoner...

24 min
JUL 16

Visiting Hours: Hugs and Heartaches

A simple hug can make a world of difference for someone behind bars. Join us as we sit down with Gene Downing, a former prisoner-turned-advocate, and Robert Barton, co-founder of More Than Our Crimes, to discuss the emotional and logistical labyrinth of prison visits. Gene shares his most traumatic memory of the power correctional officers wield over family connections: the day his daughter was turned away from a highly anticipated visit. And Rob takes us deeper into the heartache and hope th...

52 min
APR 3

Bonding Behind Bars: Parenting from Prison

Imagine being separated from your children by thousands of miles and concrete walls -- for years and even decades. This is the reality that our guests, Robert Davis and Ron Hill, courageously share as they recount their struggle to parent from the confines of prison. They share their secrets to maintaining and even strengthening bonds with children, from participating in parenting classes to creating interactive stories. Their stories are testaments to the power of hope, resilience and love.F...

26 min
FEB 21

Lockdown! Part 2

In the second part of this podcast series about prison lockdowns, we hear from our guests behind bars WHY the federal Bureau of Prisons uses this tactic so much. Watch to see the rather dramatic ending.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.

10 min
FEB 20

Lockdown! Making 'Solitary' the Norm (Part 1)

You've probably heard of solitary confinement in the "hole," and know the mental toll that comes with it. But did you know that "lockdowns" are confining people to their cells for weeks and months at a time in entire prisons? Hosts Conrad Stewart and Pam Bailey discuss this trend, which accelerated during COVID, and look at the accompanying psychological strain and barriers to rehabilitation. We think you'll find the conversation to be an eye-opener, challenging preconceived notions of ...

19 min
JAN 8

The Grim Grub of the Incarcerated

When you sit down to your next meal, be thankful for the small joy that good food offers. People in prison long for that same pleasantry. Join Pam Bailey and Irving Brockman as they share the punishing reality of prison food, with insights from current prisoners Elijah Williams, Wallace Mitchell, Askia Afrika-Ber and Tyrone Briscoe. You'll hear about empty stomaches, moldy bread, rotten fruit and insect-laden grains. isn't just a health hazard—it's a daily struggle for dignity.&nbs...

19 min
11/25/2023

Holidays Behind Bars

Have you ever wondered what holidays feel like behind bars? We unlock this topic via an insightful discussion with our guest cohost, Ray Dodd, a formerly incarcerated paralegal, and a "lifer" named Wayne La Fleur, who recites an emotionally charged poem. Our conversation also ventures into the realm of prison reform and the impact of photocopying mail, the introduction of tablets and the consequences for mental health, especially during the holiday season. We round off our epi...

31 min
10/15/2023

The Ripple Effect: Trauma, Crime and Second Chances

Have you ever wondered how childhood trauma influences criminal behavior or wrestled with the decision to forgive? Join us for a riveting episode of Voices Unlocked, in which we explore these thought-provoking questions with three unique guests: Conrad Stewart, released from prison after 26 years; Ricardo Davis, who is still incarcerated; and Nana Dufier, a widow of a murder victim. Together, we explore the complex dynamics of crime, punishment and redemption — and whether the div...

41 min
09/27/2023

Inflation! Even Pennies Count in Prison

Have you ever pondered how inflation affects those far removed from the free market? Join us as we explore the hidden impact of inflation on incarcerated individuals, as shared by Jeremy Fontanez -- currently living behind bars in a federal prison in Maryland. A gifted artist and writer, Jeremy pulls back the curtain on the often overlooked aspect of prison life, revealing how even the bare necessities can be beyond reach. He offers a glimpse into the fundamental role of the commissary,...

25 min
08/31/2023

Prisoners' Fragile Lifelines to the Outside World

The official end of the COVID pandemic means there may be a return to paid phone calls for federal prisoners and their families. In this episode, DC resident incarcerated in a Kentucky federal prison explains all the ways the Bureau of Prisons makes it hard to maintain connections.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.

15 min
08/31/2023

Feeling Voiceless

In this first episode of Voices Unlocked, co-hosts Pam Bailey and Shaka Long interview Rob Barton, incarcerated in a high-security federal penitentiary in Florida. "There are walls around the jail, and then gates; actually, we can't even see the gates. I can’t really see the sky from a penitentiary," he says. "It makes me feel like invisible, and like I can't reach out to nobody for help."Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read...

28 min

12 Episodes

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

Creator

More Than Our Crimes
Years Active

2023 - 2024
Episodes

12
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2024 Voices Unlocked
Show Website

Voices Unlocked