On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Professor Steven Zeidman. Steven Zeidman is a Professor at CUNY School of Law and Director of their Criminal Defense Clinic. In this episode, Professor Zeidman shares his story from working as a public defender to pursuing his work seeking clemency. He explains that clemency is the process of a governor or other executive officer reducing or pardoning the punishment of someone convicted of a crime.. He describes it as an act of mercy, which is something the American legal system seems to lack entirely. Professor Zeidman acknowledges that there are many factors that contribute to the United States incarceration problem, which includes racism, capitalism, the war on drugs, the government's campaign to “get tough on crime”. However, he adds that what may be more salient is that the United States is uniquely overly punitive that any other country in the world. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of clemency and how it can be used as a tool to combat mass incarceration.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Anthony Dixon. Anthony is the Deputy Director of the Parole Preparation Projection (Parole Prep). Parole Prep provides critical advocacy and direct support to currently and formerly incarcerated people serving life sentences, with the goal of transforming the parole release process in New York State. More concretely, Parole Prep trains community volunteers to assist incarcerated people with their applications and appearances before the Parole Board; collaborates with advocates across the state to push for a more transparent, just and merciful parole release process; and supports currently and formerly incarcerated leaders of the prison and parole justice movements. In this episode, Anthony explains what parole is and goes into detail about what it entails. Anthony talks about his own experience with incarceration and with parole. They discuss some of the myths and misconceptions associated with parole. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the importance of the work surrounding parole and be interested in learning more about how it impacts people’s lives.

In this episode, Imani and Conrad are joined by a fellow Brother in Law Tyriek. They discuss the 2024 election and talk about their opinions on voting. They share a variety of perspectives which include decisions not to vote, considerations of supporting third-party candidates, as well as settling for the lesser year of two evils. The conversation seeks to unpack who is responsible for Trump winning the election. Voting is an important right - one that many people died for us to have. Hopefully, after this episode your thoughts and opinions about voting will have been represented, challenged, or reinforced.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Hawk Newsome. Hawk is an activist in pursuit of Black liberation. Haw is a Bronx Native and has dedicated his life to fighting on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized communities. Hawk is a co-founder of Black Lives Matter of Greater New York alongside his sister Chivona Newsome. Hawk believes in empowering people to know more about the law than the police. Initially, Hawk planned on becoming a lawyer, but following the killing of Trayvon Martin, he chose a different path. In this episode, Hawk shares his story. They discuss the power of the media to convey the harms plaguing the Black community. They reflect on the numerous lives lost due to police brutality. Hopefully, after this episode you will understand the reasoning and passion behind those of us who dedicate our lives fighting for Black liberation.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Bruce Bryan. Bruce is a human rights activist, professional connector, and human justice ambassador. He currently works as a Senior Client Advocate at the Queens Defenders. Prior to this role, Bruce was wrongfully convicted of murder at the age of 23. Last year, after 30 years of incarceration, Bruce was granted clemency and released from prison. Bruce’s story is one of perseverance, and serves as a prime example of the flaws within the criminal injustice system. In this episode, Bruce shares his testimony. He talks about his experience and how it impacted his relationships with public defenders. He explains how he maintained his mental health during his incarceration and he talks about life since being back in the community. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of the harms of mass interaction and gain insight into how an innocent man can end up serving 30 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by their fellow Brother In Law Phillip Hamilton. Phil is a Managing Partner at Hamilton Clarke, LLP and Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law. He is an experienced trial attorney and litigator whose practice includes a broad range of high-stakes civil and criminal matters throughout the nation’s state and federal courts. Phil tells his story of how his childhood led him to starting his career as a public defender at the Bronx Defenders, and he shares the reasons why he left to start his own firm. Phil encourages Imani and Conrad to believe that their abilities and expertise can take them places. They talk about how many Black male lawyers navigate imposter syndrome and feeling unworthy or unqualified to be in certain spaces. Hopefully, after this episode you will leave understanding the experiences and considerations that many Black lawyers are faced with when pursuing careers.

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Paulina Bryan. Paulina is the founder of the Live Lawyer App. And a mother and wife, Paulina Bryan is an advocate for mothers of murdered children. Inspired by her son Jordan Bryan, she invented the Live Lawyer App. Her son, Jordan Bryan, purchased a car and kept being pulled over by police. He called his mom and would complain about being pulled over and not knowing what to say. Paulina replied: "Too bad you couldn't Skype a lawyer." This is how the idea of how the Live Lawyer App was created. Unfortunately, Jordan was murdered on April 17th of 2016. The mission of the app is to ensure people know their legal rights in their time of need. In this episode, Paulina shares her story. Hopefully after this episode, you will be inspired to find ways to respond to the the harms and injustices that plague our criminal legal system

On this episode, Conrad and Imani are joined by Jeffrey. In 1990, at the age of 17, he was wrongfully convicted of raping, beating, and strangling his high school classmate. Jeffrey made a false confession that was immediately withdrawn, but became the basis for his conviction. He served 16 years, some in an adult "super max" as a minor, while maintaining his innocence. He requested post-conviction DNA testing, but the DA's office who refused to accept his request. In 2006, crime scene DNA testing led to proving that he was innocent, and the led to the man who was actually responsible for the murder. In 2014. Jeffrey won a federal civil suit against the county for wrongful imprisonment. He went on to become an attorney and an advocate for reform of the criminal justice system. He educates the public through public speaking, published articles, and the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice, which he established. Hopefully after this episode, you will have a better understanding of just how flawed our criminal legal system is, particularly with respect to how police routinely coerce false confessions.