In this thought-provoking episode of Conviction Fiction, we sit down with educator, justice advocate, and powerful voice for change, C. Jay Tarter. Together, we explore how language shapes not only public perception of incarcerated individuals but also the policies and systems that keep cycles of injustice in motion.

C. Jay breaks down the impact of labels like “offender” and “inmate,” and how reclaiming our narratives can lead to healing, dignity, and transformation. We also dive into the critical role education plays—both behind the walls and beyond them—as a tool of liberation and self-discovery.

Whether you're directly impacted, a justice reform advocate, or just someone who wants to better understand how words and systems intertwine, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and discover what’s possible beyond the bars.

#ConvictionFiction #BeyondTheBars #CJayTarter #TheCommonGood #JusticeReform #LanguageMatters #EducationIsFreedom #PrisonAbolition #ReentryJourney #FromPrisonToPurpose #ChangeTheNarrative

As part of the Starting Over series, host Antoine Rivers explores how technology is reshaping what reentry looks like for returning citizens. From that first moment of holding a smartphone behind bars to navigating online job platforms, we break down how digital literacy is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Antoine shares his own journey of learning how to use tech while incarcerated and how that knowledge transformed his opportunities on the outside. We also dig into how AI is changing the job market, the importance of digital skills in today’s workforce, and how returning citizens can catch up — and thrive — in a digital world.

This episode also highlights key organizations doing the work to bridge that tech gap and empower justice-impacted individuals through training, education, and opportunity.

Featured Resources:

• Defy Ventures – https://www.defyventures.org
• The Last Mile – https://thelastmile.org
• See Us Rise – https://www.seeusrise.org

Whether you're a returning citizen, an advocate, or simply curious about how second chances are built in the digital age — this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, and don’t forget to share, subscribe, and leave a review!

#ConvictionFiction #ReentryMatters #DigitalLiteracy #TechForChange #SecondChances #FromPrisonToPurpose #TheLastMile #DefyVentures #SeeUsRise #LifeAfterLockup #CriminalJusticeReform #ReentrySuccess #PodcastEpisode #ReentryTech

What happens when your child is sentenced—but you’re the one still doing time on the outside?

In this powerful and personal episode, Antoine Rivers shifts the focus to the often unheard voices of parents and families who carry the emotional, financial, and spiritual weight when a loved one is incarcerated.

From the guilt of wondering “Did I fail?”, to the sacrifices made just to maintain a connection, Antoine opens up about his own family’s journey—how his parents and sister stepped up to raise his children, how they supported him through rejection and reentry, and how love held everything together even when the system tried to tear it apart.

You’ll hear reflections on:

• • The silent struggle of parents who feel like they raised “an inmate”
  • The cost of cross-state visits, job losses, and emotional exhaustion
  • Community programs that support families like POD Movement, Dreambuilders Foundation, Focus21, and 1MoQuestion.org
  • A special shoutout to those who never stopped visiting, writing, or praying

• 
  

  This episode is a tribute, a truth session, and a thank-you to the ones who never let go.