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.

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.

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.

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 what is required to assure "security" and the profound impact on lives behind bars.

We also offer an intimate look at the policy shifts post-Bernie Madoff's suicide—a shift that insists prisoners should never be alone—which has sparked a chain reaction of violence and unrest among mismatched cellmates. We dissect the ripple effects of frequent lockdowns on prisoners' mental health and the critical role routine plays in maintaining stability within the chaos of the prison system. 

Subscribe and tune in for a narrative that pierces the veil of the federal Bureau of Prisons, exposing the complex interaction of policy, humanity, and confinement.

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.

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. 

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.

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 episode with a deep-dive into the diminishing ways for families to send gifts and the varied perceptions around New Year's. We also share some tips on how to share the holiday season when writing and talking to incarcerated individuals. And, if you want to spread your holiday charity to people inside federal prison, we invite you to join send a message of appreciation to members of the More Than Our Crimes network. Our goal is to show that those behind bars are seen, heard and valued. 

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.

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 divide between two different types of hurt people can be bridged.

We kick off the conversation with Conrad shedding light on the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) - an act that offers a beacon of hope to those seeking a second chance at life. Then Nana courageously shares her personal journey as a widow, painting a vivid picture of the impact crime has had on her life. The unsettling increase in crime rates, particularly in DC, is also brought to the fore, underscoring the challenges of advocating for second chances. We then pivot to discuss the ripple effects of criminal behavior. Ricardo Davis, a guest voice, passionately talks about the Victim Impact classes in prison, a potential game-changer.

As we move to the final part of our discussion, we delve into the emotional labyrinth of forgiveness and redemption. We challenge you, our listeners, to reevaluate your preconceptions about forgiveness. Through Nana's heart-wrenching journey and the experiences shared by our guests, we offer a deeper insight into forgiveness as a personal process, and perhaps, a stepping stone towards true rehabilitation. 

In this episode of Voices Unlocked, we hope we spark an ongoing conversation on crime, punishment and forgiveness, and urge our listeners to consider these complex themes from various angles. We guarantee you an episode that isn't just thought-provoking, but heart-touching.

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.

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, a store within the federal prison walls, and how it fills the gaps left by the spartan supplies provided by the prison.

We also delve into the financial struggles faced by prisoners against the backdrop of ever-rising inflation. Jeremy's poignant story brings alive the harsh reality of how a minor price hike can drastically affect those surviving on limited funds and scarce job opportunities. 

But there are possible solutions. We discuss the potential of Sen. Cory Booker's S.516 bill, legislation designed to ensure that prisoners are paid a fair wage for their labor. 

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.

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.