Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

On this episode of Amplified Voices, Amber and Jason speak with Bessie Elmore who shares how a single phone call shattered the illusion of normal and sent her family into a world of warrants, headlines, courtrooms, and prisons. Everything seemed to move too fast for the truth to catch up. What followed wasn’t a miracle; it was grit. Across decades, Bessie turned confusion into literacy, fear into strategy, and isolation into community power. We walk through the shock of an FBI knock, the weight of a three-day trial that ended with her son receiving a natural life sentence, and the moment at a prison window when a mother and son made a promise to keep each other alive.

From there, the story widens. Bessie and her daughter learned the rules no one explains, how habeas deadlines close doors, how narratives get weaponized, and how transfers can endanger or protect someone inside. They built alliances with advocates and officials, leaned on faith, and used books as lifelines. Along the way, she realized her family was not alone. 

Straight Talk Support Group was born, first as a handful of chairs in a rented room, later as a statewide network, and now as a global Zoom community where families share tools, rides, contacts, and courage. The approach is practical and fierce: take notes, make calls, escalate respectfully, and never accept “no” as the end of the story.  

If this moved you, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more families find these tools.

About Bessie Elmore: 

Ms. Elmore is the executive Director of Straight Talk Support Group and has over 25 years of experience in the field of self-help and designing programs for reentry, domestic violence victims, and grandparents raising their grandchildren. As Founder and CEO of Turning Corners Alliance, Ms. Elmore also taught classes at Durham Technical Community College on job readiness, computer skills and resume writing skills. She was also facilitator at the Troy House before it closed its doors in 2017.

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

In episode of Amplified Voices, Amber and Jason chat with Joshua Hoe about incarceration, reentry and renewal. During the course of the conversation we get a front-row seat to accountability, reentry built on constraints: registry rules that make simple walks risky, five-hour weekday windows on parole, and landlords who rarely open doors. Josh turns that maze into a practice of workarounds—writing web content with a word processor offline, uploading from monitored terminals, and negotiating permissions with persistence. The throughline is strategy: learn the unwritten rules, solve for the next step, and document every decision. That mindset carries him from a volunteer seat to national reform tables, where sharp questions at conferences and targeted online campaigns open unexpected doors.

Then comes the inflection point: consulting on criminal justice reform during the First Step Act push, pressing forward to help others, realizing injustice even when it isn't his own, watching a U.S. senator read language he helped craft on the Senate floor. It’s a reminder that power can start from a shared kitchen in a halfway house if paired with understanding, connection, discipline and an eye for moments that matter. His closing advice is simple and invitational: walk into every room like you belong there, and keep hustling to create your next opportunity.

Joshua B. Hoe is the Senior Policy Manager at Dream.Org
Josh has a background in public speaking, debate, and public policy research. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in International Relations, is a former national college debate champion (1990), and was a long-time college debate coach.

Since returning from incarceration in 2013, Josh has been a Policy Analyst, a lobbyist, a social media and messaging consultant, an organizer, a debate consultant, and the host and creator of the Decarceration Nation Podcast. His work is guided by bringing people back from incarceration better.

Josh loves alternative music and used to DJ as well as play in several punk and post-punk bands in the 1980s

If this conversation moved you, share it with someone who needs a blueprint and a push. Subscribe, leave a review, and tell us the moment that hit you hardest—we read every word.

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

Justice shouldn’t confuse accountability with exile. That’s the heartbeat of the conversation Amber & Jason had w Dr. Reece, a survivor whose near-fatal domestic violence experience led her from theater stages to forensic psychology & into the powerful world of restorative justice circles inside prisons. Her story begins with a family divided by a decades-old case and moves through the practical realities survivors face—housing, work, safety—alongside the emotional aftermath that the legal process rarely addresses.

We dig into the shock of hearing an officer call the man who harmed her “a perfect gentleman,” the moment an ADA said she wasn’t her lawyer, and the system’s narrow notion of accountability as “as many years as we can get.” Dr. Reece wanted something different: for the harm to be named and addressed, and for the person who caused it to change. That conviction took her underground—literally—into prison basements where survivors and people who committed serious harm sit face to face, ask why, and do the hard work of repair. The result is profound: "lifers" often become stable leaders, credible messengers who interrupt violence and mentor youth more effectively than any billboard campaign.

We also discuss the explosion of life sentences and LWOP in the United States, why risk and rehabilitation get ignored for politics, and what the research actually shows about dangerousness over time. Dr. Reece shares the goals of Drop LWOP New England—creating meaningful opportunities for release through second look, parole, and commutation—and explains Connecticut’s Domestic Violence Survivor Justice Act (DVSJA), which recognizes the link between victimization and later criminalization. This isn’t softness on harm; it’s smarter public safety rooted in evidence, context, and real human change.

If you care about survivor healing, reentry, & safer communities, this conversation offers a different map: connection over separation, truth over slogans, and hope as a condition for transformation. Subscribe, share with a friend, and tell us: what does meaningful accountability look like to you?

About Dr. Brashani Reece: 

It’s rare for a survivor of violent crime to become a leading advocate for the very people the system is designed to punish. But Dr. Brashani Reece's journey is far from typical.
 
 As the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Drop LWOP New England, Dr. Reece's path to activism and commitment grew as she became a trained facilitator, working with incarcerated people and witnessing the transformative power of accountability and personal growth. She now co-leads Drop LWOP New England with her husband, Steven "Farooq" Quinlan, who is serving a life without parole sentence in Rhode Island. Her work is a testament to the belief that healing is possible and that even the most extreme sentences are not a solution. 
 

 Dr. Reece brings both a scholar’s rigor and a survivor’s empathy to the fight against extreme prison sentences. 

In addition to its website, the Drop LWOP New England can be found at its website, on Blue Sky, and on Instagram. 

Dr. Reece encourages people to Take the Pledge to end extreme prison sentences.

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

What happens when turning 18 transforms a teenage relationship into a serious crime? In this conversation, Jason and Amber speak with Heather who shares her gut-wrenching journey through the criminal legal system.

With remarkable vulnerability, Heather reveals how a small-town teen romance led to an arrest warrant, interrogation by police, and eventually a plea deal resulting in four years in prison and ten years on the registry. The cruel irony? Shortly after her arrest, Indiana passed "Romeo and Juliet" laws that would have made her case a minor offense, but she couldn't benefit from them because she was charged months earlier.

The devastating ripple effects of her conviction touch every aspect of Heather's life. From navigating confusing and inconsistent probation and registry requirements that varied by county to the crushing shame that kept her isolated, Heather's story illuminates how our legal system fails young people. Despite these enormous obstacles, she built a remarkable life – earning two degrees, maintaining stable employment for 15 years, marrying, and raising two daughters.

Now 37 and five years removed from registry requirements, Heather still struggles with the psychological aftermath of her conviction. She avoids situations requiring background checks, limiting her involvement in her children's activities, and constantly fears judgment if people discover her past. Yet through therapy and growing advocacy work, she's finding her voice.

Heather's journey raises profound questions about proportionality in punishment, the purpose of registries, and whether our system truly allows for rehabilitation. Her message to others facing similar circumstances resonates with hope: "Keep fighting, keep going. Your story matters, your voice matters. You can go through traumatic, hard things and still make it out the other side."

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

In this powerful episode, Amber and Jason meet Fez, who spent 22 years in prison, and Vern, who has volunteered with the Jericho Circle for 25 years. Together, they share the transformative impact of circle work both inside prison walls and beyond.

Fez's story begins with a childhood lacking affection and stability, which paved his path to juvenile detention at 15 and later a 22-29 year sentence. When he first entered prison, his mindset was focused solely on revenge. "I'm going to get out and finish what I started," he recalls thinking. But something profound happened when he encountered the Native American Circle and later the Jericho Circle.

The simple yet powerful structure of circle— where the group focuses on  interconnectedness and shared humanity and participants use a talking stick to ensure each person speaks uninterrupted —created a space where Fez could confront his past, take responsibility, and begin genuine healing. "People share very deep traumatic events in their lives," Fez explains. "We're there supporting them."

What makes Jericho Circle unique is that it operates entirely through volunteers with no government funding. The circle keepers receive no compensation yet continue showing up because, as Vern puts it, "The healing was as deeply felt in me as in anyone else."

Now five years free, Fez has built a successful life and serves as a circle guide himself, creating space for others to heal.

Their story challenges conventional approaches and offers a powerful model of transformation through community, vulnerability, and genuine human connection. 

Visit JerichoCircle.org to learn more about this life-changing work.

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

What happens when we replace shame and barriers for people in reentry with resources? Kevin Scott of Community Spring shares his story and work with direct cash assistance for justice-impacted people as part of this insightful conversation with Amplified Voices co-hosts, Jason and Amber.

Kevin's story begins in the chaos of childhood trauma – a family member struggling with addiction, a kidnapping, and his own early descent into substance use. Despite multiple attempts at recovery, Kevin eventually found himself serving a four-year prison sentence in Florida's Department of Corrections, where the heat was unbearable and hope seemed impossible.

Yet even amongst the harsh and dehumanizing prison environment, Kevin discovered unexpected paths to healing. He became responsible for the prison band room, tapping into his passion for music. More profoundly, he discovered meditation, which forced him to confront his lifelong pattern of seeking escape and "oblivion" rather than facing reality. This practice became the foundation for his lasting recovery and transformed his understanding of himself.

Upon release, Kevin faced the brutal realities of reentry – sleeping in a homeless shelter parking lot, struggling with probation fees, and battling the constant threat of reincarceration for inability to pay. The system that claimed to rehabilitate had no interest in his actual success. 

Despite these barriers, Kevin found stability and eventually connected with Community Spring, where he and others helped create Just Income – a groundbreaking program providing $800 monthly to formerly incarcerated people with no strings attached.

The results have been extraordinary: a 31% reduction in recidivism, nearly halving money-related probation violations, and significantly improved mental health and employment outcomes. As Director of Guaranteed Income, Kevin has overseen the distribution of over $1 million to 157 recipients, proving that "money and kindness" outperform surveillance and control.

Beyond the numbers lies a profound truth captured by one participant: "Hope goes a long way for people who are accustomed to hopelessness." Kevin's work demonstrates that viewing formerly incarcerated people through a lens of humanity rather than criminality creates better outcomes for individuals and communities alike.

Featured in an award-winning documentary and major news outlets, Community Spring is not only transforming lives in Gainesville—it’s becoming a replicable model for communities across the country.

More About Kevin Scott: 

A formerly incarcerated advocate, Kevin Scott has been instrumental in advancing policies that remove economic barriers for justice-impacted people. His work has helped end unpaid prison labor contracts, pass Florida’s first Fair Chance Hiring ordinance, eliminate fines and fees, and secure free phone calls for incarcerated individuals and their families.

Kevin’s efforts as Director of Guaranteed Income at Community Spring have received national recognition for their bold, evidence-based approach to reentry and economic justice. 

Outside of work, Kevin is a devoted Zen meditation practitioner, a soccer fan, and the proud father of one brilliant daughter and two idiot cats.

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

In this episode of Amplified Voices, Amber and Jason chat with defense attorney, Laurie Jubelirer who walks us through her remarkable 37-year legal journey that began in prosecution and transformed into passionate defense advocacy.

Growing up in a family of legal and public service professionals—with a father who served as senator for 32 years and a grandfather who was a judge—Jubelirer entered the legal profession driven by the mantra "make a difference." But after years in the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General, she began noticing troubling patterns. Victims were being treated as tools for prosecution rather than individuals with agency. The system prioritized winning cases over finding true justice. Something had to change for her.

Today, as a defense attorney with her own practice, Laurie witnesses first-hand the devastating human cost of our criminal justice system. She shares shocking stories of medical neglect in Pennsylvania prisons, talks about due process issues, over-sentencing, conviction integrity and much more.

About Laurie:

Laurie Jubelirer is the owner of Jubelirer Law, LLC, and her law practice in Montgomery County is devoted to helping individuals facing criminal charges, violations of their civil rights and wrongful convictions. She opened her law practice twelve years ago in 2013. Prior to opening Jubelirer Law, she worked as a prosecutor in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and as a Deputy Attorney General in the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Ms. 

Laurie writes about the experiences of her clients and publishes them with permission in a quarterly column and on social media platforms with the hope that they will bring about positive changes in the criminal justice system. Ms. Jubelirer is a member of Women Owned Law; the Corrections Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association; the Montgomery Bar Association Criminal Defense Committee and Judiciary Committee; and a Board member of Congregation Kol Ami in Elkins Park.

Find her online at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriejubelirer/

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

Gus Marks-Hamilton shares his powerful journey from teenage arrest through incarceration to becoming an advocate for criminal justice reform with the ACLU's Smart Justice Campaign.

• Growing up in a stable middle-class family with teacher parents before first encountering the legal system at age 16
• Finding structure and purpose through employment at Blockbuster Video after his initial arrest
• Experiencing the devastating impact of policy changes while incarcerated that arbitrarily extended his sentence
• Navigating the challenges of halfway houses and probation during reentry without meaningful support
• Pursuing education after release, earning a Master's in Social Work despite barriers for people with felony convictions
• Successfully receiving a pardon in 2023 after a lengthy, emotional application process
• Channeling lived experience into advocacy work to create systemic change in Connecticut's criminal legal system

After navigating the challenges of halfway houses, probation, educational discrimination, and the emotionally grueling pardon process, Gus now works with the ACLU's Smart Justice Campaign. His powerful insight – "I'm the best version of myself when I'm connected to other people" – has become both personal philosophy and professional mission. He's transformed from someone caught in the system to someone working to fundamentally change it.

Whether you're personally impacted by the criminal legal system, work within it, or simply want to understand its human toll, Gus's story offers hope. Connect with him on social media to learn how you can join the movement for a more just system that truly enables rehabilitation and community connection.

----

About Gus: 

Gus Marks-Hamilton is the campaign manager at the ACLU of Connecticut. He joined the ACLU-CT Smart Justice campaign in 2018 to advocate for fair, just and humane policy reforms to the criminal legal system. Gus’s primary responsibilities include building the ACLU-CT’s advocacy infrastructure, strengthening its partnerships with key stakeholders, prioritizing directly impacted communities and individuals, and executing strategic issue-based campaigns. Gus is passionate about promoting the civic and political engagement of people who have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system and has lobbied for dozens of pieces of legislation to protect people’s civil rights and liberties. 

 Gus is a Licensed Master Social Worker and received his master’s degree from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, where he is also an Adjunct Professor. He is a board member at Community Partners In Action which provides services for people affected by the criminal legal system, proud uncle to his nieces and nephews and compliant human companion to his dog, Frank 

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

Discover the story of Joe, a former high school football star, whose life took a dramatic turn, as a young man looking for purpose in unhealthy ways, Amber and Jason speak with Joe about his early influences, the choices he made, his experience with incarceration and his journey to accountability and repair. 

From the exuberance of youth to the stark reality of prison life, Joe reveals how he grappled with incarceration and the decisions that led to his convictions, including the moment he was confronted by law enforcement.  Joe's candid account provides an honest perspective on the stigmas surrounding sex offense convictions and the racial dynamics at play in the justice system.

Now a passionate advocate for change through self-compassion, self-reflection and positive goal setting Joe is on a mission to help others navigate their paths to recovery and reintegration into society through his Pathfinder program. He shares his aspirations to foster community support and accountability for those impacted by the criminal legal system, emphasizing that everyone has a story worth telling and a more positive path available.

 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review!

Support the show

Send us a text. Please provide contact information if you'd like a response.

Join Amplified Voices co-hosts, Amber and Jason for a compelling conversation with Justyna, an inspiring professional dedicated to forensic psychology and social work. Justyna shares her remarkable journey from community-based treatment and social work to her time working at Rikers.

From her academic experiences at John Jay College and Hunter College to her first job in an outpatient program, her passion for helping people thrive is palpable. Justyna provides an enlightening perspective on the importance of supporting people as they navigate the complexities of re-entry, while also addressing the emotional toll it takes on treatment providers.

Our discussion delves deep into the systemic hurdles faced by those re-entering society after incarceration. Justyna sheds light on the harsh realities and counterproductive nature of housing restrictions while addressing emotional strain experienced both by individuals on parole and registries and those who support them. We challenge common misconceptions about conviction registries and emphasize the critical need for public education to enhance community safety.

The conversation also explores Justyna’s time as a clinical supervisor at Rikers Island, where she witnessed people with severe mental health conditions or developmental disabilities being locked in cells without medication or human interaction for weeks and sometimes months. While her intent in taking the job was to bring light to a dark place, it became clear to her that bearing witness on what she saw there was the best way to help.

Motivated by her experiences, Justyna has taken bold steps to sound the alarm on the inhumane treatment of people at Rikers and campaign for systemic change behind the walls and beyond. She has also been focusing on voting rights and education for formerly incarcerated individuals. Her journey highlights the power of advocacy and the importance of using one's voice to drive meaningful change.

Read: Detainees locked in cells for weeks: whistleblower
Watch: Justyna's testimony in front of the Board of Corrections

Support the show