Why do so many people return to prison after release—and what would it take to break the cycle?

In this episode of AQS Inmate Call, we dig into the reality of recidivism in the United States: the numbers, the barriers, and the human stories behind the statistics.

From employment and housing challenges to the gaps in reentry support, we explore how the system sets people up to fail—and what real solutions could look like. Whether you’re directly impacted, working in justice reform, or simply curious about how we can build safer, more humane communities, this episode offers clarity, context, and hope.

Topics include:

• What recidivism actually measures

• Why reentry is so difficult in the U.S.

• How community conditions shape outcomes

• The role of education, treatment, and support programs

• What research says about reducing reoffending

AQS Inmate Call brings lived experience, data, and dignity to the conversation. Press play and join us.

Idaho’s prison system is buckling under historic overcrowding and rising costs — and the state’s budget can’t keep up. This episode breaks down why the Idaho Department of Correction is facing a multimillion‑dollar shortfall, how inflation and population spikes are driving expenses, and what proposed cuts could mean for staff, counties, and public safety. Through clear analysis and grounded reporting, we explore the financial pressures shaping Idaho’s corrections system and the high‑stakes decisions lawmakers now face.

This conversation delves into the critical issues surrounding the Washington State Department of Corrections, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and advocacy for incarcerated individuals. The host discusses the challenges faced by those within the system, including retaliation for speaking out and the inadequacies of the internal grievance process. The importance of independent oversight and community support is emphasized as essential for fostering a correctional environment that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.

In this episode, host Joel Wilborn tells the moving story of Cynthia Rhodes a wheelchair-using inmate at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. Through a series of emails, Cynthia shares her struggles with health problems, the challenges of navigating the prison system, and how changing her name from Cynthia Miller to Cynthia Rhodes has made it easier for her to get medical care. Their conversation sheds light on deeper issues in prison healthcare, like the difficulty inmates face in getting necessary medication and the emotional strain of losing loved ones while behind bars.

Cynthia’s life has been touched by deep loss, having recently lost two sons while coping with the illness of her remaining family members. Even with these hardships, she stays hopeful and thankful for the support she’s received. The episode also explores the wider impact of name changes in prison, the importance of mental health care, and the need for better treatment of inmates. Cynthia’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community in facing adversity.

A decade after 20‑year‑old Kala Williams vanished from Spokane, her story continues to echo through the Northwest. What began as a missing‑person search became a long fight for answers — a journey marked by heartbreak, resilience, and a family’s refusal to let Kala be forgotten.

This episode traces Kala’s life, her disappearance, the discovery that changed everything, and the years of uncertainty that followed. We explore the investigation, the suspect who would never face trial, and the ongoing push for justice in a case that remains open to this day.

Told with care and clarity, this story honors Kala’s memory while shining a light on the questions that still linger. It’s a reminder that behind every headline is a life, a family, and a community forever changed.

Anthony discusses the public's misconceptions of incarcerated individuals.

Securus identification: DOC 335988

Kevin Coe, known as Spokane’s South Hill Rapist, was recently released from McNeil Island. In response, State Senator Mark Schoesler has introduced a bill aimed at making it more difficult for state agencies to release serial rapists. The discussion delves into the complexities of the criminal justice system, touching on the balance between rehabilitation and punishment, the challenges of providing healthcare in prisons, and public perceptions of inmate rights and safety. It underscores the need for reform in how society approaches and supports inmate rehabilitation and medical care.

This discussion looks at how parental incarceration deeply affects kids and families, stressing the value of community support, mentorship, and open communication to help prevent crime and build resilience in these children. It also points out the struggles they face, the need for accessible resources, and how education can play a key role in breaking the cycle.

In this episode, host Joel Wilborn discusses the critical issue of gate money, the financial assistance provided to ex-prisoners upon their release. He shares personal experiences and insights into the challenges faced by individuals reentering society, particularly the inadequacy of the current gate money amount. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, resources, and strategies to help ex-prisoners successfully reintegrate into society and avoid recidivism.

This conversation explores the challenges facing the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the public animosity it often receives. The host highlights the need for advocacy, accountability, and systemic reform, stressing the value of rehabilitation and protecting the rights of juvenile offenders. It also addresses how budget cuts affect the system and the importance of adopting a more compassionate approach to corrections.