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From the heart of Ohio comes a raw, unfiltered look at a jarring contradiction—the celebration of legal marijuana while thousands remain behind bars for the same substance. Remie tackles this paradox head-on, exposing the troubling reality of Ohio's recreational cannabis legalization that created a thriving new market but offers zero relief to those still suffering from past convictions.

Drawing from personal experience and conversations with those affected, Remie reveals how legalization without retroactive relief creates two separate worlds: one where cannabis means profit and opportunity, another where it still means destroyed lives and ongoing punishment. The picture becomes even more troubling when examining how Black and lower-income communities, disproportionately targeted during prohibition, now face systematic exclusion from the legal industry through licensing barriers specifically tied to prior convictions.

What injustices do you see in your community that need addressing? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on our social platforms—your voice matters in creating the change we need.

Sources:

PubMed Central: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9170008/

Brain Smith Law: https://www.briansmithlaw.com/ohio-recreational-marijuana-uses-and-penalties

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When Remie was deep into his prison sentence, he found himself navigating a complex economic system most people never see. Each cellblock operated with its own thriving GDP—thousands of dollars in transactions flowing through a network of hustlers, entrepreneurs, and survivors every month.

The prison currency system reveals a fascinating parallel economy where food becomes more valuable, ramen noodle soups function as the standard unit—like dollar bills—and bags of coffee and Little Debbies serve as higher denominations for bigger purchases. The more exotic or rare the commissary item, the higher its trading value, creating investment opportunities where seasonal snacks become valuable commodities.

This episode offers rare insight into how alternative economies function in closed systems and why understanding prison economics matters for successful reentry. Whether you're curious about life behind bars or interested in how underground markets operate, this exploration of prison currency will change how you think about value, exchange, and economic adaptation.

Want to hear more stories from inside? Email questions to [email protected] or find us on social media to continue the conversation about prison life, reentry challenges, and everything in between.

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Coming home is only the beginning.

In this heartfelt continuation of our conversation on metaphorical scars, Remie and Debbie sit down together to talk honestly about what healing looks like from both sides of the reentry experience. Remie shares what it's like to live with Post-Incarceration Syndrome and the lingering emotional wounds of survival. Debbie offers the perspective of a partner learning how to love without control, hold space without losing herself, and navigate her own growth edges along the way.

This episode explores the tools they've learned, the rituals they’ve created, and the laughter that now anchors their healing journey. It’s about choosing connection over correction—and legacy over shame.

🗣️ “The scars used to lead the way. Now, they ride in the back seat.”
🗣️ “Love without tools will wear you out.”

Whether you’ve come home or you’re loving someone who has—this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or at lockdown2legacy.com

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Coming home from prison doesn’t erase the damage, it just changes the scenery. In this powerful episode, we explore the invisible scars left by incarceration and how loved ones can offer support rooted in empathy, not enforcement.

Dr. Debbie Jones walks listeners through the emotional, psychological, and neurological impacts of prison life, using brain-based, trauma-informed practices to help families and partners navigate the complex terrain of reentry. From Post-Incarceration Syndrome to the importance of co-regulation and autonomy, this episode offers tools, language, and real-life examples for anyone who wants to love someone through their healing.

Whether you’ve served time or are walking alongside someone who has, this conversation is for you. This episode provides compassionate guidance on fostering connection over control and empathy over enforcementBecause healing doesn’t just happen with freedom, it happens in relationships.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode: Dr. Bruce Perry, Post-Incarceration Syndrome, and resources from the Florida Innocence Project, National Incarceration Association, and Prison Policy Initiative.

💬 If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend or reach out to continue the conversation. Your story—and theirs—deserves to be heard. Share your experiences with us at [email protected].

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Synthetic marijuana has created a perfect storm of danger, addiction, and economic exploitation behind prison walls. In this compelling exploration, host Remie Jones draws from personal experience and a PJP article to reveal how this deceptively named substance is transforming correctional facilities across America.

The economics are staggering—a single sheet of paper sprayed with synthetic cannabinoids can fetch up to $3,000 in prison. This creates powerful incentives for smuggling operations that often compromise the integrity of prison staff and vendors who find the financial temptation overwhelming.

Unlike natural cannabis, synthetic marijuana (known variously as K2, Spice, or Deuce) produces effects more akin to psychedelics, leading to disturbing hallucinations and erratic behavior. Remie shares haunting firsthand accounts highlighting both the drug's potency and the desperation for escape that permeates prison environments.

The episode traces the unlikely origins of these compounds to legitimate scientific research repurposed by manufacturers seeking recreational drugs. Within prison walls, consumption has evolved into ritualistic practices leaving distinctive burn patterns that resemble flame trails across cell walls.

Beyond exposing the mechanics of this crisis, Remie challenges listeners to consider deeper questions about addiction, mental health, and the conditions of confinement that drive people to seek chemical escape regardless of consequences. The synthetic marijuana epidemic reveals fundamental failures in how we approach rehabilitation and underscores the urgent need for meaningful prison reform.

Join the conversation about prison reform by following Lockdown the Legacy on social media and sharing this episode to help amplify voices from behind bars.

Source:

https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2025/03/20/what-synthetic-marijuana-has-done-to-my-prison/

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Dr. Debbie Jones triumphantly returns to Lockdown Legacy after successfully defending her doctoral dissertation, sharing the emotional journey that led to her joining the mere 2% of Black women globally who hold doctorate degrees. With raw honesty, she recounts the grueling two-year writing process that culminated in a 242-page, 53,000-word academic achievement focusing on the lived experiences of Black educators facing policies that prohibit discussions of race.

The episode then pivots to examine prison censorship through Troy Chapman's powerful article from the Prison Journalism Project. Remie draws from personal experience as he and Debbie analyze how electronic communication systems in prisons have dramatically increased surveillance without accountability. They expose the arbitrary rules governing everything from photographs to written content, revealing how these restrictions sever crucial family connections and lead to widespread self-censorship among incarcerated individuals. Perhaps most striking are the parallels they uncover between academic censorship and prison communication restrictions—both disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and limiting critical thought.

Dive into this thought-provoking discussion that bridges personal triumph with systemic challenges, and discover why understanding these connected struggles matters for everyone concerned with freedom of expression. Subscribe to hear next week's continuation as Lockdown Legacy further explores firsthand accounts from the Prison Journalism Project.

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Imagine being ripped from your life, convicted of a crime you didn't commit, and forced to spend decades behind bars while knowing you're innocent. This isn't a fictional scenario – it's the lived reality for thousands of Americans, including the five extraordinary men whose stories we explore in this episode.

When Jacob invited us to attend "The Lynched Among Us," a play performed by actual exonerees sharing their own wrongful conviction stories, we knew we had to discuss it on the podcast. What we witnessed was nothing short of transformative – these men relived their most traumatic experiences on stage to educate the public about the devastating flaws in our criminal justice system.

Michael Sutton's story hits particularly hard. At just 17, with a full scholarship awaiting him, he was arrested, convicted, and sentenced to 46 years for a crime he didn't commit. The play featured his actual parents crying out as police dragged him from his high school graduation ceremony. Charles Jackson injected dark humor into his segment, including an off-key rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" while portraying his prison job as a porter. Most shocking was RuEl Sailor's account of prosecutors admitting they knew he was innocent after 13 years – yet still making him take a guilty plea deal and wait two more years for release.

These stories illuminate a troubling truth: our system can easily destroy innocent lives through eyewitness misidentification, prosecutorial misconduct, and inadequate defense representation. The psychological warfare these men endured is incomprehensible – as one exoneree powerfully stated, "I had to become the thing you think I am to survive." This raises profound questions about identity, resilience, and what justice truly means in America.

We urge you to learn more about wrongful convictions and support organizations like Voices of Injustice working to prevent them. While we admire these men's extraordinary resilience, we recognize they shouldn't have needed it – no one should face decades of imprisonment for crimes they didn't commit. Visit voicesofjustice.com to learn how you can help ensure these stories become increasingly rare.

http://voicesofinjustice.com

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Warren and Christine's love story defies every expectation of what a prison relationship "should" be. Their connection began with a simple but profound question on a pen pal website: "When was the last time you had a great conversation with someone?" Christine, running a pen pal service from Germany, was immediately struck by the thoughtfulness behind Warren's words—a refreshing departure from the typical messages she received.

What started as emails and letters quickly evolved into daily phone conversations that have continued uninterrupted for over six years. They speak multiple times daily, sharing everything from mundane moments to profound realizations, creating an extraordinary intimacy despite the physical distance between a German household and an Ohio prison cell.

The remarkable aspect of their relationship isn't just its existence despite barriers—it's their refusal to accept limitations. "We've never looked at each other as being in a prison relationship," Warren explains, describing how they hold each other to the same standards of honesty, accountability, and growth they would in any relationship. This foundation allows them to navigate conflicts with unusual grace and wisdom.

Their approach to disagreements reveals the depth of their connection. They never end conversations in anger and have developed specific phrases to help de-escalate tense moments. When Christine feels herself becoming upset, Warren gently says, "We ain't doing that," instantly diffusing tension. Their philosophy is beautifully simple yet profound: when facing challenges, you can either wait for your partner to catch up, go back for them, or carry them until they can stand on their own—but leaving is never an option.

Beyond their present connection, Warren and Christine have created a shared vision for their future—planning to move to Egypt once Warren completes his supervision. Christine has expanded Warren's worldview beyond America's borders, transforming his mindset from merely surviving to truly living. Their story proves that when two minds with different backgrounds come together, entirely new possibilities emerge that neither could have imagined alone.

Ready to hear more incredible stories of resilience and transformation? Subscribe to Lockdown to Legacy and join us as we explore how people turn their most challenging circumstances into platforms for growth and positive change

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Join us for an insightful journey as we explore the powerful themes of resilience, community, and personal growth in our latest episode of Lockdown to Legacy. In this episode, we discuss the impact of growing up in the hood, sharing heartfelt stories and laughter from our childhoods while shedding light on the struggles faced after incarceration. We dive into the language and cultural identities that shape us, highlighting the lessons learned from our shared experiences.

As we navigate through the complexities of life after prison, we emphasize the importance of understanding psychological scars and overcoming societal perceptions. We foster a rich discussion that encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences and the value they can bring to their lives and communities. By sharing practical insights on boundary-setting and personal growth, our goal is to empower individuals facing challenges to reclaim their identities and succeed.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that challenges stigma and inspires a hopeful future. We invite you to subscribe, share your thoughts, and connect with us as we continue to build a community rooted in understanding and support.

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What if the bonds you formed during your darkest times became the pillars of your redemption? That's exactly what happened when Kel, my dear friend, and I first connected back in county jail, supported by the spiritual strength of our mothers. Now, as Kel stands on the cusp of freedom, we reflect on the profound lessons learned through his journey of incarceration and the resilience needed to transform those lessons into a legacy of hope and change. Our conversation is a heartfelt exploration of trust, growth, and the vital role family and community support play in overcoming the challenges of the criminal justice system.

As we discuss the unique struggles and opportunities faced by those in prison, we confront the mental health stigma that often silences and isolates men behind bars. Kel and I share personal experiences of breaking down barriers of pride and ego, emphasizing the importance of seeking mental health support during incarceration and after release. We offer insights into building financial stability and credit as cornerstones for success post-incarceration, underscoring the importance of using time wisely for self-improvement and planning for a future filled with hope and possibility.

Every journey of transformation requires a roadmap and trusted companions, and we aim to provide both in our discussion. By sharing practical advice and our own stories of growth, we encourage listeners to embrace their individuality and use their circumstances as a springboard for change. The power of family support and the impact of evolving roles within loved ones are key themes, as Kel prepares to reintegrate and continue his journey beyond the prison walls. Join us in celebrating the achievements and personal growth that define this new beginning.

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