Lockdown 2 Legacy

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Twelve years ago, the landscape of prison communication was a different beast entirely, one we've navigated through personal upheaval and systemic change. Through the last decade and a half we've remained steadfast in dissecting the transition from physical mail to costly digital barriers that keep loved ones at arm's length. This week on Lockdown to Legacy, we're peeling back the complex layers of this evolution, from the dawn of MP3 players to today's tablet-based systems. We don't just recount the journey; we expose the monopolization by service providers that's resulted in steep costs and untold frustration for families nationwide, and the governmental kickbacks that make it all possible.

As we navigate the murky waters of JPay, GTL, and CoreLinks, we're sharing our personal experiences with their various platforms and the struggles we've faced across state lines. It's a tale of financial exploitation and privacy challenges behind bars – illuminated through our discussion on the impact of non-compete clauses and lack of provider competition. We invite you to join us, not just as listeners, but as advocates for change in a system that too often prioritizes profit over people. Together, we dissect the intricacies of these challenging times, advocating for a fairer and more transparent communication system for those who are incarcerated and their loved ones on the outside.

The article referenced in this episode can be accessed through this link:
https://www.prisonpolicy.org/reports/emessaging.html

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
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You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

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This week, DJ shares the recent loss of her Uncle, a pillar of her family and his community, too. Because of the emotional toll this has taken and the need to process and cope, DJ and Remie felt it was best to re-release the episode "Grieving, or the Lack Of" originally published on May 19, 2023.

The sting of this loss reminded Debbie of the stark reality of mourning while incarcerated. Those in prison grapple with all kinds of loss, often in isolation and without the solace of shared rituals. Today's conversation is a heartfelt exploration of this journey, offering insight and solidarity to listeners who may be navigating similar waves of sorrow, whether inside or out of the prison system. The echo of laughter from a moment shared with a loved one can be a balm for the grief-stricken soul, but for those behind bars, it's a reminder of the world they're cut off from. 

Confronting the cold indifference of the prison system to incarcerated individuals' mental health and emotional well-being, we shed light on the skepticism toward mental health services and the coping mechanisms that emerge from such a challenging environment. From comforting a grieving mother through the separation of a phone call to finding solace in tangible mementos, we offer both strategies for those struggling and a platform for the resilience of the human spirit. Join us as we honor the emotional journeys of the incarcerated, affirming that even within the harshest confines, hope and humanity can flourish.

Legacy family, please be thinking of Debbie's family during this difficult time. We'll be back with you next week after we've had time away. Love to you all. ~DJ

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

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Have you ever wondered how the echoes of a father's wisdom find their way through the iron bars of a prison cell? This episode of Lockdown the Legacy takes you on an intimate journey from the depths of incarceration to the hopeful horizons of freedom. Remie and our inside correspondent, Warren, weave together an unvarnished tapestry of life behind bars, personal evolutions from solitude to solidarity, and the vital role of community in shaping the passage to reentry.

As we navigate the intricate dynamics of fatherhood and upbringing, the conversation takes a turn towards the profound realizations that come with maturity and responsibility. Warren shares how the tough love of his past, once viewed as a hindrance, emerged as his compass in the most unforgiving of environments. It’s a deep dive into the essence of manhood, the shifting perceptions of success, and the pride in laying down new foundations for the family and community. The stories we share aren't just about survival; they're about thriving with purpose and integrity, setting the stage for the next generation.

Wrapping up, we celebrate the victories that come with dogged perseverance post-incarceration. These narratives spotlight the resilience needed to rewrite one’s story and it doesn’t stop there—we discuss the horizon-broadening power of travel and cultural exploration that widens our worldview, instilling a sense of global citizenship in ourselves and our children. If our candid discussions resonate with you, reach out and help us continue these pivotal conversations by sharing your thoughts and joining our vibrant community.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

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As we close the chapter on an extraordinary year, I'm humbled and thrilled to share how "Lockdown to Legacy" has flourished, skyrocketing with an 826% surge in listenership. Celebrate with us this astounding achievement, and let's toast to the diverse international family we've built across 19 countries. Remember the episode that had everyone talking? "Vacation, Unbelizeable" lands among our top five reruns, alongside the stirring "Trading Bars for Cars" featuring the remarkable Sullivan Roger. This recap is not just a victory lap—it's a launching pad for what's next. We've got a treasure trove of new features like bespoke episode artwork and the much-anticipated "Warren's Wisdom", set to enrich our storytelling tapestry with even more depth and insight into the American criminal justice system.

Step into the heart of our operation, the audio file room, where Remie Jones, our sound sorcerer, weaves soundscapes that turn raw conversations into compelling narratives. It's here that we invite you to be more than just a listener, but a collaborator. Your stories, feedback, and ideas aren't just welcome, they're essential—after all, you're the pulse of "Lockdown to Legacy." Reach out to us at lockdown to legacy comm and join the conversation. Maybe you’ll snag one of our free stickers or catch the latest buzz on our social feeds. With you sharing the journey, we're not just telling stories; we're igniting change and leaving legacies.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

As the holiday lights glimmer beyond prison walls, Debbie and I, your seasoned hosts, bring you stories of resilience and reinvention from within the American prison system. With a blend of raw emotion and unexpected moments of joy, we lay bare the complex realities faced by inmates during the festive season. From intimate holiday rituals to the heartache of separation, we delve into the personal narratives that reveal the human spirit's capacity to find solidarity and hope in the face of adversity.

Journey with us into the emotional landscape of incarceration, where the act of calling home stirs a cauldron of mixed feelings. The holidays, while a time for cheer on the outside, often magnify loneliness and the stark reality of life behind bars. Yet, through creativity and memory, prisoners forge their own versions of holiday cheer, crafting makeshift decorations and engaging in cherished pastimes. We share tales of forming unexpected bonds over shared meals and the ingenious ways inmates keep the holiday spirit flickering in the shadows of confinement.

Beyond the penitentiary's perimeter, we consider the ripple effects of incarceration on families and communities. We examine the transformative potential of bipartisan reform efforts and the journey from lockdown to legacy. Our conversation invites you to grapple with the emotional aftereffects of time served, as well as the bittersweet challenges of reentry and reconciliation. In this episode we offer you a glimpse into the tenacity and adaptability that define the quest for a legacy beyond the cell.

Some of the articles mentioned in this episode include:

Gluhwein Recipe:
- https://www.ohiomagazine.com/food-drink/article/how-to-make-mozart-s-cafe-gluhwein

Ohio Pardon Program:
- https://governor.ohio.gov/priorities/expedited-pardon-project

- https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/ohio-governors-expedited-pardon-project-surpasses-100-pardons-for-reformed-citizens

The article we were reading from is:
- https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2022/12/22/an-incarcerated-christmas/

Expanded Essay referenced:
-https://prisonjournalismproject.org/2022/12/20/dang-man-i-miss-my-family/

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode we address the bitter-sweet complexities of the holiday season. We share personal stories that reveal the often unseen struggles some people grapple with during this festive period, underscoring the urgent need for empathy, inclusivity and unyielding kindness. From a heartwarming narrative about our grandparents' open-door holiday tradition to the chilling news of an active shooter incident at a local hospital, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of the world around us.

As we guide you through the labyrinth of Ohio's juvenile detention centers, known as DYS, we reveal the grim realities concealed within its walls. From an unsettling case of a paralyzed 15-year-old inmate to the disturbing lack of training for guards, we expose the critical issues plaguing these institutions. We aim to spark conversations about alternative sentencing, increased support for incarcerated youth, and the pressing need for resource allocation. Join us on this journey as we transform lockdowns into legacies.

The articles used in today's episode are as follows:
https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/11/11/ohio-teen-damarion-allen-paralyzed-juvenile-jail-fight/70758080007/

https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2023/11/11/ohios-youth-prison-detention-centers-struggle-with-injuries-neglect/70410221007/

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

Imagine spending your holiday season behind bars, stripped of the familiar comforts and amid the pressures of drug use. Our dear friend and inside correspondent, Warren, grants us an intimate perspective into this reality in the American prison system. Warren reveals the inventive ways inmates recreate traditions during the holidays, and the challenges of coping with illness without proper medication. 

Join us as we uncover the extraordinary transformations that occur within prison confines. Two first hand views, recount their experiences, reflecting on the bonds formed during these difficult times. They shed light on the challenges post-incarceration, exploring the struggles to maintain relationships and the importance of a robust support system. They also share their determination to assist others navigating life after prison, offering wisdom based on their experiences.

But beyond the stark realities, we usher you into a world of profound human emotions - forgiveness, self-acceptance, and the remorse for past missteps. We reveal our struggles to let go of our guilt, emphasizing the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. In a moving segment, we ponder on the impact our past actions have had on women, instigating a deeper understanding of the harm inflicted. This is more than just a conversation; it's a journey - a journey of self-discovery, growth, remorse, and ultimately, redemption. Tune in and journey with us.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

Are you ready to discover the power of personal growth through the lens of two individuals deeply influenced by their past experiences with the American criminal justice system? Join your host, Remie Jones, as he takes you through personal experiences, lessons learned, and the journey towards self-improvement and reconstruction. He'll also dig into other stories to inspire and motivate you to explore your own path of personal growth. 

We all know that life after prison is a struggle. The journey is filled with obstacles, but it's also a chance for growth and transformation. In this episode, we'll share personal instances where we were confronted with choices that could have potentially led us back to prison. We'll be opening up about how we navigate these challenges, emphasizing the need to learn from mistakes, taking responsibility for actions, and understanding the importance of patience and support from loved ones during this transformational process. 

Finally, we'll discuss how personal growth has the power to influence every aspect of our lives. We'll share how learning from past mistakes and impulsive decisions has led us to make better choices for ourselves and our families. We'll also discuss the importance of setting goals and understanding that failure is a part of growth. Furthermore, we'll stress the value of giving back and how it has become a crucial part of our self-improvement journey. So, join us in this conversation on growth, change, and personal development as we navigate this complex life post-prison.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

Join Remie and Debbie as they rerelease the episode of "Food and Holidays" with Lockdown 2 Legacy's  first Guest, Remie's long time friend, Joe. We unravel the fascinating world of prison holiday traditions, the ingenious ways inmates craft meals from limited resources, like making cheesecake and fudge from commissary items. Cooking behind bars is not just about survival; it's a shared experience, an art form, and a testament to human ingenuity. We also touch on the importance of acknowledging and respecting different holidays and cultures, with a special focus on our own experiences of celebrating Kwanzaa. Along the way, we delve into our personal journeys of uncovering our African roots through DNA testing, providing a fresh perspective on the importance of recognizing one's roots and heritage.

But the story would be incomplete without the hardships. We delve into the issues of dealing with limited resources, especially during the holidays, and the struggles to make phone calls home amidst the festive preparations. We also highlight the community's hustle, and how the prison family comes together to support each other. So, come and get an insider's view of what holiday season looks like from within prison walls, where every sprinkle of joy counts and every shared meal is a celebration.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94

Send us Fan Mail

Picture this: you're a newcomer in an unfamiliar environment, and your geographical origin dictates your affiliation. Will you succumb to the gang lifestyle that seems to be an inevitable part of this new world? That's the reality for many inside the American prison system, and we're here to unravel the intricate dynamics of this society. Join us, Remie and Warren, as we explore the tangled web of gang affiliations inside prison walls, shedding light on the often misunderstood world of the American prison system.

The quest for belonging, security and faith can lead people down pathways they never imagined, such as joining a gang. Imagine having a family that's not based on blood but on loyalty, camaraderie and mutual support. It's compelling, isn't it? The allure is hard to resist, and that's the grim reality for many. But why are some compelled to join? And why is it so difficult to leave? Tune in as we explore these questions, sharing insightful stories from our guest who's experienced these dynamics firsthand. 

What happens when our source of love and protection – our family – becomes intertwined with the world of gangs? It's a complex relationship, to say the least. We're going there, dissecting the tough dynamics between parents and their children when it comes to gang affiliations. Hear us discuss the importance of parental transparency and the power of open conversations about past mistakes. We promise, it's not a lecture, but a candid conversation about navigating family relationships in the midst of gang affiliations. Let's break the cycle together, one honest conversation at a time.

Hey Legacy Family! Don't forget to check us out via email or our socials. Here's a list:
Our Website!: https://www.lockdown2legacy.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockdown.2.legacy
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lockdown2Legacy
InstaGram: https://www.instagram.com/lockdown2legacy/

You can also help support the Legacy movement at these links:
Buy Me A Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/storiesF
PayPal: paypal.me/Lockdown2Legacy
Buzzsprout Tips: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2086791/support

Also, check out the folks who got us together:
Music by: FiyahStartahz
https://soundcloud.com/fiyahstartahz
Cover art by: Timeless Acrylics
https://www.facebook.com/geremy.woods.94