Mr. Harvey Galler is a 46-year-old formerly incarcerated individual and is the co-founder of the STL Reentry Collective. He served 15 years on installments and has been incarcerated in multiple states. As someone that has been in and out of prison numerous times, he is now using his lived experiences and connections in the community to change the landscape of reentry for formerly incarcerated folk in the greater STL Community. This episode is a part of a special segment highlighting Advocacy and Activism. The Advocacy & Activism segment is a special collection of episodes that highlights individuals, supporters, or organizations who are making efforts to advocate and support returning citizens and their journey back to their communities. This collection highlights the advocates passion for helping justice-involved populations, how they are helping, and many other topics. In this episode, we discussed the development, mission, and reentry efforts of the STL Reentry Collective. In addition, we discussed how people can become involved, and upcoming reentry events. Advice and recommendations were also given to individuals who are seeking involvement.

Be sure to follow the STL Reentry Collective on Instagram: @stlreentrycollective

Check out their professional website to find resources for returning citizens: https://www.stlreentryresources.org/

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Follow us on Instagram - @morelifethereentrypodcast

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Dwight Pridgeon is a Re-entry Coordinator with the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. He is a graduate of University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is committed to serving Little Rock individuals seeking a second chance in life. Mr. Dwight is also an individual that was given a second chance. In this episode, the focus of the conversation was on defining reentry and what the reentry process entails. Mr. Dwight discussed his experiences working as a Re-entry Coordinator and his personal experiences of reentry. In addition, we discussed the importance of prioritizing reentry, as well as identified strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within reentry.

To learn more about Mr. Dwight Pridgeon, his work, and reentry efforts in Little Rock please follow on Facebook: City of Little Rock Re-Entry

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Follow us on Instagram - @morelifethereentrypodcast

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Dr. Kelly Moore is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at East Tennessee State University (ETSU). Her research aims to improve behavioral health among justice-involved populations, with her primary interests being stigma reduction and access to evidenced-based care within the criminal legal system. In this episode, the focus of the conversation was on stigmatization and its impact on reentry outcomes. We discussed factors that foster community stigma and negative attitudes towards justice-involved populations. In addition, we conversed about the concept of the "master status" and its implications. Specifically, discussing how justice-involved populations internalize, anticipate, and manage stigma. To end our conversation, we highlighted ways in which we as community members can help debunk stigmatization towards returning citizens.

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Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Dr. Breanna Boppre is a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Victim Studies at Sam Houston State University. Her research examines system-involvement through gendered and intersectional lenses, carceral system, and the impacts of incarceration on families. In this episode, the focus of the conversation was on how language impacts reentry outcomes and overall perceptions of returning citizens. We discussed common language associated with returning citizens and the criminal justice system, as well as the consequences of utilizing that language. In addition, the recent call for using more humanizing and person-centered language when describing justice-involved populations was discussed. Examples were provided of terminology to avoid and that is deemed more appropriate, as well as the benefits of utilizing this language.

Be sure to follow Dr. Boppre on twitter: @bree_bop

Check out her personal website: https://www.breannabopprephd.com/

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Follow us on Instagram - @morelifethereentrypodcast

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Dr. Tamara Kang is an Assistant Professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She focuses on factors that shape attitudes and beliefs that present barriers to the re-entry process and fuel support for legislation that makes the community feel safer but does not have a specific nor deterrent effect. In this episode, the focus of conversation was the plethora of challenges that returning citizens encounter upon release from prison. Specifically, we discussed what makes life successful for those not justice-involved compared to those who are. In addition, we discussed the preexisting factors and conditions that exacerbate reentry failure, as well as how these challenges contribute to the cycle of recidivism.

Be sure to check out Dr. Kang’s work on her personal website: tkangbalzarini.com

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Follow on Instagram - @morelifethereentrypodcast

Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

Dr. Breanne Pleggenkuhle is an Associate Professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She examines the experiences of formerly incarcerated persons and the consequences of having a felony. In this episode, we will discuss the phenomenon of mass incarceration in the U.S., and the impact that it has on communities, especially disadvantaged groups. The topics discussed highlight the facts and ramifications of mass incarceration, the cycle of incarceration, and defining recidivism. In addition, factors that contribute or perpetuate mass incarceration will be discussed, as well as the importance of communities, society, and the criminal justice system tackling these issues.

Be sure to follow Dr. Pleggenkuhle on Twitter: @breplegg

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Host: VanKe’via Garner, M. S.

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF

This trailer episode is an introduction to More Life: The Reentry Podcast, a platform of conversations about offender reentry, advocacy, and reform. More Life will discuss the ramifications of mass incarceration, challenges returning citizens encounter upon release, the importance of supporting returning citizens, and creative and informative ways to support and advocate for returning citizens. The goal of this podcast is to INFORM. EDUCATE. EMPOWER. Our targeted audience are general people who are aware of the problems and concerns associated with offender reentry and want to know more information or how to better support/or advocate for individuals that are being released from incarceration. Reentry is not just an individual problem, but an issue that impacts overall society. With the support and understanding of communities, we can help curb the cycle of incarceration and help provide returning citizens with the necessary tools to successfully re-integrate back into their communities.

Please listen, subscribe, and rate/review this podcast.

Follow on Instagram - @morelifethereentrypodcast

Host: VanKe’via Garner

https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/good-feelings

License code: WWUKNN1ALHEZYUNF