MyTERN Conversations

Three formerly incarcerated college students examine the intricate dynamics of rebuilding family relationships after prison. Chiteara, Sean, and Juan share the rarely discussed realities of family reintegration, exploring how incarceration reshapes bonds and the emotional complexity of returning home. These conversations reveal the psychological toll on both the formerly incarcerated and their loved ones. These students unpack what it means to reconstruct family ties while pursuing higher education after serving time.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Chiteara, Sean, Juan

Episode Art for Season 5 by John Sanchez, Tufts BA graduate from TUPIT.

In this episode moderated by Jody Boykin, Mytern students Jason and Juan discuss education with Medford students Ella Caplan and Nicole Mousad. This conversation explores the transformative experience of the Mytern program and poses the question: how can community and education liberate? 

A note:

Medford student: Undergraduate student seeking a bachelor's degree at Tufts University.  

Speakers: Jody Boykins, Jason, Juan, Ella Caplan, Nicole Mousad

Episode Art for Season 5 by John Sanchez, Tufts BA graduate from TUPIT.

On the first MyTERN conversations episode that is entirely woman-run and produced, Rocio, Elba, and Chiteara share their experiences as women in the carceral system. Hosted by Tziavi Melendez.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Rocio, Elba, Chiteara, Tziavi Melendez

Produced by: Claire Robinson

Episode Art for Season 5 by John Sanchez, Tufts BA graduate from TUPIT.

Rocio moderates a candid discussion with Todd, Elba, and Jason about the realities of managing addiction from incarceration to reentry. The three discuss how discovering therapy, understanding trauma, and finding community have been essential to their recovery journeys.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Rocio, Todd, Elba, and Jason

Episode Art for Season 5 by John Sanchez, Tufts BA graduate from TUPIT.

In this episode, Tari and Sean dive into the complexities of friendships and relationships behind the wall. They explore how connection, trust, and loyalty take on new meaning in a space shaped by isolation and survival. Through personal stories and honest conversations, we shed light on how bonds are formed, challenged, and maintained while incarcerated.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Tari, Sean

Four students navigate the complex realities of elite higher education from perspectives rarely heard. We explore the cultural shifts, academic pressures, and identity negotiations that come with moving from underrepresented communities to prestigious institutions. Honest conversations about belonging, representation, and what it means to bridge two worlds. These students unpack what it means to make it out the trenches of poverty to a predominantly white institution of higher education like Tufts.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Jody Boykins, David Delvalle, Tziavi Melendez, Naheim Washington

On this episode, we are joined by Lou and Tari to unpack the real dynamics
of prison politics. From race-based divisions to the silent codes that govern every interaction,
we’re exploring how systems of power operate when freedom is stripped away. This 
conversation isn’t just about prison, it’s about the human instinct to organize, to resist, and to
 survive.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Luis and Tari

Additional editors: Aliza Keegan and Luke

In this episode, Todd, Luis, Aliza Keegan and Jena Thorne have a conversation about grief, both inside and outside of prison. They discuss what it is like to lose someone while being incarcerated, the value of support systems, the complexities of grief, and how grief manifests after coming home. They each offer their unique perspectives on loss, shedding light on how connection, resilience, and community are powerful tools in the healing process.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Todd, Luis, Aliza Keegan and Jena Thorne

Episode Art for Season 5 by John Sanchez, Tufts BA graduate from TUPIT.

In this episode, Supreme and Swinkels discuss romance and incarceration. This discussion explores in a very candid manner subjects such as: pre and post incarceration relationships, ideas about relationships while in prison, the meaning of loyalty and the term “Hold me down,” and the power of non-sexual intimacy in relationships.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Supreme Hassan and Swinkels Laporte

Additional Editors: Kaylee Lopez and Briana Amador

In this episode, Jovon Coward, Daries Hurt, and Kentel Weaver explore expectations they faced about their futures after serving time. They discuss various forms of expectations that they faced: those of their family and friends, those they had for themselves before leaving prison, and those they have for themselves now. They offer perspectives on how to overcome the weight of these expectations during reentry, and provide insight and hope about life post-incarceration.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Speakers: Jovon Coward, Daries Hurt, and Kentel Weaver

Additional Editors: Sadie Schmitz and Emma Roca