MyTERN Conversations

In this episode, Sidney McGee and Larry Robinson discuss their experiences growing up in adverse conditions in the 1980s in New York and Boston that led to the decades they spent in prison. They address their upbringing, neighborhoods, parenting, and above all what has been significant for their reentry. Moving through space and time, Sidney and Larry discuss their struggles and successes and show that they are truly the OGs.

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

Speakers: Larry Robinson and Sydney McGee

Additional editors: Lizzie Friedman, Hannah Doka, and Fin Jones

In this episode life inside prison is examined by people who have engaged with higher education while incarcerated. David, Rome, and Jody speak on common myths they have encountered during their various experiences with incarceration from topics like racism, gangs, fear, and sexual violence to hope and change. Busting myths together, they help construct a more holistic understanding of incarceration and what life can look like beyond the stereotypes of prison life.

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

Speakers: David Delvalle, Rome Chacon, and Jody Boykins

Additional Editors: Halia Frishman, Maggie Binda-Dunn, and Gus Tringale

In this episode, Nurudeen, Marty, Nigel and Rome discuss their first and last days in prison and the challenges they faced while starting their lives outside of prison after serving lengthy prison sentences. They share stories of education behind the wall and turning points in their personal growth.

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

Speakers: Nurudeen Alabi, Marty O'Brien, Nigel Vaughn, and Rome Chacon

Additional Editors: Sophie Szwartz, Julia Napolitan, and Paola Ruiz

In this episode, Jimmy Heang, Patrick Lys, and David Delvalle discuss their reentry experiences and struggles against recidivism. From relocation, to reputation, to relationships, the "pull of the streets" continues to pose challenges to them in their own reentry journeys.

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

Speakers: David Delvalle, Jimmy Heang, and Patrick Lys

Additional editors: Louise Bond, Emile Naccasha, and Francisco Salazar

In this episode, Jeffrey Raphael and Rahmel Askari discuss their longtime friendship during incarceration and reentry. Breaking barriers together, they discuss the impact education behind the wall has had on both their personal growth and friendship.

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

Speakers: Rahmel Askari and Jeffrey Raphael

Additional editors: Campbell Devlin, Claudia Guetta, BR Rose, Sammy Thurm

In this episode, three parents discuss the relationship between parenting and incarceration. You will hear stories of emotional trauma and stories of perseverance experienced by both adult children and parents impacted by the criminal justice system.

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

Speakers: Christina, Willie, and David

Additional Editors: Ariel Derby and Meira Downie

Special Thanks: Benny and Paul

Eugene Ivey, Kurry Harbour, and Aaron Smith explore connections between their early life experiences, including their concepts of masculinity and self worth based on the role models they had or didn't have, and their experiences with addiction, incarceration, and self transformation.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.

In this episode, Bobby Iacoviello, Hector Bannister and Martin O’Brien discuss their experiences with the US court system. They consider how and when the legal system strips people of their individual voices and the many systemic flaws of our capitalist, carceral state. Finally, they offer insights into how they can reclaim their voices and seek accountability and healing through alternative forms of justice.

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.

Four students in the MyTERN program discuss their daily struggles with mental health and its impact on life post-incarceration. 

Bobby Iacoviello and Chaiya Chan discuss their connections before and after incarceration, and the role of changing and saving the lives of those they care about. From coaching football to keeping restorative justice circles, these two MyTERN students work to prevent youth from falling victim to the streets. Bobby and Chaiya reflect on the importance of mentoring, supporting communities, and relationship building. 

Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.