Oklahoma Odyssey

Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in this eye-opening episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they delve into the crucial role of advocacy in the fight for equality within the state's criminal justice system. Special guest Tasneem Al-Michael of OCCJ shares valuable insights and experiences, shedding light on the power of advocacy to drive meaningful change. From grassroots efforts to legislative initiatives, discover how passionate voices are shaping the future of justice reform in Oklahoma. Tune in for a compelling conversation that highlights the importance of speaking up and taking action.

Join Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on a captivating journey into the intricate web of relationships between prison labor and the broader economy. In this eye-opening episode, we delve deep into the often-overlooked role of incarcerated individuals in fueling industries beyond the confines of prison walls. From manufacturing to agriculture, retail to technology, prison labor quietly permeates various sectors, shaping economic landscapes in ways we may never have imagined.

Discover how prison labor intersects with corporate interests, governmental policies, and societal norms, influencing everything from consumer goods to infrastructure development. Through insightful interviews, expert analysis, and compelling narratives, we uncover the complexities and ethical dilemmas inherent in the utilization of prison labor.

From the exploitation of cheap labor to the potential for rehabilitation and skill-building, we explore the multifaceted dimensions of prison labor and its far-reaching implications for both incarcerated individuals and society at large. Whether you're a seasoned economist, social justice advocate, or curious listener, this episode promises to challenge your perceptions and spark thought-provoking conversations about the intersection of labor, justice, and the economy.

In this month's On the Same Page episode, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson embark on a thought-provoking exploration of the acclaimed book "Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining Is a Bad Deal" by Carissa Byrne Hessick. Join us as we dissect the intricate layers of the plea bargaining system and unravel its profound implications on our criminal justice system.

Drawing from Hessick's insightful analysis, we delve into the complexities of plea bargaining, shedding light on its prevalence, mechanics, and the far-reaching consequences for defendants, victims, and society at large. Through engaging discussions with legal experts, scholars, and practitioners, we examine the ethical dilemmas, systemic inequalities, and erosion of due process inherent in this often-overlooked aspect of our legal system.

As we navigate through the pages of "Punishment Without Trial," we confront uncomfortable truths and challenge conventional wisdom, sparking a dialogue on the urgent need for reform. Join us as we confront the realities of plea bargaining and strive towards a more just and equitable path forward in Oklahoma's pursuit of justice.

In this captivating episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson with Project Manager Jennifer Williams, embark on an illuminating journey through the annals of history, tracing the evolution of punishment and confinement across civilizations and epochs. Join us as we uncover the origins, practices, and societal attitudes towards punishment, from ancient times to the modern era.

From the dungeons of antiquity to the emergence of penitentiaries, we delve into the various forms of punishment that have shaped human societies. Through engaging narratives and expert insights, we explore the motivations behind punitive measures, the shifting perceptions of justice, and the enduring legacies of past practices on contemporary criminal justice systems.

As we traverse through millennia of history, we confront the stark realities of punishment, from its role as a tool of social control to its potential for rehabilitation and redemption. Join us as we unravel the complex tapestry of punishment throughout the ages, shedding light on its profound impact on the human experience and the quest for justice in Oklahoma and beyond.

Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on another riveting episode of our monthly series "On the Same Page". This month we are looking into the book "Rebooting Justice: More Technology, Fewer Lawyers, and the Future of Law." In this illuminating exploration, our dynamic hosts dissect the transformative impact of technology on the legal landscape and question the traditional role of lawyers in our justice system.

As always, we invite our listeners to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences related to legal tech and justice reform. Join the conversation on social media with our new pages @oklahomaodyssey on Facebook and @oklahomaodysseypodcast on Instagram and be a part of the dialogue shaping the future of our legal system.

Whether you're a legal professional, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of justice, this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to Justice Unplugged for insightful discussions, expert interviews, and an exploration of the intersection between technology and the law.

Join your hosts, Ashley Bender and Michael Olson, on a gripping journey through the labyrinthine corridors of history in this special episode of Oklahoma Odyssey. In "Chronicles of Consequence: Unraveling the War on Drugs," we embark on an exploration of the comprehensive history of the war on drugs — a multifaceted narrative that has left an indelible mark on communities, policies, and lives.

Ashley and Michael delve deep into the historical origins of the war on drugs, tracing its evolution from its early stages to the complex landscape we navigate today. They peel back the layers to discover lesser-known facts and nuances surrounding the war on drugs.

Concluding the episode, our hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion on the prospects of reform, considering alternative approaches and envisioning a future beyond the traditional war on drugs paradigm.

Dive into a profound exploration of compassion, justice, and advocacy in our latest episode as hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson engage in a compelling conversation with the esteemed author of 'The Courage of Compassion,' Robin Steinberg. Together, they unravel the transformative power of compassion within the realm of criminal justice. Steinberg shares insights from her book, delving into stories of resilience and the pursuit of a more compassionate legal system. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that transcends the pages of the book, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the intersection between compassion and justice.

Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson on this episode of Oklahoma Odyssey, we delve into the transformative strides made in criminal justice reform throughout the year 2023 in the Sooner State. Join us as we recap the remarkable successes, from innovative policies to impactful initiatives, that have reshaped the landscape of Oklahoma's criminal justice system.

From reducing incarceration rates to promoting rehabilitation and reintegration, we explore the initiatives that have paved the way for a more equitable and effective approach to justice. Our guests, including policymakers, activists, and experts, share insights into the key milestones achieved and the lessons learned along the journey.

As we reflect on the progress made, we also turn our gaze towards the horizon, examining the challenges that lie ahead and the strategies needed to sustain and build upon the momentum of reform in the coming year. Join us on this enlightening journey through Oklahoma's evolving criminal justice landscape.

Join hosts Ashley Bender and Michael Olson in a poignant episode of Oklahoma Odyssey as they explore the heartfelt Harper's Magazine piece, "Christmas in Prison" by Kenneth Hartman with the author Kenneth himself. This captivating episode delves into the profound reflections and experiences shared by Hartman during the holiday season behind bars.

Dive into the evocative storytelling of Kenneth Hartman as he paints a vivid picture of Christmas in the confines of a prison cell. The Harper's Magazine piece, 'Christmas in Prison,' opens a window into a world many seldom glimpse, offering a unique perspective on the holiday spirit within the confines of incarceration.

Welcome to Oklahoma Odyssey, the thought-provoking criminal justice podcast brought to you by Ashley Bender and Michael Olson from Oklahomans for Criminal Justice Reform.

In this episode, we embark on an investigative journey deep into the heart of civil asset forfeiture laws and practices, exploring their impact on individuals, families, and communities in Oklahoma. Civil asset forfeiture allows law enforcement agencies to seize property suspected of being involved in criminal activity, even if the property owners are not charged with a crime. This powerful tool has raised significant ethical and legal questions, sparking debates nationwide.

As part of the Oklahoma Odyssey podcast series, our goal is to empower our listeners with knowledge, encourage critical thinking, and advocate for transparency and fairness within Oklahoma's criminal justice system. By delving into civil asset forfeiture, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding law enforcement practices and their impact on our communities.

Subscribe now and join us on this enlightening journey. Together, let's uncover the truths behind civil asset forfeiture, advocate for justice, and work towards a more equitable future for all Oklahomans.