One Day & A Wake-Up

Rick Dryer, a leading voice in fair-chance employment in Colorado, sits down with Colorado Radio for Justice host Herbert Alexander. Dryer shares about his journey through the Colorado Department of Corrections, and how he’s used his skills both then and now to navigate the criminal-legal system and to help others do the same, after incarceration.

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

Trevor Jones, a former fellow resident of the Colorado Department of Corrections alongside host Herbert Alexander, recounts his experience of being sentenced to life without parole at the age of 17. He shares how he was re-sentenced and released after 21 years served… followed by the ups and downs of reentry, and how CrossFit continues to support him through the power of positivity and community.

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

Cullen Barnes sits down with CRJ's Herbert Alexander to share his journey through incarceration: from being selected for the Colorado Department of Corrections Juveniles Convicted As Adults Program (JCAP), to overcoming the many mental and practical challenges of re-entering society. 

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

CRJ host Herbert Alexander chats with his longtime friend Emmitt Compito about his journey after being sentenced to 84 years in prison in Colorado. They delve into how, with the help of his service dog, Emmitt confronted the challenges of reentry. They emphasize the critical importance of having a strong support system, following parole rules, and the determination to better oneself for successful reintegration.

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

Host Herbert Alexander talks with Colorado Radio for Justice producer Tiffany McCoy, who recently transitioned from a 16-year prison sentence to life at Project Elevate halfway house in Denver. Tiffany shares about her challenges navigating new technology, old family dynamics, and reconnecting with her 16-year-old daughter. ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

In a special episode recorded at the University of Colorado-Denver Department of Communications, Seth Ready and Herbert Alexander sit down with Sean Mueller, who served 14 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections followed by 6 months in Community Corrections (aka a halfway house). Sean articulates the impact education has had during and after his prison journey, including his experiences in the CU Strategic Communication program. Our hosts reflect back to Sean their own experiences of community-building people and programs that change the trajectory for those inside prison and on their way out the gate. ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a production of Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

Herbert Alexander from the Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ) team interviews our own Seth Ready, who shares his journey of incarceration over an 18-year period in Colorado, his struggles with addiction, and his one days and wake-ups. (Spoiler: there's more than one.) The conversation highlights the power of a positive mindset and of finding meaningful work. ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. www.radioforjustice.org

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In this episode, CRJ host Seth Ready is joined by Pam Clifton, who shares her powerful journey from incarceration to becoming a leader in criminal legal reform and reuniting with her children. She opens up about monumental challenges she faced in prison — including the preventable stillbirth of her daughter — and how those experiences motivated her to fight for legislative change to protect others. www.radioforjustice.org

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice (CRJ). In this episode, CRJ host Herbert Alexander sits down with Demone Smith to discuss Demone's experiences during his final days in prison and his subsequent success in readjusting to life outside. Demone shares insights on his 7-plus-year incarceration, his unexpected early release to a halfway house, and the challenges he faced reintegrating into society. The conversation also explores the psychological impacts of prison, the challenges that lead to recidivism, and practical advice for others transitioning from incarceration to freedom. www.radioforjustice.org

00:00 Welcome
01:14 Demone's Experience in Prison
01:58 Preparing for Release
05:23 First Days at the Halfway House
06:44 Finding Employment
08:10 Adjusting to Life Outside
12:57 Reflections and Memories
14:31 Advice for Life After Prison
15:03 Challenges and Support Systems
16:14 Avoiding Distractions
17:01 Social Media
17:41 Finding Hobbies and Staying Focused
18:53 The Importance of Discipline
20:10 Mental Preparation for Release
21:50 Overcoming Post-Prison Challenges
27:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell

ONE DAY & A WAKE-UP is a podcast by Colorado Radio for Justice. In this episode, Kyle Giddings of Denver shares his journey from teen substance abuse, through incarceration, to becoming a fervent advocate for voting rights for the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated communities, in his work as Deputy Director at the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. He shares with hosts Seth Ready and Herbert Alexander about a pivotal moment during his time at the Intervention Community Corrections Services (ICCS) halfway house in Lakewood. Kyle discusses the importance of community support, the need for systemic change, and the impact of Senate Bill 72, which expanded voting access in Colorado jails. www.radioforjustice.org