Ben Free, a formerly incarcerated writer and UCLA student, shares his inspiring journey of transformation through education, storytelling, and community impact. Discover how he turned adversity into opportunity and his plans for future initiatives to empower others.

Ben Free Project - https://benfreeproject.org
Radical Reversal - https://radicalreversal.org
Massachusetts Review - https://massachusettsreview.net
Penn America - https://pen.org
Columbia University Magazine - https://magazine.columbia.edu
The Vera Institute of Justice - https://vera.org
San Diego State University MFA Program - https://www.sdsu.edu
Writing Freedom Fellows - https://mellon.org/programs/arts-and-culture/writing-freedom/
James Clear's Atomic Habits - https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Framework-Growth/dp/0735211299

(c) 2026 PrisonPOD Productions

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In this engaging interview, author and prison educator Jean Trounstine shares her transformative journey working in women's prisons, her innovative use of theater to empower inmates, and her transition into fiction writing. Discover how her experiences behind bars inspired her impactful books and her insights on the power of art and storytelling in rehabilitation.

Sounds Like Trouble to Me - https://amzn.to/4fCjDLB

(c) PrisonPOD Productions 2026

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In this compelling interview, Sabrina Rose shares her inspiring journey of overcoming trauma, addiction, and incarceration. She discusses her advocacy for foster children, her creative pursuits, and the importance of resilience and self-discovery.

Sabrina Illustrated:

https://www.sabrinaillustrated.com/

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In this episode, Daniel Rosen, a justice reform advocate and formerly incarcerated individual, discusses the critical issues surrounding prison food, health, and nutrition. We explore how current prison diets impact physical and mental health, the potential for reform through local food programs, and the importance of policy change.

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"Have you ever felt invisible just because of how you look? Here's why 'humanizing' common stereotypes changes everything."
Drop a ✊ if you've ever experienced this feeling.

When I started wearing hoodies in class, people told me I’d be judged—until I realized clothing is just a tool for identity, not a barrier to respect.
By wearing my hoodie, I challenged biases and opened up space for real conversations about justice—whether in prisons, schools, or communities.
It’s powerful to see humanity behind the hoodie — the stories, struggles, and resilience. (JMS)
What do your clothes say about you?

#HumanizeMyHoodie #AbolitionInAction #CommunityOverCorrection #BlackVoices

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In this engaging interview, Pete Bludworth from Corrections Unfiltered shares his extensive corrections career, insights into private corrections, and the importance of transparency and understanding in the correctional system. The conversation covers topics from inmate reentry to trauma, community trust, and innovative programs that support both staff and inmates.

Corrections Unfiltered: https://www.youtube.com/@CorrectionsUnfiltered

(c) PrisonPOD Productions

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In this compelling interview, Lorenzo Trout shares his transformative journey from trauma and incarceration to becoming a mentor and advocate for justice-involved individuals. Discover insights on trauma, recovery, community support, and innovative programs like equine therapy that foster healing and reintegration.

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In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio speaks with Paula Fox, who shares her experiences in prison ministry, particularly focusing on the Kairos program, Crossroads Prison Ministry, and the Jump Start Employment Reentry program. Paula discusses the importance of faith-based support, the challenges of reentry for individuals coming out of prison, and the stigma surrounding sex offenses. She emphasizes the need for community integration, financial responsibility, and the importance of hope and encouragement for those affected by incarceration.

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In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio interviews Caroline Georgiou, a sound therapist specializing in somatic practices. Caroline discusses her innovative approach to healing and rehabilitation in prison settings, focusing on the use of sound therapy to help inmates reconnect with their bodies and emotions. She shares insights into the process of somatic counseling, the impact of her work on participants, and the importance of creating a safe space for healing. The conversation also touches on the challenges and rewards of working in prisons, the significance of community support, and the deeper understanding of freedom and self-discovery that emerges through this transformative work.

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In this episode of the Prison Pod, Valerie Cartonio speaks with Brian Koehn, founder and CEO of Social Purpose Corrections. They discuss the need for reform in the corrections system, focusing on reducing recidivism and improving the culture within prisons. Brian shares his journey from military service to corrections, highlighting the challenges and inefficiencies he observed in the system. He emphasizes the importance of compassion, innovation, and human connection in corrections, advocating for a shift in how society views and treats incarcerated individuals. The conversation also touches on best practices from other countries and the potential for nonprofit models to drive change in the U.S. corrections system. 

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