Nothing is more heartwarming as the Holiday's approach than to re-feature a montage of stories of resilience, community, and the transformative power of giving. In this newly arranged episode, we delve into the inspiring initiatives from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office's gardening program, the impactful work of the East Hampton Community Center, and the innovative food service programs at the Maine Department of Corrections. These stories highlight how individuals and organizations are making a difference in the lives of those in need, proving that compassion and community spirit can flourish even in challenging circumstances.

Sheriff Jillian Myers of Grafton County, New Hampshire, isn't just the first and youngest female High Sheriff ever elected in her hometown, but she's also a wife and mama to her three little girls. While a career in law enforcement wasn't on her radar till college, Sheriff Myers says she couldn't see herself doing anything else. Her commitment to the communities and people within her rural county, the staff under her watch, and her collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies have made an undeniable impact since her taking office in January of 2025. As one of only two female Sheriffs in New Hampshire and one of 50 Nationwide, this episode is a testament to courage, leadership, and commitment to making a difference, because age is really just a number.

When three women, a Warden, an Attorney turned Social Justice advocate, and a Filmmaker all cross paths at a maximum security prison for women in Bedford Hills, NY, anything is possible. The synergy they embody drives ground-breaking change for the innovative work taking place at the Bedford Hills Correctional Center. From filmmaker Jenifer McShane, whose documentary Mothers of Bedford explored the transformative power of empathy and family structure at the Bedford Hills Children's Center, to advocate Barbara "Bobby" Blanchard, who dedicated her career to helping incarcerated mothers maintain their bonds with their children, and lest we forget, there's former Warden Elaine Lord, who championed the innovative programs for women at Bedford Hills and set a new bar for success. This episode highlights the importance of compassion, connection, and second chances, so join us for a montage of these incredible women, their legacies, and the impact they've made in the lives of many. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this montage episode, join us on a reflective journey as we share three of our favorite author interviews from the last few years. With highlights from discussions with notable and famous legal figures, Stephen Bright and James Kwak, who delve into the systemic failures of justice in the criminal courts, to Sarah Burns, a documentarian and author, who recounts the harrowing story of the Central Park Five. Additionally, we hear from Laura Love Hardin, whose memoir and Oprah Book Club pick reveals her transformative journey through addiction and incarceration. We hope you enjoy a piece of each of these compelling narratives that challenge the perceptions of justice and resilience. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.

Meet Ivy Scott, a community engagement reporter for The Marshall Project. Ivy currently covers community-driven investigative and public service journalism about the criminal justice system in St.Louis and the state of Missouri. So what is The Marshall Project? Named after civil rights advocate Thurgood Marshall, The Marshall Project is a national nonprofit news organization that seeks to elevate criminal justice issues and spark a conversation about reform. Ivy Scott is one such seasoned reporter, and in this episode she shares her insights on the complexities of the American justice system and the importance of uncovering stories that demand change and give a voice to the unheard. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true stories can change how we see each other and inspire a collective push for justice.

"We could write this book together. We couldn't have written it apart." Those are the words of Dr. Kevin Wright, Director of the Center for Correctional Solutions at Arizona State University, discussing his co-authorship of the groundbreaking book, Imprisoned Minds: Lost Boys, Trapped Men, and Solutions from Within the Prison. But this co-authorship wasn't a typical collaboration, because the originator of the theory behind the 'imprisoned mind' is Erik Maloney, an incarcerated man serving a life sentence in an Arizona State Prison. Dr. Wright and Erik met through the ASU Inside-Out Exchange Program, a global initiative that brings together college students and incarcerated individuals to participate in a credit-bearing college course behind the wall. It was here that Erik presented his imprisoned mind theory, taken from in-depth interviews with other incarcerated men, to Dr. Wright and asked if he would provide the academic framework and scholarly expertise to bring Erik's book vision to life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges perceptions and emphasizes the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of justice.

Elaine Lord may have been the youngest woman to become a Warden in the State of New York, but even before her appointment at Bedford Hills Correctional, she was on a mission to improve the incarcerated programs within the New York prison walls. Before her retirement, Elaine dedicated 20 years to Bedford Hills, providing women behind bars a second chance. Her inspiring stories of the Children's Center at Bedford Hills and her mission to keep incarcerated Mothers connected to their children were only a part of the vital work required to change lives within the prison system. Join us as we explore the complexities of justice, compassion, and the importance of human connection in corrections, a legacy that Elaine Lord can be proud of.

A recent 2024 report estimates that 23.5 million people in the United States are in recovery from a substance use disorder based on data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Anyone going through recovery will tell you that having support and hope are essential to overcoming their addiction, whether or not they've served time behind the wall. For John Sullivan and Charlie Worpek, the Northampton Recovery Center offered each the transformative power of a community of Angels. Together, they share their inspiring journeys of recovery, resilience, and hope. John and Charlie each navigate their own stories, shedding light and tears on the challenges and triumphs they faced on the path to sobriety. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding a supportive community in a time of darkness.

Christie Johnson grew up believing she could get away with just about anything. As a small-town Texas cheerleader, she thought she was untouchable, unstoppable, and immortal. But addiction, a horrific accident while serving in the military, and time in prison shattered that illusion and sparked something far more powerful, an awakening like no other. Christie's journey is one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, redemption. Now, as a member of the Cornbread Hustle family, a second-chance and skill training hiring agency, Christie dedicates her life to helping others find their second chance. Join us as we explore her raw and inspiring story that reminds us of the power of possibility, the strength of the human spirit, and that miracles do happen.

When Cary Sanders speaks, his calming tone and gentle cadence would never give you a clue that he had been arrested 17 times by the time he was 17. Cary's journey from his tumultuous past and time behind the wall to his current position as CEO of JUMPSTART South Carolina can only make one believe that Cary's life has been guided by a higher power, and he would agree. At JUMPSTART, Cary leads a transformative re-entry program that begins in prison, highlighting the power of faith and second chances while helping break cycles of crime and addiction. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey of hustle, redemption, and impactful work he and his volunteers are doing to not only help others find their purpose but to support those returning to the community with housing, jobs, and other re-entry services.