The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly - Stories That Challenge What You Thought You Knew

In sports, there are Coaches and there are Referees, but what about in the criminal justice system? That was the question that Dr. Brian Lovins, currently President of Justice System Partners, asked himself during his tenure at the Harris County Correctional System as Assistant Director. During that time, Dr. Lovins was tasked with developing and implementing agency-wide change plans to drive increased successful completion rates of justice-impacted individuals on probation. It was during this time that an 'ah-ha moment seized Dr. Lovins, and he, along with some collaborators, created the Coach vs. Referee model to emphasize the importance of connection and support for individuals navigating the justice system. These many years later, through research and hands-on experience with the Idaho Department of Corrections, Dr. Lovins and his team have been front and center with the Coach vs. Referee model to help reduce recidivism and foster success by offering a more compassionate and effective approach to justice.

Every name has a meaning. The name Gemma refers to 'a bud ready to grow independently'. Appropriately, this name was chosen by the incarcerated women who originally founded The Gemma Project, a jail and prison reentry program to assist incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women with successful reintegration. While reentry should be mainstream for all incarcerated individuals who are returning to their communities, this important programming is still spotty across the United States, and isn't always designed with consideration for each individual's needs. Cynthia Chase, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Gemma Project, has spent 25 years working within the criminal legal system as a dedicated leader and tireless advocate, including as Mayor of Santa Cruz, California. Cynthia highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of justice-involved women and uncovering the stories that challenge societal perceptions.

Jenifer McShane never planned on becoming an award-winning independent filmmaker, but life had other plans. From her early work on 'A Leap of Faith', narrated by Liam Neeson, to her latest Netflix documentary, 'The Quilters', Jenifer shares her journey of storytelling that humanizes those behind both literal and figurative bars. But it is at the Missouri South Central Correctional Center, a Level 5 State Prison, where Jenifer explores the transformative power of art, the importance of empathy, and the stories that challenge our perceptions of justice and redemption, while bridging the gap between society and the incarcerated.

Lara Love Hardin is a NY Times best-selling author, including a 2024 Oprah Book Club pick, a 5-time NY Times bestselling collaborative author, a literary agent, a Mother, and a prison reform advocate. She's also a former addict and justice-involved individual. Lara's memoir, The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing, is the transformational story of her life, her experiences with the criminal justice system, and the stigma surrounding addiction. While her story contains notes of "Wild", "Orange is the New Black", and "Catch Me If You Can", it is the power of storytelling that offered her a means of healing and forgiveness, because as she says, "I want to do what's true to me".

In Episode 117, Sheriff Brad Burkhart inspired us with his commitment to help those justice-impacted individuals under his watch return to their communities with a new lease on life. In this episode, we return to Hancock County, Indiana, to meet jail navigator Crystal Petty and former jail resident Danielle Brashear as they discuss the innovative programs implemented at the Hancock County Jail, from education and rehabilitation to reducing recidivism, AND saving Hancock County millions of dollars! Danielle also shares her powerful story of overcoming addiction, regaining her son, and finding her purpose. Her transparency highlights the importance of support systems and community involvement in fostering change, and Danielle is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for redemption.,

Drawing from his upbringing on an Indiana farm, Sheriff Brad Burkhart's philosophy is grounded in the idea of "planting seeds of hope and opportunity" for those incarcerated individuals under his watch in Hancock County. With over 38 years of experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Burkhart shares his journey and has seen firsthand that in corrections, there is a need to prepare the ground for individuals to grow and thrive, just like the seeds he planted as a young farm boy. One such preparation is the utilization of the Orijin tablets, which provide incarcerated individuals access to educational resources and vocational training, thus fostering hope and opportunity. It is the transformative power of the tablet initiative, along with other programs behind the wall, that is creating a positive impact and reducing recidivism in the Hancock County community.

There aren't many people who can transition from incarceration for a white-collar crime to CEO of an established educational nonprofit, but then again, Jeff Abramowitz is unlike most people you'll ever meet. As CEO of the critically acclaimed Petey Green Program, Jeff discusses the transformative power of education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, a firsthand experience he gained when going from a successful trial lawyer to incarceration for a white collar crime. It was that experience, behind the wall, that shaped his commitment, upon his release, to helping others overcome the challenges of reentry into society. Tune in to hear Jeff talk about the importance of understanding choices, the impact of educational programs, and how to break the cycle of poverty and incarceration.

In Franklin County, Massachusetts, Sheriff Lori Streeter may be the newest female Sheriff in Massachusetts. She joins Sheriff Donna Buckley of Barnstable County as one of two female Sheriffs across the Commonwealth, but Sheriff Streeter is also the first female Sheriff to be appointed, in her County by the Governor. (She takes over for Sheriff Donelan, who retired early.) With over 35 years of experience in the Franklin County Sheriff's office, Sheriff Streeter shares her climb up the proverbial ladder, from correctional officer to Sheriff, her passion for the job, the challenges she faced during her appointment to Sheriff, and her vision for the future of the office. Listen in to hear her talk about the importance of community relationships, the innovative programs for incarcerated individuals that she will continue to support and grow, and the significance of having women in leadership roles within law enforcement.

Upon driving into the State of Maine there is a sign that reads, 'WELCOME TO MAINE, THE WAY LIFE SHOULD BE'. For thirty-eight years, Kevin Joyce, the current Sheriff of Cumberland County, Maine, has made it his mission to ensure that his county, which includes the city of Portland, Maine, lives up to its state motto. While the State of Maine, in general, is considered rural, Cumberland County is a blend of cities, towns, and the second-largest and deepest lake in the state. This combination offers its own unique challenges and responsibilities for Sheriff Joyce and his law enforcement team. From the intricacies of managing a large jail population, to the impact of mental health and substance use on the Maine justice system, and the importance of community engagement, Sheriff Joyce is still as passionate about his mission and the people under his watch, both outside and behind the wall, as he was thirty-eight years ago.