Host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, had a powerful conversation with Jeff Deskovic and Eliseo DeLeon about their exonerations. Both individuals bravely share their stories of wrongful conviction, their time in prison, and their lives since returning home.  

Support the show

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Access to safe, stable and affordable housing is crucial in one’s reentry journey. In this episode, JoAnne Page, Fortune’s former President and CEO, spoke with Founder David Rothenberg about the organization’s dedication to connecting participants with housing after incarceration. Two Fortune participants and former residents of Fortune’s Emergency and Transitional Supportive housing program, the Fortune Academy, also share their experiences transitioning home after incarceration.  

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, sat down with Dr. Ronald Day, Chief Operating Officer at Fortune, and Reggie Chatman, Director of Policy for the David Rothenberg Center for Public Policy, to discuss their remarkable educational journeys during incarceration. Both Ronald and Reggie shared how pursuing higher education in prison opened new doors of opportunity and helped foster their personal growth. This powerful conversation highlights the life-changing impact of education for individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. 

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

The carceral system, as we know it, is not designed to support the rehabilitation of system-involved individuals. It is a costly system, costing taxpayers millions of dollars, and ultimately continues the cycle of incarceration for those who most need support. At The Fortune Society, our Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program directly interrupts this cycle by addressing the overlapping needs of system-impacted people. Fortune’s Deputy CEO, Rob DeLeon, and Director of the ATI program, Alex Mitchell, spoke with Founder, David Rothenberg, about the value of investing in community-based programs. 

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Amanda Cruz and Vilma Ortiz-Donovan spoke with host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, about the unique experiences of women impacted by the criminal legal system. Amanda and Vilma reflect on their time in incarceration, the emotional struggle of worrying about children and relationships as a mother in prison and rebuilding after incarceration. 

More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.org

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Hear the powerful story of Puerto Rican activist, journalist and poet, Felipe Luciano. In a conversation with host and Founder of The Fortune Society, David Rothenberg, Felipe reflects on life growing up in New York City, The Last Poets, and his work as an activist in his community.  

More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.org 

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler

Many individuals impacted by the criminal legal system were first introduced to the system at an early age. Known as “systems babies,” people like Barry Campbell and Casimiro Torres face hardships that lead them to incarceration, starting from foster care, to jail and then prison. In this episode, Barry and Casimiro share their stories growing up in the system.  

More about The Fortune Society: fortunesociety.org 

Support the show

The Reentry Reality Check is made possible by The Fortune Society and Blustone Studios.

Hosted by David Rothenberg

Engineering and producing by John Runowicz

Editing by Kendall Shepard

Intro song, "Water for My Journey," by Greg Doughty

Outro song, "Gimme One More Chance," by Richard Hoehler