Death is a normal part of life in prison, but it’s rare that someone can live to tell the tale. Wilbert Stoneham dropped to the floor one day after a cardiac arrest. He awoke to realize he was being brought back to life by a guard who was once his nemesis. How a near-death experience can change your perspective on everything, including someone you despised.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

California's prison population is aging. Between 2000 and 2017, the share of incarcerated people over 50 has more than quintupled. For those with long or life sentences, watching friends aging and getting sick behind bars is a harsh reminder of what a life sentence can really mean.

On this episode of Uncuffed, we hear the story of someone who deals with his many ailments with a good dose of humor, and the help of a compassionate caretaker–his cellie.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

One of the many struggles of parenting from inside prison is the constant fear that your children may follow in your footsteps. Children of incarcerated parents are more likely to get in trouble at school, lack stable housing, and end up involved in the criminal legal system themselves. And breaking those cycles is not easy, especially when contact with your children is limited.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Letter writing is an art, and the Uncuffed producers at San Quentin State Prison know that very well. At the height of the pandemic, after weeks of constant lockdowns, one of the only thing to do was write letters to friends and family.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

In June 2020, San Quentin had one of the biggest COVID-19 outbreaks in a California prison. 2,000 incarcerated people were infected, and 29 died. Two cellmates recount what it was like during that devastating time.

Thanks to Mourning Our Losses for the names of those who died of COVID at San Quentin. www.mourningourlosses.org.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

It's been a wild couple of years, and in California prisons, it was no different. We experienced lockdowns and quarantines, death, friendship, and love. Get ready for a brand new season of Uncuffed!This season, we'll hear about how some unexpected letters during the pandemic changed everything for a family divided. We'll listen up close as some our friends take big life steps, and others finally get their freedom. And always, we'll continue to bring you deep conversations about our lives inside San Quentin and Solano State Prisons.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Tommy "Shakur" Ross has been incarcerated for over 36 years. In those decades, he's experienced a lifetime of transformation. He discovered Islam, helped found a radio program, got a college degree, and embraced restorative justice. And a few months ago he was found suitable for parole. But getting to this moment has also been a roller coaster ride. And it's not quite over yet. On the newest Uncuffed episode, we'll hear about the twists and turns of Shakur's long parole journey and how his change has influenced others around him.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

After over 20 years of incarceration, Uncuffed producer Nate McKinney is going home. Like other lifers in the system, he could have been incarcerated for life. But recently, the Board of Parole Hearings found him suitable to re-enter society. In today's episode, stories of facing the board — and wishes for a friend heading back into the big wide world.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

After serving a sentence in prison, re-entry into the free world can come with complicated feelings and experiences – especially when release comes in the middle of a global pandemic.

Uncuffed producers Chanthon Bun and Joe Kirk were both released in 2020 and are still adjusting to life after prison. Kirk spent time in the shelter system, and Bun has a deportation order hanging over his head. But despite their struggles, they both find meaning in helping others, and fighting for change.

In this episode: stories about what happens when you get out of prison. And, the Uncuffed producers at Solano State Prison talk about their own concerns and dreams for when they are released.

Subscribe to Uncuffed at www.weareuncuffed.org

For most of us in prisons, the pandemic has meant a year of even more restrictions than usual. No in-person visits, and months without classes or groups. To deal with that isolation, a lot of us turned to music. So today, we’re talking about the songs that kept our spirits up through the year. We hope they do the same for you. Check out our playlist on Spotify to enjoy these songs on their own: bit.ly/UncuffedPlaylist. Learn about Uncuffed at WeAreUncuffed.org.