After a high-profile conviction for insider trading, finding employment after custody was a challenge for Joseph Lauren. He was handicapped both by a criminal record and a significant presence on google searches. This led to a change of name, starting his own consulting company, and "Collared" a documentary about his crime. Joseph shares with us his journey to earn a living, experiences in prison, and advice for others on how to make it after prison.

Joseph Lauren was rare among federal prisoners having been convicted of a white collar crime. Little did he know the challenges he would face in the prison system and afterwards trying to secure housing and find employment with a criminal record. In this episode, he tells us about the unforeseen consequences of his crime for others, his experiences with the correctional system, his challenges finding housing after custody and his current involvement with Restorative Justice Housing Ontario.

Renford Farrier, a prisoner at Donnacona Maximum Security Institution in Quebec, describes how gas and rubber bullets were used to quell a protest by prisoners on April 20, 2020. He explains how the usual protocols of discussion and de-escalation were not followed before force was used on men who were posing no risk to the correctional officers. He questions why he was shot in the leg when he was complying with instructions and leaving his cell with his hands in the air telling them not to shoot. Discussed are the rising tensions behind bars due to the extended periods in cells, limited access to families, activities, programs and routine.

In this episode, Garry talks more about his early funding from the Anglican Church, communities welcoming prisoners as a support to successful reintegration, and restorative justice. He stresses the importance of inreach into prisons and discharge planning. Many shout outs to those organizations (churches, CSC, provincial corrections and prison that gave Garry an office inside the prison), companies (Moores, Boston Pizza), and individuals (MP Bragdon for PMB seeking a federal framework for reintegration and Dr. Ujjainwalla) and all of those who help former prisoners return to communities.

There has been an alarming rate of increase in federal prisoners infected with COVID-19 at Mission Medium Institution. From April 10 to 11th, the reported confirmed cases of the virus rose from 25 to 35 prisoners, a 40% increase, with 5 prisoners being transported to a local hospital. Other federal prisons in Quebec and Ontario are also reporting COVID-19 among the staff and prisoners. Why was the federal government so slow to follow the advice of epidemiologists and safely reduce the number of prisoners? Why has there been so few prisoners actually tested for the virus? What is being done now to protect them and the community from COVID-19; and what further steps could be taken?

Leaving his own conflicts with the law long behind, Garry found meaning in helping people leave custody and return to their communities. With decades of experience and his gruff yet caring style, Garry seems to have found a winning formula. With $100,000 of funding, remarkably he kept 28 former prisoners housed and employed for a year. Now retired, Garry is at University studying criminology but we could all be learning from Garry.

Former Port Cartier prisoner, Lawrence Da Silva, provides insights into prison life at that maximum federal institution and advises on how prisoners there could be better protected.

Have you ever been convicted of a crime for which you have not received a pardon? An innocuous question on most job applications unless of course you’re someone who has to check the box marked yes. A virtual brick wall for former prisoners seeking employment.

For many the strategy turns toward self-employment and entrepreneurship, betting on oneself when no one else will. In this episode, Emily O’Brien takes us through the opportunities that entrepreneurship and self-employment can offer.