Episode 5 of Voices of the System features Dennis Cangiarella, whose journey through the criminal justice system reveals both its complexities and its human impact. After being sentenced to 15–30 years following a traumatic period in his life, Dennis made a pivotal decision behind prison walls: he would not let his circumstances define him. Instead, he spent years in the law library teaching himself post-conviction law, driven first by a desire to challenge his own sentence, and ultimately by a deeper purpose to help others.

In this episode, Dennis shares the story behind his incarceration, the mental and emotional factors that shaped his case, and the realities of navigating the legal system from the inside. He reflects on how learning the law transformed his life while also helping bring people home after decades behind bars.

Now working as a legal assistant in Philadelphia, Dennis continues to use his self-taught expertise to make a real impact. His story is one of accountability, resilience, and second chances. He is proof that even in the most difficult circumstances, it’s possible to find purpose and create change.

Episode 5 of Voices of the System features Dennis Cangiarella, whose journey from nearly two decades of incarceration to becoming a self-taught legal advocate is nothing short of powerful. While in prison, Dennis immersed himself in the law and now uses his extensive knowledge to support attorneys and help currently incarcerated individuals better understand their cases and fight for their rights. His story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the idea that your circumstances don’t have to define your future, rather, they can fuel it.

In this episode of Voices of the System, we sit down with Kristin Kline, founder of Convicted Comeback, an organization dedicated to empowering incarcerated women through fitness, mindset, and personal growth. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful movement helping women rediscover their strength, both physically and mentally.

Kristin shares the inspiration behind Convicted Comeback, the challenges of bringing programming into correctional facilities, and the deeply human moments that continue to drive her mission forward. 

This conversation explores the impact of second chances, the importance of support and community, and what it truly means to take ownership of your story. It’s a powerful reminder that transformation is possible anywhere.

In this trailer for Voices of the System episode 4, Kristin Kline discusses the journey that lead her to found Convicted Comeback, an organization transforming the lives of incarcerated women through fitness and empowerment. Tune in as she shares how her own experience in prison transformed her life and made her want to use movement as a tool for healing and confidence as well as help incarcerated women take back control of their story.

Episode 4 of Voices of the System, The Convicted Comeback Story: Kristin Kline on Reclaiming Your Power Behind Bars, comes out on March 25th at 12pm EST.

In Episode 3 Part 2 of Voices of the System, we continue our conversation with the Yates family. Additionally, we speak with Claire Liepert of Healing Justice, a one-of-a-kind organization that connects victims and survivors with wrongful convicts. 

The Yates family delves into the conversations they had with the individuals convicted of killing Marcus Yates. They come to learn that in 1988, the tragic events surrounding the deadly shooting were nothing like what they were told by law enforcement. For decades, an innocent man has been in prison for murder. Grappling with that reality, the Yates family chooses forgiveness and starts on a long journey to justice. 

Episode 3 Part 2 shows the harsh realities of law enforcement and the lengths they will go to for a conviction. Simultaneously, it illustrates how conversation, connection and care can right wrongs.

In Episode 3 Part 1 of Voices of the System, we sit down with the Yates family — Bryan and Rochelle Whittington, Malcolm Yates, Anthony (Tony) Yates, and Tanisha Yates — for a deeply moving conversation about unimaginable loss, radical forgiveness, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

In 1988, the family’s life was forever changed when two young boys were shot at a neighborhood candy store. In this episode, Rochelle Whittington shares the moment she learned her sons had been shot — a moment no parent should ever have to endure. What followed was grief that could have hardened any heart.

But the Yates family chose a different path.

Grounded in faith and a belief in the power of forgiveness, they made the extraordinary decision to get to know the individuals convicted of the crime. Through that process, they uncovered a unimaginable truth.

Episode 3 Part 1 is a powerful testament to resilience, faith, and the belief that even in the wake of profound injustice, healing and purpose are possible.

In this trailer for episode 3 part 1 of Voices of the System, Rochelle Whittington recounts the moment her world shattered: learning that two of her young sons had been shot at a neighborhood candy store. What followed could have been a lifetime defined solely by grief and anger. Instead, the Yates family chose a different path.

Driven by faith and a belief in forgiveness, they did the unthinkable — they got to know the individuals convicted of the crime. Through that process, they uncovered a devastating truth: one of the people imprisoned was not guilty.

David Garlock is a formerly incarcerated advocate and reentry expert who has turned his lived experience into powerful work for criminal justice reform. He was incarcerated after taking the life of his abuser and served more than 13 years in an Alabama prison before being released on parole. Since coming home, David earned his bachelor’s degree and has been deeply involved in advocacy around sentencing reform, reentry, and education behind prison walls. He’s worked in reentry program leadership, serves on multiple national and state boards, and is currently a research fellow with Yale and Columbia Universities.

On episode two of Voices of the System, David joins us to share his story, his work, and what real rehabilitation and second chances can look like.

Behind prison walls, medical care is often neglected, delayed, or denied entirely. In this episode of Voices of the System, former SCI Graterford nurse and current Pennsylvania Prison Society volunteer Peggy Beauchesne shares what incarcerated individuals endure when it comes to healthcare, and the human cost of a deeply unjust system. Peggy shares the traumatic experiences of inmates, which she witnessed firsthand, as well as human stories of resilience and hope. She reminds us that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and care.  

Take a peek inside the Voices of the System podcast very first episode — Inside the System: Medical Care, Human Stories, and Prison Reality with nurse and PA Prison Society volunteer Peggy Beauchesne.