Prison: The Hidden Sentence Podcast

Prison: The Hidden Sentence Podcast

Welcome. The purpose of this podcast and it's blog is to help educate and empower those who have or had a loved one in prison. Raising awareness one story at a time. Did you know that the chances are very high that someone you know has had a loved one incarcerated? Or maybe you are part of the millions of people in the US population who has had a loved one in the prison system? This Podcast is for you. Indirectly we are all affected, and if you have a loved one in prison you are probably doing the time even though you committed no crime. This is the hidden sentence that nobody talks about. The sentence does not end once your loved one is released either. Depending on the type of release he or she may still need to deal with probation or parole which carries its own set of regulations. So the prison issue continues for an indeterminable about of time. Prison: The Hidden Sentence is about those friends and family members on the outside.

Episodes

September 30, 2025 41 mins

Incarceration doesn’t just impact the person behind bars—it affects entire families. In Part 1 of this powerful conversation, Mark Wilson shares the beginning of his journey through addiction, incarceration, and the ripple effects it had on his loved ones. As he faced the consequences of his act...

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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Natasha Blakely, Training and Engagement Specialist at Project Avary, to explore the impact of incarceration on children and families. Natasha shares her personal journey and the purpose that drives her work supporting youth with incarcerated parents. I...

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Incarceration may have ended, but the journey is far from over. In this powerful episode, we continue the story of Jane—now joined by her son, Anthony, who has recently come home after years in prison. Together, they share what life has been like since his release, offering an honest look at the emotional, relational, and practical challenges of reentry. From rebuild...

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Prison forever changed Jane’s world when her son was arrested and sentenced. In Part 1 of this two-part podcast, we’re honored to share her powerful story. Jane is a devoted mother and fierce advocate for her incarcerated son, and instead of staying silent, she chose to speak out. She opens up about the emotional impact of her son’s incarceration, the struggles she’s...

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Sentenced to life in prison as a teenager, Kyle Hedquist defied the odds. Hear his incredible journey from a life sentence to freedom and how he's now driving change in state policy. In 2022, Governor Brown commuted his sentence, and he was released just 20 days later. Now, nearly two years on, Kyle is driving change in state policy with incredible passion. Tune in t...

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Edgar Barens' Academy Award-nominated documentary, “Prison Terminal”, has been viewed in over 60 prisons and 80 educational institutions. His unique talent for turning large-scale issues into personal, deeply humane stories. We’ll explore his mission: documenting a groundbreaking prisoner-run ho...

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Destinee and Mario Redding's remarkable love story endured and flourished through the challenges of Mario's 17-year incarceration. In this powerful episode, they share their journey of Love Incarceration, resilience, and the strengt...

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Leslie Ann Turner is a powerful voice in the fight for change, working tirelessly to dismantle mass incarceration and uplift marginalized communities. As a devoted mother, dynamic community organizer, and co-director of the Mass Liberation Project in Nevada, Leslie is on the frontlines advocatin...

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In this episode, we delve into the transformative work of Kate Feigen, a dedicated leader at the Prison Monastery, where she helps incarcerated individuals cultivate more intentional and meaningful lives. Through their program, The Art of Soulmaking, Kate and her team guide those behind bars on a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and personal liberation. B...

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In this episode, we welcome Ron and Catherine Tijerina, the visionary founders of The RIDGE Project. As co-executive directors, they lead a national nonprofit organization and the international TYRO curricula, both dedicated to supporting families affected by incarceration. The Ridge Project offers a range of services, including direct support, family day events, youth programs, case management, and professional development.


Ron...

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In this episode, Jim Cox from Ashland University joins us to share eye-opening insights into their transformative educational programs for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Discover compelling stories of resilience and success, learn how education can reduce recidivism, and understand the powerful impact these programs have on individuals and society. This inspiring conversation reveals how education can be a cata...

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Welcome to the Prison: The Hidden Sentence podcast, where today we are going to explore the transformative impact of empowering today's youth. In this episode, Sheree Corniel shares her story with podcast host, Julia Lazareck. When Sheree's siblings were incarcerated, she began questioning the criminal justice system at an early age, which led to her working within it for many years. During this time, sh...

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Join Kayla Victor, the Chair of the Connecting for Justice International Conference, and Julia Lazareck, founder of Prison The Hidden Sentence and president of Prison Families Alliance, as they discuss the significance of this year's event, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories and gaini...

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March 1, 2024 36 mins

The bars only physically separate a person from his family, but family bonds go beyond bars. In this heartfelt podcast episode, join Ashley as she opens up about the profound changes that ensued when her husband became incarcerated, affecting not only her but also her four children. Ashley candidly shares her journey – from the initial discovery to navigating the ...

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Incarceration can take away hope's wings, but a helping hand can mend them, allowing hope to soar again. In this compelling episode, join us on a journey through over five decades of unwavering advocacy with Barbara Allan and David Rothenberg. Discover the inspiring story of their transformative efforts, leaving an indelible ...

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The primary mission of the Prison Families Alliance (PFA) is to elevate awareness about the far-reaching effects of incarceration on families and communities and to support those on the outside who have loved ones in the carceral system. In this podcast, you'll hear from guests who share their experiences and innovative approaches to supporting individuals who navigate the holidays with an incarcerated loved one. Listen in as a coa...

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Julia Lazareck is the founder of Prison: The Hidden Sentence and co-founder of Prison Families Alliance along with co-founder Barbara Allan. They are both passionate about supporting anyone who has a loved one in the carceral system and raising awareness about the effects of incarceration on families and communities You can find their must-read books on Amazon, for anyone with children or a loved one in the carceral system.

 

Dr...

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Julia Lazareck is the founder of Prison: The Hidden Sentence and co-founder of Prison Families Alliance along with co-founder Barbara Allan. They are both passionate about supporting anyone who has a loved one in the carceral system and raising awareness about the effects of incarceration on families and communities You can find their must-read books on Amazon, for anyone with children or a loved one in the carceral system. Drawing...

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Kids don’t have to be bad, have bad parents, or live in bad homes to suffer mental health breakdowns, addiction, or incarceration. Everything can change instantly. If it has happened to your family, you know the feeling of losing control and the emotional chaos that comes with it. Lorri Britt, the author of My Heart Behind Bars, said that she felt shame, guilt, and loneliness when her two boys ...

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Sometimes a person needs to hear hard truths to change.” - Michael Liebowitz.

 

In Part 1, Michael shared his journey to rehabilitation while incarcerated for 25 years. He had prepared for the day of his release from prison for many years. In this second part of his con...

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