Relationships with people in the outside world are essential for maintaining hope, working towards rehabilitation, and reducing recidivism. Letters, emails, and in-person visits from friends and family bring a shred of humanity to an otherwise inhumane environment. In Sterling's case, he found a pen pal that would become very dear to his heart. And in writing, he began to express himself in a way that people would finally listen.
To see Sterling’s transformation unfold through pictures and stories watch Turning Points. Watch Sterling perform in the award-winning play, The Bucket.
This episode includes a description of suicide ideation about 8 minutes into the program. Listener discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts, please call 988. That’s the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, 988.
To watch our companion videos, read the transcripts, and to see our complete show notes with media links, sources, and references please visit our website: www.cellblockstomountaintops.com
Featured in this episode:
Cheryl Cunio
Sterling Cunio
Lauren Kessler, teaches Storytelling for Social Change at University of Washington, former writing teacher at Oregon State Penitentiary, author of 15 books including A Grip of Time and Free, Two Years, Six Lives and the Long Journey Home, both of which feature Sterling Cunio.
Performers in *The Bucket:* Troy Ramsey, Key Davis, Ben Pervish
Becca Stevens, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter
Antonio Sánchez, 4x Grammy Winner, Film Composer of 2014 Best Picture Winner, “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
Thana Alexa - Grammy-nominated vocalist, composer, arranger and producer. She performs a portion of The Bucket in this episode.
Companion Videos for this Episode:
Video 4A - Turning Points
Video 4B - *Excerpts from The Bucket*
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!