Track Change

As four men are held in a Virginia jail, they record an album to chronicle their efforts to break free from an oppressive cycle of addiction and incarceration. In each music-infused episode of this documentary series, host and trailblazing hip-hop artist Speech Thomas meets a musician at a crossroads in their uphill struggle for freedom, learns what brought them to this inflection point, and helps them record a song that captures this critical moment in their life. From soulful country to fiery hip-hop and haunting R&B, this music affirms the lives of people who are written off by society. And amidst a re-entry crisis afflicting millions of Americans every year, these intimate stories from behind the walls of a local jail ask: What does it take to rebuild a life after incarceration?

Episodes

Intro: Welcome to Track Change

April 8, 2024 • 2 mins

From a studio inside the walls of Richmond City Jail in Virginia, hear the soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoice...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

01. I Wrote This to Inspire

April 17, 2024 • 30 mins

Recently freed from a state prison, rap prodigy Teddy navigates the enormity of landing a job, healing from childhood trauma, and staying sober all at the same time.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more about sponsor messag...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

02. I Know I'm Getting Stronger

April 24, 2024 • 29 mins

While awaiting his court date, country singer-songwriter Garland reckons with his own choices and tries to lay down a stronger foundation with his girlfriend, Kelly.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more about sponsor messag...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

03. I'm Tired of Recidivism

May 1, 2024 • 26 mins

Struggling to keep up with his rehabilitation program, amateur rapper Anthony confronts the damage done by an entire life spent fighting for survival.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podc...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

04. I Gotta Break These Chains

May 8, 2024 • 28 mins

With his release from jail just weeks away, hip-hop musician Devonte does everything he can to balance the love he has for his family against the big risks that come with their history.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

Learn more ...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

05. Before the Miracle Happens

May 15, 2024 • 37 mins

Seven years after the REAL program left the Richmond city jail, Speech shares what's happened to the men he made music with — and reflects on what it takes to solve the nationwide re-entry crisis that they're grappling with.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast spon...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Track Change Presents: "I'm Somebody's Hero" from Uncuffed and KALW Public Radio

May 22, 2024 • 41 mins

Growing up, Thanh Tran never felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care system, was in and out of juvenile hall as a teenager, and went to prison at 18. Just over a decade later, he got what he had been working toward for years: freedom. This record of Thanh's journey comes from Uncuffed, an audio storytelling program based out of California's San Quentin and Solano State prisons.

To manage podcast ad...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Track Change Presents "Inside Music" from Ear Hustle

August 28, 2024 • 44 mins

Every season, Ear Hustle highlights the amazing music written by and performed by men inside San Quentin. This time music gets its due: a full episode, offering everything from rap, rock, jazz and soul, to something special from the Mexican Nationals Band, to an unexpected collaboration.

To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use ...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Introducing the American Storytelling collection

February 10, 2026 • 1 min

What does it mean to be an American? There’s no one way. At NPR, we think of the American identity as a story - one that's always being rewritten by the people who live it. The American Storytelling collection gathers stories from local stations across the NPR Network - from small town struggles, to natural phenomena, to the intricate histories that build the constantly-evolving tale of our nation. These are our biggest li...

Listen

Watch

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

Hey Jonas!

Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

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

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.

The MeatEater Podcast

Building on the belief that a deeper understanding of the natural world enriches all of our lives, host Steven Rinella brings an in-depth and relevant look at all outdoor topics including hunting, fishing, nature, conservation, and wild foods. Filled with humor, irreverence, and things that will surprise the hell out of you, each episode welcomes a diverse group of guests who add their own expertise to the vast world of the outdoors. Part of The MeatEater Podcast Network.