In this episode, Rick talks shop about prison politics, policies, and justice. He explores an ostracized childhood full of art and culture, and what it means to him to have raised himself out of childhood while inside, He shows us the anxiety of reentry and strategies that can help in becoming: your own therapist, your … 208 – Who Are We, as a Nation? Read More »

While We Were Away

208 – Who Are We, as a Nation?

In this episode, Scary discusses the small, strange privileges of returning home, from attending a funeral to being able to lock a door. He builds an argument for his zen mentality, pointing out that there is little in the world outside that is as upsetting as life inside prison. Finally, he grapples with some of … 207 – The Other Shoe Read More »

207 – The Other Shoe

In this episode, AyLaina describes the miracle of her family, past and present, and gives advice on how to hold down and advance in a job. She journeys through the multiple roles she has held as a woman, mother, daredevil, poet, wife, and formerly incarcerated person. Each has come with particular stigmas, and their intersection … 206 – Masks Read More »

206 – Masks

In this episode, Kevin’s ambition and positive outlook shines. He talks about his lowest points, experiencing homelessness and working four jobs in a strange city. These experiences strongly informed Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit. He walks us through his upbringing, from his fraught relationship with his parents to his struggles with ADD. Cycling in and out of … 205 – Good Vibrations Read More »

205 – Good Vibrations

In this episode, Hazelette tells stories of her daughter’s adoption and the life she’s been able to lead since coming home over 30 years ago. Every decision was guided by her God, and it has led her to great joy; Hazelette talks about her passion for spiritual music and her identity as a singer, and … 204 – Who Wouldn’t Serve a God Like That Read More »

204 – Who Wouldn’t Serve a God Like That

In this episode, Alan shares his love for art with his Anishinaabe community. He describes his various encounters with the police since coming home, and talks about the joys of tinkering with his new house. A master of all trades, Alan weaves his time inside, the native community, children, his dog and the police together … 203 – Tribe Read More »

203 – Tribe

In this episode, Romando discusses what it means to be somebody, inside and outside the walls. He advises those coming home and their families to communicate clearly about their needs. He tells us the story of his arrest as a veteran suffering from PTSD, and his decision to cut off his addictions while incarcerated. Maltreatment … 202 – Mr. and Ms. So-and-So Read More »

202 – Mr. and Ms. So-and-So

In this episode, Toni talks to women and survivors everywhere. She shares what she has learned about trauma and informed practices of healing and dealing with triggers. She advises fellow survivors on how to focus on themselves and speaks directly to her daughter, discussing who she wants to be as a mother and the hope … 201 – To All My Sisters Read More »

201 – To All My Sisters

In this episode, Asia reflects on the ways in which life outside can sometimes feel like incarceration all over again. Despite her struggle to find housing, she relishes in the freedom of being untethered—to place or person—and speaks of the hope she feels in the air when she writes for social change.

108 – A Part of Everybody’s Movement

In this episode, Jonathan wrestles with the notion of “telling”–whether to reveal his past, and the effects of that on his present relationships. He speaks of his dogged persistence in getting to where he is today, from saving money by riding a bike to teaching himself coding from textbooks. Through all this shines his gratitude … 107 – It Wasn’t For Nothing Read More »

107 – It Wasn’t For Nothing

In this episode, Martin paints his world with words, describing his life now as a sanctuary and a gift. He shares the story of his marriage and its connection to the incredible personal transformation he worked through in preparation to come home. From growing up inside the carceral state to bucking peer pressure and living … 106 – A Good, Normal Person Read More »

106 – A Good, Normal Person

In this episode, Billy describes the difficulty of repairing her relationship with her daughter. She also speaks of her quest to make reparations through her addiction counseling services, and talks about the discrimination she’s survived since coming home using skills she learned on the inside.

105 – A Woman, A Warrior, A Survivor

In this episode, Aaron guides us through his journey home using food as a metaphor, from his time inside to his first jobs as a line cook, to his two stone fire pizza ovens at home now. He laughs off stories of social snafu from his first months out and provides addiction-specific advice for colleagues … 104 – I Just Laugh Read More »

104 – I Just Laugh

In this episode, Aaron candidly considers the psycho-emotional effects of reentry on the brain, body, and soul. He recounts his quest for emotional intelligence and its effects on his marriage, and how education became his job. Finally, he shares some tips to help those inside prepare for reentry.

103 – From the Desert to the Ocean

In this episode, Cozine traces the influence of his upbringing on his identity and shares his love of learning. Part of his learning growth on the outside is in self definition: though he shares with us music, poetry, and modern physics, he doesn’t yet know who he is–or which friends are around to stay. Cozine … 102 – Transient People Read More »

102 – Transient People

While We Were Away is a podcast by formerly incarcerated people, for formerly incarcerated people—and those who are preparing to transition out of incarceration. This podcast follows the stories of community members who have invited us to share in their moments of joy, sorrow, and learning upon coming home.

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While We Were Away

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