Life on the Outside

Latest Episodes:

Mother California May 14, 2019

Show notes

Kenneth Hartman is a prolific writer and author of two books, including Mother California, which he wrote while serving a 'life-without-the-possibility-of-parole' sentence in the California prison system. After 38 years, Mr. Hartman was commuted by Governor Brown and released from prison. In Episode 10 he shares the feeling of putting his feet in the ocean for the first time in almost 4 decades, reconnecting with his daughter on the outside, and why his personal success in the free world is indelibly tied to the fate of over 5,000 men and women still serving 'life-without' sentences.

Made of Clay Apr 07, 2019

Show notes

In Episode 9 we hear from the poetic Robert Crain who served 12 years on a 15 year sentence. He talks about the power of empathy, race politics in prison, and the ways in which people assume patterns where patterns do not exist.

Bulletproof Mar 08, 2019

Show notes

Ben once thought he was bulletproof. But then he committed his crime and got sentenced to life in prison as a juvenile. He'll admit, there were good times in prison. He made friends and during the holidays they would gather to prepare meals in his cell. But nothing compares to the freedom he has today and there is no where he'd rather be than living his life on the outside.

The Work Dec 22, 2018

Show notes

Cesar spent 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. To earn his freedom, he accepted responsibility for other parts of his gang lifestyle and found deep insights into his childhood that helped shed light on why he took the path he did. Today, Cesar works for the Hope & Redemption Team under the Anti-Recidivism Coalition based in Downtown LA. As part if his work he travels to prisons throughout the state speaking with other lifers who seek guidance, hope, and support as they begin their journey towards transformation and ultimately, freedom as well.

Dressed in Freedom Nov 01, 2018

Show notes

It took the first ten years of Je'Anna's 30-year prison sentence for her to finally want to make a change in her life. First her peers noticed, then the Correctional Officers, and finally the California Parole Board. Je'Anna was found suitable for parole in 2017 and released this past February after 3 decades of incarceration. In Episode 6, Je'Anna and Lucy sit in a park and talk about reentry, remorse, and the rewards of perseverance.

Prayed You Home Sep 22, 2018

Show notes

James spent 29 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Was he bitter? At first yes, he says. But he found a way to make the best out of a bad situation. He took college classes, played sports, and signed up for all the self-help classes he could. As the years went by James maintained his truth: innocence.

The Dream Aug 03, 2018

Show notes

Fred Price served 26 years in the California Prison System. When he went in, in 1991, he was known as 'Magic Man' and had heavy gang ties. Seventeen years into his sentence he had a dream on night. This dream changed his life and would be the beginning of a fresh start.

Shadows Jun 07, 2018

Show notes

Thurston spent 37 years in prison for first-degree murder. When he gets out on December 31st, 2014, he sees shadows. Is freedom everything he expected? It is. But there's also a dark side.

Sam I Was Feb 14, 2018

Show notes

Sammy was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole in 1991 after being convicted of first-degree murder. He's home now, almost a year into his reentry, and cannot stop looking at the trees. There are no trees in prison. As he navigates this new world we listen to some of his joys, fears, and the deep gratitude he feels to finally be home.

Fish out of Water Jan 03, 2018

Show notes

In this first episode Eric takes us through his experience of getting out of prison after almost four decades of incarceration. He paroles to downtown Los Angeles, where he is left to find his way in an unknown city and rebuild his life...from scratch.

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