Life on the Outside

It Was All A Dream Jun 19, 2022

Jesse remembers being the holding tank in his dress outs, waiting to be released from prison after 11 years of incarceration. He was black pants, a white tee-shirt and Vans. Some guys parole in suits, he says, but that didn't feel like his style. When he finally stepped out of the bus, tons of people were waiting to greet him. Thirty-something people were holding up signs for Jesse to welcome him home. It's been a few months now and in this episode, Jesse reflects on his release and travels back to the moment he heard what his sentence would be.

LOLA PART I Nov 03, 2021

Diane spent 27 years in a men's prison, as a woman. Now she is out and finding her way in a world that is much different than the one she left behind nearly three decades earlier.

Moral Compass Part II Oct 13, 2021

Duncan's journey continues down a long and winding road through the California prison system. How did he get there? And what did he do to get out? Listen here.

Moral Compass Part I Oct 04, 2021

Duncan was on the run for 4 years before he was finally caught. After being convicted to life in prison, without parole, Duncan decided to get on a path to change his life. Why did he run for so long? And is he still running from something?

The Journey Part II Jun 08, 2021

Xanar continues recounting his journey through the California prison system. His commitment to change led to his freedom, but as Xanar explains it, he was free long before he was let out of prison.

The Journey May 14, 2021

Xanar was party of a party crew in South Los Angeles in the 1990s. They through underground parties with the hottest DJs and a swag and style that was unmatched. But things took a turn when Xanar found himself guilty of murder and facing the death penalty. Xanar is out of prison today, after entering the system at 19 years old and returning 23 years later.

Girl Next Door Apr 23, 2021

Lisa James served over 20 years in prison for murder. From the time she went in, to the day she got out, Lisa vowed to do better and be better. But will coming home derail her? Will she be able to navigate complex family relationships and establish herself as the transformed person she became in prison?

Sanctuary Part II Apr 13, 2021

Lewis makes it home from prison after 43 years. But what toll has that amount of time taken on his psyche? Now that he's out, Lewis has a plan that involves real estate, a road trip, and visiting the cemetery where his kids were laid to rest.

Sanctuary Apr 01, 2021

In this episode we hear from Lewis Richard, also known as Lew or Uncle Lew. After 43 years in prison Lew was released on January 12th, 2021. He thought he was ready...but how does one prepare for freedom after more than four decades behind bars? Let's find out.

Love Never Dies Part II Mar 08, 2021

Candace Wilson married Taewon Wilson while he was still incarcerated and serving life without the possibility of parole. Months after he was commuted by Governor Jerry Brown, Taewon walked out of prison a free man. But will their marriage survive reentry? How do they navigate each other's presence in the free world?

Love Never Dies Feb 23, 2021

Candace met Taewon when they were fifteen years old and just a couple of kids navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. They dated for a bit, on and off, then Taewon got caught up in a crime that sent him to prison with a life without the possibility of parole sentence, which meant he would probably die in prison. This is the story of how Taewon and Candace reconnected, found love, got married, and are now fighting for his freedom.

Call Me by My Name Feb 12, 2021

Shone went to prison at age 19 and served 22 years at a women's prison in California. As the years ticked by Shone started "counting bricks," wondering if she'd ever go home. She started going to self-help courses and turning her life around behind bars. But would it be enough? After 22 years, Shone walked out of prison a free woman with a powerful story to tell.

Soledad Part II Jan 25, 2021

The year is 1999 and Richard is lying on the top bunk in his prison cell and nearing death. He has just overdosed on heroin and praying to god not to die. When he makes it through the night, Richard decides he is going to stay sober for the rest of his life. That was the last night he ever did drugs. Richard starts writing letters of amends, taking college courses, and preparing for the parole board. After a violent crime and a life of drug use will he be found suitable for parole?

Soledad Part I Jan 16, 2021

Richard fell deep into a life of addiction, leading him to doing burglaries to support his addiction. In 1998 at age 20 Richard was charged with attempted murder and sentenced of life in prison. Finally, 21 months ago he was released. There was a day Richard thought he would die in prison. But now he's free. What has life on the outside been like for him? How does he navigate the free world?

Man Down Dec 28, 2020

In this KCRW piece reported by "Life on the Outside" producer Lucy Copp, the question is asked: Who gets to go home early from prison when there's a global pandemic? It's complicated and every state seems to handle it differently. But one things for sure, letting out 'lifers' continues to be a contentious and politically fraught.

Magical Day Dec 10, 2020

Michelle got out of prison 9 years ago but her struggles are still a slippery slope. She talks about her reentry challenges, fighting fires, and how forgiveness is the key to freedom.

Measure of Good Nov 25, 2020

Allen Burnett was sentenced to life without the possibility parole as a young kid. Decades later, his sentence was commuted and he found himself at the gates of the prison head home. His journey was tumultuous, trying, and triumphant.

Time Capsule Baby Part II Nov 10, 2020

Find out what happened the night of the "incident" that would sent Crystal to prison for 23 years.

Time Capsule Baby (Part I) Oct 29, 2020

Crystal served a long sentence for murder done in self-defense. Her journey takes twists and turns and we learn that a conviction and a charge are sometimes far from the truth.

48,000 Oct 15, 2020

There are 48,000 documented barriers to reentry when someone gets out of prison. In Episode 30, Jon shares his experience returning home after receiving six life sentences, practically a death sentence. How will he navigate these barriers? Which ones will be the hardest to face?

A Message from Life on the Outside Sep 23, 2020

We're taking the month of September to take a breath, collect ourselves, and gather more interviews. We'll be back in October!

Beloved Part II Aug 29, 2020

We pick up where Patrick left off, lying on the floor of his prison cell...

OUTBREAK Aug 06, 2020

This episode addresses the Covid epidemic inside of California prisons. If you want to help please visit restorecal.org or antirecidivism.org.

LOCKDOWN Jul 29, 2020

Kenneth, Kanaka, and Jarret talk about what a lockdown is like in prison. Why does a facility go on lockdown? And how long before the confinement lifts? All three storytellers are out now, but their experiences in prison while serving life sentences are as tangible as the present moment.

Beloved Jul 14, 2020

Patrick went to prison with an 8-year sentence, but while he was in he found himself in a situation with another prisoner that would result in a life crime. Over 30 years later, Patrick got out and his beloved wife, Donna Lee, was at the gates to meet him. This is his story.

Ray and Abel Jul 01, 2020

This episode was recorded at Calipatria State Prison. It is the first episode of Life on the Outside recorded on the inside.

I Want to See the World Jun 16, 2020

Richard Cruz was sentenced at 16 years old to life in prison. After 30 plus years, he's finally home. The best things about freedom include his dog Coco, traveling, and getting to know his family. His journey to arrive at this place is long and arduous, requiring both resilience and surrender to make it through a system stacked against him.

The Hardest Presence May 22, 2020

In this episode, hosts Kenneth Hartman and Lucy Copp share the space and pass the mic to Alia Hartman, Ken's daughter. Her perspective of LWOP is that of a daughter who grew up visiting her father in prison visiting rooms across the state of California. Now that her father is home, Alia is navigating new territory and learning that embracing the physical presence of her father is both joyful and challenging.

The Gardener May 01, 2020

Upon Daniel's release from prison he felt numb. What was he supposed to feel? Joy? Overwhelming gratitude that so many others feel? Or perhaps he'd have the sensory experience of a child setting foot in Disney World for the first time? But it was all absent for Daniel. As his reentry unfolded, Daniel struggled to find his footing, falling into similar patterns that led to his arrest in the first place. Could he make it out here? Time would tell, and soon, he'd thrive.

Waters Gone By Apr 21, 2020

Joey Davidson went to prison at 14 years old with a life sentence. At age 17, he stepped onto one of the worst, most dangerous prison yards in the state of California. The prison was Calipatria State Prison. It took years for Joey to find is way. But through faith and divine intervention Joey was able to sidestep many instances of violence and in some cases, death. He's out today, attending Divinity school and living in North Caroline with his wife and new baby. Do the horrors of his past still haunt him?

Sink or Swim Mar 15, 2020

When Anthony got out he walked up to a tree and gave it a huge hug. He remembered trees from his childhood but for fifteen years he barely saw any at all. When he got out, he made it his business to hug one. In this conversation, we discuss freedom and its limitations and the simple joys of life on the outside.

Tribute Mar 14, 2020

Anthony McDuffie was seventeen years old when he went into the prison system. Today, he's in his mid-thirties and reflecting on his personal journey from gang-banging in the streets, to politicking in prison, to being the lead coordinator for Alternatives to Violence Program on the yard. But life on the outside is not all rainbows and roses...It's full of family drama, personal struggles, and political turmoil of another kind.

Quantum Love Feb 21, 2020

After nearly three decades in the California prison system, Tobias is versed in faith practices and traditions that span Islam to the Occult. He has looked down the barrel of a gun and chosen love every time. In this episode Tobias and I continue our conversation about freedom, energy, and taking a stand against the system.

Sunflower Fields Feb 11, 2020

Tobias Tubbs believes in joy as resistance. He believes in love as the way forward, and he embodies this in the darkest of places and in the worst of times. He grew up with revolutionary parents at the fore of Black Liberation and that spirit remains strong in him to this day. After receiving a commutation from Governor Jerry Brown, Tobias finally had an opportunity for physical freedom and was released this fall after serving 26 years in the California prison system.

Mercy Jan 29, 2020

At age 19 Christian was charged with murder and sentenced to life in prison, without the possibility of parole. Narrowly sidestepping the death penalty, Christian had little hope of ever getting out. Twenty-five years later, now in his 40s, Christian's sentence was commuted and he recently got out. Today Christian is working towards the same goals he had on the inside, helping others heal through meaningful dialogue and direct amends...and making art.

KANAKA Jan 08, 2020

Maria Kanaka Luna got locked up in 1995, went to county jail, then hit the penitentiary in 1996 and 23 years later she was released. Freedom didn't settle in right away for Maria. She was picked up by ICE and still faces deportation. But that won't stop her from enjoying her freedom. She works at Homeboy Industries, advocates for people still inside, and wants to learn how to milk a cow. Each day is a blessing and Maria is soaking it all in.

Glaring Sun Dec 11, 2019

Johnathan was sober, but he was still struggling, trying to play two sides. When he went through AA, step 7 struck him. It talks about how in the midst of our addiction we make decisions based on comfort, not character. This resonated. Johnathan knew he had principles and values but comfort and convenience was overriding them. With each piece of insight and perspective, Johnathan gets closer to his essence, his remorse, and eventually, his release into the free world.

Heart of Hearts Nov 07, 2019

At the age of 16, Duc Ta was sentenced to life in prison and sent off to an adult facility where he would spend the next 15 years of his life. Duc has been out for six years now and in 2013, he co-founded an organization called API RISE, that seeks to empower the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities who have been impacted by the criminal justice system. In this episode, Duc shares what brought him into prison and the near death experience on the inside that changed everything for him.

Live Free or... Oct 03, 2019

After 31 years in prison Thomas Eirls was exhausted and had made up his mind. Even with a life-sentence, he decided that he could only give five more years of his life to the system. He chose five years because that's how long it was until his next shot at freedom, a parole board hearing. But Thomas decided that would be his last one, no matter what the outcome was.

LWOP Jul 01, 2019

Kenneth E. Hartman served 38 years in the California prison system having been convicted to 'Life without the possibility of parole' back in the 1970s. He shares stories from his time at the notorious Old Folsom prison, his turn to activism, and his transformation after the birth of his daughter while he was still incarcerated. The day before Easter in 2017 Kenneth's sentence was commuted by Governor Jerry Brown. In December of that year he was released. Freedom is still surreal.

Mother California May 14, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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