The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode 22: Little Scandinavia (Dr. Jordan Hyatt) Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

What happens when a Pennsylvania prison unit is built around dignity, normalization, and human-centered design—and then tested with real science? Recorded onsite inside SCI Chester’s nationally recognized “Little Scandinavia” unit, this episode features Dr. Jordan Hyatt (Drexel University) sharing the philosophy behind the model and early results from a randomized controlled trial on violence, misconducts, and staff wellbeing.

Episode 21: PA DOC Strategic Plan (Randee Brant) Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recently developed a new five-year strategic plan – a roadmap for becoming a more intentional, data-driven organization. This episode features a discussion with Randee Brant (Chief of Staff for the PA DOC) about why the department chose this moment to develop a strategic plan, how the goals and measures were built, and what it will take for the plan to move the organization forward over the next five years.

Episode 20: Evaluation of In-Prison College Courses (Dr. Sarah Tahamont) Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Results are in from the most rigorous evaluation to date of Pell-funded college programs in prison. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Tahamont (University of Maryland) joins Pracademically Speaking to unpack findings from Pennsylvania’s randomized controlled trial of Second Chance Pell—and what the evidence really says about recidivism, employment, and the limits of impact at scale.

Episode 19: Evidence-Based Corrections Policy Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Bucklen discusses what it means for a program, policy, or practice in corrections to be “evidence-based.” This label gets applied frequently to all sorts of programs, policies, and practices in corrections but less examined is the strength and quality of the evidence. Dr. Bucklen also discusses cost-benefit analysis, and why effectiveness alone isn’t the finish line. This episode lays out practical advice for corrections leaders and policymakers to become better consumers of the research and science in order to truly become evidence-based.

Episode 18: Personal Growth Program Evaluation (Amber Petkus) Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss a recently completed evaluation of the Personal Growth program for technical parole violators. The guest on the show is Dr. Amber Petkus, joint post-doctoral fellow with Penn State University and the PA Department of Corrections. We also talk with Dr. Petkus about her experience as a post-doc at the PA DOC. She reflects on her time with us as she prepares to move on.

Guidelines for a Successful Visit Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

Visiting incarcerated loved ones can be an intimidating process—but it doesn’t have to be! The key to a successful visit is to be prepared and know what to expect.

In this episode of the PA Prisons and Parole Podcast, SCI Camp Hill Sgt. Lopez breaks down the visiting experience for visitors, including how to set up a visit, what to bring, what to wear, how to visit with kids, and so much more.

For full details on visiting one of our facilities, visit our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/inmate-visitation

Episode 17: PADOC Evaluations of TCs, SIP-HOPE, and Residential Relocation Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode we revisit three previously conducted evaluations by the PA Department of Corrections: 1) Therapeutic Communities (TCs); 2) the SIP-HOPE pilot program; and 3) a residential relocation pilot program. These evaluations highlight the use of multiple rigorous evaluation methodologies (randomized controlled trial, regression discontinuity, and propensity score matching) for attempting to understand the real causal impact of these initiatives/programs.

On this episode you’ll learn more about these three initiatives/programs, the findings from the evaluations, and what the implications are for policy and practice.

What to Know About the Reception Process Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

It can be a very challenging time for family members and friends when a loved one is incarcerated—especially at the beginning. To help answer some common questions about the reception process, SCI Camp Hill Corrections Classification Treatment Manager Miranda Brechbiel joins the podcast to discuss what in-processing is like for incarcerated individuals.

Camp Hill is the reception facility for male inmates, and Miranda explains how reception works, including when inmates can make phone calls, what they bring from the county jails, and so much more.

The best resource for families and friends of inmates is our website: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/cor/resources/for-family-and-friends

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The PA Prisons and Parole Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected