The Right On Crime Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Expanding Access and Opportunity Through Second Chance Banking Jun 04, 2026

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In this episode, ROC’s Ross Jackson and TPPF’s Derek Cohen discuss how second chance banking and hiring practices can expand opportunity while maintaining important safeguards for both individuals and financial institutions. Their conversation highlights how thoughtful, structured approaches to reentry can help people rebuild stability through access to work and financial services. They also explore Right On Crime’s employer reentry handbook, Talent Unlocked, which provides practical resources for employers on second chance hiring and includes guidance on considerations around banking and payroll that can impact employee success.

Clearance Rates and Public Safety in Texas May 28, 2026

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In this conversation, ROC's Nikki Pressley and Ross Jackson break down what clearance rates actually represent, why they matter for public safety, and how resources, staffing, and investigative capacity impact whether crimes are solved. They also explore why the certainty of being caught is one of the strongest deterrents to crime, and what it means when that certainty is low.

The Hidden Cost of Debt Based License Suspensions in North Carolina May 21, 2026

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North Carolina State Director Maggie Horzempa, joined Senior Policy Analyst Ross Jackson to break down how driver’s license suspensions for non–public safety reasons are affecting everyday North Carolinians. From missed work opportunities and barriers to employment, to the ripple effects on families and the state workforce, these policies often create more instability than accountability. Instead of improving public safety, they can trap people in cycles of debt, limited mobility, and ongoing legal consequences, including driving while suspended just to meet basic needs like work, childcare, and court appearances.

Why Second Chances Are Worth a First Thought May 14, 2026

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In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Idaho business leader Joey Looney joins Idaho Director Molly Lenty to discuss the transformative power of second chance hiring. Drawing from his own experience with incarceration and recovery, Joey shares how giving individuals with criminal records a chance to work can change lives, strengthen families, and help businesses grow. The conversation highlights the accountability, resilience, and drive many formerly incarcerated individuals bring to the workplace, while exploring why employment remains one of the most effective tools for reducing recidivism and improving public safety.

The Return on Reentry: What Actually Works Apr 30, 2026

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In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Arkansas Director Wil Cheatham joins Britt Allen to discuss what’s working in reentry—and where policy can do more. Drawing from Wil’s visits to reentry facilities across the state, they explore how different models, from faith-based to workforce-focused, are helping individuals successfully transition back into society. The conversation highlights the importance of structure, employment, and family stability in reducing recidivism, while also addressing persistent barriers like fines, fees, and access to basic documentation.

Second Chance Hiring As a Business Strategy in Idaho Apr 23, 2026

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In this episode, Right On Crime Idaho State Director Molly Lenty joins Britt Allen to explore the connection between reentry, employment, public safety, and why second chance hiring is becoming a key part of the conversation in business. From rising incarceration rates despite declining crime, to the real barriers people face when returning to rural communities, the discussion highlights how gaps in reentry to society and job access impact outcomes. Molly also shares efforts to bring Idaho’s business community together through a Second Chance Business Coalition focused on practical solutions that strengthen the workforce while improving public safety for everyone.

From the System to Success: A Café Momentum Story Apr 16, 2026

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Communities are strongest when young people are given the opportunity to succeed. In this episode of The ROC Podcast, Carley Widner sits down with Café Momentum Ambassador Tristyn Williams to share her personal experience in the Café Momentum program and how it is transforming lives. They discuss what Café Momentum does, why its model works, and how providing structure, mentorship, and workforce development for youth in the justice system directly strengthens public safety. The conversation also explores the broader impact of programs like this on the juvenile justice system and communities as a whole, showing that accountability and opportunity can go hand in hand.

Reentry Done Right: Programming, Accountability, and Public Safety Apr 02, 2026

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In this episode, Dwight Hudson sits down with Carley Widner to share his firsthand experiences touring reentry facilities and seeing the impact of comprehensive programming. From peer-led skill development inside prisons to housing, employment support, and accountability on the outside, reentry programs give people the tools and guidance they need to rebuild their lives. Dwight breaks down how addressing root causes, providing structure, and connecting returning citizens with critical resources not only helps them succeed, but also keeps our communities safer.

Inside a Proven Reentry Program in Arkansas Mar 19, 2026

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In this episode of The Right On Crime Podcast, Arkansas State Director Wil Cheatham sits down with Jim Bell, owner of Hidden Creek, a reentry facility partnering with the state corrections department to prepare individuals for life after incarceration. By allowing participants to spend the final months of their sentence in a structured program, Hidden Creek combines accountability with opportunity—offering life skills classes, education, and direct pathways to employment. For many who have never held a job or had a driver’s license, this holistic approach provides the foundation needed to succeed after release. The result: fewer people returning to prison and safer communities for everyone.

Improving Public Safety and Keeping Families Together Mar 12, 2026

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When a caregiver is incarcerated for a low-level, nonviolent offense, the consequences often extend far beyond the individual—separating families and destabilizing households even when safer alternatives may be available. In this episode of The Right On Crime Podcast, ROC’s Joey Comley joins Britt Allen to discuss Kentucky’s Family Preservation and Accountability Act, a proposal that allows judges to consider alternatives to incarceration for caregivers who are not a threat to public safety, ensuring accountability while keeping families intact. Joey also breaks down other priorities he’s working on this legislative session.

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