Written Off

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Latest Episodes:

Learn More: Providing Access to Housing After Incarceration Oct 03, 2023

Incarceration in the U.S. has profound flaws and consequences, but there are many people doing life-changing work to lessen its harm. In this special episode, Lemonada co-founder Stephanie Wittels Wachs sits down with two individuals whose organizations aim to increase access to housing for people who have been involved in the justice system. Stephanie speaks with Leslie Credle, founder and executive director of Justice 4 Housing in Boston, and Bernadette Butler, director of The Homecoming Project, an initiative out of Impact Justice in Northern California. The three discuss the realities faced by justice-involved individuals in today’s society, and how housing is both a human right and a crucial place to start when trying to improve lives.

You can find Justice 4 Housing at justice4housing.org and @justice4housing on Instagram and YouTube. The Homecoming Project can be found through its parent organization at impactjustice.org and @impactjustice on Instagram and Facebook.

Thank you to both of these organizations for making this episode possible.

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Introducing: Life Jolt Nov 03, 2021

Life Jolt - prison slang for a life sentence - examines the lives of women navigating Canada’s correctional system. The team gained unprecedented access to the Grand Valley Institution prison, the federal pen for women in Ontario, for a full year. They followed women going into prison for the first time, spoke with lifers who have been there for years, and parolees as they left. Hosted by Rosemary Green, a former inmate herself, Life Jolt focuses on individual women’s stories and the realities of prison life, and explores a wide range of issues including parenting behind bars, segregation, the over-representation of Indigenous women, addiction, trauma and the many obstacles of reintegration. More episodes are available at: smarturl.it/lifejolt

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Collect Call. Kyle Murphy x Jesse Williams Sep 29, 2021

“Wash It Off.” Written by Kyle Murphy. Performed by Jesse Williams. Kyle chats with his friend (and series executive producer) Aaron Bergman a few weeks ahead of his release about his political activism and fully realizing his literary dreams after a decade inside the system.

“Some people might feel like they’ve written me off, but I’ve got news for them - that s*** is incorrect. I got a bright future ahead of me.” - Kyle Murphy

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

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Ultimate Freedom. Ramon Escobar x Angelique Cabral Sep 22, 2021

“My People.” Written by Ramon Escobar. Performed by Angelique Cabral. Ramon is quick to thank InsideOUT Writers for helping him make the transition from feared gang member to highly-successful business owner who happily employs other IOW alums.

“I'm in a different place now where I don't have to hide this other person anymore - it's part of who I've become.” - Ramon Escobar

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

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Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

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Inhaling Memories. Frank Jimenez x Danny Ramirez Sep 15, 2021

“2nd.” Written by Frank Jimenez. Performed by Danny Ramirez. Frank is putting his mentor’s sage advice to good use by prioritizing his and his family’s happiness and working towards leaving his own unique mark on Hollywood.

‘My writings are like little track markers showing me I'm on the right path, even though I might not see it right then and there.’ - Frank Jimenez

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

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Ghetto Royalty. Daniel Bisuano x Julio Torres Sep 08, 2021

“Second Chances.” Written by Daniel Bisuano. Performed by Julio Torres. Daniel is determined to leave his turbulent past behind by living authentically and pursuing each opportunity that presents itself in his quest to become a screenwriter.

“When I started to write, I started to not only unpack all the pain that I had inside, but I started to create new, happy memories and give back to my community.”- Daniel Bisuano.

Find Daniel on Twitter at @d_bisuano and on Instagram at @d.bisuano.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Real Leo. Taylor Lytle x Issa Rae Sep 01, 2021

“Everybody Knows That Time Will Pass You By.” Written by Taylor Lytle. Performed by Issa Rae. Taylor is all smiles as she owns her pronounced presence in the world and continues exercising her “revolutionary” methods as a criminal justice activist.

“Writing is too rewarding to ever think of a life without it.” - Taylor Lytle

Find Taylor on Instagram at @shesobeasty.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to www.lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

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Jiggy Stuff. Lionel Tate x LaRoyce Hawkins Aug 25, 2021

“I’m Still Trying to Find Out.” Written by Lionel Tate. Performed by LaRoyce Hawkins. Lionel embodies healthy living both personally and professionally by honoring his truth on paper and devoting himself to his successful vegan catering company.

“I don't feel like I'm in a position where I have to lie to the paper because basically I'm just lying to myself.” - Lionel Tate

Find Lionel on Instagram at @takemoney_chef and @tasty_tates.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

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The Unfit. Olivia Carrasco x Dascha Polanco Aug 18, 2021

“The Unfit.” Written by Olivia Carrasco. Performed by Dascha Polanco. Olivia is getting reaccustomed to her life “on the outs” and finding her voice amongst friends and family at InsideOUT Writers.

“Whether you're heard or not, writing is getting out your thoughts without judgment - I find freedom in that.” - Olivia Carrasco

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Borrowed Time. John Rodriguez x Karamo Brown Aug 11, 2021

“Time.” Written by John Rodriguez. Performed by Karamo Brown. John is heavily conflicted by the freedom afforded him with an early commutation, leaving him stuck between missing his “family” on the inside and deciphering what’s truly real among folks on the outside.

“Writing has the role of regrounding me, being honest with myself and calling myself out a lot - it's like a remolding tool.” - John Rodriguez

Find John on Instagram at @steady_writing.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Good Wolf. Dee Davis x Jay Ellis Aug 04, 2021

“Untitled.” Written by Dee Davis. Performed by Jay Ellis. After losing loved ones to COVID this past year, Dee is now living in Vegas and finding meaning in teaching other writers of similarly troubled backgrounds.

“When you write, take the mask off - be you and just write.” - Dee Davis

Find Dee on Instagram at @dcddx821.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Woman Anew. Yahniie Bridges x Yvonne Orji Jul 28, 2021

“Untitled.” Written by Yahniie Bridges. Performed by Yvonne Orji. Even though Yahniie has temporarily left writing and performance behind, she still understands how they’ve each been a saving grace for her, especially after the last few trying years.

“Although I don't put pen to paper very often, it's something that I know is in me.” - Yahniie Bridges

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/shows/writtenoff.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

El Artista. Jimmy Valdez x John Legend Jul 21, 2021

“I Am Great.” Written by Jimmy Valdez. Performed by John Legend. Jimmy is finding his true artistic voice through various creative mediums, from acting and modeling, to launching his Mexican corrido music career under the name El Artista.

“Writing is therapy for me. It's also like a guide for me now when I'm trying to accomplish any goals - it’s a map.” - Jimmy Valdez

Find Jimmy on Instagram at @itsjimmy-valdez and on TikTok at @_el_artista_.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Silent Love. Candice Price x Keke Palmer Jul 14, 2021

"Silent Love." Written by Candice Price. Performed by Keke Palmer. After years of dwelling in the silence of her survivorship, Candice is spirited and joyful, living in her truth as a proud Black queer woman.

“When I started writing, I found the way to heal from my childhood trauma. And I found a different coping skill on how to release my emotion.” - Candice Price

Find Candice on Instagram at @tazzyp86 and blkcandice on Snapchat.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact one of the resources below for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor anytime.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text line: Text “Connect” to 741-741

The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

15 Years. Jimmy Wu x Randall Park Jul 14, 2021

“Untitled.” Written by Jimmy Wu. Performed by Randall Park. Jimmy runs the organization that saved his life years ago when he was a youth who felt lost in the system: InsideOUT Writers. Today, he’s confronting the pain and effects of his incarceration while still managing to set an example for his IOW family.

“If I was never introduced to this outlet through writing, I wouldn’t be here.” - Jimmy Wu

Find Jimmy on Instagram at @unapologetically_justjimmywu.

Written Off contains mature language and themes and may not be appropriate for all listeners. To hear a bleeped version, go to lemonadamedia.com/show/writtenoff/.

Stay up to date with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at @LemonadaMedia.

Click this link for a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this show and all Lemonada shows go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors.

Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing: Written Off Jun 28, 2021

A 13-part series that shines a light on young writers who found their voice inside the U.S. prison system. Hosted by Walter Thompson-Hernández (California Love, The New York Times) and featuring notable creatives like John Legend, Issa Rae, Jay Ellis, Keke Palmer, Julio Torres, and many more reading their work. Premieres July 14.

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