Civic engagement is essential to a healthy democracy. The traditional form of civic engagement is voting -- a right enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, but taken away from most people once they become incarcerated. DC residents, however, have had that right restored, and cohosts Pam Bailey and Terrell "Tee" Peters interview two individuals behind bars about why they want to participate in the election -- or why not.

We also talk about other ways to be active citizens, beyond voting, and how a recent Bureau of Prisons restriction on the use of email is making it harder for those it confines to stay connected to their communities.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

Have you ever pondered the purpose of your life? That's a difficult question to answer for anyone, but in prison it's a challenge to answer. In this thought-provoking episode of Voices Unlocked, Pam Bailey and Tee Peters explore this question inspired by the book, "The Why Café." They are joined by Rob Barton, who is still in prison, and Cordell Miller, who was recently released, but then deported. Can e person find purpose and meaning in prison?

We look at the myriad ways prisoners find a way to spend their time, whether it's learning the law, setting records for burpees, learning to crochet or -- less constructively -- gambling and drug dealing. Rob and Cordell, however, became change makers.

Tune in, and think about how YOU would answer the question: Why are you here?

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

A simple hug can make a world of difference for someone behind bars. Join us as we sit down with Gene Downing, a former prisoner-turned-advocate, and Robert Barton, co-founder of More Than Our Crimes, to discuss the emotional and logistical labyrinth of prison visits. Gene shares his most traumatic memory of the power correctional officers wield over family connections: the day his daughter was turned away from a highly anticipated visit. And Rob takes us deeper into the heartache and hope that accompany the rare moments of physical touch with loved ones.

Picture this: A family travels hundreds of miles, enduring financial strain and struggles to comply with the strict dress code, only to face the crushing disappointment of a canceled visit due to constant threat of a "lockdown." We share how the system's failures and oversights add to the emotional toll on both prisoners and their families. Through their stories, we explore the stringent security measures, from underwire bras triggering alarms to invasive searches, and question the necessity and ethics of these practices.

This episode offers ad eye-opening explanation of the struggles surrounding prison visits, emphasizing the urgent need for reforms that prioritize social ties and the psychological well-being of adults in custody and their families. Listen in and join the call for a more compassionate approach to criminal justice.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

Imagine being separated from your children by thousands of miles and concrete walls -- for years and even decades. This is the reality that our guests, Robert Davis and Ron Hill, courageously share as they recount their struggle to parent from the confines of prison. They share their secrets to maintaining and even strengthening bonds with children, from participating in parenting classes to creating interactive stories. Their stories are testaments to the power of hope, resilience and love.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

In the second part of this podcast series about prison lockdowns, we hear from our guests behind bars WHY the federal Bureau of Prisons uses this tactic so much. Watch to see the rather dramatic ending.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

You've probably heard of solitary confinement in the "hole," and know the mental toll that comes with it. But did you know that "lockdowns" are confining people to their cells for weeks and months at a time in entire prisons? Hosts Conrad Stewart and Pam Bailey discuss this trend, which accelerated during COVID, and look at the accompanying psychological strain and barriers to rehabilitation. We think you'll find the conversation to be an eye-opener, challenging preconceived notions of what is required to assure "security" and the profound impact on lives behind bars.

We also offer an intimate look at the policy shifts post-Bernie Madoff's suicide—a shift that insists prisoners should never be alone—which has sparked a chain reaction of violence and unrest among mismatched cellmates. We dissect the ripple effects of frequent lockdowns on prisoners' mental health and the critical role routine plays in maintaining stability within the chaos of the prison system.

Subscribe and tune in for a narrative that pierces the veil of the federal Bureau of Prisons, exposing the complex interaction of policy, humanity, and confinement.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

When you sit down to your next meal, be thankful for the small joy that good food offers. People in prison long for that same pleasantry. Join Pam Bailey and Irving Brockman as they share the punishing reality of prison food, with insights from current prisoners Elijah Williams, Wallace Mitchell, Askia Afrika-Ber and Tyrone Briscoe.

You'll hear about empty stomaches, moldy bread, rotten fruit and insect-laden grains. isn't just a health hazard—it's a daily struggle for dignity.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.

Have you ever wondered what holidays feel like behind bars? We unlock this topic via an insightful discussion with our guest cohost, Ray Dodd, a formerly incarcerated paralegal, and a "lifer" named Wayne La Fleur, who recites an emotionally charged poem.

Our conversation also ventures into the realm of prison reform and the impact of photocopying mail, the introduction of tablets and the consequences for mental health, especially during the holiday season.

We round off our episode with a deep-dive into the diminishing ways for families to send gifts and the varied perceptions around New Year's. We also share some tips on how to share the holiday season when writing and talking to incarcerated individuals. And, if you want to spread your holiday charity to people inside federal prison, we invite you to join send a message of appreciation to members of the More Than Our Crimes network. Our goal is to show that those behind bars are seen, heard and valued.

Follow this podcast so you'll be informed when new episodes are uploaded (twice a month). Meanwhile, read more stories and learn how you can contribute to reform; visit MoreThanOurCrimes.