The Hardest Step

By: The Branch
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  • Summary

  • The Hardest Step is an original podcast from Lost Debate about the power and promise of second chances. Hosted by two brothers from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Chris and Coss Marte, the show’s first season explores the criminal justice system. We’ll talk with people who have had to ask for forgiveness and start again, including those who have committed crimes, been unfairly accused of crimes, and advocates for the incarcerated. The Marte brothers understand what it means to start all over again. Coss turned his life around after spending years in prison on drug trafficking charges and founded CONBODY, a fitness center that employs formerly incarcerated instructors. Chris weathered several political defeats before achieving his life-long dream of serving on the New York City Council. While their paths have diverged, they share a firm belief that starting over is the hardest step, and one worth celebrating.
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Biographies & Memoirs Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Ep. 9 | A Voice For the Voiceless with Jesse Crosson

    Ep. 9 | A Voice For the Voiceless with Jesse Crosson
    Mar 29 2023
    Jesse Crosson, better known as @second_chancer, regularly shares his experience in prison with more than 750,000 TikTok followers. While in prison, Jesse turned his life around and earned a degree in psychology, taught yoga, Spanish, and served as a mentor other inmates. Originally sentenced to 32 years, Jesse received a conditional pardon from Virginia's then-Governor Ralph Northam in 2021, after serving 19 years. Chris and Coss talk to Jesse about using social media as a force for change, and educating others about the incarcerated experience.
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    46 mins
  • Ep 8 | Wrongfully Convicted with Kelly Savage-Rodriguez

    Ep 8 | Wrongfully Convicted with Kelly Savage-Rodriguez
    Mar 22 2023
    NOTE: This episode contains detailed descriptions of domestic violence In 1995, Kelly Savage-Rodriguez was planning to leave her abusive husband when he killed her 3-year-old son Justin. Kelly was wrongfully convicted for the death of her son and sentenced to life without parole. After serving 23 years behind bars, her sentence was commuted with the help of former California Gov. Jerry Brown.  Today, she is the Life Without Parole Coordinator for the California Coalition for Women’s Prisoners. Chris and Moyo talk with Kelly about the power of grief, healing, and rebuilding.  
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    42 mins
  • Ep 7 | Working to end mass incarceration with Alexandra Bailey

    Ep 7 | Working to end mass incarceration with Alexandra Bailey
    Mar 15 2023
    Alexandra Bailey is the Senior Campaign Strategist for The Sentencing Project. Since 1986, the organization has worked to reduce imprisonment and criminalization of teens and adults by promoting racial, ethnic, economic, and gender justice. Alexandra’s work focuses on ending life without parole, capping maximum penalties at 20 years, and promoting “second look” provisions. Chris and Coss talk with Alexandra about why she was called to join the fight against mass incarceration and the privilege she has as an organizer. To learn more about The Sentencing Project visit sentencingproject.org
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    43 mins

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