Elaine Lord may have been the youngest woman to become a Warden in the State of New York, but even before her appointment at Bedford Hills Correctional, she was on a mission to improve the incarcerated programs within the New York prison walls. Before her retirement, Elaine dedicated 20 years to Bedford Hills, providing women behind bars a second chance. Her inspiring stories of the Children's Center at Bedford Hills and her mission to keep incarcerated Mothers connected to their children were only a part of the vital work required to change lives within the prison system. Join us as we explore the complexities of justice, compassion, and the importance of human connection in corrections, a legacy that Elaine Lord can be proud of.

A recent 2024 report estimates that 23.5 million people in the United States are in recovery from a substance use disorder based on data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Anyone going through recovery will tell you that having support and hope are essential to overcoming their addiction, whether or not they've served time behind the wall. For John Sullivan and Charlie Worpek, the Northampton Recovery Center offered each the transformative power of a community of Angels. Together, they share their inspiring journeys of recovery, resilience, and hope. John and Charlie each navigate their own stories, shedding light and tears on the challenges and triumphs they faced on the path to sobriety. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding a supportive community in a time of darkness.

Christie Johnson grew up believing she could get away with just about anything. As a small-town Texas cheerleader, she thought she was untouchable, unstoppable, and immortal. But addiction, a horrific accident while serving in the military, and time in prison shattered that illusion and sparked something far more powerful, an awakening like no other. Christie’s journey is one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, redemption. Now, as a member of the Cornbread Hustle family, a second-chance and skill training hiring agency, Christie dedicates her life to helping others find their second chance. Join us as we explore her raw and inspiring story that reminds us of the power of possibility, the strength of the human spirit, and that miracles do happen.

When Cary Sanders speaks, his calming tone and gentle cadence would never give you a clue that he had been arrested 17 times by the time he was 17. Cary's journey from his tumultuous past and time behind the wall to his current position as CEO of JUMPSTART South Carolina can only make one believe that Cary's life has been guided by a higher power, and he would agree. At JUMPSTART, Cary leads a transformative re-entry program that begins in prison, highlighting the power of faith and second chances while helping break cycles of crime and addiction. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey of hustle, redemption, and impactful work he and his volunteers are doing to not only help others find their purpose but to support those returning to the community with housing, jobs, and other re-entry services.

Barbara (Bobby) Blanchard is a passionate advocate who transitioned from a law career to further the impactful work of Sister Elaine Roulet at The Children’s Center in the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York State. In this episode, Bobby shares her journey of creating and overseeing programs that helped incarcerated women maintain their bonds with their children, and learn to be Mothers despite their cement surroundings. Bobby was also prominently featured in the 2011 documentary Mothers of Bedford, directed by Jenifer McShane. While Bobby no longer works at Bedford Hills, her passion for the criminal justice system has not waned; she currently has a new mission in Vermont, focusing on restorative justice programs. This conversation with Bobby is a heartfelt exploration of transformation, compassion, and the importance of second chances for mothers and their children.

Heather Canuel, a powerful activist, entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother, is also known for being the last woman to give birth while shackled to a prison bed in Illinois, more than 20 years ago. In this episode, Heather shares her harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, the trauma of her experience while being pregnant, and her fight for reform and justice for incarcerated mothers. Heather's experience and current life mission provide an inspiring discussion about survival, resilience, and the importance of creating change, both inside the wall and beyond.

It may have taken multiple years, but Lisa Hall will tell you that it was a worthy and honorable mission to create a film dedicated to addiction and incarceration. As an inspiring filmmaker and documentarian, Lisa dedicated herself to shedding a brighter light on a subject that impacts so many on a daily basis. In creating the film 'The Addict's Wake,' Lisa's vision aimed to not only change the narrative surrounding addiction but also its effects on local communities, as well as the critical role of law enforcement in addressing the addiction crisis. 'The Addict's Wake' is currently available to view on PBS and is also available for distribution within local communities and schools. Lisa can be reached at Glory Girl Productions.

Mark McBrine grew up on a farm and expected that to be his lifelong calling, but God had another plan. When his father became ill and his family needed help running the farms, Mark, at the age of 49, became a Correctional Officer with the Maine Department of Corrections. From there, it didn't take long for Mark to become the Food Service Manager at the Mountain View Correctional Facility. When then-Warden Randy Liberty was interested in reducing the waste inside the prison kitchens, Mark stepped up and created an Organic Fruit and Vegetable Production Program. This Farm to Table program within the Maine Department of Corrections forever changed how food can be grown, harvested, and consumed behind the wall! Mark's inspiring work in enhancing food quality and providing vocational training to incarcerated individuals across eight state prisons and is now a model for other prisons and jails across the United States. Mark and his team have helped many incarcerated individuals gain skills and knowledge in gardening, harvesting, cooking, and even baking 100% of the prison's own breads and desserts. The discovery of how innovative agricultural practices and a commitment to scratch cooking continue to change lives and foster responsibility. Much of this can be seen in the documentary Seeds of Change, Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that challenges perceptions and highlights the power of compassion and second chances, through food.