MyTERN Conversations: Recent Episodes
Tufts Education Re-Entry Network (TERN)
In these conversations, we share personal stories of life before, during, and after incarceration. Through personal story-telling, we expose systems and inequities that shaped our experiences, shining light on the deep structures of racial, gender, and economic injustice. We are equally interested in the role of education and community-building in helping us to heal and help others heal and in helping us to make change not only in our lives but in the world around us. Through MyTERN Conversations, we challenge ourselves and our listeners to rethink entrenched stereotypes about people impacted by the carceral state. We investigate assumptions and judgements about difference and diversity and celebrate growth, healing, education, friendship, and the power of collective civic impact.
A project dedicated to this topic is one dedicated to humanity, equality, education through civic engagement, and justice. Learn directly from formerly incarcerated men and women: join the MyTERN Conversations.
Thank you for listening to the MyTERN Podcast. The MyTERN program is a Tufts University-accredited program, providing education, mentorship, and career development support to - and by - those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. MyTERN’s objective is to provide an opportunity for each participant to rediscover and reframe their skills, interests, responsibilities, and commitments. This podcast is created and produced in partnership with Tufts University's Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and the Bridging Differences Grant Program. Music brought to you by Bernell Jones II. Cover art brought to you by Rahim Gray (Instagram: @rahimgrayart). Learn more or support MyTERN at TUPIT.org
In this episode, Nurudeen, Marty, Nigel and Rome discuss their first and last days in prison and the challenges they faced while starting their lives outside of prison after serving lengthy prison sentences. They share stories of education behind the wall and turning points in their personal growth.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Speakers: Nurudeen Alabi, Marty O'Brien, Nigel Vaughn, and Rome Chacon
Additional Editors: Sophie Szwartz, Julia Napolitan, and Paola Ruiz
In this episode, Jimmy Heang, Patrick Lys, and David Delvalle discuss their reentry experiences and struggles against recidivism. From relocation, to reputation, to relationships, the "pull of the streets" continues to pose challenges to them in their own reentry journeys.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Speakers: David Delvalle, Jimmy Heang, and Patrick Lys
Additional editors: Louise Bond, Emile Naccasha, and Francisco Salazar
In this episode, Jeffrey Raphael and Rahmel Askari discuss their longtime friendship during incarceration and reentry. Breaking barriers together, they discuss the impact education behind the wall has had on both their personal growth and friendship.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Speakers: Rahmel Askari and Jeffrey Raphael
Additional editors: Campbell Devlin, Claudia Guetta, BR Rose, Sammy Thurm
In this episode, three parents discuss the relationship between parenting and incarceration. You will hear stories of emotional trauma and stories of perseverance experienced by both adult children and parents impacted by the criminal justice system.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Speakers: Christina, Willie, and David
Additional Editors: Ariel Derby and Meira Downie
Special Thanks: Benny and Paul
Eugene Ivey, Kurry Harbour, and Aaron Smith explore connections between their early life experiences, including their concepts of masculinity and self worth based on the role models they had or didn't have, and their experiences with addiction, incarceration, and self transformation.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
In this episode, Bobby Iacoviello, Hector Bannister and Martin O’Brien discuss their experiences with the US court system. They consider how and when the legal system strips people of their individual voices and the many systemic flaws of our capitalist, carceral state. Finally, they offer insights into how they can reclaim their voices and seek accountability and healing through alternative forms of justice.
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Eugene Ivey, Kurry Harbour, and Aaron Smith explore connections between their early life experiences, including their concepts of masculinity and self worth based on the role models they had or didn’t have, and their experiences with addiction, incarceration, and self transformation.
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
I’m-Built-to-Better-Myself_TranscriptDownload
In this episode, Bobby Iacoviello, Hector Bannister and Martin O’Brien discuss their experiences with the US court system. They consider how and when the legal system strips people of their individual voices and the many systemic flaws of our capitalist, carceral state. Finally, they offer insights into how they can reclaim their voices and seek accountability and healing through alternative forms of justice.
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Four students in the MyTERN program discuss their daily struggles with mental health and its impact on life post-incarceration.
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript AmICrazyTranscriptDownload
Bobby Iacoviello and Chaiya Chan discuss their connections before and after incarceration, and the role of changing and saving the lives of those they care about. From coaching football to keeping restorative justice circles, these two MyTERN students work to prevent youth from falling victim to the streets. Bobby and Chaiya reflect on the importance of mentoring, supporting communities, and relationship building.
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript Coming Home: We’re Right Where We’re Supposed To Be, transcriptDownload
Thank you for listening to the MyTERN Podcast. The MyTERN program is a Tufts University-accredited program, providing education, mentorship, and career development support to — and by — those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. MyTERN’s objective is to provide an opportunity for each participant to rediscover and reframe their skills, interests, responsibilities, and commitments. This podcast is created and produced in partnership with Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and the Bridging Differences Grant Program. Music brought to you by Elmer Pleit. Cover art brought to you by Rahim Gray (Instagram: @rahimgrayart). Learn more or support MyTERN at TUPIT.org.
Featuring: Hector Bannister, Chaiya Chan, Kurry Harbor, Bobby Iacoviello, Eugene Ivey, Steven Johnson, Gary Lee, Martin O’Brien, Billy Raye, and Aaron Smith
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Stories about the intersections of gender, motherhood, trauma, severe deprivation, and incarceration, featuring myTERN students Calvena and Marie.
Featuring Calvena DeVoe and Marie Lafontant
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript You’re One Strong, Resilient Woman, TranscriptDownload
Hector and Vee talk about the meaning of “family” and “home” before, during, and after incarceration.
Featuring Hector Bannister and Devon McNeil
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript Home Was Never Home, TranscriptDownload
Hector and Vee talk about the meaning of “family” and “home” before, during, and after incarceration.
Featuring Hector Bannister and Devon McNeil
Content Warning:This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript MyTERN_Conversations_1-2_transcriptDownload
The first episode of the podcast features three MyTERN students: Shakir Abdullah, Rahim Gray, and Joseph Irizarry, who discuss their experience and thoughts about education before, during, and after incarceration. This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript There’s No Us Without You Guys, There’s No You Guys Without Us, TranscriptDownload
Thank you for listening to the MyTERN Podcast. The MyTERN program is a Tufts University-accredited program, providing education, mentorship, and career development support to — and by — those who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system. MyTERN’s objective is to provide an opportunity for each participant to rediscover and reframe their skills, interests, responsibilities, and commitments. This podcast is created and produced in partnership with Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life and the Bridging Differences Grant Program. Music brought to you by Bernell Jones II. Cover art brought to you by Rahim Gray (Instagram: @rahimgrayart). Learn more or support MyTERN at TUPIT.org.
Featuring Shakir Abdullah, Hector Bannister, Calvena DeVoe, Rahim Gray, Joseph Irizarry, Marie Lafontant, & Devon McNeil
Content Warning: This podcast series contains material about emotional and physical trauma and abuse — especially experienced by women and BIPOC — that may be upsetting to some audiences.
Episode Transcript MyTERN_Conversations_1-0_transcriptDownload