THE INSIDE: Recent Episodes
Lowell Matthews
THE INSIDE is created by students at Southern New Hampshire University under the direction of Dr. Lowell C. Matthews. THE INSIDE explores how current local and global issues intersect with businesses, government, and society. Season one episodes include: Bonus: Launch 1. What’s Up With Parole? 2. Juice Kings 3. Prison Food 4. Wrongful Convictions 5. Private and Public Prisons 6. Prison Systems: U.S. vs. Norway 7. U.S. vs. Norway: 21 Years For Killing 77 People 8. Marijuana Legalization: The Debate 9. Marijuana Legalization and the Impact 10. Finding Work 11. COVID-19's Impact Bonus: Unscripted
In this episode of the INSIDE podcast series Zach King, Brandon Mahogany, and Brittney Weiner will be sitting down to take a look at what Justice is and who decides. We will begin by looking at the overall definition of what justice is in our opinions and will then focus on other areas such as: rectification and laws regarding society. This podcast will aim to provide listeners with an introduction to have a conversation of what justice is in our society.
In this podcast, Nina, Michelle and Zach walk us through how the conditions on the inside of incarceration facilities translate to the outside. With research and stories, they will tell you stories about their own encounters, those of friends and stories of individuals who have been released and gone through the toughest adaptation of coming back into society after being incarcerated. Mental health, physical abuse, education, communication and technology are all common topics that are not being paid enough attention when it comes to talking about America's flawed justice system. These all have long lasting impacts of people who serve the sentence for their wrong doing and come out to face a second sentence with present day society.
Listen along as you hear Nina, Michelle and Zach talk to us about the crazy world we are living in and how the conditions that are inside these facilities are impacting lives upon release.
Dive into this episode with Nina DiCarlo and Michelle Korbani as they talk about tax money and incarceration. These two wonderful ladies reached out to Evenor Pineda, who was formerly incarcerated to get first hand insight about how taxes helped him on the inside. He was not mentioned by name in the podcast due to a mix up with release and permission forms. However, we got the opportunity to talk to him and hear his full life story and feel the impact of his story. Speaking with Evenor, we learned about his life growing up in New Hampshire, going through a hard growing up and how he had to learn right from wrong on his own and make his way through life. His story was inspiring as we learned that people are not perfect and we learn from our mistakes. Evenor shared with us the story that lead to him getting incarcerated in addition to what is life was like while being incarcerated. He shared his thoughts and views on how it impacted his life inside and outside of the incarceration facility. We dove deeper into his rehabilitation to society and how tax money aided him to have a better standing ground. It was an amazing opportunity to hear about his family at home as he was pushing harder than ever to make his life better. With the tax money and an open ear, you can hear all of what Nina, Michelle and their guest had to say as they talk about the importance of tax money funding incarceration and second chance opportunities.
One of the many ways that the US differs from other countries in how their police force operates involves more than just higher death figures, but also methods which can allow for said figures to be higher than others. This podcast touches on the length of police training, how Germany’s police force compares to the United States, officer inexperience, and ways these complicated issues are currently being addressed. Throughout this podcast will be many accounts from officers and those researching or involved with the police force, whose insight can prove invaluable to us and maybe offer possible insights into solutions. Presented by James Sanborn.
This podcast examines how communities can help formerly incarcerated individuals find affordable housing. For organizational purposes, we broke our podcast into four sections. The first being to explain our topic and discuss the issue, the second being to reveal some statistics about the housing crisis, third to provide our own personal input and stories and the last to reveal our recommendations and suggestions to help eliminate this issue in society. Presented by Andrew Somerville and Jake Cox.
Within this podcast episode we discuss the stigma and employment dilemmas of current and formerly incarcerated individuals. We first spoke on how the major stigmas of these individuals came to be including why they are looked at in such a negative way by outsiders. Then we go into the employment aspect of the conversation starting with how employment for the formerly incarcerated is now, the challenges and processes for finding employment. Finally, we have a conversation on how to remove the stigma and improve employment for the previously incarcerated. Presented by Kate OLoughlin, Zoey Galatas, Nick DeVos, Dan Cronin, and Matt Prescott.
This podcast delves into the differences between rehabilitation and punishment in modern day prisons. I'm Zachary Phelps, joined by my friends, Ellen Albanese, Stephanie Beaulieu, and Jack Lynch. In this episode we give our opinions on how rehabilitation could be introduced into the prisons and help incarcerated individuals become proactive and successful members of society upon release. We dive into a variety of views on the topic and also reach some conclusions on why rehabilitation should be accessible, as well as the many benefits implementing this into our prisons. I hope you enjoy our discussion.
In this podcast we discuss for-profit prisons. Beginning with a description of what a for-profit prison is and how they work, we discuss some of the pros and cons about the system. Finally, we discuss the ethics of a system that wants people incarcerated to make a profit and ways to maybe improve the system without removing it entirely. Presented by Michael DeGregorio, Emily Murray, Abi Landry, and Ryan Getherall.
References
- Basti, K. G. and V., Fettig, A., & Nellis, A. (2018, August 2). Capitalizing on mass incarceration: U.S. growth in private prisons. The Sentencing Project. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/capitalizing-on-mass-incarceration-u-s-growth-in-private-prisons/
- How do private prisons make money? (2020, February 18). The Freeman Online. Retrieved February 17, 2022, from https://www.thefreemanonline.org/how-do-private-prisons-make-money/
This podcast will discuss our interview with Alli Thomas, executive director for Inmates to Entrepreneurs and include important statistical data, program functions, history, and our take on the information. We will also discuss our interview with Sean Pica, executive director of Hudson Link. This will include how the program function, where it operates and how. Throughout the discussion we will cover our unique perspectives from the outside looking in. Our hope is that this podcast will give you information about two different programs that help previously incarcerated individuals get a second chance at life. We will inform you how these programs work, why they are successful and how they function. You will gain an in-depth look at these programs and will be able to relay information to others who are interested. Presented by Monee’ Taylor, Michael Webster, and Damon Dubose.
Resources:
- https://hudsonlink.org/
- https://inmatestoentrepreneurs.org/
Every day, people released from prison, and some end up returning to jail. Each year almost 44% of inmates return to prison due to other crimes that they commit. There are many reasons they return and ways that we can help so that fewer people are reincarcerated. Doing things differently could include allowing some individuals to serve their sentences outside in a rehab center or at home, with restrictions so that they still are serving their punishment. However, having family support can allow for a smoother integration back into society. Another big thing contributing to overcrowding is having the individuals out due to the COVID 19 returning. Many individuals were part of a mass release of nonviolent individuals, were released to help with the spread of the virus, and now, they are being forced to go back. This episode was produced by Keagan Roper, Vince Ylitalo, and Tara MacKay.
References
- Kanno-youngs, Z., & Turcotte, M. (2021, June 27). Thousands of prisoners were sent home because of covid. they don't want to go back. The New York Times. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/27/us/politics/biden-prison-coronavirus.html
- Stefanski, R. (2019, August 21). Why do former inmates keep going back to prison? - cultural daily. Cultural Daily - Independent Voices, New
- Perspectives. Retrieved from https://culturaldaily.com/former-inmates-keep-going-back-prison/
World Population Review. (2022). Recidivism rates by state 2022. https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/recidivism-rates-by-state
This episode of The Inside we will be sitting down with Zach King, Brandon Mahogany, and Brittney Weiner in order to take a look at Education in prisons today. This podcast will focus on the current state of education for currently incarcerated individuals and look at some of the programs already in place that are providing necessary education to those individuals. Additionally we will focus on how these programs have impacted formerly incarcerated to succeed upon release. We will also take a look at the philosophical side of providing education, and try to dive deeper into who deserves education while incarcerated and who does not.
In this episode Chris Russell, Seth Bridge, Marryn Dennis, Nina Dicarlo discuss the employment challenges faced by individuals with convictions beginning with background checks.
This is the official launch of THE INSIDE. Thank you those that joined us to celebrate the accomplishments of the 30 students that worked together to produce 11 podcast episodes. For this season of THE INSIDE students address the impact of incarceration on business, government, and society. For this launch episode students share what they gained from the course and how they will use use this experience moving forward.
Feel free to provide feedback by emailing Dr. Lowell C. Matthews, l.matthews@snhu.edu. You can also find him on Twitter @LowellCMatthews.
On the second episode of THE INSIDE, the team (Sam Blanchard, Devon Lambert, Kaitlyn Munroe, Emily Thornton, and Rachel Varley) interview Renel Domond. Renel is the owner of Juice Kings and a participant of Project AIM, a pathway at SNHU that provides incarcerated individuals the opportunity to obtain a college degree. Juice Kings is an up-and-coming juice bar located in Stamford, Connecticut. Listen as Renel discusses his experience growing up in Connecticut, starting his business during an international pandemic, and overcoming hardships from his youth. He shares his personal story and advice for anyone wanting to become an entrepreneur.
Check out the following social media pages to learn more about Juice Kings CT:
- Instagram: JuiceKingsCT
- FaceBook: Juice Kings CT
- Website: https://juice-kings.com/
The staff cohort of Project AIM are excited to participate in this episode of THE INSIDE. Jamie Rainville leads the conversation and shares the insights provided from the cohort.
Join Jacob Butler, Emily Callahan, Chloe Griffin, Gyanna Russell, and Greta Salvador for a conversation discussing prison systems in the United States and Norway. What lessons can we learn? This episode of THE INSIDE will provide you with some insightful conclusions.
In this episode, Samantha McCarthy, Rachel McCully, Jaelyn Nadeau, Victoria Rizzitano, and Feize Turkmen have a discussion regarding Covid-19’s impact on people in prison. Listen as they provide their thoughts on an article from the Equal Justice Initiative. Join the discussion on overcrowding, vaccines, testing, vulnerable populations, and more.
Follow along as you listen with the article, “Covid-19’s Impact on People in Prison”. https://eji.org/news/covid-19s-impact-on-people-in-prison/
Marijuana legalization is a long-standing debate in America. As legalizing cannabis plays out across some states, it’s a truth that cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. But legality and enforcement vary by state. Today, there are people in the criminal justice system affected by the law change because of charges and convictions associated with marijuana. In this episode Tatyanna Beckford, Michaela Choate, Olivia Coco, Braeden Dutile, and Joe Fiorino discuss marijuana laws at both state and federal levels, medicinal purposes versus recreational use, tax association and economy stimulation. Some states are decriminalizing the use of marijuana but should it be legalized on a state to state basis or across all states?
This podcast is a continuation to the discussion in episode 6. Previously, Jacob Stanley Butler, Emily Callahan, Chloe Griffin, Gyanna Russell, and Greta Salvador, discussed the standards of living between the United States and Norway, and how the two differ. This presented the opportunity to question if the United States should be doing anything differently. The topic of Norway imprisonment, brought up one of the worst acts of genocide in the history of Norway. In 2011, in Oslo, Norway, right-wing extremist and Norwegian terrorist Anders Behring Breivik, attacked the Prime Minister’s building and a political growth camp, killing 77 people. He received the maximum sentence in the country, 21 years of confinement. This is drastically different from how the United States would have handled a genocide, which led us to explore how these two prison systems differ.
This is a bonus episode for The INSIDE. Students share their stories of dealing with COVID-19.
What would you do if you were convicted of a crime that you did not commit? This happens more often in our society than you may realize. In this episode, Braden Dutile, Michaela Choate, Olivia Coco, Joe Fiorino, and Tatyanna Beckford share their insights on this issue and discuss possible solutions.
In the first episode of THE INSIDE Sam Blanchard, Devon Lambert, Kaitlyn Munroe, Emily Thornton and Rachel Varley, dive deep into a discussion on parole. What is it? What is the difference between parole and probation? These five SNHU students are ready for a lively discussion.
On this episode Samantha McCarthy, Rachel McCully, Jaelyn Nadeau, Victoria Rizzitano, and Feize Turkmen share the facts and history of private and public prisons, and the effects on businesses and society. Thanks to Feize there is even discussion on public prisons in the Netherlands.
References:
- Boin, A. (2001). Securing Safety in the Dutch Prison System: Pros and Cons of a Supermax. Howard Journal of Criminal Justice, 40(4), 335–346.
- Corporate Accountability Lab. (2020, August 5). Private Companies Producing with US Prison Labor in 2020: Prison Labor in the US, Part II. Retrieved from Corporate Accountability Lab: Corporate Accountability Lab
- D’Amico DJ. The Social Provision of Punishment and Incarceration. American Journal of Economics and Sociology.
- 2017;76(5):1107-1132. Accessed March 12, 2021. https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ecn&AN=1687716&site=eds-live&scope=site
- El Sayed, S. A., Morris, R. G., DeShay, R. A., & Piquero, A. R. (2020). Comparing the rates of MISCONDUCT between private and public prisons in Texas. Crime & Delinquency, 66(9), 1217–1241. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011128719897236
- Greene, J. (1999). Comparing Private and Public Prison Services and Programs in Minnesota: Findings from Prisoner Interviews. Current Issues in Criminal Justice, 11(2), 202–232.
- Hernandez, E. (2020, February 24). The negative effects on the economy caused by mass incarceration. Retrieved from North Texas Daily: https://www.ntdaily.com/the-negative-effects-on-the-economy-caused-by-mass-incarceration/
- Hoogenboom, F. (1998). Effective Detention: The Development of a Policy. European Journal on Criminal Policy & Research, 6(2), 257–277.
- Mamun, S., Li, X., Horn, B. P., & Chermak, J. M. (2020). Private vs. Public Prisons? A Dynamic Analysis of the Long-Term Tradeoffs between Cost-Efficiency and Recidivism in the US Prison System. Applied Economics, 52(41), 4499–4511. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/raec20
- Pandeli, J., & O’Regan, N. (2020). Risky Business? The Value of Employing Offenders and Ex-Offenders: An Interview With James Timpson, Chief Executive of Timpson. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT INQUIRY, 29(2), 240–247. https://doi-org.ezproxy.snhu.edu/10.1177/1056492619836167
- Private Prisons vs. Public Prisons. Criminal Justice Programs. (2020, November 5). https://www.criminaljusticeprograms.com/articles/private-prisons-vs-public-prisons/.
When we see the movies portray prisons, it often is depicted as people working out and working in a garden to collect food to be cooked. Recently, there have been complaints and even lawsuits filed about the quality of food being provided by prison facilities. Prison facilities have outsourced food production to companies with only one concern: cost. Come listen as Marryn Dennis, Seth Bridge, Chris Russell, and Nina DiCarlo dive in to the disconnect between prison food and the recommended daily intake.