This podcast series, in partnership with prison communications firm Securus Technologies®, shares the stories of heroes and heroines responsible for maintaining public safety. This series took flight as our nation faced unprecedented social justice issues and a global pandemic that impacted our confinement facilities at alarming rates. In these stories, you’ll learn about the harrowing measures confinement facilities faced during a national pandemic, their concerns about bolstering protection and maintaining some sense of normalcy, and their heroic efforts to add protection to maintain their frontlines.
You will hear from a diverse group of voices: correctional leaders, formerly incarcerated individuals who have reentered society successfully, and other active-duty professionals in corrections who share their challenges and triumphs while also working to manage systemic issues that have plagued the criminal justice system since its inception in 1820. Expertly hosted by Kathy Kenney, retired General Counsel for the Bureau of Prisons for more than 25 years, you’ll hear stories of courage, stamina, and sheer will to keep advancing the field while also working to reform corrections.
Episode 1
Andie Moss, CEO, TMG, Inc., and Russell Roberts, Chief Growth Officer, Securus Technologies®
Episode 2
Tony Wilkes, chief of corrections at Nashville Davison County Sheriff’s Office, shares his 33 years’ experience working in a jail setting in his hometown. He discusses how being a part of the community and offering empathetic communication has led to positive outcomes prior to and during the COVID epidemic. Timothy Dial, lieutenant at the time of the recording but recently promoted to chief of security at the Maximum Correctional Center, details the unique challenges, solutions, and courage behind managing a jail system during COVID.
Episode 3
Terri McDonald, a decorated correctional leader has worked in probation and parole and prisons in the state of California, reflects on her 40-year career in corrections, turning points that made a difference, leading through a crisis, and her own views managing COVID and responding to social justice issues.
Episode 4
Rob Jeffreys started as an entry-level researcher in corrections, moving through the ranks as warden, chief of staff, and more to his current position as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. He and members of his staff share their progressive approach to social justice reform, to include involving the incarcerated population in discussions and activities and shares how COVID further exposed the urgent need to address these issues.
Episode 5
Chaplain Susan Bishop shares her 36+ years of experience at the Georgia Department of Corrections detailing the unique ministry she and her staff provides to both inmates and staff and how the choir has provided a transformative and healing experience for incarcerated individuals as well as herself.
Episode 6
Dr. Mary Livers, who has a 40+ year career in corrections, and Andrew Hundley, a formerly incarcerated juvenile who now serves as executive director of the Louisiana Parole Project, share their stories and perspective on the importance of second chances and rehabilitation in the correctional setting.
