Uncuffed

It’s been just over a year since Greg Eskridge walked out of the San Quentin gates after spending 30 years in prison, and he has been busy! Greg has spent the year reconnecting with family, navigating parole, and finding new meaning in the concept of home. He is also settling into a new role at work, where he's helping to direct the Uncuffed program. It’s a dream job, but it can be exhausting. In the final episode of Season 4, Greg talks to other formerly incarcerated media makers — filmmaker Thanh Tran and Ear Hustle host and co-founder Earlonne Woods — about how to keep fighting the good fight. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.orgOur work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

All season long, host Greg Eskridge has been sharing his story — from experiencing homelessness in his childhood, to the decades he spent in prison. He’s also sharing what his freedom looks like – starting a new life on the outside and having hard conversations with family. Now, he’s sharing another very personal part of his story. Normally, on Uncuffed, we don’t talk about people’s crimes. We believe people are more than their crimes. But it’s impossible to tell Greg’s full story without acknowledging this part of it. Today, in a short episode, Greg Eskridge shares a message about what happened over 30 years ago, and how he is taking accountability.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.orgOur work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

The federal government just cut all support for public media. KALW, which brings you Uncuffed, will lose about $400,000 a year — money that helps us teach people in prison and bring their stories to you.Now is the time to stand with KALW, to stand with Uncuffed, and to stand with people in prison whose stories need to be heard. Become a member of KALW by making a monthly donation. Join us at KALW.org.Thank you.

Uncuffed is excited to present a story from one of our new favorite podcasts, Folktales from Sudan. These are stories from Sudanese folklore for the whole family, told by award-winning  public radio journalist and storyteller Hana Baba. On this episode, you'll hear “The Father and Three Sons," a tale of misunderstanding and judgment between a parent and child. It’s also about forgiveness, healing, and realizing the value of something that may not be obvious until it’s gone.To listen to more episodes of Folktales from Sudan, visit: https://www.folktalesfromsudan.org

Getting out of prison is often called 'going home.' But when people have been away from it for so long, the idea of home can be complicated. In this episode, host Greg Eskridge shares three stories from Uncuffed producers about finding a sense of family, community, and shelter in unexpected places — everywhere from a treehouse to a car wreck in a canal.Check out Thanh Tran’s documentary at https://findingma.com and listen to his music on Spotify or Instagram.Take the Uncuffed Listener survey at www.uncuffed.org/survey, and support the program at uncuffed.org/donate Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

What does a mother’s love feel like? Growing up, Greg didn’t feel the love he wanted from his mother, and he held onto that pain for over three decades. This episode, Greg finally has an honest conversation with his mother about his childhood. And, we’ll hear from moms and caregivers at the California Institution for Women about the challenges of being a mother from prison.To learn more about Rochelle Edwards, the therapist who facilitated the conversation between Greg and his mother, visit https://tjinstitute.org/about/Take the Uncuffed Listener survey at www.uncuffed.org/surveyOur work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Longtime listeners might remember a special episode of the podcast inviting listeners to a wedding inside San Quentin. In 2022, one of the producers from our original San Quentin cohort, Edmond Richardson, married the love of his life, Avelina. Today, all six of the members of that first cohort have been released from prison. Edmond came home late last year, and so much has happened since that episode of the podcast aired three years ago. We're re-airing this popular episode while we take a short break. And you’ll want to stick around until the end to hear a very special update from Edmond and Avelina. Uncuffed will be back with brand new episodes on June 19. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

It’s no secret that the food inside prison is – to put it mildly – not great. That’s why folks in prison often daydream about memorable meals from their pasts, and find creative ways to make their own food inside their cells. Today on the episode, host Greg Eskridge goes to his first Thanksgiving dinner in over 30 years. We’ll hear about the magic of a shared meal and how it can bridge divides in and outside of prison.Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.uncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

As a little kid, Anthony Ivy thought to himself, “When I grow up, I want to be a hustler.” He got what he wanted, but he also ended up in prison. Eventually, that same drive led him to a brand new hustle on the outside. This time, it’s legal. This week, we’re handing over the mic to Ivy. He’ll share his story and tell you about an amazing Uncuffed Program you may not have heard about — the Uncuffed Playlist.To listen to the full Uncuffed DJ sets, visit our Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@weareuncuffedThe Uncuffed Playlist recently lost funding, and we need your support keep the program going. Can you pitch in to keep incarcerated DJs on the air? Learn more and donate at www.uncuffed.org. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Sometimes its easier to keep up with a lie, especially when you're worried that the truth will hurt those you care about most. In this episode, we'll hear stories about people who work up the courage to open up with their families, despite the hurdles in front of them.And for the first time, we’ll hear a roundtable discussion from our new participants at the California Institution for Women (CIW)! Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Fire Escape is a ground-breaking podcast that explores the world of incarcerated firefighters through the real-life story of Amika Mota. Listen to a clip from the first episode, and follow Fire Escape on the Wondery App, or wherever you get your podcasts. Visit www.wondery.com/links/fire-escape to listen to this incredible story today!

What happens when you want to change your name, and the person behind it? This week, Uncuffed shares stories about all the things we’re called — nicknames, gang names, names meant to hurt us, or names meant to take our identity away — and what it means to get rid of that old self and call ourselves something else.If you're looking for support, you can call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860. It's the hotline for and run by trans people.Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

The ‘90s were a pivotal time in California history, and people in prisons are still living with the consequences. That decade, California incarcerated more than 60,000 people, many of them Black men. Some of those people are still living inside California prisons, including a few of our Uncuffed producers. In this episode, Uncuffed goes back in time -- to the early '90s, to talk about life changing moments like the LA Riots, the unforgettable music, and the rage that came out of it all.  Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

What happens when you get out of prison after 30 years? There's a lot of celebration, and also a lot of serious catching up to do. And who do you turn to if something goes wrong? Greg gets advice from friends who also recently came home.And inside San Quentin, André Davis talks about going from flunking the first grade decades ago, to finally getting ready to graduate college. Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Last summer, something monumental happened. One of Uncuffed's founding producers, Greg Eskridge, came home after more than 30 years in prison. In this episode we’ll bring you back to that emotional day last summer when he walked out of the San Quentin gates, free at last.Our work in prisons is supported by the California Arts Council, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, independent foundations, and donations from listeners like you.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

KALW's award-winning podcast Uncuffed is back with a brand new season! First episode drops on January 30th. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and FacebookTranscripts are available within a week of the episode coming out at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

A message from Uncuffed alum Anthony Ivy:After 12 years behind bars, I’m now living life on the outside, navigating this new chapter. Since getting out, I’ve been hired and mentored by Uncuffed. I’m currently enrolled in KALW’s Audio Academy program and an Uncuffed audio engineering class. I’m also working as an associate producer for the DJ Uncuffed Playlist. This program has been life-changing. It’s the best thing I did on the inside to prepare myself for life on the outside. That’s why I’m encouraging people to support Uncuffed. It’s not just a program—it’s a bridge to success for people both inside and out. If you want to be part of that change, go to http://www.KALW.org/Uncuffed/donate.As a thank you for our listeners, we’re dropping this bonus episode with one of the first stories I did with Uncuffed.

The Uncuffed producers can't vote. But you better believe they still have opinions. On this episode, ballot measures that would change prison life in California. And, a fresh take on the "felon vs. prosecutor" narrative dominating the presidential race. California voting rights and information: https://bit.ly/CAVotingRightsWithARecordPeople in prison need to be heard. At Uncuffed, we make that happen, but we can only do it with your support. Our end-of year fundraising campaign for Uncuffed training programs starts today. If you appreciate hearing these voices from prison, help sustain our work. Donate today: https://kalw.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/PYDVPJDXLearn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program: www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week after each episode airs: www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Uncuffed is pleased to share the new podcast, Track Change. Follow a group of men in Richmond, Virginia as they record an album inside a local county jail - a soundtrack to rebuilding a life after incarceration.

In California, incarcerated people legally have to work. One thing the jobs have in common? The next-to-nothing pay. Uncuffed gets down to business on the topic of involuntary servitude. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Brian Asey at San Quentin on "All My Life," by K-Ci & JoJo. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Childhood trauma, embracing differences, and putting your heart out there - what it feels like to return home after prison. A special re-entry episode of Uncuffed.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Anthony Ivy and Timothy Hicks on “Locked Up” by Lil Durk and "Grinding All My Life" by Nipsey Hussle. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Meet an Uncuffed producer as he leaves prison. Luis shares his hopes for a new life, and his colleagues inside talk about getting used to a reality without him.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Steve Brooks at San Quentin on “Ambitionz Az A Ridah,” by Tupac Shakur. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

A founding Uncuffed producer visits prison again, this time as a free man. Tommy "Shakur" Ross shares stories and advice from almost two years of freedom.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Bryan Mazza at Solano on "The World I Know," by Collective Soul. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

People in prison are no stranger to stereotypes. This week, stories about breaking stereotypes everywhere from the classroom to the San Quentin baseball diamond.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Ryan Pagan at San Quentin on “Mama Tried” by Merle Haggard. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

When violence has been normal for so long, it can be difficult to give it up. The Uncuffed team at Solano shares stories about the moments they decided to change course. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

bf thames at Solano on "Take Me To Church" by Hozier. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.

Prison conditions make it difficult to grieve inside. How do you process loss when you’re alone, when crying isn’t ok, and asking for help can be dangerous? Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Greg Eskridge at San Quentin on “This Christmas” by Donny Hathaway. It’s the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers’ favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Can pets in prison create healing? Uncuffed goes inside a special dog training program at Solano, and shares what it’s like to do time with a four-legged companion. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Jay Evans at Solano on "Stomp!" by The Brothers Johnson. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

San Quentin producers reflect on the lessons –– both good and bad –– that are passed down from family.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.

Anthony Caravalho at San Quentin on "Love, Me" by Collin Raye. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

The Solano team shares their stories of maintaining love from behind bars, and the intense heartbreak of losing someone you love. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Juan Haines at San Quentin on "Dear Mama" by Tupac Shakur. It's the Uncuffed My Mixtape, where we listen to our producers' favorite songs. Catch My Mixtape every other week this season of Uncuffed. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Earlier this year, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an ambitious goal to transform San Quentin State Prison. His plans for the new San Quentin Rehabilitation Center focus on rehabilitation, job training, and improved relationships between staff and residents. The governor hopes that the changes at San Quentin will spread across California prisons.We're kicking off the third season of Uncuffed with a story about an unlikely step toward that culture change, involving nets, sweatbands, and paddles.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Uncuffed, the award-winning podcast hosted by people in San Quentin and Solano State Prisons, is back for its third season!Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.orgFollow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram and Facebook.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

In our previous episode, a team of formerly incarcerated producers visited a prison from another planet. Or at least that's how it seemed. Norway's progressive and unique prison system is wildly different from anything in the United States, and it serves as a model for folks trying to make a change here. So now we’re heading back to another Norwegian prison with horses, a marathon, and little cottages—and asking what California can learn from Norway's example.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Last summer, some formerly incarcerated graduates of the Uncuffed program…

Last summer, the Uncuffed team was invited to the world’s first International Prison Radio Conference in Oslo, Norway. Formerly incarcerated producers and staff hopped on a plane (some for the first time in their lives), and joined other prison radio makers from countries like Australia, India, and the UK. On this special episode of Uncuffed, we're sharing a few of our favorite pieces from around the globe. Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Hear more from the shows featured in this episode: The Secret Life of Prisons, from the UK's Prison Radio Association: www.prison.radio Jailbreak, from the Community Restorative Centre in Australia: www.crcnsw.org.au/services/jailbreak-radio Ear Hustle, from PRX's Radiotopia in the US: www.earhustlesq.com Inside Wire, from Colorado Prison Radio: www.coloradoprisonradio.com Tinka Tinka Foundation in India: www.tinkatinka.org/jail-music-2 Learn about all the programs that make up Prison Radio International: www.prison.radio/prison-radio-international

For people in prison, the holiday season can be a painful time. Many miss their families and traditions. But it’s also a time when they get together with food and acts of kindness. During the holiday season, we're playing you a favorite episode from season one, all about making it through the holidays in prison.Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

At Folsom State Prison, Wendell El-Amin James gravitated towards incarcerated Muslims out of a need for protection. But ultimately his conversion restructured his life to one of education and purpose. Uncuffed presents a special episode from our friends at KALW podcast The Spiritual Edge. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

In this season of gratitude, two founding co-hosts of Uncuffed, Tommy "Shakur" Ross and Thanh Tran, give a special update on the program. Thank you to everyone who supported Uncuffed during our emergency fundraiser! Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Growing up, Uncuffed Producer Thanh Tran never truly felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care system, was in and out of juvenile hall as a teenager. And then, shortly after his 18th birthday, he went to prison. Just over a decade later, he got what he had been working toward for years — his freedom. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

As a child, Francisco Magaña was afraid of his mother. She would beat him, and he’s carried that pain with him for his entire life. But despite that, he managed to forgive her. Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

We joyfully request the honor of your presence at an extra special wedding. Our Uncuffed producer, Edmond Richardson is marrying the love of his life. And you’ll bear witness to his marriage in an unlikely place: San Quentin State Prison.Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org. Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.