The 98% - Life After Prison
This podcast is dedicated to the 98% of people incarcerated in North Carolina who will eventually be released from prison back into their communities, often with few, if any resources. Through the voices of people in transition and those who support them, we explore hurdles and life long barriers many justice-involved people confront whether getting a drivers license, finding housing, or trying to find a job. We examine issues like substance use disorder and mental health that plague this population and ask what we as a society can do to support the formerly incarcerated and reduce recidivism.
In 2023, Judy Van Wyk and April Barber partnered to create a podcast about the many issues people face when transitioning from prison. Van Wyk is a producer and criminal justice advocate. April Barber received a life sentence when she was 15. After more than 31 years, she had her sentence commuted by Governor Cooper. She was released March 24, 2022.
ART WORK BY JOHN HARDIN
The 98% - Life After Prison
Latest Episodes
Making the Most of a Second Chance
Jorgie Brown was released in May, 2025 after five years in prison. She was lucky enough to find stable housing and wrap-around services with Arise Collective, one of the few programs in North Carolina that provides transitional housing fo...
Reentry 2030: Changing How We Approach Incarceration
In 2024, North Carolina signed on to an ambitious national initiative to reduce recidivism and break the ongoing cycle of incarceration. Reentry 2030 brings together people across all sectors of government to work collaboratively with com...
On a Mission with a Purpose: April talks Peer Support and more...
In the latest installment of April's On a Mission series, she gives us an update on her decision to pursue a master's degree in clinical social work. She describes the work of a Peer Support Specialist and explains why it's an attractive job fo...
Talking About Post Incarceration Syndrome
No doubt, incarceration is a traumatic experience, often filled with guilt, shame and rage, not to mention the habits you learn to survive and cope. Upon release, people carry that trauma into a world that’s overwhelming and often unwelc...
Fan Mail
Hi! I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out to respectfully request that you consider inviting Josh Stein onto your podcast to discuss the ongoing crisis within North Carolina’s prison system. If not, at least bring awareness to the NC critical prison conditions and also advocate for Governor Stein to utilize his tools such as commutation, to release those that are showing rehabilitation. With continued concerns surrounding overcrowding, severe understaffing, and the growing financial burden on taxpayers, I believe this is an important time for the public to hear directly from Governor Stein about what solutions are being actively considered or implemented. In particular, I hope your team might ask: - What immediate and long-term solutions does the Governor propose to address prison overcrowding and staffing shortages? - Does he plan to more actively utilize executive tools such as commutations or clemency to safely reduce the prison population? - Will there be a process for reviewing individuals for early release who have maintained clear disciplinary records and demonstrated rehabilitation? - How is the state recognizing individuals who have completed educational and rehabilitative programs while incarcerated? - Given that April is recognized as Second Chance Month, will the Governor prioritize reviewing commutation applications during this time? This issue is deeply personal to me. My loved one has been incarcerated for several years with no infractions and has worked hard to better himself by completing barber school and an Alcohol and
Elkin, North Carolina