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

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The 98% - Life After Prison

Reflections of a Former Warden

January 11, 2024 • Judy Van Wyk & April Barber • Season 2 • Episode 3

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Mike Thumm reflects on his twenty years as a Superintendent/ Warden of Orange Correctional Center in Hillsborough North Carolina. He shares the challenges and rewards of running a minimum security prison and recalls a time before changes in sentencing laws led to mass incarceration.

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 longtime video 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.