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
The Evolution of Kerwin Pittman
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Kerwin Pittman’s transformation started in solitary confinement. He had a moment when he suddenly realized how much his gang activity was hurting his family. He vowed to turn his life around and spent the rest of his time in the hole reading everything he could get his hands on.
Eight years later, Kerwin is a leader in reentry and an influential advocate for criminal justice reform. In January 2026, he bought a decommissioned prison with the idea of converting it into reentry housing and a workforce development campus where formerly incarcerated people can heal and rebuild their lives.
This is his story.
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.