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 Fan Mail
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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
Do you have Kwame Teague contact info?
Good morning, I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out regarding House Bill 589, the Second Look Act in NC. I have a loved one who is currently incarcerated and have been closely following this legislation. Although it did not advance to the floor this session, it is expected to be refiled in April 2026. My district representative advised that he would review and consider supporting the bill if it reaches the floor next session. I was also encouraged to help raise public awareness, as community engagement could be vital to its progress. If possible, I would greatly appreciate it if you could bring attention to the Second Look Act in a future podcast episode to help inform and inspire public support. Thank you for your time and consideration!