Justice Voices Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/justice-voices-9538f057-c2a6-4335-a36f-9e71fb37a932 We can do better. Listen and have your eyes opened: • See criminal justice reality and needed reforms through real-life stories of people with lived experience with crime on both sides of the law. • Learn about practical solutions for breaking the cycle of crime, achieving healing for victims, and building safer communities. Hosted by David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's Office. Co-hosting many episodes is Lynard Joiner, who went to prison for 17 years in a case prosecuted by Mr. Risley, and who is now Executive Director of Shifting Into New Gear (SING), delivering reentry services and support to people returning to society after release from prison. What Makes Us Unique • Unexpected Partnership: The partnership of Mr. Risley and Mr. Joiner, who first met on opposite sides of a federal courtroom on opposite sides of the law, enables listeners to get the real story from both perspectives and demonstrates the power of forgiveness and healing. • Beyond Theory: We bring you raw, honest stories from people who've lived through incarceration, police our streets, experienced victimization, live in high-crime communities, or work daily in the justice system—paired with concrete examples of cost-effective problem-solving that actually work. • New Vision of Justice: Instead of legal and social barriers amounting to permanent punishment, we showcase successful reentry programs, community-driven approaches to healing trauma as both a cause and effect of crime, crime prevention, problem-solving courts, and restorative practices that help both victims and offenders rebuild their lives. Featured Topics • Life before and inside prison • Life after prison: challenges, barriers, and successes • Restorative justice in action • Effective, community-centered solutions • Victim healing and offender accountability • Trauma-informed approaches to crime prevention • Criminal justice policy reform Justice Voices is essential listening for concerned citizens, policy-makers, justice professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in how we can create safer communities by shifting from a punishment approach to justice to a problem-solving approach. © 2021 Justice Voices c136cec8-5f9a-5064-bfbe-79cb6c007790 no Ep 00: Prison is Crime College — 3 Doses of Reality en-us Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:30:26 -0500 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:31:05 -0500 https://justicevoices.org/series/default-podcast/ https://img.transistorcdn.com/43Ue9yRLsqLtunK12Dokz7j9a9s2LDJtidb7MJihug8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9lNGVj/Zjg5ZWNmMDg4ZWRj/OGNiZWNmOGNjNjhh/OTI0MS53ZWJw.jpg Justice Voices https://justicevoices.org/series/default-podcast/ episodic Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions We can do better. Listen and have your eyes opened: • See criminal justice reality and needed reforms through real-life stories of people with lived experience with crime on both sides of the law. • Learn about practical solutions for breaking the cycle of crime, achieving healing for victims, and building safer communities. Hosted by David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's Office. Co-hosting many episodes is Lynard Joiner, who went to prison for 17 years in a case prosecuted by Mr. Risley, and who is now Executive Director of Shifting Into New Gear (SING), delivering reentry services and support to people returning to society after release from prison. What Makes Us Unique • Unexpected Partnership: The partnership of Mr. Risley and Mr. Joiner, who first met on opposite sides of a federal courtroom on opposite sides of the law, enables listeners to get the real story from both perspectives and demonstrates the power of forgiveness and healing. • Beyond Theory: We bring you raw, honest stories from people who've lived through incarceration, police our streets, experienced victimization, live in high-crime communities, or work daily in the justice system—paired with concrete examples of cost-effective problem-solving that actually work. • New Vision of Justice: Instead of legal and social barriers amounting to permanent punishment, we showcase successful reentry programs, community-driven approaches to healing trauma as both a cause and effect of crime, crime prevention, problem-solving courts, and restorative practices that help both victims and offenders rebuild their lives. Featured Topics • Life before and inside prison • Life after prison: challenges, barriers, and successes • Restorative justice in action • Effective, community-centered solutions • Victim healing and offender accountability • Trauma-informed approaches to crime prevention • Criminal justice policy reform Justice Voices is essential listening for concerned citizens, policy-makers, justice professionals, community leaders, and anyone interested in how we can create safer communities by shifting from a punishment approach to justice to a problem-solving approach. We can do better. Justice Voices No No Ep. 27: Sonya Massey and Mental Health Board 27 27 Ep. 27: Sonya Massey and Mental Health Board full 67296f6e-3f1e-4238-bfe9-0475aa6e63dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fd7152b Sonya Massey Called for Help. A Deputy Shot and Killed Her. Here's What Has to Change.

Sonya Massey was a mother, a sister, a cousin. She was managing lupus, raising her children, living her life in Springfield, Illinois. In the early hours of July 6, 2024, she called police because she heard banging outside her home. She was alone. One of the responding Sangamon County deputies — Sean Grayson — shot and killed her. He was subsequently convicted of murder.

Her cousin Sontae Massey is now Associate Director of the Massey Commission, the body created in her name. He joins Justice Voices alongside Adam White, Massey Commission staff member and expert on Sangamon County's mental health landscape, to make a case that is at once personal and structural: Sonya's death was preventable. And without action, it will happen again.

The action in question: a referendum asking Sangamon County voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to fund a county 708 Mental Health Board — the kind that 66 of Illinois' 102 counties already have. Sangamon County doesn't.


In this episode:

  • Who Sonya Massey was — in her family's words
  • What the body camera footage reveals about the night she died
  • Why both guests say, without any doubt, she would be alive today if a co-responder had been on scene — and what a co-responder actually is
  • What a 708 Mental Health Board would do (and what it would not do — it coordinates and funds services, it doesn't deliver them directly)
  • Why Sangamon County's existing providers are siloed, underfunded, and competing against each other for the same grants
  • The case for stable core funding over grant dependency
  • What the proposed tax actually covers — and the three major categories it exempts (registered vehicles, medical devices and drugs, groceries and gas)
  • The $4/$7 return: every dollar invested in mental health saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in criminal justice costs (Dept. of Health and Human Services)
  • What Winnebago County's mental health board produced: a 60% drop in ER visits, 165 new behavioral health jobs — and voters who just renewed it overwhelmingly
  • Who controls the money — the Board's professional commissioners, not the elected County Board
  • The survey data: only 17% of providers call current services adequate; 40% of residents report an unmet need in the past three years; 89% support increased funding; 60% deal with mental health concerns they never discuss
  • Sontae's warning: this wasn't the first time it happened in Sangamon County — and without structural change, it won't be the last

Chapter Markers

  • [00:00] Cold open — "Without a shadow of a doubt, Sonya would still be here today"
  • [01:00] Introduction — Sontae Massey and Adam White
  • [01:30] Who was Sonya Massey?
  • [03:00] The night she died — what led to her killing
  • [07:00] Sean Grayson convicted of murder
  • [07:30] A co-responder would have saved her
  • [08:30] What is a co-responder? — Sontae and Adam
  • [10:00] Why doesn't Sangamon County have one?
  • [10:30] The Massey Commission — formation and calls to action
  • [13:00] Two commissions, one conclusion: we need a mental health board
  • [17:30] What would the board actually do?
  • [18:00] The gaps: schizophrenia, youth, substance abuse, and more
  • [18:30] The funding problem — why grants aren't enough
  • [20:30] $15 million in stable core funding
  • [21:00] The sales tax: what it is and what it isn't
  • [22:00] Three categories exempt from the tax
  • [23:30] Groceries and gas — not taxed; clothing — taxed
  • [24:00] Half a cent on the dollar — what that means in practice
  • [24:30] 95 mental health boards already exist in Illinois — we're the outlier
  • [25:00] Winnebago County: the proof of concept
  • [26:30] The elected County Board won't control the money — the professional commissioners will
  • [27:00] Return on investment — addressing voter skepticism
  • [28:00] $4 in healthcare savings, $7 in criminal justice savings per dollar invested
  • [29:00] The survey data — 17%, 40%, 89%
  • [30:00] Addressing skeptics: the board is professional, not political
  • [33:00] 60% of people deal with mental health concerns they never talk about
  • [34:00] A unanimous vote — Republican and Democrat alike
  • [34:30] "Sonya called for help and received harm" — what happens if this fails?
  • [35:00] Sontae's warning: it will happen again
  • [35:30] Vote yes — how to do it, even as an independent

Key Figures & Terms

  • Sonya Massey — Springfield, Illinois resident killed by Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson. Grayson was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder.
  • Sean Grayson — Former Sangamon County deputy sheriff, convicted of murder in the killing of Sonya Massey.
  • Dawson Farley — Grayson's partner, present at the scene.
  • The Massey Commission — A Sangamon County body created following Sonya's death to identify systemic gaps across law enforcement, mental health, economic equity, and community education. Produced 115–120 calls to action; 26 are prioritized for action this year.
  • Sangamon County Mental Health Commission — A separate temporary body convened by County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, tasked with designing the structure of a 708 Mental Health Board and recommending a funding mechanism. Recommended a sales tax over a property tax.
  • 708 Mental Health Board — A statutory framework under Illinois law allowing counties to fund local mental health services through voter-approved taxation. Currently active in 66 of Illinois' 102 counties, operating 95 boards.
  • Co-responder — A trained mental health professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker, who responds alongside law enforcement to calls involving emotional distress or mental health crisis.
  • Andy Van Meter — Sangamon County Board Chairman who convened the Mental Health Commission following the Massey Commission's recommendation.

The Numbers That Matter


Stat Source
| $4 saved in healthcare per $1 invested in mental health  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $7 saved in criminal justice per $1 invested  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $38,000–$60,000/year to incarcerate one person using mental health services  | National estimate
| $2,000–$4,000 per ER visit for a mental health crisis  | National estimate
| 60% decline in ER visits — Winnebago County after mental health board created  | Winnebago County data
| 165 behavioral health jobs added — Winnebago County  | Winnebago County data
| ~$14.7M estimated annual revenue from proposed half-cent sales tax  | Sangamon County estimate
| 95 mental health boards across 66 of Illinois' 102 counties  | Illinois data
| 17% of local providers call current mental health services adequate  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 40% of residents report an unmet mental health need in the past 3 years  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 89% of residents support increased county funding for mental health  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 60% of survey respondents deal with mental health concerns they never discuss  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey

Guests

Sontae Massey is the Associate Director of...

]]> Sonya Massey Called for Help. A Deputy Shot and Killed Her. Here's What Has to Change.

Sonya Massey was a mother, a sister, a cousin. She was managing lupus, raising her children, living her life in Springfield, Illinois. In the early hours of July 6, 2024, she called police because she heard banging outside her home. She was alone. One of the responding Sangamon County deputies — Sean Grayson — shot and killed her. He was subsequently convicted of murder.

Her cousin Sontae Massey is now Associate Director of the Massey Commission, the body created in her name. He joins Justice Voices alongside Adam White, Massey Commission staff member and expert on Sangamon County's mental health landscape, to make a case that is at once personal and structural: Sonya's death was preventable. And without action, it will happen again.

The action in question: a referendum asking Sangamon County voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to fund a county 708 Mental Health Board — the kind that 66 of Illinois' 102 counties already have. Sangamon County doesn't.


In this episode:

  • Who Sonya Massey was — in her family's words
  • What the body camera footage reveals about the night she died
  • Why both guests say, without any doubt, she would be alive today if a co-responder had been on scene — and what a co-responder actually is
  • What a 708 Mental Health Board would do (and what it would not do — it coordinates and funds services, it doesn't deliver them directly)
  • Why Sangamon County's existing providers are siloed, underfunded, and competing against each other for the same grants
  • The case for stable core funding over grant dependency
  • What the proposed tax actually covers — and the three major categories it exempts (registered vehicles, medical devices and drugs, groceries and gas)
  • The $4/$7 return: every dollar invested in mental health saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in criminal justice costs (Dept. of Health and Human Services)
  • What Winnebago County's mental health board produced: a 60% drop in ER visits, 165 new behavioral health jobs — and voters who just renewed it overwhelmingly
  • Who controls the money — the Board's professional commissioners, not the elected County Board
  • The survey data: only 17% of providers call current services adequate; 40% of residents report an unmet need in the past three years; 89% support increased funding; 60% deal with mental health concerns they never discuss
  • Sontae's warning: this wasn't the first time it happened in Sangamon County — and without structural change, it won't be the last

Chapter Markers

  • [00:00] Cold open — "Without a shadow of a doubt, Sonya would still be here today"
  • [01:00] Introduction — Sontae Massey and Adam White
  • [01:30] Who was Sonya Massey?
  • [03:00] The night she died — what led to her killing
  • [07:00] Sean Grayson convicted of murder
  • [07:30] A co-responder would have saved her
  • [08:30] What is a co-responder? — Sontae and Adam
  • [10:00] Why doesn't Sangamon County have one?
  • [10:30] The Massey Commission — formation and calls to action
  • [13:00] Two commissions, one conclusion: we need a mental health board
  • [17:30] What would the board actually do?
  • [18:00] The gaps: schizophrenia, youth, substance abuse, and more
  • [18:30] The funding problem — why grants aren't enough
  • [20:30] $15 million in stable core funding
  • [21:00] The sales tax: what it is and what it isn't
  • [22:00] Three categories exempt from the tax
  • [23:30] Groceries and gas — not taxed; clothing — taxed
  • [24:00] Half a cent on the dollar — what that means in practice
  • [24:30] 95 mental health boards already exist in Illinois — we're the outlier
  • [25:00] Winnebago County: the proof of concept
  • [26:30] The elected County Board won't control the money — the professional commissioners will
  • [27:00] Return on investment — addressing voter skepticism
  • [28:00] $4 in healthcare savings, $7 in criminal justice savings per dollar invested
  • [29:00] The survey data — 17%, 40%, 89%
  • [30:00] Addressing skeptics: the board is professional, not political
  • [33:00] 60% of people deal with mental health concerns they never talk about
  • [34:00] A unanimous vote — Republican and Democrat alike
  • [34:30] "Sonya called for help and received harm" — what happens if this fails?
  • [35:00] Sontae's warning: it will happen again
  • [35:30] Vote yes — how to do it, even as an independent

Key Figures & Terms

  • Sonya Massey — Springfield, Illinois resident killed by Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson. Grayson was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder.
  • Sean Grayson — Former Sangamon County deputy sheriff, convicted of murder in the killing of Sonya Massey.
  • Dawson Farley — Grayson's partner, present at the scene.
  • The Massey Commission — A Sangamon County body created following Sonya's death to identify systemic gaps across law enforcement, mental health, economic equity, and community education. Produced 115–120 calls to action; 26 are prioritized for action this year.
  • Sangamon County Mental Health Commission — A separate temporary body convened by County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, tasked with designing the structure of a 708 Mental Health Board and recommending a funding mechanism. Recommended a sales tax over a property tax.
  • 708 Mental Health Board — A statutory framework under Illinois law allowing counties to fund local mental health services through voter-approved taxation. Currently active in 66 of Illinois' 102 counties, operating 95 boards.
  • Co-responder — A trained mental health professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker, who responds alongside law enforcement to calls involving emotional distress or mental health crisis.
  • Andy Van Meter — Sangamon County Board Chairman who convened the Mental Health Commission following the Massey Commission's recommendation.

The Numbers That Matter


Stat Source
| $4 saved in healthcare per $1 invested in mental health  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $7 saved in criminal justice per $1 invested  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $38,000–$60,000/year to incarcerate one person using mental health services  | National estimate
| $2,000–$4,000 per ER visit for a mental health crisis  | National estimate
| 60% decline in ER visits — Winnebago County after mental health board created  | Winnebago County data
| 165 behavioral health jobs added — Winnebago County  | Winnebago County data
| ~$14.7M estimated annual revenue from proposed half-cent sales tax  | Sangamon County estimate
| 95 mental health boards across 66 of Illinois' 102 counties  | Illinois data
| 17% of local providers call current mental health services adequate  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 40% of residents report an unmet mental health need in the past 3 years  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 89% of residents support increased county funding for mental health  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 60% of survey respondents deal with mental health concerns they never discuss  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey

Guests

Sontae Massey is the Associate Director of...

]]> Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:30:23 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2194 Sonya Massey Called for Help. A Deputy Shot and Killed Her. Here's What Has to Change.

Sonya Massey was a mother, a sister, a cousin. She was managing lupus, raising her children, living her life in Springfield, Illinois. In the early hours of July 6, 2024, she called police because she heard banging outside her home. She was alone. One of the responding Sangamon County deputies — Sean Grayson — shot and killed her. He was subsequently convicted of murder.

Her cousin Sontae Massey is now Associate Director of the Massey Commission, the body created in her name. He joins Justice Voices alongside Adam White, Massey Commission staff member and expert on Sangamon County's mental health landscape, to make a case that is at once personal and structural: Sonya's death was preventable. And without action, it will happen again.

The action in question: a referendum asking Sangamon County voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to fund a county 708 Mental Health Board — the kind that 66 of Illinois' 102 counties already have. Sangamon County doesn't.


In this episode:

  • Who Sonya Massey was — in her family's words
  • What the body camera footage reveals about the night she died
  • Why both guests say, without any doubt, she would be alive today if a co-responder had been on scene — and what a co-responder actually is
  • What a 708 Mental Health Board would do (and what it would not do — it coordinates and funds services, it doesn't deliver them directly)
  • Why Sangamon County's existing providers are siloed, underfunded, and competing against each other for the same grants
  • The case for stable core funding over grant dependency
  • What the proposed tax actually covers — and the three major categories it exempts (registered vehicles, medical devices and drugs, groceries and gas)
  • The $4/$7 return: every dollar invested in mental health saves $4 in healthcare costs and $7 in criminal justice costs (Dept. of Health and Human Services)
  • What Winnebago County's mental health board produced: a 60% drop in ER visits, 165 new behavioral health jobs — and voters who just renewed it overwhelmingly
  • Who controls the money — the Board's professional commissioners, not the elected County Board
  • The survey data: only 17% of providers call current services adequate; 40% of residents report an unmet need in the past three years; 89% support increased funding; 60% deal with mental health concerns they never discuss
  • Sontae's warning: this wasn't the first time it happened in Sangamon County — and without structural change, it won't be the last

Chapter Markers

  • [00:00] Cold open — "Without a shadow of a doubt, Sonya would still be here today"
  • [01:00] Introduction — Sontae Massey and Adam White
  • [01:30] Who was Sonya Massey?
  • [03:00] The night she died — what led to her killing
  • [07:00] Sean Grayson convicted of murder
  • [07:30] A co-responder would have saved her
  • [08:30] What is a co-responder? — Sontae and Adam
  • [10:00] Why doesn't Sangamon County have one?
  • [10:30] The Massey Commission — formation and calls to action
  • [13:00] Two commissions, one conclusion: we need a mental health board
  • [17:30] What would the board actually do?
  • [18:00] The gaps: schizophrenia, youth, substance abuse, and more
  • [18:30] The funding problem — why grants aren't enough
  • [20:30] $15 million in stable core funding
  • [21:00] The sales tax: what it is and what it isn't
  • [22:00] Three categories exempt from the tax
  • [23:30] Groceries and gas — not taxed; clothing — taxed
  • [24:00] Half a cent on the dollar — what that means in practice
  • [24:30] 95 mental health boards already exist in Illinois — we're the outlier
  • [25:00] Winnebago County: the proof of concept
  • [26:30] The elected County Board won't control the money — the professional commissioners will
  • [27:00] Return on investment — addressing voter skepticism
  • [28:00] $4 in healthcare savings, $7 in criminal justice savings per dollar invested
  • [29:00] The survey data — 17%, 40%, 89%
  • [30:00] Addressing skeptics: the board is professional, not political
  • [33:00] 60% of people deal with mental health concerns they never talk about
  • [34:00] A unanimous vote — Republican and Democrat alike
  • [34:30] "Sonya called for help and received harm" — what happens if this fails?
  • [35:00] Sontae's warning: it will happen again
  • [35:30] Vote yes — how to do it, even as an independent

Key Figures & Terms

  • Sonya Massey — Springfield, Illinois resident killed by Sangamon County Deputy Sean Grayson. Grayson was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder.
  • Sean Grayson — Former Sangamon County deputy sheriff, convicted of murder in the killing of Sonya Massey.
  • Dawson Farley — Grayson's partner, present at the scene.
  • The Massey Commission — A Sangamon County body created following Sonya's death to identify systemic gaps across law enforcement, mental health, economic equity, and community education. Produced 115–120 calls to action; 26 are prioritized for action this year.
  • Sangamon County Mental Health Commission — A separate temporary body convened by County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter, tasked with designing the structure of a 708 Mental Health Board and recommending a funding mechanism. Recommended a sales tax over a property tax.
  • 708 Mental Health Board — A statutory framework under Illinois law allowing counties to fund local mental health services through voter-approved taxation. Currently active in 66 of Illinois' 102 counties, operating 95 boards.
  • Co-responder — A trained mental health professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker, who responds alongside law enforcement to calls involving emotional distress or mental health crisis.
  • Andy Van Meter — Sangamon County Board Chairman who convened the Mental Health Commission following the Massey Commission's recommendation.

The Numbers That Matter


Stat Source
| $4 saved in healthcare per $1 invested in mental health  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $7 saved in criminal justice per $1 invested  | U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
| $38,000–$60,000/year to incarcerate one person using mental health services  | National estimate
| $2,000–$4,000 per ER visit for a mental health crisis  | National estimate
| 60% decline in ER visits — Winnebago County after mental health board created  | Winnebago County data
| 165 behavioral health jobs added — Winnebago County  | Winnebago County data
| ~$14.7M estimated annual revenue from proposed half-cent sales tax  | Sangamon County estimate
| 95 mental health boards across 66 of Illinois' 102 counties  | Illinois data
| 17% of local providers call current mental health services adequate  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 40% of residents report an unmet mental health need in the past 3 years  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 89% of residents support increased county funding for mental health  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey
| 60% of survey respondents deal with mental health concerns they never discuss  | Sangamon County Mental Health Commission survey

Guests

Sontae Massey is the Associate Director of...

]]> Sonya Massey Mental Health No Ep. 25: Healing Trauma in High Crime Communities 25 25 Ep. 25: Healing Trauma in High Crime Communities full bc0bb3a3-7495-4680-beaf-38742dc52ebb https://share.transistor.fm/s/2551b5fe Healing from trauma and helping others heal from trauma in the high crime community of East St. Louis, Illinois, Skyla Pawnell and Gloria Hicks share their powerful stories of transformation from being victims to community healers.

]]> Healing from trauma and helping others heal from trauma in the high crime community of East St. Louis, Illinois, Skyla Pawnell and Gloria Hicks share their powerful stories of transformation from being victims to community healers.

]]> Tue, 03 Jun 2025 19:06:56 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2901 Healing from trauma and helping others heal from trauma in the high crime community of East St. Louis, Illinois, Skyla Pawnell and Gloria Hicks share their powerful stories of transformation from being victims to community healers. Healing from trauma and helping others heal from trauma in the high crime community of East St. Louis, Illinois, Skyla Pawnell and Gloria Hicks share their powerful stories of transformation from being victims to community healers. No Ep. 24: Breaking free from addiction and a cycle of crime and jail 24 24 Ep. 24: Breaking free from addiction and a cycle of crime and jail full dd109250-29ae-4a9a-b7c4-d467ab0e8a7d https://share.transistor.fm/s/68b90382 Rickey Brown shares his story of breaking free from an addiction-driven cycle of crime and jail. He graphically describes what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an addict.

]]> Rickey Brown shares his story of breaking free from an addiction-driven cycle of crime and jail. He graphically describes what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an addict.

]]> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:29:56 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 5280 Rickey Brown shares his story of breaking free from an addiction-driven cycle of crime and jail. He graphically describes what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an addict. Rickey Brown shares his story of breaking free from an addiction-driven cycle of crime and jail. He graphically describes what it is like to see the world through the eyes of an addict. No Ep. 23: From 9 Times in Prison to Prison Guard–Rachelle Conley 23 23 Ep. 23: From 9 Times in Prison to Prison Guard–Rachelle Conley full 52725d0a-dc7d-4ee1-9a93-e7389dc9539d https://share.transistor.fm/s/dc468465 Exploitation of women in prison by prison guards--the problem and solutions. Rachelle Conley shares her eye-opening story of being incarcerated nine times to becoming a correctional officer. Rachelle presents a vivid narrative of her challenging childhood, struggles with addiction, and the systemic exploitation and personal obstacles she faced within the prison system.

]]> Exploitation of women in prison by prison guards--the problem and solutions. Rachelle Conley shares her eye-opening story of being incarcerated nine times to becoming a correctional officer. Rachelle presents a vivid narrative of her challenging childhood, struggles with addiction, and the systemic exploitation and personal obstacles she faced within the prison system.

]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2024 19:52:44 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4770 Exploitation of women in prison by prison guards--the problem and solutions. Rachelle Conley shares her eye-opening story of being incarcerated nine times to becoming a correctional officer. Rachelle presents a vivid narrative of her challenging childhood, struggles with addiction, and the systemic exploitation and personal obstacles she faced within the prison system. Exploitation of women in prison by prison guards--the problem and solutions. Rachelle Conley shares her eye-opening story of being incarcerated nine times to becoming a correctional officer. Rachelle presents a vivid narrative of her challenging childhood No Ep. 22: Faith Coalition–Restorative Justice and Justice in Healthcare 22 22 Ep. 22: Faith Coalition–Restorative Justice and Justice in Healthcare full d8523836-41a2-457c-8cd6-e670e8b1d819 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dcbc3ffb Restorative justice and justice in healthcare: two aspects of the justice mission of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, Illinois. This episode features a conversation between host David Risley and three guests from the Faith Coalition: Tyshianna Bankhead (executive director); Vanessa Knox (transformational justice chair); and Quonie Barney (transformational justice community organizer).

]]> Restorative justice and justice in healthcare: two aspects of the justice mission of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, Illinois. This episode features a conversation between host David Risley and three guests from the Faith Coalition: Tyshianna Bankhead (executive director); Vanessa Knox (transformational justice chair); and Quonie Barney (transformational justice community organizer).

]]> Mon, 19 Aug 2024 09:25:30 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2905 Restorative justice and justice in healthcare: two aspects of the justice mission of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, Illinois. This episode features a conversation between host David Risley and three guests from the Faith Coalition: Tyshianna Bankhead (executive director); Vanessa Knox (transformational justice chair); and Quonie Barney (transformational justice community organizer). Restorative justice and justice in healthcare: two aspects of the justice mission of the Faith Coalition for the Common Good in Springfield, Illinois. This episode features a conversation between host David Risley and three guests from the Faith Coali No Ep. 21: Turning a High Crime Community Around — Deana Perez 21 21 Ep. 21: Turning a High Crime Community Around — Deana Perez full a5794479-a4f2-46fb-bdaa-55bf5bd8e97d https://share.transistor.fm/s/ab0fd3ce How can a high crime community turn around and what does it take to make that happen? Deana Perez of Bright Star Community Outreach discusses the TURN model as a big part of the answer.

]]> How can a high crime community turn around and what does it take to make that happen? Deana Perez of Bright Star Community Outreach discusses the TURN model as a big part of the answer.

]]> Mon, 27 May 2024 21:39:25 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 3455 How can a high crime community turn around and what does it take to make that happen? Deana Perez of Bright Star Community Outreach discusses the TURN model as a big part of the answer. How can a high crime community turn around and what does it take to make that happen? Deana Perez of Bright Star Community Outreach discusses the TURN model as a big part of the answer. No Ep. 20: Pastor Chris Harris — Bright Star Community Outreach and TURN Model for Safer Communities 20 20 Ep. 20: Pastor Chris Harris — Bright Star Community Outreach and TURN Model for Safer Communities full 88cedf29-2a2a-4c9e-ac07-fab2b1f1c632 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b66518c5 Pastor Chris Harris speaks about Bright Star Community Outreach, NATAL training, the TURN Center in Bronzeville in south Chicago, and the TURN Model of coalition building to reduce trauma and build safer communities.

]]> Pastor Chris Harris speaks about Bright Star Community Outreach, NATAL training, the TURN Center in Bronzeville in south Chicago, and the TURN Model of coalition building to reduce trauma and build safer communities.

]]> Fri, 26 Jan 2024 22:43:31 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2079 Pastor Chris Harris speaks about Bright Star Community Outreach, NATAL training, the TURN Center in Bronzeville in south Chicago, and the TURN Model of coalition building to reduce trauma and build safer communities. Pastor Chris Harris speaks about Bright Star Community Outreach, NATAL training, the TURN Center in Bronzeville in south Chicago, and the TURN Model of coalition building to reduce trauma and build safer communities. No Ep. 19: Problem-Solving Courts – Video Conversation With Judge Jeff Ford 19 19 Ep. 19: Problem-Solving Courts – Video Conversation With Judge Jeff Ford full b6b12e2a-472b-4250-b1ee-ecc266a7b06b https://share.transistor.fm/s/65b6e714 Judge Jeff Ford (ret.), a pioneer of problem-solving courts and past president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, provides an inside look into this growing approach to criminal justice and explains his experience with creating and managing problem-solving courts in Champaign County in central Illinois.

]]> Judge Jeff Ford (ret.), a pioneer of problem-solving courts and past president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, provides an inside look into this growing approach to criminal justice and explains his experience with creating and managing problem-solving courts in Champaign County in central Illinois.

]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2024 22:28:47 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4305 Judge Jeff Ford (ret.), a pioneer of problem-solving courts and past president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, provides an inside look into this growing approach to criminal justice and explains his experience with creating and managing problem-solving courts in Champaign County in central Illinois. Judge Jeff Ford (ret.), a pioneer of problem-solving courts and past president of the Illinois Association of Problem-Solving Courts, provides an inside look into this growing approach to criminal justice and explains his experience with creating and mana No Ep. 18 – Virgia Brewer: From Decades of Abuse and Trauma to Present Happiness (What Made the Difference) 18 18 Ep. 18 – Virgia Brewer: From Decades of Abuse and Trauma to Present Happiness (What Made the Difference) full dc55b931-97be-4e4e-8fbb-9c6bb2cdc17d https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1e0fc3e Virgia Brewer. To meet this wonderful woman today, you would have no idea she is a survivor of decades of abuse and trauma, beginning as a sexually exploited child – exploited and abused by family members no less, beginning at age seven. Now she is happy. Hear what made the difference.

]]> Virgia Brewer. To meet this wonderful woman today, you would have no idea she is a survivor of decades of abuse and trauma, beginning as a sexually exploited child – exploited and abused by family members no less, beginning at age seven. Now she is happy. Hear what made the difference.

]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:05:01 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4219 Virgia Brewer. To meet this wonderful woman today, you would have no idea she is a survivor of decades of abuse and trauma, beginning as a sexually exploited child – exploited and abused by family members no less, beginning at age seven. Now she is happy. Hear what made the difference. Virgia Brewer. To meet this wonderful woman today, you would have no idea she is a survivor of decades of abuse and trauma, beginning as a sexually exploited child – exploited and abused by family members no less, beginning at age seven. Now she is happy. No Ep. 17: Lenore Anderson – Victims’ Rights and the Future of Public Safety 17 17 Ep. 17: Lenore Anderson – Victims’ Rights and the Future of Public Safety full 84edfdc9-aff4-4872-afda-2d9556dc2bbc https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d72ecd4 Lenore Anderson discusses the connection between victims' rights and public safety, and how increasing services for victims can reduce crime.

]]> Lenore Anderson discusses the connection between victims' rights and public safety, and how increasing services for victims can reduce crime.

]]> Thu, 09 Mar 2023 10:14:28 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1813 Lenore Anderson discusses the connection between victims' rights and public safety, and how increasing services for victims can reduce crime. Lenore Anderson discusses the connection between victims' rights and public safety, and how increasing services for victims can reduce crime. No Ep. 16 (excerpts) – Lisa Daniels: A Mother Who Forgave Her Son’s Killer and Lives Restorative Justice 16 16 Ep. 16 (excerpts) – Lisa Daniels: A Mother Who Forgave Her Son’s Killer and Lives Restorative Justice bonus 8a77bcc9-9cfb-474d-b1b9-5199a4055ade https://share.transistor.fm/s/14e9ad0a Lisa Daniels: Finding Healing Through Restorative Practices Lisa Daniels transformed her grief into purpose after forgiving her son’s killer. As founder of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, —named after her son—she embodies the principles of restorative justice and the forgiveness teachings from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Through her powerful story, Lisa […]

]]> Lisa Daniels: Finding Healing Through Restorative Practices Lisa Daniels transformed her grief into purpose after forgiving her son’s killer. As founder of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, —named after her son—she embodies the principles of restorative justice and the forgiveness teachings from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Through her powerful story, Lisa […]

]]> Mon, 30 Jan 2023 16:22:09 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1010 Lisa Daniels: Finding Healing Through Restorative Practices Lisa Daniels transformed her grief into purpose after forgiving her son’s killer. As founder of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, —named after her son—she embodies the principles of restorative justice and the forgiveness teachings from Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Through her powerful story, Lisa […] Lisa Daniels: Finding Healing Through Restorative Practices Lisa Daniels transformed her grief into purpose after forgiving her son’s killer. As founder of the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices, —named after her son—she embodies the pr No Ep. 16 – Lisa Daniels: A mother who forgave her son’s killer and lives restorative justice 16 16 Ep. 16 – Lisa Daniels: A mother who forgave her son’s killer and lives restorative justice full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=1274 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f7f6399 Lisa Daniels lives the principles of restorative justice as a mother who forgave her son's killer and asked for leniency at his sentencing.

]]> Lisa Daniels lives the principles of restorative justice as a mother who forgave her son's killer and asked for leniency at his sentencing.

]]> Sat, 21 Jan 2023 20:45:44 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 6112 Lisa Daniels lives the principles of restorative justice as a mother who forgave her son's killer and asked for leniency at his sentencing. Lisa Daniels lives the principles of restorative justice as a mother who forgave her son's killer and asked for leniency at his sentencing. No Ep. 15: Christmas Reflections on Criminal Justice and Punishment 15 15 Ep. 15: Christmas Reflections on Criminal Justice and Punishment full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=1137 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eeebb7ee On the eve of Christmas, David Risley challenges both the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our prevailing approach to criminal justice and punishment.

]]> On the eve of Christmas, David Risley challenges both the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our prevailing approach to criminal justice and punishment.

]]> Fri, 23 Dec 2022 18:00:01 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 632 On the eve of Christmas, David Risley challenges both the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our prevailing approach to criminal justice and punishment. On the eve of Christmas, David Risley challenges both the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our prevailing approach to criminal justice and punishment. No Ep 14 Part 2: Michael Tafolla 14 14 Ep 14 Part 2: Michael Tafolla full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=1049 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc51c046 Part 2 of Michael Tafolla's story and his message about trauma, violence, transformation, and restorative justice.

]]> Part 2 of Michael Tafolla's story and his message about trauma, violence, transformation, and restorative justice.

]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:29:48 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2940 Part 2 of Michael Tafolla's story and his message about trauma, violence, transformation, and restorative justice. Part 2 of Michael Tafolla's story and his message about trauma, violence, transformation, and restorative justice. No Ep. 14 – Michael Tafolla 14 14 Ep. 14 – Michael Tafolla full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=1040 https://share.transistor.fm/s/454bad56 Michael Tafolla shares part 1 of his story of childhood trauma from chronic victimization by gang-related gun violence and how as a teenager he became what he feared when he took up the gun, leading him to prison for murder, where he changed his life.

]]> Michael Tafolla shares part 1 of his story of childhood trauma from chronic victimization by gang-related gun violence and how as a teenager he became what he feared when he took up the gun, leading him to prison for murder, where he changed his life.

]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2022 22:56:23 -0600 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 3587 Michael Tafolla shares part 1 of his story of childhood trauma from chronic victimization by gang-related gun violence and how as a teenager he became what he feared when he took up the gun, leading him to prison for murder, where he changed his life. Michael Tafolla shares part 1 of his story of childhood trauma from chronic victimization by gang-related gun violence and how as a teenager he became what he feared when he took up the gun, leading him to prison for murder, where he changed his life. No Ep. 13 – Pastor Jennifer Stephens 13 13 Ep. 13 – Pastor Jennifer Stephens full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=1031 https://share.transistor.fm/s/025f8011 Pastor Jennifer Stephens shares her story of experiencing the trauma of victimization, self-medication with alcohol, jail and prison, support from church and family, reentry to community life after release, barriers faced because of her felony record – amounting to permanent punishment – resource recommendations for formerly incarcerated people in the Chicago area, her path to the ministry in the United Methodist Church, lessons learned, and her concluding message to the public about how to view formerly incarcerated citizens.

]]> Pastor Jennifer Stephens shares her story of experiencing the trauma of victimization, self-medication with alcohol, jail and prison, support from church and family, reentry to community life after release, barriers faced because of her felony record – amounting to permanent punishment – resource recommendations for formerly incarcerated people in the Chicago area, her path to the ministry in the United Methodist Church, lessons learned, and her concluding message to the public about how to view formerly incarcerated citizens.

]]> Sat, 29 Oct 2022 20:41:33 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4463 Pastor Jennifer Stephens shares her story of experiencing the trauma of victimization, self-medication with alcohol, jail and prison, support from church and family, reentry to community life after release, barriers faced because of her felony record – amounting to permanent punishment – resource recommendations for formerly incarcerated people in the Chicago area, her path to the ministry in the United Methodist Church, lessons learned, and her concluding message to the public about how to view formerly incarcerated citizens. Pastor Jennifer Stephens shares her story of experiencing the trauma of victimization, self-medication with alcohol, jail and prison, support from church and family, reentry to community life after release, barriers faced because of her felony record – am No Ep. 12: Eddie Bocanegra of READI Chicago – A Video Interview 12 12 Ep. 12: Eddie Bocanegra of READI Chicago – A Video Interview full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=993 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc3231c4 Eddie Bocanegra Video: His Journey from Gang Violence to READI Chicago Eddie Bocanegra grew up in Little Village on Chicago’s west side. His neighborhood felt like a combat zone. At 14, Eddie joined a street gang for protection, identity, belonging, and respect. By 18, he went to prison for a gang-related murder committed in retaliation […]

]]> Eddie Bocanegra Video: His Journey from Gang Violence to READI Chicago Eddie Bocanegra grew up in Little Village on Chicago’s west side. His neighborhood felt like a combat zone. At 14, Eddie joined a street gang for protection, identity, belonging, and respect. By 18, he went to prison for a gang-related murder committed in retaliation […]

]]> Wed, 03 Nov 2021 18:30:26 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4879 Eddie Bocanegra Video: His Journey from Gang Violence to READI Chicago Eddie Bocanegra grew up in Little Village on Chicago’s west side. His neighborhood felt like a combat zone. At 14, Eddie joined a street gang for protection, identity, belonging, and respect. By 18, he went to prison for a gang-related murder committed in retaliation […] Eddie Bocanegra Video: His Journey from Gang Violence to READI Chicago Eddie Bocanegra grew up in Little Village on Chicago’s west side. His neighborhood felt like a combat zone. At 14, Eddie joined a street gang for protection, identity, belonging, and r No Ep. 11: Reality (Allah) Lovett 11 11 Ep. 11: Reality (Allah) Lovett full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=976 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e919b49c From a public safety policy and justice reform standpoint, this is one of the most important episodes of Justice Voices published to date. Richard Lovett, who prefers to go by the name Reality Allah, is the Reentry Coordinator for READI Chicago and a board member of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. After Reality […]

]]> From a public safety policy and justice reform standpoint, this is one of the most important episodes of Justice Voices published to date. Richard Lovett, who prefers to go by the name Reality Allah, is the Reentry Coordinator for READI Chicago and a board member of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. After Reality […]

]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2021 10:47:46 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4089 From a public safety policy and justice reform standpoint, this is one of the most important episodes of Justice Voices published to date. Richard Lovett, who prefers to go by the name Reality Allah, is the Reentry Coordinator for READI Chicago and a board member of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. After Reality […] From a public safety policy and justice reform standpoint, this is one of the most important episodes of Justice Voices published to date. Richard Lovett, who prefers to go by the name Reality Allah, is the Reentry Coordinator for READI Chicago and a boar No Ep. 10: Willette Benford, Chair of Fully Free campaign 10 10 Ep. 10: Willette Benford, Chair of Fully Free campaign full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=974 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a8cbb2d1 Willette Benford is Board Chair of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. In this episode she tells the story of how she was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, developed a transformational relationship with God, worked while in prison to improve her life and the lives of others around her, was released […]

]]> Willette Benford is Board Chair of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. In this episode she tells the story of how she was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, developed a transformational relationship with God, worked while in prison to improve her life and the lives of others around her, was released […]

]]> Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:36:15 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2716 Willette Benford is Board Chair of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. In this episode she tells the story of how she was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, developed a transformational relationship with God, worked while in prison to improve her life and the lives of others around her, was released […] Willette Benford is Board Chair of the Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance. In this episode she tells the story of how she was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison, developed a transformational relationship with God, worked while in prison No Ep. 9: Cedric Frison of the Fully Free campaign and READI-Chicago 9 9 Ep. 9: Cedric Frison of the Fully Free campaign and READI-Chicago full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=954 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3ad02c5 Cedrick Frison shares wisdom gained from the hard lessons of living life on the streets of the west side of Chicago, including the effects of drug use, the trauma of living with violence both at home and on the street, and going to prison nine times before breaking free from that cycle and becoming the […]

]]> Cedrick Frison shares wisdom gained from the hard lessons of living life on the streets of the west side of Chicago, including the effects of drug use, the trauma of living with violence both at home and on the street, and going to prison nine times before breaking free from that cycle and becoming the […]

]]> Mon, 13 Sep 2021 22:06:50 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2798 Cedrick Frison shares wisdom gained from the hard lessons of living life on the streets of the west side of Chicago, including the effects of drug use, the trauma of living with violence both at home and on the street, and going to prison nine times before breaking free from that cycle and becoming the […] Cedrick Frison shares wisdom gained from the hard lessons of living life on the streets of the west side of Chicago, including the effects of drug use, the trauma of living with violence both at home and on the street, and going to prison nine times befor No Ep. 8: Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance 8 8 Ep. 8: Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=951 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d47b4102 The Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance aims to end “permanent punishment” for people seeking to lead law-abiding lives after release from prison. Campaign manager Marlon Chamberlain (whose personal story was featured in Episode 7) shares his personal experience and describes examples of laws creating barriers for employment, housing, education, and professional licensing, which he […]

]]> The Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance aims to end “permanent punishment” for people seeking to lead law-abiding lives after release from prison. Campaign manager Marlon Chamberlain (whose personal story was featured in Episode 7) shares his personal experience and describes examples of laws creating barriers for employment, housing, education, and professional licensing, which he […]

]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2021 01:00:34 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1771 The Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance aims to end “permanent punishment” for people seeking to lead law-abiding lives after release from prison. Campaign manager Marlon Chamberlain (whose personal story was featured in Episode 7) shares his personal experience and describes examples of laws creating barriers for employment, housing, education, and professional licensing, which he […] The Fully Free campaign of Heartland Alliance aims to end “permanent punishment” for people seeking to lead law-abiding lives after release from prison. Campaign manager Marlon Chamberlain (whose personal story was featured in Episode 7) shares his person No Ep. 7: Marlon Chamberlain 7 7 Ep. 7: Marlon Chamberlain full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=947 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d1ade53b Marlon Chamberlain manages the Fully Free campaign of the Heartland Alliance in the Chicago area. In this episode he shares his personal story and insights gained from serving over a decade in federal prison, returning home to community and family life, and following the path that led him to where he is today. Mr. Chamberlain […]

]]> Marlon Chamberlain manages the Fully Free campaign of the Heartland Alliance in the Chicago area. In this episode he shares his personal story and insights gained from serving over a decade in federal prison, returning home to community and family life, and following the path that led him to where he is today. Mr. Chamberlain […]

]]> Mon, 30 Aug 2021 12:13:30 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4026 Marlon Chamberlain manages the Fully Free campaign of the Heartland Alliance in the Chicago area. In this episode he shares his personal story and insights gained from serving over a decade in federal prison, returning home to community and family life, and following the path that led him to where he is today. Mr. Chamberlain […] Marlon Chamberlain manages the Fully Free campaign of the Heartland Alliance in the Chicago area. In this episode he shares his personal story and insights gained from serving over a decade in federal prison, returning home to community and family life, a No Ep. 6: Sam Dent 6 6 Ep. 6: Sam Dent full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=944 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cf4000f7 In this episode of Justice Voices, you will hear from guest Sam Dent, who served a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison in a case host David Risley prosecuted around the same time as the case he prosecuted against co-host, Lynard Joiner. Mr. Dent was one of Mr. Joiner’s early clients in his Shifting Into […]

]]> In this episode of Justice Voices, you will hear from guest Sam Dent, who served a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison in a case host David Risley prosecuted around the same time as the case he prosecuted against co-host, Lynard Joiner. Mr. Dent was one of Mr. Joiner’s early clients in his Shifting Into […]

]]> Mon, 16 Aug 2021 15:47:55 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4489 In this episode of Justice Voices, you will hear from guest Sam Dent, who served a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison in a case host David Risley prosecuted around the same time as the case he prosecuted against co-host, Lynard Joiner. Mr. Dent was one of Mr. Joiner’s early clients in his Shifting Into […] In this episode of Justice Voices, you will hear from guest Sam Dent, who served a mandatory minimum 20 years in prison in a case host David Risley prosecuted around the same time as the case he prosecuted against co-host, Lynard Joiner. Mr. Dent was one No Ep. 5: Insights from Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform 5 5 Ep. 5: Insights from Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=939 https://share.transistor.fm/s/289e2545 This episode provides a big picture overview of why our criminal justice system needs improvement, especially regarding our overuse of prisons, by exploring the gold mine of information and perspective in the 2016 report of the Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. The primary focus of this episode is on the background information […]

]]> This episode provides a big picture overview of why our criminal justice system needs improvement, especially regarding our overuse of prisons, by exploring the gold mine of information and perspective in the 2016 report of the Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. The primary focus of this episode is on the background information […]

]]> Mon, 09 Aug 2021 20:07:51 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2080 This episode provides a big picture overview of why our criminal justice system needs improvement, especially regarding our overuse of prisons, by exploring the gold mine of information and perspective in the 2016 report of the Illinois Commission on Criminal Justice and Sentencing Reform. The primary focus of this episode is on the background information […] This episode provides a big picture overview of why our criminal justice system needs improvement, especially regarding our overuse of prisons, by exploring the gold mine of information and perspective in the 2016 report of the Illinois Commission on Crim No Ep. 4: Violentization (part 2) 4 4 Ep. 4: Violentization (part 2) full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=930 https://share.transistor.fm/s/47123f55 The root cause of violentization is trauma from chronic exposure to violence, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. Victims of violence become victimizers. Why? Because at some point the victim of chronic violence makes the decision that this is a violent, dog-eat-dog world and that to avoid being a victim of violence one must become […]

]]> The root cause of violentization is trauma from chronic exposure to violence, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. Victims of violence become victimizers. Why? Because at some point the victim of chronic violence makes the decision that this is a violent, dog-eat-dog world and that to avoid being a victim of violence one must become […]

]]> Mon, 02 Aug 2021 17:31:41 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1951 The root cause of violentization is trauma from chronic exposure to violence, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. Victims of violence become victimizers. Why? Because at some point the victim of chronic violence makes the decision that this is a violent, dog-eat-dog world and that to avoid being a victim of violence one must become […] The root cause of violentization is trauma from chronic exposure to violence, usually beginning in childhood or adolescence. Victims of violence become victimizers. Why? Because at some point the victim of chronic violence makes the decision that this is No Ep. 4: Violentization (part 1) 4 4 Ep. 4: Violentization (part 1) full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=911 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0d2ca994 What makes violent people violent? The short answer is violentization. Dangerous violent people almost invariably choose to become violent to survive physically and emotionally in what they perceive as a dog-eat-dog world, a perception rooted in the chronic trauma of being the victim of repeated acts of violence, usually beginning in their homes and neighborhoods […]

]]> What makes violent people violent? The short answer is violentization. Dangerous violent people almost invariably choose to become violent to survive physically and emotionally in what they perceive as a dog-eat-dog world, a perception rooted in the chronic trauma of being the victim of repeated acts of violence, usually beginning in their homes and neighborhoods […]

]]> Mon, 26 Jul 2021 23:00:56 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 2025 What makes violent people violent? The short answer is violentization. Dangerous violent people almost invariably choose to become violent to survive physically and emotionally in what they perceive as a dog-eat-dog world, a perception rooted in the chronic trauma of being the victim of repeated acts of violence, usually beginning in their homes and neighborhoods […] What makes violent people violent? The short answer is violentization. Dangerous violent people almost invariably choose to become violent to survive physically and emotionally in what they perceive as a dog-eat-dog world, a perception rooted in the chron No Ep 3b: Donna Lomelino (Part Two) 3 3 Ep 3b: Donna Lomelino (Part Two) full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=908 https://share.transistor.fm/s/785614fd Unless we understand the psychological impact of chronic abuse on victims, we can fail them. Even worse, we can misjudge them, including misjudging them in court. That’s why this part 2 of Donna Lomelino’s story is so important and instructive. 

]]> Unless we understand the psychological impact of chronic abuse on victims, we can fail them. Even worse, we can misjudge them, including misjudging them in court. That’s why this part 2 of Donna Lomelino’s story is so important and instructive. 

]]> Tue, 20 Jul 2021 20:02:04 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 6180 Unless we understand the psychological impact of chronic abuse on victims, we can fail them. Even worse, we can misjudge them, including misjudging them in court. That’s why this part 2 of Donna Lomelino’s story is so important and instructive.  Unless we understand the psychological impact of chronic abuse on victims, we can fail them. Even worse, we can misjudge them, including misjudging them in court. That’s why this part 2 of Donna Lomelino’s story is so important and instructive.  No Ep 03a: Donna Lomelino (Part 1) 3 3 Ep 03a: Donna Lomelino (Part 1) full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=225 https://share.transistor.fm/s/596d9d9a This episode of Justice Voices will be emotionally intense. 

Facing realities involved in criminal justice policy sometimes is, including facing the 
reality of what a lifetime of abuse and exploitation can do to people.

Some prisons are physical, made of concrete and steel. Other prisons are psychological.

]]> This episode of Justice Voices will be emotionally intense. 

Facing realities involved in criminal justice policy sometimes is, including facing the 
reality of what a lifetime of abuse and exploitation can do to people.

Some prisons are physical, made of concrete and steel. Other prisons are psychological.

]]> Sun, 20 Jun 2021 15:57:27 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 5209 This episode of Justice Voices will be emotionally intense. Facing realities involved in criminal justice policy sometimes is, including facing the reality of what a lifetime of abuse and exploitation can do to people. Some prisons are physical, made of concrete and steel. Other prisons are psychological. This episode of Justice Voices will be emotionally intense. Facing realities involved in criminal justice policy sometimes is, including facing the reality of what a lifetime of abuse and exploitation can do to people. Some prisons are physica No Ep 02: Lynard Joiner Update 2 2 Ep 02: Lynard Joiner Update full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=150 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6c43236 In this update to Episode 1, host David Risley, a former career federal prosecutor, has a conversation
 with one of his former defendants, Lynard Joiner, founder and CEO of Shifting Into New Gear (SING).

]]> In this update to Episode 1, host David Risley, a former career federal prosecutor, has a conversation
 with one of his former defendants, Lynard Joiner, founder and CEO of Shifting Into New Gear (SING).

]]> Thu, 03 Jun 2021 13:22:53 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1797 In this update to Episode 1, host David Risley, a former career federal prosecutor, has a conversation with one of his former defendants, Lynard Joiner, founder and CEO of Shifting Into New Gear (SING). In this update to Episode 1, host David Risley, a former career federal prosecutor, has a conversation with one of his former defendants, Lynard Joiner, founder and CEO of Shifting Into New Gear (SING). No Ep 01: Lynard Joiner 1 1 Ep 01: Lynard Joiner full https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=213 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2fa25911 “Going to prison saved my life.”

That is what guest, Lynard Joiner, said during this conversation with host, David Risley.
It is also the subtitle of an autobiographical book written by Lynard Joiner, titled, LJ’s Cocoon.

]]> “Going to prison saved my life.”

That is what guest, Lynard Joiner, said during this conversation with host, David Risley.
It is also the subtitle of an autobiographical book written by Lynard Joiner, titled, LJ’s Cocoon.

]]> Tue, 01 Jun 2021 14:24:58 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 4790 “Going to prison saved my life.” That is what guest, Lynard Joiner, said during this conversation with host, David Risley. It is also the subtitle of an autobiographical book written by Lynard Joiner, titled, LJ’s Cocoon. “Going to prison saved my life.” That is what guest, Lynard Joiner, said during this conversation with host, David Risley. It is also the subtitle of an autobiographical book written by Lynard Joiner, titled, LJ’s Cocoon. No Ep 00: Prison is Crime College — 3 Doses of Reality 1 1 Ep 00: Prison is Crime College — 3 Doses of Reality trailer https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=64 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b1831dcb That is the first of three doses of criminal justice reality described in this introductory episode by Justice Voices founder and host, David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's office.Reality dose #2: Prisons do only one thing well -- incapacitation of dangerous criminals.

]]> That is the first of three doses of criminal justice reality described in this introductory episode by Justice Voices founder and host, David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's office.Reality dose #2: Prisons do only one thing well -- incapacitation of dangerous criminals.

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 10:35:57 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 1302 That is the first of three doses of criminal justice reality described in this introductory episode by Justice Voices founder and host, David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's office.Reality dose #2: Prisons do only one thing well -- incapacitation of dangerous criminals. That is the first of three doses of criminal justice reality described in this introductory episode by Justice Voices founder and host, David Risley, former career federal prosecutor and former Director of Public Safety Policy in the Illinois Governor's o No Covid Special Episode: Lynard Joiner 1 1 Covid Special Episode: Lynard Joiner bonus https://justicevoices.org/?post_type=podcast&p=291 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dcc97538 Lynard Joiner almost died from COVID-19 and even 8 months later still suffers from 
long-term lung and heart damage. 

He shares his experience and a message: “COVID is for real. Do the right thing, 
wear your mask, stay safe and help keep others safe.”

]]> Lynard Joiner almost died from COVID-19 and even 8 months later still suffers from 
long-term lung and heart damage. 

He shares his experience and a message: “COVID is for real. Do the right thing, 
wear your mask, stay safe and help keep others safe.”

]]> Tue, 27 Apr 2021 21:17:12 -0500 Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions Eye-Opening Stories, Practical Solutions 595 Lynard Joiner almost died from COVID-19 and even 8 months later still suffers from long-term lung and heart damage. He shares his experience and a message: “COVID is for real. Do the right thing, wear your mask, stay safe and help keep others safe.” Lynard Joiner almost died from COVID-19 and even 8 months later still suffers from long-term lung and heart damage. He shares his experience and a message: “COVID is for real. Do the right thing, wear your mask, stay safe and help keep others safe.” No