Natasha Blakely: Breaking The Cycle Of Incarceration’s Impact On Families And Youth
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Natasha Blakely, Training and Engagement Specialist at Project Avary, to explore the impact of incarceration on children and families. Natasha shares her personal journey and the purpose that drives her work supporting youth with incarcerated parents. If you're looking to understand the deeper effects of prison beyond the sentence—and how compassion, mentorship, and community can change lives—this conversation is a must-listen. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, advocate, or someone impacted by incarceration, you'll find inspiration and insight in Natasha’s story and the mission of Project Avary.(Season 5 intro courtesy of Matt Duhamel. Music by Halim Aly-hassan and Matt Bowman)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Prison: The Hidden Sentence Community today:https://prisonthehiddensentence.com/LinkedInTwitterFacebook
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Coming Home: A Mother And Son’s Story Of Life After Incarceration (Part 2)
Incarceration may have ended, but the journey is far from over. In this powerful episode, we continue the story of Jane—now joined by her son, Anthony, who has recently come home after years in prison. Together, they share what life has been like since his release, offering an honest look at the emotional, relational, and practical challenges of reentry. From rebuilding trust to finding a new normal, their journey sheds light on what families truly face after incarceration ends. Whether you have a loved one coming home or want to better understand the realities of life after prison, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.(Season 5 intro courtesy of Matt Duhamel. Music by Halim Aly-hassan and Matt Bowman)
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When Prison Changes Everything: A Mother’s Story Of Advocacy And Strength (Part 1)
Prison forever changed Jane’s world when her son was arrested and sentenced. In Part 1 of this two-part podcast, we’re honored to share her powerful story. Jane is a devoted mother and fierce advocate for her incarcerated son, and instead of staying silent, she chose to speak out. She opens up about the emotional impact of her son’s incarceration, the struggles she’s faced, and the strength she’s found along the way. Her journey is one of resilience, love, and unwavering support—and it’s meant to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Whether you’re walking a similar path or want to better understand the effects of prison on families, this episode is for you.(Season 5 intro courtesy of Matt Duhamel. Music by Halim Aly-hassan and Matt Bowman)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Prison: The Hidden Sentence Community today:https://prisonthehiddensentence.com/LinkedInTwitterFacebook
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From Life Sentence To Legislative Advocate: Kyle Hedquist’s Journey
Sentenced to life in prison as a teenager, Kyle Hedquist defied the odds. Hear his incredible journey from a life sentence to freedom and how he's now driving change in state policy. In 2022, Governor Brown commuted his sentence, and he was released just 20 days later. Now, nearly two years on, Kyle is driving change in state policy with incredible passion. Tune in to hear his inspiring story of resilience, growth, and advocacy. Kyle’s journey is a testament to the power of hope and determination, and it’s a story you won’t want to miss!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Prison: The Hidden Sentence Community today:https://prisonthehiddensentence.com/LinkedInTwitterFacebook
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Prison Terminal: Dignity Behind Bars With Filmmaker Edgar Barens
Edgar Barens' Academy Award-nominated documentary, “Prison Terminal”, has been viewed in over 60 prisons and 80 educational institutions. His unique talent for turning large-scale issues into personal, deeply humane stories. We’ll explore his mission: documenting a groundbreaking prisoner-run hospice program at Iowa State Penitentiary. Hear how Edgar captures the dignity and compassion within the prison walls, offering hope for reform in a system that too often dehumanizes. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation!Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!Here’s How »Join the Prison: The Hidden Sentence Community today:https://prisonthehiddensentence.com/LinkedInTwitterFacebook
Welcome. The purpose of this podcast and it's blog is to help educate and empower those who have or had a loved one in prison. Raising awareness one story at a time.
Did you know that the chances are very high that someone you know has had a loved one incarcerated? Or maybe you are part of the millions of people in the US population who has had a loved one in the prison system?
This Podcast is for you.
Indirectly we are all affected, and if you have a loved one in prison you are probably doing the time even though you committed no crime. This is the hidden sentence that nobody talks about. The sentence does not end once your loved one is released either. Depending on the type of release he or she may still need to deal with probation or parole which carries its own set of regulations.
So the prison issue continues for an indeterminable about of time.
Prison: The Hidden Sentence is about those friends and family members on the outside.