Solitary Nation

The Formerly Incarcerated Reenter Society Transformed Safely Transitioning Every Person Act or FIRST STEP Act reforms the federal prison system of the United States of America, and seeks to reduce recidivism. An initial version of the bill passed the House of Representatives (360-59) on May 22, 2018, a revised bill passed the U.S. Senate on December 18, 2018. The House approved the bill with Senate revisions on December 20, 2018. The act was signed by President Donald Trump on December 21,...

More than 5 million children, or one in 14, in the U.S. have had a parent in state or federal prison at some point in their lives, according to the Casey Foundation. Their numbers swelled by 79 percent between 1991 and 2007, according to U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) figures, largely driven by tough drug laws and mandatory sentencing. Children of color are much more likely to have a parent in prison. One in nine African-American children had a parent behind bars in 2008,...

Heather and James Judee Reeves wrote in 1994, "Families of inmates have been called the "hidden victims of crime" (Carlson & Cervera, 1992, p.5). When a crime is committed, there are victims other than the primary victim(s). These secondary victims include the families of the primary victim and another often overlooked group of victims -- family members of the person who has committed the crime. The families of inmates are often overlooked in research and in designing social programs, yet...

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TRANSCRIPT (PDF) Who is the best guest to discuss suicide and depression? How about a comedian? In this episode of Solitary Nation, nationally recognized professional motivational speaker and comedian, Frank King, joins Matt Duhamel to talk about his struggle with depression and thoughts of suicide. He also gives tips and advice to ex-offenders who, according to a new study, found that the risk of suicide for male offenders is eight times the national average, with over...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be incarcerated? What about being a prisoner in a state penitentiary? Matt Duhamel invites John Charles on the show, a handicapped man who served 2 years and 8 months in the Clark County Jail (Vancouver, WA) and Washington State Prison in Walla Walla, WA. John gives listeners a first hand account of what it's like to be behind bars. He also describes his horrific days in a padded cell because medical staff in the county jail prescribed him...

Wayne Curry, KraftWerk K9 (German Shepard Trainer) Host, Matt Duhamel talks with Carolyn Esparza about his horrific experience with a Pacific Northwest employer over his criminal record from 10 years ago. Moving from Utah to Washington to take a full-time position with the company, Kraftwerk K9, Matt faced major backlash within a matter of days due to his past. Though he admits he only provided the half truth about his crime, both Matt and Carolyn agree that the company and their CEO,...

Can registered sex offenders travel outside of the United States? If so, what are their restrictions? And, how does the registry restrict the offender and his/her family within the community? Join host, Matt Duhamel and California attorney, Janice Bellucci (ASCOL) as they discuss the answers to these questions and more about America's "list" of convicted sex offenders. The International Megan's Law was reintroduced in 2015 by Rep. Christopher H. Smith as International Megan's Law to...

In this unique episode of Solitary Nation, Matt Duhamel talks with Dr. Kipling Williams from Purdue University. He is the nation's leading authority on social ostracism and social rejection. The conversation focuses on how rejection effects everyday people and especially the formally incarcerated. Dr. Williams also offers tips for people with felony records on how they can reduce anxiety and pressure from social ostracism. This is an informative podcast episode not only for people who've...

In this Season #2 opener, Matt Duhamel talks about Larry Lawton, the creator of the "Reality Check Program. " Larry Lawton is the only ex-con ever in the United States to be sworn in as an honorary police officer and only ex-con ever to be recognized on the Floor of the United States Congress for his work with helping young people and law enforcement agencies. You will hear discussion on how his program is helping at-risk youth, law enforcement, cities, schools, 0rganizations and families...

Nancy Nordyke Shelley, Coordinator for Justice For All, an Affiliate of the STOP Mass Incarceration Network, joins Solitary Nation for this powerful second episode. Nancy talks about her son’s experience with the criminal justice system (he was arrested, incarcerated but NEVER convicted) and the effects of mass incarceration in America. Host, Matt Duhamel asks the tough questions about what needs to be done to fix the broken system.

JustLeadershipUSA (JLUSA) is dedicated to cutting the US correctional population in half by 2030, while reducing crime. One way they are succeeding is by investing in successful formerly incarcerated leaders from across the United States. Host, Matt Duhamel speaks with Khalil A. Cumberbatch from JLUSA about how ex-offenders can be leaders in the community while working for criminal justice reform. The discussion also touches on how Mr. Cumberbatch, JLUSA founder, Glenn E. Martin and the...

Studies on registered sex offenders have shown no significant increase in risk for non-familial child sexual abuse on or just prior to Halloween, though states and cities continue to pass restrictions that most say are based on fear and moral panic. Some states have enacted postings of signs that read: "No Candy at this Residence", or "No trick, no treat, no candy" for registered sex offenders. (most of these restrictions are for sex offenders on parole or probation) Brenda Jones,...

Charlie Engle is a survivor. He’s been through drug and alcohol addiction, 16-months in federal prison, and numerous ultra-marathon runs including a 111 day run through the Sahara Desert and 6 countries. Host, Matt Duhamel talks with Engle about resiliency and the possibility of redemption even though society thinks you don’t deserve it. Episode #3 is a must watch (or listen) for anyone that has been down in life but has the stamina to pull through and reach new heights.

There are 2.7 million children with a parent in prison or jail in the United States. The number of children with a father in prison has grown by 79% since 1991. The problem has become so devastating among children that when they have a parent in prison, it is now considered an Adverse Childhood Experience. (ACE) These are staggering facts. Host, Matt Duhamel interviews Erik Vecere from the National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) to discuss what correctional facilities in America are doing to...

Host, Matt Duhamel speaks with Dr. Lisa Sample of Sexual Offense Policy Research (SOPR) about her latest research on registered sex offenders reintegrating and living in the community. Matt opens up the conversation about desistance from sex offending, offender registration and notification laws, public perceptions on sex offenders and the wide supported belief that registered sex offenders are the new "lepers" in modern day society. Dr. Lisa Sample is the President of SOPR and is the...