The Hustler Files with Lisa Reilly - Stories That Challenge What You Thought You Knew

Welcome to Season 4! Wanda Bertram from the Prison Policy Initiative stops by to discuss the latest insights and highlights on current incarceration rates, parole, juvenile justice, and how women incarcerated in the U.S. compare to other states and countries . While the statistics are alarming when reading the 'whole pie' research that the Prison Policy Initiative is known for, the truth of the criminal justice system in America is hard to ignore. Today's conversation on detention centers, youth confinement, and incarcerated women invokes the sad reality that systemic issues continue to contribute to mass incarceration in the U.S. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that highlights the continued need for reform and increased compassion within the criminal justice system.

Leadership was always in the cards for Kristin Kline. Despite being incarcerated, it only took one coach in an Arizona women's prison to encourage Kristin that she had leadership qualities and wasn't a gangster. Finding faith in herself, she launched a workout program for the women in her prison section and took to the prison yard to improve the mental health and healing of her podmates. In this episode, Kristin discusses her transformative journey from incarcerated leadership to entrepreneurial empowerment. Kristin shares her experiences of resilience, the importance of addressing trauma, and her dedication to helping women rewrite their stories through fitness and community support, both behind and beyond the wall, with her fitness organization CONVICTED Comeback. Tune in to discover how one person's comeback can inspire a movement for change and hope.

Anthony Ray Hinton was 29 years old when falsely accused of multiple murders. With no money to hire an attorney and up against a criminal justice system that accused him based on the color of his skin and a false ballistics test, he spent 30 years on death row, only feet away from the execution chamber at Holman State Prison in Alabama. In this emotional episode, Ray shares his harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, the injustices he faced, and the resilience he cultivated during his time in prison. His story is one of hope, forgiveness, and the unwavering support of his Mother and best friend, Lester. Tune in to hear about Ray's fight for freedom, his experiences on death row, and the lessons he learned about love and justice.

This episode explores the transformative journey of Brett Thomas, who at 18 years old was sentenced to an excessive prison term for a crime he personally did not commit. Brett is joined by Beth Henderson, Pro Bono Director at Microsoft, and they share the powerful story of how the Seattle Clemency Project helped Brett connect with Beth and her team to navigate the complexities of the Washington State legal system to achieve his release. Tune in to discover how the impact of compassion, Brett's resilience, and the fight for justice in the face of overwhelming odds became a winning combination.

Radha Natarajan is the Executive Director of the New England Innocence Project, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In this episode, Radha shares her journey into the world of wrongful convictions and the challenges faced by those, behind the wall, fighting for justice. Radha also shares her and her team's hard-fought battle to free Edward Wright, a man who spent 41 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. Listen in to learn how the New England Innocence Project takes on innocence cases, the remarkable work to exonerate innocent individuals, stay within the complexities of the criminal justice system, and always keep alive the importance of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Nothing is more heartwarming as the Holiday's approach than to re-feature a montage of stories of resilience, community, and the transformative power of giving. In this newly arranged episode, we delve into the inspiring initiatives from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office's gardening program, the impactful work of the East Hampton Community Center, and the innovative food service programs at the Maine Department of Corrections. These stories highlight how individuals and organizations are making a difference in the lives of those in need, proving that compassion and community spirit can flourish even in challenging circumstances.

Sheriff Jillian Myers of Grafton County, New Hampshire, isn't just the first and youngest female High Sheriff ever elected in her hometown, but she's also a wife and mama to her three little girls. While a career in law enforcement wasn't on her radar till college, Sheriff Myers says she couldn't see herself doing anything else. Her commitment to the communities and people within her rural county, the staff under her watch, and her collaborative efforts with other law enforcement agencies have made an undeniable impact since her taking office in January of 2025. As one of only two female Sheriffs in New Hampshire and one of 50 Nationwide, this episode is a testament to courage, leadership, and commitment to making a difference, because age is really just a number.

When three women, a Warden, an Attorney turned Social Justice advocate, and a Filmmaker all cross paths at a maximum security prison for women in Bedford Hills, NY, anything is possible. The synergy they embody drives ground-breaking change for the innovative work taking place at the Bedford Hills Correctional Center. From filmmaker Jenifer McShane, whose documentary Mothers of Bedford explored the transformative power of empathy and family structure at the Bedford Hills Children's Center, to advocate Barbara "Bobby" Blanchard, who dedicated her career to helping incarcerated mothers maintain their bonds with their children, and lest we forget, there's former Warden Elaine Lord, who championed the innovative programs for women at Bedford Hills and set a new bar for success. This episode highlights the importance of compassion, connection, and second chances, so join us for a montage of these incredible women, their legacies, and the impact they've made in the lives of many. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.

In this montage episode, join us on a reflective journey as we share three of our favorite author interviews from the last few years. With highlights from discussions with notable and famous legal figures, Stephen Bright and James Kwak, who delve into the systemic failures of justice in the criminal courts, to Sarah Burns, a documentarian and author, who recounts the harrowing story of the Central Park Five. Additionally, we hear from Laura Love Hardin, whose memoir and Oprah Book Club pick reveals her transformative journey through addiction and incarceration. We hope you enjoy a piece of each of these compelling narratives that challenge the perceptions of justice and resilience. Full episodes of each are available wherever you get your podcasts.

Meet Ivy Scott, a community engagement reporter for The Marshall Project. Ivy currently covers community-driven investigative and public service journalism about the criminal justice system in St.Louis and the state of Missouri. So what is The Marshall Project? Named after civil rights advocate Thurgood Marshall, The Marshall Project is a national nonprofit news organization that seeks to elevate criminal justice issues and spark a conversation about reform. Ivy Scott is one such seasoned reporter, and in this episode she shares her insights on the complexities of the American justice system and the importance of uncovering stories that demand change and give a voice to the unheard. This conversation is a powerful reminder that true stories can change how we see each other and inspire a collective push for justice.

"We could write this book together. We couldn't have written it apart." Those are the words of Dr. Kevin Wright, Director of the Center for Correctional Solutions at Arizona State University, discussing his co-authorship of the groundbreaking book, Imprisoned Minds: Lost Boys, Trapped Men, and Solutions from Within the Prison. But this co-authorship wasn't a typical collaboration, because the originator of the theory behind the 'imprisoned mind' is Erik Maloney, an incarcerated man serving a life sentence in an Arizona State Prison. Dr. Wright and Erik met through the ASU Inside-Out Exchange Program, a global initiative that brings together college students and incarcerated individuals to participate in a credit-bearing college course behind the wall. It was here that Erik presented his imprisoned mind theory, taken from in-depth interviews with other incarcerated men, to Dr. Wright and asked if he would provide the academic framework and scholarly expertise to bring Erik's book vision to life. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges perceptions and emphasizes the power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of justice.

Elaine Lord may have been the youngest woman to become a Warden in the State of New York, but even before her appointment at Bedford Hills Correctional, she was on a mission to improve the incarcerated programs within the New York prison walls. Before her retirement, Elaine dedicated 20 years to Bedford Hills, providing women behind bars a second chance. Her inspiring stories of the Children’s Center at Bedford Hills and her mission to keep incarcerated Mothers connected to their children were only a part of the vital work required to change lives within the prison system. Join us as we explore the complexities of justice, compassion, and the importance of human connection in corrections, a legacy that Elaine Lord can be proud of.

A recent 2024 report estimates that 23.5 million people in the United States are in recovery from a substance use disorder based on data from the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Anyone going through recovery will tell you that having support and hope are essential to overcoming their addiction, whether or not they’ve served time behind the wall. For John Sullivan and Charlie Worpek, the Northampton Recovery Center offered each the transformative power of a community of Angels. Together, they share their inspiring journeys of recovery, resilience, and hope. John and Charlie each navigate their own stories, shedding light and tears on the challenges and triumphs they faced on the path to sobriety. This episode is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of finding a supportive community in a time of darkness.

Christie Johnson grew up believing she could get away with just about anything. As a small-town Texas cheerleader, she thought she was untouchable, unstoppable, and immortal. But addiction, a horrific accident while serving in the military, and time in prison shattered that illusion and sparked something far more powerful, an awakening like no other. Christie’s journey is one of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, redemption. Now, as a member of the Cornbread Hustle family, a second-chance and skill training hiring agency, Christie dedicates her life to helping others find their second chance. Join us as we explore her raw and inspiring story that reminds us of the power of possibility, the strength of the human spirit, and that miracles do happen.

When Cary Sanders speaks, his calming tone and gentle cadence would never give you a clue that he had been arrested 17 times by the time he was 17. Cary’s journey from his tumultuous past and time behind the wall to his current position as CEO of JUMPSTART South Carolina can only make one believe that Cary’s life has been guided by a higher power, and he would agree. At JUMPSTART, Cary leads a transformative re-entry program that begins in prison, highlighting the power of faith and second chances while helping break cycles of crime and addiction. Tune in to hear his inspiring journey of hustle, redemption, and impactful work he and his volunteers are doing to not only help others find their purpose but to support those returning to the community with housing, jobs, and other re-entry services.

Barbara (Bobby) Blanchard is a passionate advocate who transitioned from a law career to further the impactful work of Sister Elaine Roulet at The Children’s Center in the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility in New York State. In this episode, Bobby shares her journey of creating and overseeing programs that helped incarcerated women maintain their bonds with their children, and learn to be Mothers despite their cement surroundings. Bobby was also prominently featured in the 2011 documentary Mothers of Bedford, directed by Jenifer McShane. While Bobby no longer works at Bedford Hills, her passion for the criminal justice system has not waned; she currently has a new mission in Vermont, focusing on restorative justice programs. This conversation with Bobby is a heartfelt exploration of transformation, compassion, and the importance of second chances for mothers and their children.

Heather Canuel, a powerful activist, entrepreneur, mother, and grandmother, is also known for being the last woman to give birth while shackled to a prison bed in Illinois, more than 20 years ago. In this episode, Heather shares her harrowing journey through the criminal justice system, the trauma of her experience while being pregnant, and her fight for reform and justice for incarcerated mothers. Heather’s experience and current life mission provide an inspiring discussion about survival, resilience, and the importance of creating change, both inside the wall and beyond.

It may have taken multiple years, but Lisa Hall will tell you that it was a worthy and honorable mission to create a film dedicated to addiction and incarceration. As an inspiring filmmaker and documentarian, Lisa dedicated herself to shedding a brighter light on a subject that impacts so many on a daily basis. In creating the film ’The Addict's Wake,' Lisa’s vision aimed to not only change the narrative surrounding addiction but also its effects on local communities, as well as the critical role of law enforcement in addressing the addiction crisis. ‘The Addict’s Wake’ is currently available to view on PBS and is also available for distribution within local communities and schools. Lisa can be reached at Glory Girl Productions.

Mark McBrine grew up on a farm and expected that to be his lifelong calling, but God had another plan. When his father became ill and his family needed help running the farms, Mark, at the age of 49, became a Correctional Officer with the Maine Department of Corrections. From there, it didn't take long for Mark to become the Food Service Manager at the Mountain View Correctional Facility. When then-Warden Randy Liberty was interested in reducing the waste inside the prison kitchens, Mark stepped up and created an Organic Fruit and Vegetable Production Program. This Farm to Table program within the Maine Department of Corrections forever changed how food can be grown, harvested, and consumed behind the wall! Mark's inspiring work in enhancing food quality and providing vocational training to incarcerated individuals across eight state prisons and is now a model for other prisons and jails across the United States. Mark and his team have helped many incarcerated individuals gain skills and knowledge in gardening, harvesting, cooking, and even baking 100% of the prison's own breads and desserts. The discovery of how innovative agricultural practices and a commitment to scratch cooking continue to change lives and foster responsibility. Much of this can be seen in the documentary Seeds of Change, Breaking Free from the Prison Food Machine. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that challenges perceptions and highlights the power of compassion and second chances, through food.

Whether you’re a sports fan or a parent in the stands, there is a distinct difference between the role of the Coach and the role of the Referees. Nowhere is it more apparent than watching the 2025 NFL pre-season games to get a true perspective on the differences. In this, part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Brian Lovins, President of Justice System Partners, Brian shares more about the transformative coaching model he and his other collaborators created back in 2018, how that initial model is now focused on four dimensions of coaching; the Approach, the Connection, the Playbook and the Success, and the importance of accountability, and the real life implications of this innovative model that is evolving and reshaping the experiences of those it was designed for.