Rebuilding life after prison

KALW | By Anthony Ivy

Published July 8, 2025 at 6:00 AM PDT

Mandrell Knight with his sons and brother Mandrake Knight.

This story aired in the July 8, 2025 episode of Crosscurrents.

KALW’s Anthony Ivy recently graduated from our Audio Training Program. Before that, he was a producer with Uncuffed, our podcast that empowers people in prison to tell their own stories.

He brings us a personal story that combines some of the skills he’s honed in those programs. It’s all about his cousin, Mandrell Knight who’s spent more years of life locked up than free. Now, Mandrell is working to rewrite his story and prove that his past does not define his future.

Click here to listen to this story.

Crosscurrents

Anthony Ivy

Anthony Ivy is an Associate Producer with Uncuffed, originally from north Stockton, California. He began his journey with the inside team and has since transitioned to the outside team at KALW's Uncuffed. Anthony has produced a couple of successful stories, including “Hole in the Heart,” which was featured on NPR's "All Things Considered" and Snap Judgment. He also produced "Treehouse Adventures," which aired on Snap Judgment. Currently, Anthony is working with the Uncuffed DJ Playlist program as an associate producer. With a belief that the sky is the limit, he is open to learning new things and is eager for everyone to witness his journey, growth, and story.

See stories by Anthony Ivy