Greg Eskridge

In conversations about prison reform in California these days, you might hear about reducing overcrowding, dismantling the death penalty, and changing the Three Strikes sentencing law. You also might hear about Norway.

Norwegian prisons are unique — in everything from their design and architecture to the length of sentences, to how guards are trained to treat incarcerated people. It’s one of the reasons why California officials are looking to Norway as an example for change.

There was even a recent assembly bill dubbed the “Norway Prison Bill,” which would have created a job training program modeled after prisons in Norway.

Last summer, some formerly incarcerated graduates of the Uncuffed program traveled to Norway to see how prisons work over there. What they found was something that felt very different, but in some ways, very familiar.

In the second part of the episode, Greg Eskridge from Uncuffed, Rahsaan "New York" Thomas from Ear Hustle, and Juan Haines from San Quentin News react to what they've heard.

Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org

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Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

For people in prison, the holiday season can be a painful time. Many miss their families and traditions. But it’s also a time when they get together with food and acts of kindness. During the holiday season, we're playing you a favorite episode from season one, all about making it through the holidays in prison.

Learn more, sign up for Uncuffed news, and support the program at www.weareuncuffed.org

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed

Growing up, Uncuffed Producer Thanh Tran never truly felt like he had a home. He was raised in the foster care system, was in and out of juvenile hall as a teenager. And then, shortly after his 18th birthday, he went to prison. Just over a decade later, he got what he had been working toward for years — his freedom.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

We joyfully request the honor of your presence at an extra special wedding. Our Uncuffed producer, Edmond Richardson is marrying the love of his life. And you’ll bear witness to his marriage in an unlikely place: San Quentin State Prison.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

California's prison population is aging. Between 2000 and 2017, the share of incarcerated people over 50 has more than quintupled. For those with long or life sentences, watching friends aging and getting sick behind bars is a harsh reminder of what a life sentence can really mean.

On this episode of Uncuffed, we hear the story of someone who deals with his many ailments with a good dose of humor, and the help of a compassionate caretaker–his cellie.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Letter writing is an art, and the Uncuffed producers at San Quentin State Prison know that very well. At the height of the pandemic, after weeks of constant lockdowns, one of the only thing to do was write letters to friends and family.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

In June 2020, San Quentin had one of the biggest COVID-19 outbreaks in a California prison. 2,000 incarcerated people were infected, and 29 died. Two cellmates recount what it was like during that devastating time.

Thanks to Mourning Our Losses for the names of those who died of COVID at San Quentin. www.mourningourlosses.org.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

Tommy "Shakur" Ross has been incarcerated for over 36 years. In those decades, he's experienced a lifetime of transformation. He discovered Islam, helped found a radio program, got a college degree, and embraced restorative justice. And a few months ago he was found suitable for parole. But getting to this moment has also been a roller coaster ride. And it's not quite over yet. On the newest Uncuffed episode, we'll hear about the twists and turns of Shakur's long parole journey and how his change has influenced others around him.

Learn more, and donate to support the program: www.weareuncuffed.org.

Follow us @WeAreUncuffed on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Transcripts are available within a week of the episode coming out, at www.kalw.org/podcast/uncuffed.

In 2012, Eric "Maserati-E" Abercrombie picked up the guitar and has been performing ever since.

You can’t practice law while serving time in prison, but at San Quentin, there are inmates who represent themselves and offer legal assistance to other inmates.