In our previous episode, a team of formerly incarcerated producers visited a prison from another planet. Or at least that's how it seemed. Norway's progressive and unique prison system is wildly different from anything in the United States, and it serves as a model for folks trying to make a change here. So now we’re heading back to another Norwegian prison with horses, a marathon, and little cottages—and asking what California can learn from Norway's example.

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

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.

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

Last summer, the Uncuffed team was invited to the world’s first International Prison Radio Conference in Oslo, Norway. Formerly incarcerated producers and staff hopped on a plane (some for the first time in their lives), and joined other prison radio makers from countries like Australia, India, and the UK.

On this special episode of Uncuffed, we're sharing a few of our favorite pieces from around the globe.

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Hear more from the shows featured in this episode:

The Secret Life of Prisons, from the UK's Prison Radio Association: www.prison.radio

Jailbreak, from the Community Restorative Centre in Australia: www.crcnsw.org.au/services/jailbreak-radio

Ear Hustle, from PRX's Radiotopia in the US: www.earhustlesq.com

Inside Wire, from Colorado Prison Radio: www.coloradoprisonradio.com

Tinka Tinka Foundation in India: www.tinkatinka.org/jail-music-2

Learn about all the programs that make up Prison Radio International: www.prison.radio/prison-radio-international

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.

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

At Folsom State Prison, Wendell El-Amin James gravitated towards incarcerated Muslims out of a need for protection. But ultimately his conversion restructured his life to one of education and purpose. Uncuffed presents a special episode from our friends at KALW podcast The Spiritual Edge.

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

In this season of gratitude, two founding co-hosts of Uncuffed, Tommy "Shakur" Ross and Thanh Tran, give a special update on the program.

Thank you to everyone who supported Uncuffed during our emergency fundraiser!

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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.

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

As a child, Francisco Magaña was afraid of his mother. She would beat him, and he’s carried that pain with him for his entire life. But despite that, he managed to forgive her.

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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.

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

Death is a normal part of life in prison, but it’s rare that someone can live to tell the tale. Wilbert Stoneham dropped to the floor one day after a cardiac arrest. He awoke to realize he was being brought back to life by a guard who was once his nemesis. How a near-death experience can change your perspective on everything, including someone you despised.

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

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