Season 4, Ep. 5 - The Truth

Stories from inside California prisons

Greg Eskridge is a founding member of the Uncuffed radio program and podcast. For over a decade in San Quentin, Greg fostered an atmosphere of professionalism and dedication which led to the program producing great content and winning numerous awards. On July 23, 2024, Greg was released from San Quentin prison after serving 30 years and 25 days. He was welcomed by family, friends, and both current and former members of the KALW team. A few months later, Greg began working full-time as Uncuffed’s first Leadership Fellow, preparing him for leadership roles in the program. Greg looks forward to continuing to elevate the voices of system-impacted individuals.

Jeremy Strain has been incarcerated for 18 years and never thought he'd be where he's at today, working with media and pro-social skills in the San Quentin Media Center. The media center has been his utopia, where's experienced growth, impact, strength, confidence, and communication. His experiences in the media center have given Jeremy the education and wisdom to to build his career dreams and goals. Aside from Uncuffed, Jeremy works with Forward This Productions. He has been apart of the rehabilitation remodeling program with Gavin Newsom, custody staff, non-profits, and visitors from all over the world. He lives by the words, "be positive, stay humble, and make impact."

Vincent O'Bannon is the photographer for San Quentin News, Chairman of the Big House Fitness Program, General Manager of the SQ Niners Flag Football Academy, Facilitator for AIDA (a domestic violence prevention program), and co-founder of the Concrete Rose Truck Driver Training Program. As an activist aiming to promote social justice from within, he also works as a member of San Quentin's Civic Engagement Group.

Julie Harper is a graduate of the University of Southern California, with honors, and holds a masters in business administration (MBA). She is a leader, media-maker, entrepreneur, and event speaker. She has worked in diverse industries in the corporate world and her own companies: as a director of communications for a technology service company, creating digital training and marketing materials through a partner relationship management system; as a VP of marketing and sales, launching a business education software company; and as a real estate broker and CA notary -- all while raising her young children. In her 20s, she traveled to numerous countries across six continents and obtained her PADI certification for scuba diving, both passions she hopes to return to. Today her vision includes being a storyteller, producing documentaries and podcasts, empowering women and young girls, as well as being an activist to change policy in the criminal justice system for first time violent offenders who are survivors of intimate partner violence, to help them recover from PTSD instead of re-traumatizing them.

Koi Bagnerise is armed and educated with a double major degree, specializing in English and psychology. She is a published writer, professional public speaker, self-help group developer/facilitator, and a "walking good vibe." Mental health wellness is her passion alongside advocacy, which is her purpose. She is a contemporary art enthusiast, an avid psychological thriller reader, herbal tea obsessed, a humanitarian, and health conscious and pescatarian. She is born of stardust and magic, illuminating the darkest night's sky. She possesses a poet's heart and a philosopher's mind.