In this episode, our host Sofia Ng speaks with Carl Stone (aka Cowboy Felon), who is a musician and mental health advocate rebuilding his life after incarceration. Following his time served, he committed himself to recovery. Tune in as he shares his story of rebuilding through music, writing, and advocacy—uncovering how creative expression can be a path towards healing and helping others facing trauma, PTSD, and mental health challenges.

In this episode, co-hosts Kalista Lin and Sofia Ng speak with Liz Frederick, a leader in justice reform with over 20 years of experience, about how community-based programs are offering young people a second chance. As a key leader at New York City program Avenues for Justice, Liz has helped expand community-based alternatives to incarceration that now serve more than 600 youth each year, with an extraordinary 94% of participants avoiding reconviction. Liz shares firsthand insight into how these programs interrupt cycles of incarceration by centering accountability, support, and opportunity—rather than punishment alone.

In this episode, host Sofia Ng speaks with Reginald Dwayne Betts. At 16, Betts was sentenced to prison. But, instead of letting that define him, he chose a path of words and justice. You will hear the riveting journey of Betts, as he shares how poetry became his lifeline, how he earned a Yale JD, and why he launched Freedom Reads—building libraries in prisons to plant seeds of possibility behind bars. Tune in!