In this episode of Camp Confidential – Beyond the Bars, Cheryl Womack shares her candid observations about the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) in women’s federal prisons. With co-host Katrina McLarin, she unpacks the program’s structure, questions its true effectiveness, and reflects on the psychological toll it can take on inmates.

Drawing from her own experience, Cheryl highlights the urgent need for practical life skills and strong communication training to prepare women for life after release. The conversation also explores the realities of prison drug culture and why support systems—both inside and outside the walls—are essential for successful reintegration.

In this compelling episode, former inmate Cheryl Womack sits down with co-host Katrina McLarin to explore the transformative power—and challenging limitations—of education within a women’s federal prison. Cheryl offers a candid look at how structured learning, from GED preparation to literacy programs, not only provided crucial skills but also played a vital role in personal growth and mental well-being behind bars.

Together, they delve into the irony of teaching entrepreneurship in an institutional setting, highlighting how theoretical knowledge often clashes with the harsh realities of prison life. The conversation also underscores the pressing need for more practical life skills training to truly support inmates’ reintegration into society after release.

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that redefines the educational experience in incarceration, revealing both its profound benefits and the obstacles that continue to challenge its effectiveness.

In this conversation, Cheryl Womack shares her experiences of communication while incarcerated, emphasizing the critical role of mail in maintaining connections with the outside world. She discusses the emotional impact of receiving mail, the challenges of navigating mail call, and the restrictions on legal correspondence.

Cheryl also highlights the importance of email and video chats as alternative communication methods, while reflecting on how limited communication affects relationships with family and friends. She offers advice for families on maintaining contact with loved ones in prison and shares her insights on the overall prison experience.

In this episode, Cheryl Womack dishes out the raw truth about life in the prison cafeteria. From bland, repetitive meals to the lack of proper nutrition, Cheryl gives a candid account of the daily food experience behind bars.

Katrina and Cheryl explore meal schedules, dietary restrictions, and the reliance on commissary snacks to supplement what’s served. Cheryl also reflects on the rare bright spots — like holiday meals — and the ways food is used as both a reward and a punishment within the system.

The conversation takes a deeper look at how women’s prison camps are structured to support nearby men’s facilities, how food safety concerns are often overlooked, and what real reform could look like. Spoiler alert: it’s a long way from fine dining.

In this powerful episode of Camp Confidential – Beyond the Bars, Cheryl Womack opens up about the racial dynamics she witnessed and experienced during her time in a women’s federal prison. She sheds light on the stark racial divide, self-segregation among inmates, and the subtle but impactful differences in treatment across racial lines.

Cheryl offers a candid reflection on the lack of institutional efforts to promote racial harmony and shares how she built meaningful friendships across racial boundaries despite the tense environment. Through her personal stories and insights, she underscores the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity—even behind bars.

In this conversation, Cheryl Womack shares her experiences of faith and religion during her time in a women's federal prison. She discusses how her beliefs evolved, the role of religious services, and the dynamics of community among inmates.

Cheryl reflects on the power dynamics within religious practices, the impact of religion on personal growth, and the accommodations made for different dietary needs. She also explores how her faith influenced her life after prison and her motivation to write about her experiences as a means of healing and advocating for change.

In this powerful episode, Cheryl Womack opens up about the realities of staying connected from inside a women’s federal prison. She shares the emotional highs and lows of limited communication, the challenges of visitation, and how these systems impact both inmates and their families. From navigating strict email rules to making the most of brief visits, Cheryl reveals how connection becomes a lifeline — and why maintaining relationships is critical to surviving prison and rebuilding life beyond the bars.

This episode explores the entrepreneurial spirit of women in prison, highlighting their creativity and resourcefulness in creating businesses and services to survive. Cheryl Womack shares her experiences in a women's federal prison camp, detailing the various services offered, from food to beauty treatments, and the underground economy that thrives within the prison system.

The discussion also touches on the challenges these women face in reintegrating into society and how their skills can be translated into legitimate business opportunities outside of prison.