Joy Gilfilen, the host of iChange Justice, interviews Jerome Gold, the author of Paranoia and Heartbreak, about his 15 years as a rehabilitation counselor at Echo Glen, the Washington State Juvenile Prison.

The conversation dives deep into the effectiveness of prevention, intervention, and diverse therapies in reducing recidivism and increasing the probability of people staying out of prison. They explore how tools like conflict resolution, de-escalation, and aggression reduction therapies serve as critical supports for building healthier relationships both inside and outside the system.

Jerome Gold offers a vital reminder for lawmakers and community leaders: virtually everyone who goes into prison eventually comes out. When we make decisions about crime and community building, the real question we must face is: "Are we helping or harming people?" Remembering that everyone is human is the most powerful starting point for discussing real solutions for justice.

#232 iChange Justice Podcast – Jails, Bonds & Bond Markets (Encore #141)

Most people have no idea that incarceration is tied to financial markets — and that prison-related bonds can ultimately be traded on the stock exchange, sometimes even owned by political leaders and investment funds.

In this episode, Host Joy Gilfilen speaks with a Wall Street bond trader to explore how a case can move from a 911 call, to an arrest, to bail, and eventually into financial packages connected to the broader bond market.

These are the kinds of questions we explore on the iChange Justice Podcast — looking beyond the surface to understand how systems of justice, economics, and public policy intersect in ways many people never see.

📻 Every Thursday at Noon on KOYS-LPFM 94.1 Bellingham

🎧 And everywhere you get your podcasts.

What is justice anyway? It depends on the eye of the beholder. Three people from the Restorative CommUnity Coalition with lived experience in the field—Joy Gilfilen, Irene Morgan, Debbie David and Chene Keltz—talk about justice in America from their perspective.

This show is all about dropping the veil on the criminal justice system. Over 800 years and the system has not budged on restoring anyone, in fact, quite the opposite. Why do we have over 9 million people in prison in the US? Who is paying for all of the ins and outs of the system? Why do people, more times than not, end up back in prison for sometimes up to 10-20 or more times? How can we speak up about changing the system processes so our country can thrive?

If you are at all ignited with curiosity then please bring your open mind and heart to hear from community members from all walks of life. We will have corporate, non-profit, public service, students and those who have been affected by the system firsthand comment on their experiences, beliefs, and hope for the future.

Are we all just continuing to do what our ancestors taught just because they said it is so? Where does the insanity stop? When are we as a country, as a world, going to be ready to say to ourselves, “Maybe what I was told, taught, and believed is wrong?” A heavy question! Join us in the discussions and sign up for membership to access exclusive research, training and upcoming events.

Encore on Thursday. Find us wherever you get your podcasts and on KOYS-LPFM Bellingham