Voices of the System

Jane Golden on Mural Arts Philadelphia and the Transformative Power of Art

In this episode of Voices of the System, host Laurie Jubelirer sits down with Jane Golden, founder and executive director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, to explore how art is changing lives both inside and outside of prison walls. Jane shares the story behind Mural Arts Philadelphia, from its roots in the city’s Anti-Graffiti Network to becoming the largest public art program of its kind in the country, and how its mission has grown to center healing, connection, and opportunity through creativity. At the heart of the conversation is the organization’s restorative justice program, where incarcerated individuals collaborate on murals, develop skills, and rediscover a sense of purpose. Through deeply moving stories, Jane highlights how art becomes a “glue” inside prisons, bringing people together, fostering pride, and reconnecting individuals to the outside world. She discusses the real impact of this work, including dramatically lower recidivism rates, and shares firsthand accounts of participants who have gone on to build meaningful careers and lives after incarceration. More than just a conversation about art, this episode is about transformation, second chances, and the power of being part of something bigger than yourself. Jane makes a compelling case for why creativity should be at the center of how we approach criminal justice reform, and how reimagining systems through art can lead to real, lasting change.

Episode 6 Trailer: Jane Golden and Mural Arts Philadelphia

Get a glimpse into Voices of the System’s next episode, featuring Founder and Executive Director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, Jane Golden! What happens when creativity meets incarceration? In this preview, Jane Golden shares how the talent of incarcerated individuals is often overlooked. Jane discusses how art becomes a powerful force for connection, purpose, and change behind prison walls. Through her work with Mural Arts Philadelphia, she’s seen firsthand how creating together can reduce recidivism and transform lives. The full episode dives deeper into the impact of Mural Arts Philadelphia, how to get involved, and the real stories of individuals whose lives have been changed through art. Episode 6 drops Friday, April 24 at 12 PM.

A Self-Taught Path to a Second Chance: Dennis Cangiarella and His Prison-Made Passion

Episode 5 of Voices of the System features Dennis Cangiarella, whose journey through the criminal justice system reveals both its complexities and its human impact. After being sentenced to 15–30 years following a traumatic period in his life, Dennis made a pivotal decision behind prison walls: he would not let his circumstances define him. Instead, he spent years in the law library teaching himself post-conviction law, driven first by a desire to challenge his own sentence, and ultimately by a deeper purpose to help others. In this episode, Dennis shares the story behind his incarceration, the mental and emotional factors that shaped his case, and the realities of navigating the legal system from the inside. He reflects on how learning the law transformed his life while also helping bring people home after decades behind bars. Now working as a legal assistant in Philadelphia, Dennis continues to use his self-taught expertise to make a real impact. His story is one of accountability, resilience, and second chances. He is proof that even in the most difficult circumstances, it’s possible to find purpose and create change.

Episode 5 Trailer: Dennis Cangiarella

Episode 5 of Voices of the System features Dennis Cangiarella, whose journey from nearly two decades of incarceration to becoming a self-taught legal advocate is nothing short of powerful. While in prison, Dennis immersed himself in the law and now uses his extensive knowledge to support attorneys and help currently incarcerated individuals better understand their cases and fight for their rights. His story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the idea that your circumstances don’t have to define your future, rather, they can fuel it.

The Convicted Comeback Story: Kristin Kline on Reclaiming Your Power Behind Bars

In this episode of Voices of the System, we sit down with Kristin Kline, founder of Convicted Comeback, an organization dedicated to empowering incarcerated women through fitness, mindset, and personal growth. What began as a simple idea has grown into a powerful movement helping women rediscover their strength, both physically and mentally. Kristin shares the inspiration behind Convicted Comeback, the challenges of bringing programming into correctional facilities, and the deeply human moments that continue to drive her mission forward.  This conversation explores the impact of second chances, the importance of support and community, and what it truly means to take ownership of your story. It’s a powerful reminder that transformation is possible anywhere.