The Last Mile Radio

Reimagining Prison Through Public Health

Prison environments shape human behavior in profound ways. Years spent in conditions defined by stress, isolation, surveillance, and constant vigilance affect the body, the mind, and the ability to relate to other people. Yet after that experience, society expects people to return home prepared to build relationships, regulate emotions, hold jobs, and reintegrate into their communities. This episode explores how incarceration functions as a public health issue and why the conditions inside correctional facilities play a major role in determining outcomes after release. In collaboration with the Brennan Center for Justice, this is part two of a two-episode series exploring their recent national report on innovative prison reform efforts across the United States focused on dignity, safety, normalization, and rehabilitation. Featuring insights from LB Eisen, Senior Director of the Justice Program at the Brennan Center for Justice, Darrell Norcott, Director of Community Partnerships and Special Projects at AMEND, and Courtney Grubb, Statewide Program Administrator for the Washington Way at the Washington State Department of Corrections, this episode examines prison reform through the lens of public health. Through the AMEND initiative and the Washington Way, we explore how system-wide culture change can reshape correctional environments through staff wellness initiatives, restrictive housing reform, dynamic security, normalization, and relationship-based safety. The episode examines how prolonged isolation impacts both incarcerated people and correctional staff, how communication and mentorship can reduce violence, and how prison systems can evolve into environments that support stability, rehabilitation, and long-term cultural change. Episode Outline:  (00:00:00) Prison as a public health issue shaped by stress, trauma, and isolation (00:01:05) Brennan Center report overview and introduction to the AMEND model (00:02:00) Interview with LB Eisen on incarceration and unmet human needs (00:04:03) Restrictive housing, isolation, and rebuilding human interaction (00:07:08) Correctional officers as participants in rehabilitation and reform (00:10:12) Shifting prison culture through everyday human interaction (00:11:18) Introduction to AMEND and the public health framework for incarceration (00:13:14) Individualized care and treating prison as a health environment (00:14:38) The Washington Way and system-wide correctional reform (00:17:10) Staff burnout, PTSD, and the public health crisis affecting corrections officers (00:19:00) Why AMEND begins reform in the most volatile prison environments (00:22:01) Violence, trauma exposure, and transforming prison conditions upstream (00:24:00) Dynamic security and relationship-based safety inside prisons (00:25:50) Communication as a tool for reducing violence and de-escalation (00:29:27) Normalization and redesigning prison environments around dignity (00:30:19) Staff wellness, environmental redesign, and institutional culture change (00:31:18) Contact staff, mentorship, and progression-focused rehabilitation (00:33:16) Defining normalization and aligning prison conditions with reentry goals (00:34:32) Why lasting prison reform depends on culture change (00:35:41) Transforming restrictive housing through engagement and human interaction (00:39:06) A case study of someone leaving restrictive housing after 31 years (00:40:42) Resident-led innovation and proposal-driven prison programming (00:41:55) Gardening programs, peer mentorship, and Norway prison exchange initiatives (00:44:28) Scaling AMEND and adapting reform across entire prison systems (00:47:08) Learning organizations, decarceration, and long-term transformation (00:49:26) Core AMEND principles: public health, normalization, and dynamic security (00:50:22) How prisons can evolve into systems that learn and adapt (00:51:20) Closing reflections and resources for learning more about AMEND Episode Resources:  * Brennan Center for Justice [https://www.google.com/search?q=Brennan+Center+for+Justice&oq=Brennan+Center+for+Justice&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPNIBBzEyOWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#:~:text=with%20site%20links-,Brennan%20Center%20for%20Justice,https%3A//www.brennancenter.org,-Defend%20Democracy.%20Reform] — Source of the national prison reform report discussed throughout the episode * AMEND at UCSF [https://amend.us/] — Primary initiative featured in the episode * The Washington Way [https://doc.wa.gov/about-doc/agency/washington-way] — WA Statewide implementation of AMEND principles * The Last Mile [http://thelastmile.org] — Podcast producer and reform organization The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org [www.thelastmileradio.org]

Inside the Movement to Humanize Prison in America

Prison is designed to be a fundamentally abnormal experience—one that removes autonomy, suppresses individuality, and restructures daily life around control and compliance. Yet at the end of that experience, we expect people to return to society as self-directed individuals capable of making decisions, building relationships, holding jobs, and forming identities beyond incarceration. This episode explores that central tension: if the daily experience of prison is misaligned with the outcomes we want, then the structure of daily life inside facilities becomes one of the most important variables in criminal justice reform. In collaboration with the Brennan Center for Justice, this is part one of a two-episode series exploring their recent national report examining innovative prison reform efforts across the United States focused on normalization, dignity, safety, and rehabilitation. Featuring insights from LB Eisen of the Brennan Center for Justice, Nick Turner of the Vera Institute of Justice, Restoring Promise director Chloe Aquart, and former participant turned researcher Christopher Belcher, this episode focuses on the foundational ideas highlighted in the report. Through the Restoring Promise initiative, we examine redesigned housing units for young adults built around mentorship, responsibility, restorative practices, and meaningful out-of-cell time. The conversation explores what it means to humanize correctional environments—creating spaces where people are treated as individuals capable of growth, where staff operate as mentors and stabilizers, and where safety emerges from relationships rather than coercion—suggesting that when incarceration is organized around dignity, prisons can better prepare people for life after release while improving conditions for both residents and staff.       Episode Resources:  * Brennan Center for Justice [https://www.google.com/search?q=Brennan+Center+for+Justice&oq=Brennan+Center+for+Justice&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPNIBBzEyOWowajeoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#:~:text=with%20site%20links-,Brennan%20Center%20for%20Justice,https%3A//www.brennancenter.org,-Defend%20Democracy.%20Reform] — Source of the national prison reform report discussed throughout the episode * Vera Institute of Justice [https://www.vera.org/] — Developer of the Restoring Promise model * Restoring Promise [https://www.vera.org/ending-mass-incarceration/dignity-behind-bars/living-conditions-in-prison/restoring-promise-initiative] — Primary case study for humanizing prison culture * The Last Mile [http://thelastmile.org]— Referenced as a workforce and education program example * Designing for Dignity [https://www.vera.org/ending-mass-incarceration/dignity-behind-bars/living-conditions-in-prison/restoring-promise-initiative/designed-for-dignity-a-human-centered-vision-for-safer-healthier-prisons] The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org [www.thelastmileradio.org]

Rebuilding Hope After a Wrongful Conviction with Gio Romero

Episode Outline:  (00:00:00) Tara Trask introduces Gio Hernandez Romero and his wrongful conviction case. (00:03:17) Growing up in Los Angeles and his family background. (00:08:39) How police label young people as gang members. (00:14:19) Being tried as an adult and facing a 50-years-to-life sentence. (00:16:47) Spending six years in jail before conviction and sentencing. (00:18:00) Adjusting to life in prison and the loss of hope. (00:19:00) How his sister and family kept him motivated to keep learning. (00:23:12) Loyola Law School’s Juvenile Innocence and Fair Sentencing Clinic takes his case. (00:25:00) The Conviction Integrity Unit’s role in reopening and exonerating his case. (00:29:14) Broader discussion on wrongful convictions and needed criminal justice reform. (00:33:00) Joining The Last Mile and learning to code while incarcerated. (00:35:30) How coding and education restored his purpose and self-worth. (00:37:49) Returning to freedom and facing culture shock after 17 years. (00:40:12) Learning to live as an adult for the first time and gaining independence. (00:49:10) Sharing a message of hope and perseverance with others inside. (00:55:06) The cell phone evidence that proved his innocence. (00:57:00) Closing thoughts on gratitude, healing, and the power of reform. The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org [www.thelastmileradio.org]

Building Careers Inside Prison with April Bosworth and Michelle Cirocco

April Bosworth is a graduate of The Last Mile program and now a Website Specialist at Televerde, where she previously served as a teaching assistant inside of prison helping other incarcerated women learn coding. Michelle Cirocco is the Chief Social Responsibility Officer at Televerde and the Executive Director of the Televerde Foundation, organizations that for nearly 30 years have pioneered employment and reentry models for incarcerated women. Under their leadership, Televerde has grown into a global B2B sales and marketing firm whose clients include Microsoft, Adobe, Dell, and SAP, offering incarcerated women the opportunity to build careers that lead to long-term success after release. Their work has supported thousands of women, resulting in a 95% post-release employment rate and less than 2% recidivism. In this conversation, April shares how she discovered coding through The Last Mile, overcame self-doubt, and built confidence by learning problem-solving and resourcefulness—skills that carried her into a corporate role while still incarcerated. Michelle reflects on her own journey through prison and describes how programs like Televerde and The Last Mile provide not just training but also financial independence, dignity, and a bridge to meaningful careers after release. Together they explore critical issues such as imposter syndrome, the stigma of incarceration, and the transformative power of being able to earn a fair wage behind bars. For those interested in criminal justice reform, this episode offers a compelling look at scalable models that reduce recidivism, break generational cycles of poverty, and prove that second chances create value for individuals, families, and businesses alike—making it essential listening for advocates, employers, and policymakers. Episode Outline:  (00:00:00) Introduction and Guest Backgrounds (00:01:20) April’s Journey from The Last Mile to Televerde (00:03:20) Learning Resourcefulness and Problem-Solving in Coding (00:06:00) Building Confidence Through Asking Questions and Making Mistakes (00:07:00) Michelle on the Power of Safe Learning Environments in Prison (00:09:00) The Origins and Growth of the Televerde Model (00:11:30) Proven Success: Employment, Salaries, and Reduced Recidivism (00:13:00) Bridging the Gap Between Incarceration and Reentry (00:14:30) The Role of Loyalty, Gratitude, and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (00:16:30) Televerde’s Culture of Belonging and Encouragement (00:17:30) Messages to People Still Incarcerated – Using Time to Transform (00:20:00) Michelle’s Personal Story and Life-Changing Advice from Prison (00:23:00) Explaining Televerde’s Business Model and Client Partnerships (00:26:00) Televerde Foundation, Employment Rates, and Low Recidivism (00:28:00) April on Financial Independence While Incarcerated and Beyond The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org [www.thelastmileradio.org]

Fighting for a Fair Chance at Microsoft with Shelley Winner

In this interview, Shelley shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in a home shaped by addiction to battling her own struggles with substance abuse, incarceration, and federal charges before finding sobriety and purpose. She recounts the turning point of discovering she was pregnant while incarcerated, her persistence in seeking treatment despite systemic barriers, and the faith-driven mindset shift that became the foundation of her recovery. Shelley details the challenges of reentry, including her fight against discrimination during Microsoft’s hiring process and the pivotal role of San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance in securing her first job in tech. Episode Outline:  (00:00:00) Introduction and Shelley’s Early Life in a Home Shaped by Addiction (00:04:00) Bartending in North Dakota and Returning to Drug Use (00:06:00) Entering the Drug Trade and Federal Investigation (00:09:00) Sting Operation, Surveillance, and Arrest (00:14:00) Jail Time, Detox, and Facing Withdrawal (00:16:00) Pregnancy, Sobriety, and Turning Toward Treatment (00:19:00) Fighting for Admission into a Faith-Based Program (00:21:00) Surrender, Mindset Shift, and Beginning Recovery (00:24:00) Transition to Reentry and Dreams of Working in Tech (00:25:00) Microsoft Job Application and Background Check Challenge (00:28:00) Invoking the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance (00:31:00) Securing the Job and Excelling at Microsoft (00:33:00) Rising to Top Sales Rep and Winning Microsoft’s Gold Club Award (00:35:00) Microsoft Changes Hiring Policies and Launches LEAP Program (00:37:00) Advocacy for Fair Chance Hiring and Broadening Opportunities (00:41:00) Founding Winner’s Circle: Mindset, Literacy, and Sales Training (00:44:00) Message to Incarcerated Listeners: Hope, Programs, and Change (00:45:00) Expanding Winner’s Circle to 25 Prisons Nationwide (00:46:00) Closing Reflections on the Power of Stories and Programs The Last Mile Radio is a production of The Last Mile and Sirius XM Radio. The show's executive producers are Chris Redlitz and Beverly Parenti at TLM and Liz Aiello at Sirius XM. The show is produced by Robert Roche at TLM, with technical production by Greg Sahakian, James Bilodeau at Sirius XM. Original music by Maserati-E. For more, visit www.thelastmileradio.org [www.thelastmileradio.org]